Fellowship Program Empowers Military Spouses with Enhanced Financial Counseling Training and Broader Career Opportunities WASHINGTON, October 1, 2024 (Newswire.com) – The FINRA Investor Education Foundation (FINRA Foundation) and the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) are proud to announce the 2024 cohort of the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship program. This year, 30 military spouses will embark on a journey to earn their Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) designation, paving the way for impactful careers in financial empowerment. Over the years, the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship has not only equipped 709 military spouses with the AFC certification but also fostered a community of financially empowered families across the globe. One such success story is from Darya Morrison (Class of 2020), showcasing the tangible impact of the program on military communities. “As a military spouse, my work is dedicated to improving the financial readiness of both service members and civilians. In my role, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that sound financial advice can have on individuals and families. I am invested in the financial well-being of the communities I work with.” The 2024 fellowship aligns with the White House’s ongoing efforts to advance economic security for military families, as outlined in the 2023 Executive Order on Advancing Economic Security for Military and Veteran Spouses, Military Caregivers, and Survivors. By providing military spouses with the skills needed for portable, fulfilling careers, the fellowship not only supports financial stability but also contributes to mission readiness within military communities. “Investing in military spouses is investing in the resilience of our armed forces,” said Gerri Walsh, President of the FINRA Foundation. “This year, we’re not just enhancing job marketability; we’re fortifying the financial foundations of communities across the nation.” “We’re thrilled to welcome the 2024 class of FINRA Foundation Fellows,” said Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director of AFCPE. “These individuals join a dynamic and supportive community that is dedicated to fostering financial well-being among military families. Since the advent of the Fellowship in 2006, FINRA Fellows have served more than 274,000 service members and their families, impacting communities across the United States and around the world.” The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship is open to qualifying spouses of active-duty or retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Army or Air National Guard or reserve component service members, as well as spouses of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Professionals. For more information and to sign up for program updates, visit afcpe.org/certification/finra-foundation-fellowship. About the FINRA Investor Education FoundationThe FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that empower underserved Americans with the knowledge, skills, and tools to make sound financial decisions throughout life. Since 2006, the Foundation has delivered free, unbiased financial education tools and training to service members, their spouses, and on-base financial educators through a combination of professional development programs and public awareness initiatives. The Foundation holds both a Statement of Support with the Department of Defense in support of DoD’s Financial Readiness Network and a USCG Qualified Organization Designation. For more information about FINRA Foundation initiatives, visit finrafoundation.org.About AFCPE® The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) is dedicated to certifying, training, and supporting financial professionals to serve as qualified motivators of change for individuals pursuing their life goals, regardless of their financial history. The Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) credential is accredited by The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), and nationally recognized by the Department of Defense and the CFPB. Please visit www.afcpe.org. Comments are closed.