Notes from the Executive Director

Written By: Rebecca Wiggins

Greetings from the AFCPE National Office! It is so hard to believe that Spring has sprung after another long and brutal winter. Luckily we have kept very busy with lots of wonderful initiatives that we are excited to share with you.

The AFCPE staff, Board and Symposium Task Force are busy planning another exceptional Symposium this year, with the theme “building the bridge from research to practice.” AFCPE is unique in its foundation of research, but also in the diverse composition of professionals from all areas in the field who carry out our mission each day: improving the economic well-being of individuals and families worldwide.

We kicked off this theme with Financial Literacy Month this April by showcasing a different angle of financial literacy with the tenants of our association: research, education and practice. Don’t forget to join us on social media for announcements, information and valuable conversations.

Program Updates

AFCPE is part of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)’s National Financial Coaching Project, which requires the AFC^® designation. In March, the program training began in Washington, D.C. with Master Financial Coach Trainer and AFCPE partner, Saundra Davis of Sage Financial Solutions. We applaud the CFPB’s commitment to the highest standards of professionalism for this program and we look forward to a wonderful program with lasting impact on Americans across this country.

Accreditation

AFCPE is pursuing accreditation for the AFC^® through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Accreditation ensures that the AFC program aligns with the best practices from an outside accrediting body and demonstrates AFCPE’s commitment to continuous quality improvement. Accreditation will enhance the value of your designation to employers, colleagues and consumers, and it sets your certification mark apart from others in the field. The AFC’s compliance with NCCA standards shows that the educational content and testing for the AFC^® is psychometrically sound and has been developed, maintained and governed at the highest standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the curriculum changing? The materials you received upon enrollment will still prepare you for the new examination. AFCPE continues to offer several pathways to certification, beyond the traditional self study option. The various paths to certification are detailed on our website.
2. What if I am already certified as an AFC^®? AFC^® professionals in good standing will be grandfathered into this new program framework and will not experience any changes to their designation or post certification requirements.

Read more AFC^® Accreditation FAQs on the website under Certification.

On behalf of the Board and Staff, I also want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank those who have committed their time and expertise to this rigorous process: Irene Leech, Kristy Archuleta, Joyce Cavanagh, Becky Travnichek, Robert Westrick, Sara Croymans, PJ Gunter, Barbara Lang, Susan Bross, Karen Varcoe, Barry Wilkinson, Phyllis Onstad, Alena Johnson, Jerry Buchko, Dean Obenauer and Madeleine Greene. We truly could not have done this important work for accreditation without you!

Announcements

AFCPE has opened two new pathways to AFC^® certification: Educational Degree Challenge and Designation Challenge! Individuals who obtain the educational requirements through an approved degree or designation may challenge the AFC^® exam. Encourage your colleagues to take advantage of this opportunity to get certified!

Don’t miss out on the benefits of AFCPE membership as well as our new Certification Candidate Membership discount! Membership provides unique access to the Financial Planning Association (FPA) online financial counseling forum where we bring together professionals from both AFCPE and FPA in monthly webinars. Additionally, AFCPE Members receive discounts to many professional development trainings.

Be part of shaping the organization and this field as we continue to move forward and set the standard. Join our membership and consider using your voice and expertise on one of our many Task Forces.

Get to Know the AFCPE Staff

Although the AFCPE staff is small, our team feels more like a well-oiled machine most days. This team is incredibly diligent, energetic, intelligent and deeply committed to this organization and the success of its future. We wear many hats and enjoy the hard work it takes, but we are always here to provide you the highest level of care. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns:

Thomas A. Duffany III

Thomas will complete his first year working for AFCPE this summer. His work includes involvement with the CFPB Financial Coaching Program, AFCPE’s Mentorship program, and the AFCPE Approved University Program.

Thomas holds a master’’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri in the same field. While he enjoyed each of his internships with Financial Planning firms, his work with Student Money Management Centers and with the Personal Financial Literacy program at Texas Tech drove him to pursue opportunities in Financial Counseling. He is now committed to expanding opportunities available to students and other Financial Counseling and Education professionals.

In his spare time Thomas enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, volunteering time to his church, and playing sports.