Financial Coaching Archives - AFCPE

#Friday Follow: “A New and Fulfilling Career”

Rachael Deleon — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 20:43:09 +0000

Alan Caldwell is a financial coach. Put simply, he helps people with their money: That means spending less, saving more, and getting on track to retire. Alan recently started his private practice, Customized Financial Coaching, after turning 60. One of the things we love about financial counseling, coaching, and education is that it is a rewarding career path at any stage in life, and Alan’s journey is a perfect example.

AFCPE: According to your bio, you spent 24 years at Ford Motor Company, and started and sold two businesses – that’s quite an interesting career path! What aspects of your career journey led you to start “Customized Financial Coaching”?

Alan: I have always been interested in finance. I remember budgeting in my teen years to save for a trip, and then for a car. At Ford Motor Company, I worked on budget development and tracking spending for various divisions of the company, and handling the financials for several big projects.

My first business was a senior in-home care company where I learned the lesson “cash is king!” (meaning it’s your cash flow that matters, much more so than your accounting profit). That grew into a real business that employs about 70 people. The second business was much smaller, a tiny bakery where I was the only employee — I enjoyed the baking and loved my customers, but running that little place wore me out. I sold that business so I could get my life back. But the businesses really taught me first-hand how important it is to manage money properly — to really watch where it’s going, and to make sure it’s working hard for you.

Early last year, at age 60, I decided to become a financial coach. I wasn’t near ready to retire. I get bored at home if I don’t have anything to do for one day, and I am really bad at golf. I am really enjoying this new career, and finding it tremendously fulfilling.

AFCPE: In 2018, you registered for the AFC^® certification program? What attracted you to the AFC^®certification?

Alan: Once I became interested in becoming a financial coach, I knew I needed to get additional education, and I knew that a legitimate recognized accreditation would be very helpful. I researched different education and designation options, and it became very clear very quickly that the AFC^® was definitely the education and the designation I wanted.

AFCPE: You recently volunteered your services as part of our AFCPE’s government shutdown initiative. Why is it so important for financial professionals to raise their voice in times like these?

Alan: The government shutdown was not fair to the employees. It was great to see food banks and so many businesses offering free services to those affected. I thought it was terrific that the AFCPE got involved, and I wanted to do my part, and help if I could. For financial professionals, it’s a great opportunity for us to be able to remind everyone how important it is to have some emergency savings.

AFCPE: Anything else you’d like to share with AFCPE members?

Alan: I am so pleased to be a part of this organization. I am proud to be an AFCPE member, and I am looking forward to being an official AFC^® (hopefully within a few months). And I was so glad I went to the symposium in Norfolk. That was a great experience, learning so much, and meeting so many wonderful knowledgeable folks.

Alan Answers the Friday 5:

My Why: To help people get organized with their money, and to have their best future.

My Favorite Quote: “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind” Dr. Wayne Dyer (highlighted in the movie “Wonder”)

My Hero: For this AFCPE audience, my hero is definitely Lacey Langford — she was my mentor at the symposium. She was very inspiring and provided me with some awesome career advice.

Your Favorite Personal Finance Resource: I read the New York Times every morning. The paper frequently has insightful articles on personal finance and strategies for retirement, information I find very valuable to share with clients.

My Best Advice:

For someone starting the journey to financial well-being: Work with people you trust and respect, and listen to and follow their advice, and be patient, it takes time to achieve worthwhile goals.
For a new professional entering the field: Talk to people that have been doing it for a while, and learn and keep learning.

Connect with Allan at:
www.customizedfinancialcoaching.com

alan@customizedfinancialcoaching.com

February 01, 2019

Alan Caldwell, AFC^® Candidate & AFCPE^® Member

The post #Friday Follow: “A New and Fulfilling Career” appeared first on AFCPE.

Make 2019 the Year You Invest in Impact

Rachael Deleon — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 19:33:54 +0000

Commit to high standards, capacity building, and lasting impact – for the client, for the coach, and for the community.

Over the last 4 years, organizations and funders have invested in Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC^®) and Financial Fitness Coach (FFC^®) training and certification to better support initiatives that create lasting impact. As we enter 2019, we are excited to announce what’s new for our certification programs!

The Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund has Approved AFCPE^® as an Approved Training Provider.

