The Standard Newsletter
The President's Message: Leaning into Our AFCPE Community Written by: Ann Lentell, CFA, AFC®, CFP®, AFCPE Board President I feel like I say this every year, but I can’t believe the year is almost over. It seems like time is not constant – it is either painfully slow or flying by.... Read More >
Why Some Clients Don’t Follow Financial Advice (And What to Do About It) Written by: Shawn A. Stack We have all had the experience of sitting down with a client and building a plan collaboratively, but the plan is not successful. On paper, the plan makes sense, the numbers balance,... Read More >
Book Review: Breaking Money Silence: How to Shatter Money Taboos, Talk More Openly about Finances and Live a Richer Life by Kathleen Burns Kingsbury Written by: Mary Liz Burns, MBA, FBS®, AFC® Candidate “Silent but deadly.” This chapter title of Kathleen Burns Kingsbury’s second edition of Breaking Money Silence called... Read More >
Psychological Safety in Military Financial Counseling Written by: Chetara Brisbon Lee, PhD, AFC®, ChFC® Financial challenges are often sensitive to discuss, especially among service members.2 Financial conversations involve sharing personal details about their relationship with money, debt, or financial mistakes that could affect a servicemember’s career. Transforming challenging financial conversations... Read More >
The Magic of Symposium Written by: Andi Wrenn, AFC®, MQFP® The biggest gathering of financial professionals affiliated with AFCPE is almost here. Symposium brings together some of the most passionate people I have met. People who care deeply about personal finance and make a real difference in their communities. Whether... Read More >
Executive Director’s Message: All In for What Comes Next Written by: Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director AFCPE® It's fall! My favorite season in the Midwest. The leaves are turning colors, sweaters are coming out of storage, and weekends are spent cheering on my kids from a soccer field or cross-country course.... Read More >
Comparing 530A “Trump Accounts”, 529s, and UGMA/UTMAs Written by: Giles Hudelot, AFC®, CFP® With the rollout of the new 530A Trump accounts, one of the most common questions financial counselors will face is whether clients should invest in Trump accounts, 529 plans, or Uniform Gift to Minor accounts. The answer, as always, is: it... Read More >
A Guide to Side Hustles Written by: Avi Pfeffer For many people, a single job does not provide enough income to meet their needs, especially in the current economy. More than one third of American workers currently maintain a side hustle [1][2]. For those who are struggling to enter the regular workforce, a side hustle... Read More >
Kids Corner: Roth IRA for Children and Teens: Eligibility Rules, Contribution Requirements, and Long-Term Planning Opportunities Written by: Shari Evans, AFC®, MQFP Many kids find themselves working during the summer months. Jobs like lifeguarding, babysitting, pet sitting, lawn care, and so much more top the list of jobs often filled... Read More >
Book Review: Overcoming Financial Trauma: How to Break Free from Guilt, Build Wealth, and Redefine Success by Rahkim Sabree Written by: Valerie Richards, AFC®, MSFP Book Review: Overcoming Financial Trauma: How to Break Free from Guilt, Build Wealth, and Redefine Success by Rahkim Sabree Overcoming Financial Trauma offers a thoughtful look at the systems, experiences, and personal histories that can leave people feeling powerless in their... Read More >
Book Review: "It’s Not About the Money" by Brent Kessel Written by: Dr. Kara Monroe , AFC® Candidate Several years ago, It's Not About the Money by Brent Kessel was my first real foray into personal finance books. It's a book that rarely gets the attention it deserves in the personal finance space. When I... Read More >
The President's Message: The Power of Paying it Forward Written by: Ann Lentell, CFA, AFC®, CFP®, AFCPE Board President Earlier this year when I stepped into the role of Board President, I chose the word “community” to anchor our work for 2026. When I think about that word, I’m reminded of the interconnection points amongst us all and how... Read More >