Each time I sit down to write this article, I am amazed at how quickly time passes and how busy the AFCPE staff is! We are excited to share just a bit of what we’ve been up to the first half of 2018.

2018 Strategic Planning

In June the Board of Directors met to review and refresh the AFCPE Strategic Plan.  Strategic pillars were set in 2016 to advance the mission and vision of the organization: marketing, career development, technology, and research. Thank you to all of our members who took the time to share ideas and feedback as we focus on refining specific goals for each pillar to meet your needs and help us grow.

Building the Bridge to Investor Education

AFCPE is proud to expand the “Building the Bridge” program from Ohio to Georgia this year. This program is an opportunity to make positive change in our own communities, creating a more integrated and inclusive continuum of care for all people. Each community event centers on the “When I’m 65” documentary with panel discussions. Local organizations provide their resources, and we link attendees to professionals for pro-bono financial counseling and planning services.

Mark your calendars now! The next event takes place October 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. We look forward to replicating this program in a state near you very soon!

AFCPE Research Project

This year is the second part of our two-year research study in partnership with University of Florida, with funding by the Wells Fargo Foundation. The purpose of this study is to understand the direct effects of a different financial interventions (financial counseling, financial education, financial coaching) on clients’ financial outcomes and behaviors. We look forward to sharing the results at the 2018 AFCPE Research and Training Symposium.

2018 Research and Training Symposium

Mark your calendars for November 14–16, 2018 in Norfolk, Virginia. Our theme “Engaging an Integrated and Inclusive Network of Personal Finance Professionals,” builds upon our work to bridge the gaps of inequality and integrate the financial services field to ensure the highest standards of professionalism for all people, regardless of income or background.

Please let us know if you are interested in exhibiting to share your materials, or sponsoring to support a student or professional to attend!

AFC®25th Anniversary Celebration

For 25 years, we are “setting the standard”with the AFC designation! The AFC designation signifies the gold standard in the field of financial counseling and education because of the rigor and comprehensive competencies across the financial lifecycle. In 2015, the AFC mark earned NCCA accreditation, joining only the CFP®in this achievement. We demonstratedthat the educational content and testing for the AFC is psychometrically sound and has been developed, maintained and governed by the highest standard. This recognition sets the certification mark apart from others in the field and emphasizes the highest standard of excellence.

AFCPE Rebranding

As you may have seen, AFCPE is rebranding.  We are working on a website refresh and an improved myAFCPE database tool for you. We still have inventory of our previous Impact, AFC and FFC flyers and are happy to send printed copies if you are interested in sharing with your colleagues, partners, and other professionals.  Please contact the national office to request an order with Rachael DeLeon rdeleon@afcpe.org.

Meet the AFCPE Team!

We are excited to welcome a new member to the AFCPE family. Jarod Taylor joins us as  Certification Program Manager and comes to us with nearly 10 years of experience in the nonprofit world. Before joining the AFCPE team, Jarod led various financial education initiatives in both rural and urban settings including first-time homebuyer workshops, financial counseling programs for youth and adults, and a free income tax clinic that was open year-round and served over 600 individuals/year. He recently completed his MBA from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. In his free time, Jarod enjoys cooking and trying new restaurants. He lives with his partner, Aaron, and their chihuahua, Lilly, in Columbus’ Old Town East neighborhood.

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