Together, AFCPE’s Accredited Financial Counselor^® (AFC^®) certification, and the Financial Fitness Coach (FFC^®) certification in partnership with Sage Financial Solutions, have met all requirements and competencies outlined in the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) Counselor Training Standards:

Context of Poverty
Financial Content
Counseling and Coaching Skills
Counseling and Coaching Techniques
Practice and Experiential Learning
Continuing Education
Supervisor Training

About the CFE Fund.
About FEC Public.

Financial Coaching: Investing in Impact Yields Results

In 2012, AFCPE^® and Sage Financial Solutions partnered to develop the first of its kind financial coaching program. The program builds upon a strong foundation of knowledge, providing you with the skills and techniques to better support clients as they make lasting financial behavior change.

Coaching is not a replacement for counseling or planning. Rather, it’s the ultimate compliment – teaching you an effective way of working with clients to support them in taking charge of their financial choices and implementing action plans.

“Because of my training as a Financial Fitness Coach, I am able to bridge counseling and coaching knowledge in a way that better supports the client. This knowledge helps me support my clients to set more relevant goals, and provides me with a better understanding of the psychology behind the effort it takes for them to accomplish these goals.” Shandra Thomas, AFC^®, FFC^® candidate.

Visit our Impact Page! To learn more about the organizations and initiatives who are investing in impact through our certification and training programs, visit www.afcpe.org/certification-and-training/financial-fitness-coach/impact.

Or register today to join us for our next Coaching Essentials Training, February 14 & 28!

New AFC^® Online Course

The AFC^® certification program has a new supplementary tool to support your preparation for the AFC^® certification examination! The course is designed to guide you through the material, providing you with additional tools and resources to develop your skills, test your comprehension, and put your knowledge into practice!

Housed in a learning management system, the course allows you to:

Divide the material into manageable sections of content.
Sort through study processes more efficiently.
Engage with other certification candidates through discussion boards.
Tap into different learning styles, utilizing videos for visual learners.
Apply the material you are learning with “Think Like A Counselor” exercises.
Access study materials, including a glossary of terms and worksheets.
Explore additional resources and links to bring the material to life.
Experience new content, including case study applications for non-traditional clients and instruction on cultural sensitivity.

Invest in AFC^® and FFC^® certification and training – for you, your organization, or your important financial capability initiatives.

Have questions about nonprofit or group pricing?
Need help figuring which path is the best one for you?

Contact:

Jarod Taylor, AFC^®, Certification Program Manager

Michelle Starkey, Director of Certification Programs

Whether you are interested in AFCPE certification, training, or membership, we look forward to supporting you in 2019!

January 18, 2019

The post Make 2019 the Year You Invest in Impact appeared first on AFCPE.

#FridayFollow – Having less ≠ deserving less.

Rachael Deleon — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 16:23:23 +0000

“My life journey has always been to make my corner of the world a better place”.

This week, we catch up with AFCPE’s financial coaching partner, Saundra Davis of Sage Financial Solutions. Saundra was recently honored for her work as an adjunct professor at Golder Gate University and shares with us some of the exciting initiatives she is involved with in the field of financial coaching. Learn how her mission and her “why” keep her connected to this important work.

AFCPE: Congratulations on being a recently recognized as a Distinguished Adjunct Professor at Golden Gate University!

Saundra: Thank you! This is quite an honor for me because I went to Golden Gate for my BS in management and returned 10 years later for my master’s in financial planning. I was the 2006 financial planning student of the year AND the 2016 adjunct professor of the year for the financial planning department. This is important to me because I value education and professional development which is the cornerstone of all of my work in the field. During this journey, I have created pro bono planning programs for CFP professionals to help them be more sensitive to the needs of low-income communities and have been diligent in making sure that the nonprofit sector increases the standards of knowledge and professionalism for their clients.

When I started, most organizations didn’t believe that poor people needed comprehensive financial plans, I am proud to say that now that message is out and organizations and communities are getting the message. Having less with which to plan does NOT mean you deserve less from a financial planner, counselor or coach.

AFCPE: One of the reasons you partnered with AFCPE^® when designing the FFC^® program is because you are passionate about the importance of a high standard in the field of financial coaching. Why are standards so important to the field and to the people that we serve?

