Blog

Recently, I attended a funeral for a much-loved, elderly friend. He adored his wife and spoiled her every day. Throughout their marriage, he took care of the bills, handled their portfolio, and never bothered her with investment worries. However, after his passing, she found herself in the dark about their...

July 21, 2016

Most people know that saving for retirement is important, but many Americans don’t have an easy way to get started. A recent report from the Pew Charitable Trusts found that more than 30 million full-time employees in the United States don’t have access to retirement savings plans at work. Other barriers, like...

July 18, 2016

There are many middle aged adults who see further education as a path to a better paying career or an opportunity to pursue new interests. However, with the ever-rising cost of higher education, it’s important to decide: Is it worth taking on debt to go back to school? If you are...

July 13, 2016

For many military families, summertime means moving time. With the approach of a PCS, you may find yourself faced with decisions about what to do with the home you have purchased at your current duty station.  Should you sell or should you keep the home as a rental property? What...

July 06, 2016

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

It’s a question our younger clients ask regularly, and it’s one I have received recently from my children. The quick and easy answer might be, “Yes, of course you must obtain a credit card to build your credit!”. And, while establishing credit is a chapter firmly entrenched in the book...

June 09, 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

Jen Hemphill is a mom, wife, mentor, money coach and entrepreneur. She is passionate about teaching busy, go-getter women how to effectively use their money as a tool to live their best life. This passion was evident even before she became a FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellow in 2008, but...

May 25, 2016

Author’s note: While recently counseling a soldier I discovered the conversation of investing was completely overridden by an ignorance of the “basics” –  monthly budget adherence and awareness of where their money was really going.  Hence the back to the basics discussion of daily (okay, weekly or monthly) due diligence was...

May 04, 2016

Another Financial Literacy Month is in the books. It is great to see the buzz and number of events nationwide increase every year. I had the pleasure again this year to represent AFCPE® at Financial Literacy Day on the Hill at the Hart Senate Office Building. The event began with the Jump$tart...

May 02, 2016

Mia B RussellEach month we spotlight an AFCPE® member who is making great strides in our field. This month, get to know AFCPE member, Mia Russell. Tell us a little bit about your background and what led you down the path to become a financial counselor & educator? My first position,...

April 28, 2016