Opening Doors to Military Spouses to Advance Their Careers and Foster Financial Well-Being in the Armed Forces WESTERVILLE, Ohio, February 28th, 2025 – The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation (FINRA Foundation) are excited to launch the 2025 Military Spouse Fellowship Program. Applications will be accepted from March 1 to April 15, 2025, offering military spouses a chance to advance their careers while supporting the financial well-being of the armed forces community. Since its inception in 2006, this program has enabled military spouses to obtain the AFC® certification, empowering them with the expertise to provide comprehensive financial counseling and education. This collaborative initiative removes financial barriers by fully funding AFC training and examination costs. FINRA Foundation Fellows play a crucial role in addressing the distinct financial challenges faced by military families. Their commitment and specialized knowledge have positively impacted thousands of service members and their families.” The Fellowship program continues to make an extraordinary difference. It has transformed the financial lives of over 227,000 service members and their families through expert counseling and education. Moreover, it has been a catalyst for personal growth among our Fellows,” said Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director at AFCPE. “FINRA Foundation Fellows not only gain the expertise to become AFCs but also join a supportive network of professionals that enriches both their careers and personal development.” “The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship helped me earn my credential. The AFC ignited my passion to learn more about personal finance and to help everyday people,” said Cherie Steuve, AFC. The FINRA Foundation, recognized for its commitment to empowering Americans with the knowledge and tools needed to make sound financial decisions, has played a pivotal role in the success of this program. Beyond its support for this fellowship program, the FINRA Foundation offers free, unbiased financial education resources and tools to service members, their spouses and military financial educators. “FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellows fill a critical need by helping military service members and their families build a strong financial future,” said Gerri Walsh, President of the FINRA Foundation. “Now in its 19th year, the goal of this program remains steadfast: provide military families with the information and counseling they need to improve their financial readiness.” Applications for the 2025 Military Spouse Fellowship Program will be accepted March 1 through April 15. Current, surviving spouses and spouses of retirees of a Uniformed Service member (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, Reserves, Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) are eligible. Eligible spouses must be enrolled in DEERS. Candidates are encouraged to visit https://www.afcpe.org/education/finra-foundation-fellowship/ to learn more and apply. About AFCPE®: The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) is dedicated to certifying, educating, 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. About the FINRA Investor Education Foundation: The FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that empower all 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 military and financial educators through on-base educational forums, professional development training programs and online and printed educational resources. 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. Learn more about the FINRA Foundation at www.finrafoundation.org. Comments are closed.