Saundra: This really highlights my “why” for everything I do in this profession. So many people are struggling and simply don’t know what to do or whom to trust. Elevating the highest standard for professional services for ALL people has been my mission since I joined the field and it is good to see others coming to understand that mediocrity simply isn’t good enough. Partnering with the AFCPE allowed me to focus my attention on the coaching skills with the knowledge that the people sitting in the room had the financial competencies necessary to TRULY help people navigate their complex financial lives. The entire continuum of care for financial services should be available to all people irrespective of their income or assets. Before this partnership, my biggest fear was that I could be training someone to be an effective financial coach who didn’t have the financial competencies and ethical standards necessary to help clients manage their financial lives and all of the opportunities and obstacles they face.

AFCPE: In addition to teaching and program development, you’ve also been doing a lot of important training in the nonprofit community. Tell us a little about these programs. What are you most proud of and what are you most excited about in the months to come?

Saundra: There are too many to add here but I’ll share a few that really stand out because of the community impact.

Brilliant Baby is a children’s saving program in Oakland, California that provides a $500 529 account and a financial coach for families with new babies. The idea is to provide practical support for parents and honor the promise that each child holds at birth. We know that the parents’ needs can fall ANYWHERE on the financial lifecycle so we require that each coach hold both the AFC^® and the FFC^®.

The United Way Capital Corridor Region, which is in Sacramento California is a capacity building project that has been going on for 2 years during which time 50 members of community-based organizations participated in coaching skills and financial education basics. The goal is to build the skills of the local community by setting a high standard and training large groups to have baseline skills and support a smaller number, 10 in the first year and 5 in the second, to complete both the AFC^® and the FFC^® certification programs. We did this by web-based mentor sessions to prepare them for the AFC to meet the financial competency requirement for the FFC.

We are doing a similar project in Las Vegas, Nevada with 50 people from 4 organizations that provide housing support and career training (they do SO much more than this so visit their websites)*. Forty-seven of the 50 have now completed the Money Management Essentials course and 15 are going on to become FFCs!

Each of these projects demonstrates that by investing in the staff with training that includes education, experience, and ethical standards, the professional standards increase in the community and the ongoing professional development helps them continue to build their skills.

AFCPE: Our November Coaching Essentials training in Norfolk, VA is quickly approaching! What would you say to someone who is on the fence about attending?

Saundra: As financial professionals, we must ALWAYS hone our skills and knowledge. Adding coaching to your toolkit will enhance your ability to help your clients identify what is most important to them and create, in partnership with you, a roadmap to achieve their goals. The coaching approach is often more effective for the client and better for the coach.

Saundra Answers the Friday 5:

My Why: To be of service. My life journey has always been to make my corner of the world a better place.
My Favorite Quote: If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. – Maya Angelou
My Hero: My mother
My Favorite Personal Finance Resource: CFPB booklets
My best advice:
– For someone starting the journey to financial wellness: Breathe, start where you are, hold yourself and your money past without shame. Create for yourself a #NoShameZone about the financial past and focus on your financial future.
– For a new professional entering this field: Breathe, start where you are, focus your attention on the impact you want to have and don’t allow anyone to tell you “it has to be done this way” if your vision takes you in a different direction. BE EXCELLENT for yourself and your clients. Keep learning, strive to meet the highest standard in your knowledge, skill, and approach to supporting clients.

Follow Saundra at:

Facebook: @sagemoney

Twitter: @sagemoney

LinkedIn: Saundra D. Davis

Website: http://sagefinancialsolutions.org/

*The 4 organizations that provide housing support and career training

Oakland Promise (Brilliant Baby Program) – http://oaklandpromise.org/programs/brilliantbaby/

Nevada Hand – https://www.nevadahand.org/

Nevada Partners – http://www.nevadapartners.org/

United Way California Capital Region – http://www.yourlocalunitedway.org/financial-coaching

August 03, 2018

Interview with Saundra Davis, Executive Director of Sage Financial Solutions

The post #FridayFollow – Having less ≠ deserving less. appeared first on AFCPE.

