Blog

As President and CEO of the Investor Protection Trust and the Investor Protection Institute, Don Blandin is passionate about investor education and protection. He has worked on programs that address topics including elder fraud and financial exploitation, as well as saving and investing for retirement. This month, take a few...

June 29, 2016

Preparing for a baby is a challenge. Luckily, there are all types of websites to help guide you on what to expect when you’re about to become a parent. There are resources to advise you on the gadgets you’ll need and where to find the best deal, guidelines on how...

June 16, 2016

The most common reason for large credit card debt, unpaid bills, and lack of savings is the result of overspending, or not living within our means. While this is common knowledge in our society, why is it still such a struggle for so many Americans today? Why are we still...

June 01, 2016

The study of human behavior is fascinating. Why do two people in seemingly identical situations often make such different choices? What differentiates successful savers from those who are not? Furthermore, what can financial planners, counselors, and educators do to encourage savings behaviors and better support clients in their efforts to put...

April 18, 2016

As America Saves & Military Saves Week come to an end, we share a story that reminds us of the power of financial counseling and education. Recently, a soon-to-retire service member came to my office after attending one of my financial education workshops. He wanted to tell me about the...

February 27, 2016

Kira Dentes was introduced to AFCPE® just three years ago, when she applied and was awarded a 2013 FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship. Now an active member of the organization, she continues to make a lasting impact both in the organization and the field. The newly graduated AFC® shares more about her...

February 26, 2016

Common wisdom is to pay down high interest debt before saving. I mean, it makes sense right? If you are saving in an account that pays less than 1% and the interest being charged on your outstanding debt is higher you are, in effect, hemorrhaging cash. I picture it like...

February 25, 2016

In May 2015, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) launched its Financial Coaching Initiative, targeting recently-transitioned veterans and economically vulnerable consumers to help them with their financial goals. The program places 60 certified financial coaches at organizations around the country to provide individualized educational services.A client shares her story about working...

February 24, 2016

Forgotten Money Turns to SavingsWhether a jar, a tray or a drawer, we all have a place where our loose change accumulates. Just sitting in these forgotten places, our loose change grows, but it earns no compound interest and gets us no closer to reaching our goals. This forgotten money...

February 23, 2016

“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day-in and day out”Today marks the beginning of America Saves Week 2016. Since 2007, this week has provided an opportunity for organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for individuals to assess their own saving status. This week, we invite you to...

February 22, 2016

Yes, I know we just celebrated 2015 Holidays, but this is a great time to think about what went well, what didn’t, and how to make changes so that our 2016 Holiday can be successful without breaking the bank. While you are sifting through those holiday receipts and credit card...

February 01, 2016

Just as there are traffic laws to keep cars safe on the road and road signs for clear communication, there are also financial laws which, when followed, will keep financial and relationship patterns open and flowing in a consistent, predictable pattern. But, breaking a financial law may mean getting blindsided,...

January 06, 2016