My Work: Financial counseling, financial coaching, teaching, reporting, program management for low-moderate income program participants

My Roots: Born and raised in Vermont, daughter of teachers, granddaughter of immigrant steel workers

My Passion: I work to help low income folks better their financial futures and end the cycle of poverty

My Hero: President Barack Obama

My Favorite Quote: “So THAT’s why interest rates matter!” (a teen mother attending a financial class on Avoiding the Debt Trap)

My Favorite Personal Finance Tool: Bankrate’s amortization loan calculators—or any of their loan calculators 

My Advice:

  • To someone considering becoming a financial counselor/coach: Practice what you preach
  • To someone going through the AFC program: Use flashcards for some of the more tedious financial facts when you are studying for the exam
  • To someone beginning the journey of financial education/wellness: Autosave for retirement!

My Way of “Meeting People Where They Are”: My clients and I create a to-do list for them to work on between visits. Sometimes it’s just one thing if that’s all they can handle—sometimes it’s more if they are super motivated. 

Follow me at: www.capstonevt.org

My Question for Colleagues/Peers: What’s your favorite website for up to date accurate personal finance management information?

Respond to Elizabeth’s question in the comments section below and follow AFCPE on social media to engage with our #FinLitMonth spotlight questions, tips and fun facts throughout the month of April. 

April 12, 2018

Elizabeth Scharf, AFC®, AFCPE® Member
Savings and Credit Program Coordinator, Capstone Community Action, Barre, VT

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