#Friday Follow – Coaching from the Heart

Rachael Deleon — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 16:35:37 +0000

Kristy Tubbs is a woman on a mission. She is and the president of Piece of Heart Financial Counseling & Life Coaching, where she teaches people how to heal the heart from the pain of financial woes. In this interview, she shares about her journey from military spouse to financial coach of money and the heart.

AFCPE: What inspired you to enter this field? How did you find out about AFCPE?

Kristy: I graduated from college and became a school teacher. During this time, I become passionate about the communication techniques I was able to teach couples as they came for parent/teacher conferences. This inspired me to go back to school to become a marriage counselor. It was during those years as a marriage counselor that I developed my communication techniques about money and marriage. Being a firm believer of “Stay in your lane”, I felt that I needed more education and training to provide excellence for my clients. While doing a marriage workshop for a military organization, a member of the Family Services group told me about the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship. I applied and was awarded the scholarship to earn my AFC^®designation in 2009. In 2010, I completed my coursework and was awarded my AFC designation. As a military spouse, the focus of my business has always been to help military spouses find portable careers that allow them to support their family with freedom to move AND bring in an income. The AFC designation does just that!

AFCPE: You’ve since gone on to earn the FFC^® certification as well. What impact have the AFC and FFC certifications made towards your work as a Marriage Counselor and Life Coach?

Kristy: Having already worked in financial coaching and marriage counseling prior to earning the AFC & FFC certifications, I approached my further education a bit differently than most. I came to the courses seeking mentoring to enhance my successful qualities and find focus and tools to change my weaker areas. The program provided exactly what I was seeking and gave me the confidence to expand my business.

AFCPE: You started your own business, Piece of Heart Financial Counseling. Tell us a little more about your organization.

Kristy: Piece of Heart Financial Counseling & Life Coaching exists to help people heal their heart from the pain that money, or the lack of money, has caused. We started the company because as a military spouse, I found myself re-starting a new career with every move. As a marriage counselor, I created a business model that allows us to serve people in any state or country.

As I became successful, I wanted to share my knowledge with other military spouses, so, we created a mentor program to help military spouses jump start their own businesses.

AFCPE: What advice you give to someone who wants to start a private practice?

When starting your business, know your destination. I knew I wanted to hold workshops around the world to teach financial and marriage communication and with the help of God and some amazing team members, I created the world I desired.

Also, KNOW YOUR WORTH! So many people told me to start small and bid low because people needing financial wisdom would not pay. I never do anything small! I was already charging fees of $500 an hour for my services, so I saw no reason why adding a designation should not allow for that continued fee. If you can validate your fee, then charge it and do not look back! When people see the outcome of your influence in their lives, they will find a way to pay.

To serve those who cannot afford to pay? Set up volunteer hours with local nonprofit organizations, allowing your clients to work with these organizations on behalf of your company name and in lieu of paying hourly fees to you! That way you grow your impact and name in the community while changing the lives of all around!

AFCPE: That’s a creative way to market and give back! Tell us, what’s next? What’s got you most excited?

Kristy: I am very excited that we have several new contracts coming in and will hopefully be hiring even more people soon. I continue to bring financial wisdom to our military members and families through various government venues and the Yellow Ribbon program. Our television show will be coming out soon and my new book is due out in late September! We just completed booking the final 4 venues of the year for our “Build Your Dreams”, workshops. This one-day workshop teaches future business owners how to recognize their strengths, focus their vision, and develop their dream into the reality of a successful grand opening.

Kristy answers the Friday 5

1. My Why: I believe everyone needs someone who believes in them. When people are struggling and cannot see a way to the other side, hope is a POWERFUL gift to provide. Therefore, I live my life looking to provide hope in the midst of pain, to teach peace in the midst of turmoil, and I do it by believing in the potential of every person I meet.

2. My Favorite Quote: From the Bible, Luke 6:38, “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” It keeps me happy to give and to see the joy of a changed life!

3. My Hero: Gloria Gonzalves, my mother is my hero! She was the driving force behind all of the businesses my family created. As a young woman I was taught to love big, give big, and chase after your dreams. Because of her unending support and mentoring, I had no doubt I would one day be a business owner in my own right and would continue her legacy of loving big, serving big and leaving a legacy for those who come behind me. I would not be here today if it were not for my mom–my friend, my business partner, and my mentor for life!

