The Standard Newsletter

President's Message: Spring into Renewal and Community Written by: Ann Lentell CFA, AFC®, CFP®, AFCPE Board President Spring always brings a sense of renewal, a quiet energy that signals it’s time for growth and fresh perspectives. As I’ve reflected on what makes this organization truly special, it’s more than just a collection of professionals, experts, and advocates. At our... Read More >

Executive Director’s Message: All In for Financial Literacy Written by: Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director AFCPE® April is Financial Literacy Month. It’s a time when communities across the country amplify the importance of financial education and the role it plays in long-term stability and opportunity. This year, it also feels like a timely invitation to go All In. All... Read More >

Counseling for the Unknown: How AFC® Professionals Can Help Military Spouses Prepare for a Divorce Written by: Dr. David Fernandez, PsyD., JD, AFC®   As a family mediator and financial counselor, I often find myself working with military families who unfortunately choose to divorce. Some of my clients want to divorce as soon... Read More >

Book Review: “Conversations with Your Financial Therapist” by Erika Wasserman Written by: Heidi Clemons, MA, AFC®, MQFP®  Erika Wasserman breaks down awkward money conversations into financial dialogue opportunities in “Conversations with Your Financial Therapist.” Throughout the book, she encourages the reader to explore their money mindset to better understand how... Read More >

Kid's Corner: What Families Need to Know About 529 Plans Written By: Shari Evans AFC®, MQFP®, AFCPE Kids Corner Contributor Planning for education is rarely just about saving. It’s about making thoughtful, informed decisions in the face of rising costs, changing goals, and competing financial priorities. 529 plans are often... Read More >

Understanding Financial Trauma Written by: Heidi Clemons MA, AFC®, MQFP® For many survivors, stepping away from a high-demand group or an abusive, coercive relationship represents a profound act of courage. Yet once the initial separation happens, a new reality often emerges—one where financial independence feels unfamiliar, overwhelming, or even frightening. ... Read More >

Going Local to Advocate for Financial Wellness Written by: Lisa Whitley, AFC® I don’t think that it is a secret that the possibilities for national action on consumer financial protection are closing. Certainly, some key issues such as debt collection protection, fair lending, and banking practices, will move from the purview of the Consumer... Read More >

One-Size-Fits-All Personal Finance Strategies Don’t Work Written By: Shari Evans AFC®, MQFP®, AFCPE Kids Corner Contributor Most parents remember the classic shape-sorting toy — the one where children try to fit square, circle, and triangle pegs into their matching holes. Watching a child twist and test each shape before finding... Read More >

Unpacking the On Demand Sessions from the 2025 Symposium Written by: Andi Wrenn, AFC®, MQFP® If you haven’t tapped in to the On Demand recordings from the 2025 Symposium, you certainly should check them out. Each year the symposium committee and volunteers review the presentations submitted for Symposium. Each year... Read More >

Financial Education and Financial Wellness Resources Written by: Gilles Hudelot, CFP®, AFC® Reagan once joked that “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” Contrary to the former president’s feelings, there are some great resources that allow you to borrow... Read More >

Book Review: Rich AF by Vivian Tu Written by: Maddie Orange, AFC®  Have you ever read a book and thought, “Where was this 15 years ago?” Rich AF  by Vivian Tu is one of those books for me and could be a great tool for any financial counselor working with... Read More >

President’s Message: Anchoring in Community Written by: Ann Lentell, CFA, AFC®, CFP®, AFCPE Board President Each year, rather than setting a traditional New Year’s resolution, I choose a word or phrase to serve as an anchor. As I step into my role as President of the Board for this year,... Read More >