The Standard Newsletter
Ann Lentell CFA, AFC®, CFP®
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 core, we are something much deeper. That is why my "word of the year" for AFCPE® in... Read More >
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 in on financial education; all in on access, all in high standards, and all in on the critical role each of us plays in meeting... Read More >
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 as possible, while others want to plan for a future date. More often, I will work with both spouses during a mediation to arrive... Read More >
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 their upbringing, cultural influences, personal experiences, and more play a key role in shaping money decisions and conversations. The... Read More >
Shari Evans AFC®, MQFP® - Your AFCPE Kids Corner Contributor Inspiring Kids to be Financially Literate
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 part of that conversation, offering tax advantages and flexibility for education savings. The plans allow families to set aside funds... Read More >
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. As financial coaches and counselors, we frequently meet clients at this pivotal stage. What may look like “disorganization”... Read More >
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 Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) to the agenda of other agencies, such as... Read More >
Shari Evans AFC®, MQFP® - Your AFCPE Kids Corner Contributor Inspiring Kids to be Financially Literate
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 the right fit is a familiar scene. As I reflected on the New Year and what... Read More >
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 hundreds of submissions are sent in to be reviewed. As soon as the app... Read More >
Gilles Hudelot, CFP®, AFC®
Ronald 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 or incorporate into your client education so that you don’t have to start... Read More >
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 young professionals. Let me explain. Diversity in Personal Finance Education Rich AF is a... Read More >
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, I’ve spent time reflecting on what word best captures the heart and spirit of AFCPE. What stood... Read More >