4. My Favorite Personal Finance Resource: www.powerpay.org I could not have built a better website! We use it in every presentation to teach people how to safely create pay off plans!

5. My best advice:

a. For someone starting the journey to financial well-being: Your life is about more than the sum of your past mistakes! So, START your financial journey today! Stand up. Take 1 step every day. Access your credit score. Repair your credit. Try and try again. Because, small daily successes will create large annual rewards!

b. For a new professional entering this field: This will be one of the most rewarding and the most grieving careers of your life. Often times, it all happens in the same day! But, when you give of yourself to bring financial wisdom to others, something magical occurs. When you think you are changing someone’s life, you find out they are actually changing yours! If there is any way I can support you, please let me know at kristy@kristytubbs.com.

Follow Kristy at:

Email: kristy@kristytubbs.com

Facebook: @pieceofheartfinancial

Twitter: @moneyandheart

LinkedIn: @KristyTubbs

Website: www.kristytubbs.com

July 27, 2018

The post #Friday Follow – Coaching from the Heart appeared first on AFCPE.

#FridayFollow – “Focusing on U”

Rachael Deleon — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 16:43:37 +0000

Vivian Padua is a financial coach and trainer who is passionate about helping clients become financially capable and mindful in their money management. Through her private practice, “Focus On U Coach”, she provides a wholistic approach to financial coaching, education, and training. When she isn’t working with clients, Vivian serves as a mentor coach for the FFC^® (Financial Fitness Coach) program, supporting others on their journey to become a financial coach.

AFCPE: What inspired you to become a financial coach?

Vivian: Back in 2009, I attended a volunteer financial coach training offered through my job at an adult literacy program. The trainer was Saundra Davis. Once I attended the first day, I was hooked. I understood the financial challenges that individuals had because I went through them myself. It was important to me to help make a difference in others’ lives.

AFCPE: We know what you mean. We’re hooked on her approach as well! We especially love that it aligns with our passion of “meeting people where they are”. Tell us how you meet people where they are.

Vivian: I create a trusting and honest space for clients. I listen without an agenda or judgment. I stay present with clients and provide a space where they feel comfortable sharing their life stories. By building this container, we are able to establish concrete financial and life goals.

AFCPE: That is an amazing approach! It’s very passionate, holistic, and honest. What’s up next for you? What’s got you most excited?

Vivian: I’m excited to hone in on my current skills and develop more by taking continuing education, participating in workshops and networking with like-minded individuals. Also, next quarter, I will be interacting more with AFC^®candidates as an AFC^® Webinar Review instructor.

Vivian Answers the Friday 5:

My Why:

Legacy. I want to leave a legacy to my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren (to come) of financial knowledge that will help them be abundant and create the financial success they want. Anything is possible!

My Favorite Quote:

“Focus on what you want, take action, and the Universe will provide.”

My Hero:

My Dad who recently passed in December 2017 instilled good work ethics, kindness and helped me financially to start my coaching certification.

My Favorite Personal Finance Resource:

CFPB

My best advice:
1. For someone starting the journey to financial wellness:

Have clarity on your goals by working with a financial coach. Take the actions you set yourself and everything is possible.

For a new professional entering this field:

This is an amazing field for people who want to help make a difference in someone’s life by supporting them to know they can accomplish the financial goals they set for themselves.

Follow Vivian at:

focusonucoach.com

www.facebook.com/FocusOnUCoach

www.linkedin.com/in/vivianpaduafinancialcoach

https://twitter.com/FocusOnUCoach

July 13, 2018

Interview with Vivian Padua, AFC®, FFC® and AFCPE® Member

The post #FridayFollow – “Focusing on U” appeared first on AFCPE.

Listening Between the Lines

Rachael Deleon — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 14:12:08 +0000

Brandy Baxter is a 2011 FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship recipient and financial coach. As a public speaker and owner of her own business Living Abundantly, she coaches and educates people on a variety of money matters, from budgeting to credit and debt management. In her work, she is truly setting the standard.

AFCPE: What inspired you to enter this field?

