The Standard Newsletter
Susanne Frie
Financial Counselor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to help our clients uncover potential threats to their financial well-being. This article can help equip financial counselors with knowledge to guide their clients in discovering the purpose of a prenuptial agreement, evaluating the pros and cons, and the considerations of what to include. ... Read More >
Blain Pearson and Megan McCoy
Having a Significant Other Reduced Financial Strain During the COVID-19 Pandemic Summary Summary: This quantitative study used data culled from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Significant others were defined as being in a committed, coupled relationship. This relationship was impactful in managing financial responsibilities as well as financial strain... Read More >
Abby E. Gilk
Estate Planning I am pursuing a master’s degree in Business Economics and a graduate certificate in Family Financial Planning in the Ness School of Management and Economics at South Dakota State University. Growing up, I always had an interest in understanding money, how it works, why it matters, and what... Read More >
Research to Practice Task Force
This qualitative study explored the perception of financial well-being among 30 professional women belonging to the middle to upper class in India through in-depth interviews. The major dimensions of financial well-being identified were financial adequacy, financial security, having control over one's finances, being independent, and having a balance in life.... Read More >
Mark Munzenberger
Advocacy: One Voice Can Change Someone's Life Introducing AFCPE's Advocacy Toolkit Many years ago, I remember studying for my first certification exam to become a financial counselor. One of the modules that stood out to me was on the topic of consumer protection, or more specifically, the many federal laws that... Read More >
Andi Wrenn, AFC® MQFP®
Master Your Money Mindset: A Review of "Be Good with Money" by Michelle Arpin Begina Michelle Arpin Begina’s "Be Good with Money" is a transformative journey into understanding and reshaping our relationship with finances. Through personal stories, client anecdotes, insightful exercises, and practical advice, Begina leads readers through the maze... Read More >
Rachael DeLeon, AFCPE Executive Director
Next month I’ll be speaking on a panel at the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA) annual workshop, highlighting the joint efforts of seemingly disparate organizations, coming together for a common goal – to close the gap to financial counseling and education for Veterans and their families. During our... Read More >
Austin Pinkley
Austin Pinkley graduated from the University of Missouri—St. Louis in May 2024. He obtained his B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance as well as a minor in Economics. He is now seeking financial advising opportunities. You may connect with him at amichaelp@att.net. Seminar in Finance Overview:... Read More >
Shari Evans, EML , AFC, MQFP
It is summertime and with the weeks long breaks from the traditional school schedule, the available non-school summer hours provide a blank canvas for families to design. As you decide how to design your blank canvas, consider weaving financial literacy into the “memory quilt” of your Summer 2024 Experience. ... Read More >
Meghan McInnes, AFC®, FFC®, FBS®
Meghan McInnes, AFC®, FFC®, FBS® is the Director of the Center for Excellence in Financial Counseling and Assistant Teaching Professor of Personal Finance at the University of Missouri—St. Louis (UMSL). She has extensive experience in financial counseling, coaching, and education. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn. It seems... Read More >
Don Fulton, AFCPE Board President
Transparency. Clearing the mind to enable focus. Cleaning glass to let the light in. Using a magnifying glass to better understand what seems small. Using binoculars to bring close what seems distant. Our choice of words can clarify meaning. Listening is our tool and transparency is essential in our relationships... Read More >
Heather Walrath, AFC®
Military service provides many benefits for family members. However, many benefits are misunderstood and underutilized. Here are four key programs you need to know to empower military and veteran families to use their earned benefits. Automatic Life Insurance Coverage for Families If a service member has Servicemember Group Life Insurance... Read More >