Written By: Rachael DeLeon

Every April, during Financial Literacy Month, I attend the Jump$tart Coalition’s Partner Meeting in Washington, DC. The annual event unites individuals and organizations around a common mission, bringing together a community that is passionate about innovating, collaborating, and advocating for financial literacy.  

During the morning session, two presenters spoke to us about the art of storytelling. Key takeaways (and a Franklin D. Roosevelt quote): “be sincere, be brief, be seated.”  I’ll also add, it’s okay to be vulnerable. 

Later that day, the lessons they shared came full circle, when long-time AFCPE partner and friend, Dr. Billy J. Hensley, received the William E. Odem Visionary Leadership Award. In Billy’s acceptance speech, he shared the story of his mother, and his upbringing in a way that was not only deeply personal, but that also helped underscore the critical importance of our field and the agency that it brings to millions of people. 

It reminded everyone in that room about the power of their work, the meaning it holds for each one of us, and the impact we are making in the lives of individuals and families every day. 

The tagline on the homepage of AFCPE’s website is:  

“If you are passionate about helping people with their money to improve their lives, then you are in the right place.”  

This passion is a common bond in the work that we do. What brought you to this career path? What inspires you to be a financial counselor, coach, educator, researcher, planner…? Why do you do this work?  

Was it a person?  

Was it an experience?  

Was it a lesson that you learned?

From a young age, my parents taught us the importance of building and supporting our community. Every holiday we would “adopt” a family and deliver food and toys to ensure that their holiday was as magical as ours. Most years, it was only adults that met our arrival, but when I was 7 or 8, we were greeted by a young girl about my age. Our eyes met in familiarity, and we smiled sheepishly at one another, not knowing what to say. Gracie was someone I played with at recess every day. We didn’t say much that day, and we never talked about that moment, but it was the first time that I realized that financial struggles could affect anyone. That encounter made it feel personal.

I was fortunate to be raised by a mom who uncharacteristically managed our family finances and by a dad who was the first person in his family to go to college and later medical school. My grandpa – who became a farmer at the age of 9 when his dad passed away – read the Wall Street Journal every day and spent hours talking to us about investing. They believed in saving for the future, but just as importantly, they gave generously of their time, talent, and resources.

This Financial Literacy Month, I encourage you to share the story that led you to this field or inspires you to do this work. Tell it to a friend, to a colleague, to a client. Put it in the comments below. Share it on social media and tag @AFCPE so we can help amplify. 

When we share our stories, we build bridges, we break down barriers, we begin to understand, empathize, and relate. Through our stories we elevate the importance of financial literacy and empowerment – not just for us, but for all people. 

Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director

AFCPE 

 

Thank you to the Jump$tart Coalition for planting this seed of storytelling. If you are looking for resources for K-12 Education, be sure to check out the Jump$tart Clearinghouse. 


Happening in the AFCPE Community: 

  • Money Management Essentials – 10 AFC® CEUs and 8.5 CFP® CEs  
  • Financial Inclusion Essentials – 10 AFC® CEUs and 5 CFP® CEs 
  • College Finance Essentials – 8 AFC® CEUs and 2 CFP® CEs 
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Essentials – 12 AFC® CEUs and 2.5 CFP® CEs 
  • Think about how you might weave storytelling into your presentation. 
  • The Money Mindset Blog just launched on FindanAFC.org. Geared toward everyday individuals and families, the articles are all contributed by AFC® professionals,  offering you an opportunity to share your wisdom while raising awareness for your practice. Interested in contributing? Contact AFCPE Communications.  
  • Upcoming Events: Check out the AFCPE Calendar for great networking and professional development opportunities.  
  • Tune into AFCPE’s Podcast, Real Money, Real Experts every other Tuesday where we interview leading financial professionals – sharing their stories, their challenges, and their advice for helping people manage money in the real world. Give us a follow and leave us a rating and review – it helps others discover the podcast! 

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