Brandy: When my husband and I married, we needed someone to help us understand our finances as a couple. We met people who wanted to sell us products, but we wanted to be educated. So, I researched. I learned and tried true principles to eliminate consumer debt. While we were eliminating over $75K in debt, I saw the principles working and started telling others what we were doing. Soon, I realized most people simply wanted to be educated on the basics and not sold products right away. So, I began looking for a program that would teach me how to help people understand their money.

While a student at Golden Gate University, I took a class taught by Saundra Davis, Sage Financial Solutions and it changed my life. I learned about Behavioral Finance and how money attitudes are the root of money choices. I knew that was the path I wanted to be on – helping people understand their relationship with money and how factors like family, environment, and exposure play a role in our decision-making process.

At the time, I was a military spouse and my best friend told me about the AFCPE/FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship. I applied, was accepted, and I’ve been on this journey ever since.

AFCPE: As an Air Force veteran, what drives you to stay connected to the military?

Brandy: The military feels like the largest fraternal organization in the country. I learned so much about serving others while in the military that it has become part of my DNA. I stay connected with the military community because of the instant camaraderie. There’s a feeling of acceptance in the military community that is hard to find anywhere else. The military has opened so many doors of opportunity for me, I feel I have a responsibility to continue giving back to the community that has given and continues to give so much to me.

AFCPE: What impact has the AFC^® and the FFC^® training made towards your work and approach with clients?

Brandy: The AFC^® has given me the confidence to let my clients know I’m serious about my profession. Once I explain to them the process of earning the AFC, I remind them I have the education, experience and ethics to provide them the best service I can. I then explain my fiduciary responsibility to act in their best interest and it gives them peace of mind that I’m not a scam artist or any other type of unsavory individual.

The FFC^® training has taken my coaching to the next level. Now I’m more attentive to what my client is not saying. This allows me to “listen between the lines” during the coaching session and create a space where clients feel their power over their situation. The FFC training has made me more respectful of silence during sessions because I realize that is often when the client is experiencing a collision between what they are saying aloud and what they really believe.

AFCPE: What an important skill to master! We really admire your passion and how you are utilizing both designations. What’s next? What’s got you most excited?

Brandy: Wow! I’ve always got something going on! Recently I was asked to speak at an event, spotlighting veterans in poverty. While researching for this event, I learned women veterans have higher rates of poverty than males and minority women veterans are even more susceptible due to a compounding of various socio-economic factors. This saddened me and I now feel compelled to use whatever platform available to me to raise awareness about women who have served our country and now cannot afford to take care of their families. You can expect to hear more from me on this subject.

I also co-founded a group called BlackGirlFinMagic, for women of color who are personal financial educators or business owners. Our focus is to encourage and engage women who look like us and who share our same passion for personal finance. We promote collaboration and community and we provide a safe space for those who feel they are part of a minority; as women and as women of color. I’m excited to see the group grow and we’ll be launching a blog series this summer where we’ll spotlight women from our group.

Brandy answers the Friday 5:

1. My Why: I want to equip people to live abundantly.

2. My Favorite Quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi

3. My Hero: My daughters. They inspire me to leave a legacy that their children can be proud of.

4. My Favorite Personal Finance Resource: Google…I can find anything I need from spreadsheets and calculators to definitions and discounts.

5. My best advice:

For someone starting the journey to financial well-ness: “I’m not here to judge you, I’m here to journey with you.”
For a new professional entering this field:
“You have to believe in yourself and then others will too.”

Follow Brandy at:

Time2LiveAbundantly.com

Linkedin.com/in/BrandyBaxter

Facebook.com/2LiveAbundantly

Twitter.com/2LiveAbundantly

BlackGirlFinMagic.com

June 29, 2018

Interview with Brandy Baxter, AFC®, AFCPE® Member, and FFC® Candidate

The post Listening Between the Lines appeared first on AFCPE.

#FridayFollow – The Truth about Wealth Will Set You Free

Rachael Deleon — Fri, 25 May 2018 14:30:54 +0000

Deborah Owens is the Founder and CEO of WealthyU, a financial wellness company. She is on a mission to close the wealth gap that exists for women and minorities by providing a curriculum, coaching, accountability and support.

AFCPE: What inspired you to enter this field?

Deborah: I believe the wealth gap is a knowledge in execution gap. After spending my career and financial services I decided to focus on helping women and minorities gain access to the financial acumen needed make wise financial decisions. Since leaving the industry I have written four critically acclaimed books on personal finance and then recognize that information alone does not address the investment confidence gap that exists.

