President’s Message: Give the Gift of Financial Well-being This Holiday Season

Written By: Dr. Brandy Baxter, AFC® AFCPE Board President

Dear AFCPE Members and Friends, 

As the holidays approach and the year winds down, it’s a natural time for reflection. A time to look back at the impact we’ve made and to look forward to the possibilities of the new year. For those of us within the AFCPE community, this reflection often centers on financial well-being, both for our clients and for the future of our profession. 

The season of giving offers us a unique opportunity to extend our mission beyond our daily practice and invest directly in the future of financial stability for all. That’s why I’m encouraging you to include AFCPE’s Strategic Impact Fund in your end-of-year giving plans. 

Investing in Our Collective Future 

The work we do as Accredited Financial Counselors® is invaluable. We stand on the front lines, helping people navigate debt, build savings, and plan for futures they once thought were out of reach. But to meet the immense demand for qualified, ethical financial counseling, especially in communities that need it most, our organization must innovate, expand, and lead. 

The Strategic Impact Fund is the engine that drives this growth. It allows AFCPE to invest in critical areas that directly support you and our collective mission: 

• Expanding the AFC Pipeline: This fund supports initiatives that make the certification more accessible, diverse, and representative of the communities we serve. It helps us attract and train the next generation of financial counseling leaders. 

• Driving Research and Advocacy: We want to ensure that the work of AFCs is recognized and valued at the highest levels. Your contributions help fund research that validates our methodology and supports our advocacy efforts, positioning the AFC® as the gold standard in financial counseling and coaching. 

• Developing Innovative Resources: To keep up with today’s complex financial landscape, we need cutting-edge professional development and resources. The fund helps us create training to ensure you are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. 

A Gift That Gives Back to the Community 

I want to be clear: this isn’t a sales pitch; it’s an invitation to deepen your commitment to the community we’ve built. When you contribute to the Strategic Impact Fund, you’re not just making a donation; you are strengthening the very foundation of financial well-being across the nation. 

Think of your contribution as an investment in the widespread availability of ethical, competent, and compassionate financial guidance. It’s a powerful way to make your personal professional values actionable on a much broader scale. You’re giving the gift of a financially stable future to countless individuals who will be served by the AFCs we certify, the programs we launch, and the research we publish. 

#JoinMe in Giving 

As we enjoy the warmth and connection of the holiday season, I hope you’ll take a few moments to reflect on the value the AFC® designation has brought to your life and career. For me, being an AFC® is about more than a credential; it’s about belonging to a community dedicated to service. 

Whether it’s $25, $100, or more, every contribution makes a tangible difference. It’s a collective effort, and when we all participate, the impact is transformative. 

At the beginning of the year, I invited you to #joinme in raising awareness about the value of an AFC®. I encouraged you to share your story, share the stories of others, and support the mission. I’ve made my commitment to the Strategic Impact Fund, and I invite you to #joinme in supporting our shared mission this holiday season. You can easily make your contribution today by visiting afcpe.org/give. 

Thank you for your dedication, your membership, and your belief in the power of financial counseling. Thank you for allowing me to be your Board President. Wishing you and yours a joyful and peaceful holiday season.