AFCPE: Tell us about your WealthyU program and how you are not only bridging gaps, but really meeting people where they are.

Deborah: Our secret sauce is our curriculum which is derived from our published works. Our storytelling concepts provide context and the demystifies technical jargon used in the financial markets that causes people to feel shame because they feel ignorant because they feel they should know how to invest.

AFCPE: We love your creativity and innovation – from your business model to your public speaking? What’s next up? What’s got you most excited?

Deborah: We are developing the WealthyU App & Financial Wealth Building Platform to provide Curriculum, Coaching, Accountability and Support

Deborah Answers our Friday 5

My Why: My why is my mother because of her experiences with financial hardship when she separated from my father after 33 years of marriage.

My Favorite Quote: “Don’t let what you want today, prevent you from achieving what you want most.”

My Hero (who inspires you): Oprah Winfrey and Madame C.J. Walker

My Favorite Personal Finance Resource: Jim Cramer, CNBC

My best advice:

For someone starting the journey to financial well-ness: Create a visual representation of what you want your life to reflect 10 years from now.
For a new professional entering this field: Listen more. Talk Less.

Follow me at (social media, website, etc.):

Website: https://deborahowens.com/

Twitter: @deborahowens

Facebook; DeborahOwensPage

May 25, 2018

Interview with Deborah Owens, “America’s Wealth Coach”, AFCPE® Member, and FFC® Candidate

The post #FridayFollow – The Truth about Wealth Will Set You Free appeared first on AFCPE.

Need a Financial Counselor or Coach? Here’s How to Choose One.

Rachael Deleon — Thu, 03 May 2018 14:42:59 +0000

May 03, 2018

No matter where you are in your financial life, chances are you could benefit from financial education and support.

But in today’s environment of instant access to information, people often have trouble knowing what information to trust and who to turn to for financial advice. Because different people have different needs, understanding the “alphabet soup” of the personal finance field is crucial, but it’s equally important to evaluate your situation to accurately determine your needs.

At AFCPE^®, we connect financial professionals across the continuum to ensure that individuals and families, like yours, can navigate the “alphabet soup” and have access to the highest standard of financial advice, at any stage of life.

For individuals and families who don’t know where to begin, Accredited Financial Counselors^®and Financial Fitness Coaches are great resources. Both types of professionals can help you get your financial bearings, tackle an immediate financial crisis, overcome debt, grow your savings, manage student loans, build a sound financial foundation, and even refer you to a different type of trusted financial professional when your needs change.

Before selecting a financial professional, here are some important questions to ask:

What experience do you have? Ask for a brief description of financial professionals’ work experience and how it relates to their current practice. Do they have strong experience helping people in a situation that is similar to your own?
Is there an an oversight body requiring ongoing education and ethics? Ask about the credentials your professional holds and learn how he or she stays up to date with current changes and developments in the personal finance field.
What services do you offer? Credentials, licenses, and areas of expertise are all factors that determine the services a financial professional can offer. Financial counselors and coaches do not sell insurance or securities products, such as mutual funds or stocks. They also do not typically offer investment advice unless registered with state or federal authorities.
What is your approach? Make sure the professional’s philosophy and approach aligns with your needs and values. You also may consider your financial professional’s personality and communication style. Standard wisdom on seeking the advice of financial professionals often overlooks the importance of personal compatibility.
What types of clients do you typically work with? Some financial professionals prefer to work with clients whose assets fall within a particular range, so it’s important to make sure that the counselor or coach is a good fit for your individual financial situation.
How much do you charge? The financial counselor or coach should be able to provide you with an estimate of possible costs based on the work to be performed.
How will I pay for your services? Financial professionals can be paid in several ways. As part of your written agreement, your financial counselor should make it clear how they will be paid for the services to be provided.
Do others stand to gain from the financial advice you give me? Ask the professional to provide you with a description of any conflicts of interest in writing.
Ask for more background. Consider requesting a referral. Also consider asking whether the professional has ever been disciplined for any unlawful or unethical actions.

By becoming an informed consumer, you can choose a financial counselor or coach who is the best possible fit for your financial situation and your life.

Remember: Anyone can call themselves a financial counselor, coach, advisor or planner, but a credential demonstrates a higher level of education, specialty or commitment. In many cases, the credentialing process is like going to school for a specialized program. Also, not all credentials are not created equal. Do your homework. A reputable certification program requires rigorous education and examination, field experience, an ongoing commitment to continuing education, and abidance by a high code of ethics. Whether it be an Accredited Financial Counselor^® (AFC^®), a Financial Fitness Coach (FFC^®) or another reputable certified financial professional, asking questions is a necessary first step to making the best choice to meet your needs and goals.

AFCPE® counseling and coaching certifications are the most respected in the field of financial counseling and education.

Get involved with AFCPE® today! Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified!

Want to be an Accredited Financial Counselor®, but don’t know what it entails? Sign up for a free info session!

The post Need a Financial Counselor or Coach? Here’s How to Choose One. appeared first on AFCPE.

Happy Change-Making!

Rachael Deleon — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 19:46:35 +0000

It all started with scribbled notes on the back of a napkin. As a financial coaching organization led by experienced frontline practitioners, we were all too aware of the gaps programs face that can take precious time away from serving customers, such as finding access to the resources and answers that customers need to succeed or effectively tracking data to discover patterns and improve services. Then the ‘aha’ moment: We could leverage the innovation of financial technology to boost nonprofit missions and outcomes! Thus, Change Machine was born. A dynamic, web-based financial coaching platform, Change Machine contains all the tools and resources practitioners need to address their customers’ underlying financial insecurity. It bridges the gap for financial coaching services in three crucial ways:

Meeting Coaches Where They Are

Change Machine provides a one-stop-shop for practitioners, whether they are brand new to financial coaching or a seasoned professional looking to refresh and expand their skills. The LEARN portal features self-paced lessons and quizzes that start with the basics and build out into a ‘choose your own adventure’ course of specializations. Plus, we hold monthly virtual trainings to dig further into specialty skills and specific sectors. When meeting with a customer, coaches can instantly access over 150 tipsheets and worksheets through the Toolbox to guide customers through their unique financial insecurities — from identity theft to student loans to filing taxes and more. It’s as easy as typing in the issue area and sending it to the printer! (P.S. Download a selection of free tools here)
The “D” Word

Data management can be intimidating, time-consuming, and yet necessary for fundraising. It is also an important element when trying to improve service delivery and programming. It doesn’t matter how big or small your organization is, Change Machine makes data management easy and painless. Data is collected organically in coaching meetings through COACH’s intake process and customer management portal. Outcomes are tracked in six areas: assets, banking, credit, debt, taxes, and (most importantly) goals. Then, MANAGE gives supervisors special access to slice and dice customer and staff data with both out of the box and custom reporting capabilities. As one client explains, “Our staff recognizes that for us to be sustainable as an organization, we need to demonstrate the value of our services. Change Machine provided us with a platform to really track what the financial impact on our participants’ personal finances is – and that was hugely valuable. Without that, you’re just making the qualitative argument as to the quality of the service you’re providing.” (Alex Breen, Senior Associate, Seedco)
Connecting Coaches, Near and Far

“I get by with a little help from my friends.” Or a lot. Financial coaches are amazingly versatile in their ability to support customers in any area where they find a financial barrier. Yet, there was no way to apply that knowledge to the field broadly. Until now! Change Machine’s SHARE is an online community of over 1,000 practitioners nationwide. Financial coaches can get their toughest questions answered, share best practices and pertinent news, and celebrate success stories.

Financial coaches deserve the same level of support that they provide to their customers every day. Change Machine seamlessly bridges skills training with data collection with service delivery with a strong community of practice. We give coaches and programs the freedom to concentrate on what really matters — building financial security for themselves and their communities.

Guest Contributor: The Financial Clinic

November 08, 2017

Empowering financial coaches through Change Machine

The post Happy Change-Making! appeared first on AFCPE.

Professionalizing the Field of Financial Coaching

Rachael Deleon — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 15:07:04 +0000

A Reflection on Where We’ve Come. A Glimpse at Where We’re Going.

A Shared Mission

September 14, 2016

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

The post Professionalizing the Field of Financial Coaching appeared first on AFCPE.