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WESTERVILLE, Ohio, Jan. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) recognized ten individuals, organizations, special projects, and initiatives expanding access to personal finance resources and education across the country as part of its 2023 AFCPE Awards.

“I’m constantly amazed by the talents and dedication of AFCPE members, which is highlighted with these award recipients,” said Rachael DeLeon, AFCPE Executive Director. “The personal finance field is constantly evolving and facing new challenges, but the work of AFCPE members across financial education, research, and practice is a guiding light in helping create a future of financial security for everyone.”

AFCPE Symposium, which took place in New Orleans, LA, from November 29 – December 1, had nearly one thousand attendees, including 310 first-time attendees, 648 in-person, and 309 virtual. The 2023 Symposium award recipients were announced towards the end of the conference.

The award recipients included:

The Celia Ray Hayhoe Distinguished Fellow Award: Syble Solomon
Syble Solomon is the founder of Money Habitudes, an innovative product that has revolutionized how we interact with our finances. This resource has helped countless individuals gain control over their financial lives and contributed significantly to AFCPE’s mission. As a longtime AFCPE member, Syble served two terms on the AFCPE Board of Directors, participated in multiple committees, and has consistently shared her knowledge through presentations, articles, and mentorship.

Setting the Standard Award: Sage Financial Solutions
Sage Financial Solutions is a longtime partner and a leader in financial coach training and professional development in ways that meet the real-world needs of inclusive communities. Our organizations first partnered as certification and training partners for the CFPB Financial Coaching Initiative in 2015, and we continue to work together to ensure that all people have access to the highest quality financial coaching, counseling, and education.

Mini Grant: Lynn McHann, AFC®
The project, “Momnomics”: A YouTube Series for Financial Wellness for Young Adults,” aims to deliver crucial financial literacy education to young adults aged 18-30 through a series of engaging, high-quality YouTube videos, covering topics like budgeting, debt management, investing, and retirement planning in an easily digestible, relatable manner.

Educator of the Year: Dr. Christopher Thomas Sneed
Dr. Sneed has offered financial and consumer education through The University of Tennessee (UT) for almost two decades. With his research, program development, trainings, and grant procurement, Dr. Sneed has provided exceptional service and profoundly impacted Cooperative Extension and the field of financial education.

Counselor of the Year: Charlestien Harris, AFC®
Charlestien Harris is a 35-year veteran in financial education and counseling who Southern Bancorp Community Partners currently employs as a Credit/HUD Certified Housing Counselor. Charlestien has access to vast networks of resources that allow her to connect her clients with the necessary services to help them find viable solutions. She is currently featured on social media platforms (Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn), video media (Vimeo), and websites, in addition to news publications and websites internationally.

Outstanding Education Program: Ohio State University Extension – Fulton County
As a program of Ohio State University Extension, “Real Money. Real World.” is fun and distinctive because it includes an interactive spending simulation that provides the opportunity to make lifestyle and budget choices similar to those made by 27-year-old adults. RMRW has three parts, including four preparatory classroom lessons, a hands-on budget management and decision-making spending simulation, and a post-session evaluation of spending choices made during the simulation.

Counseling/Planning Center: Kansas State University – Powercat Financial
Powercat Financial is a unit within the Student Life division of Kansas State University managed under the AVP of Student Wellbeing. The program is designed as a peer-to-peer program where students studying in a financial-related or helping profession program assist fellow students with budgeting, saving, credit, student loan repayment, and transitioning to work.

JFCP Outstanding Paper Award: “The value of financial education during multiple life stages.” Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning, Volume 33, Issue 1, April 2022.
Authors Philip Gibson, Janine K. Sam, and Yuanshan Cheng examine the timing of financial education and its impact on short-term and long-term financial behavior. They also explore the power of financial education on financial knowledge, examine the link between financial knowledge and positive financial behavior, and cite implications for all financial education advocates.

To learn more about the AFCPE awards and recipients, visit afcpe.org/membership/awards/

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — National Disability Institute (NDI) and the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) have officially launched a new version of Financial Inclusion Essentials with grant funding from JPMorgan Chase. The self-paced online course with 15 modules is designed for financial counselors, financial coaches, disability service providers, and others who want to learn more about building the financial well-being of people with disabilities.

The 15 Financial Inclusion Essentials modules cover a variety of topics, including:

• Overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Debunking myths and stereotypes about people with disabilities
• Understanding money management rights and resources
• Navigating favorable tax credits and services
• Understanding employment resources for people with disabilities
• Providing education on major acquisitions
• Understanding ABLE accounts

“AFCPE Essentials Courses are virtual, on-demand, and affordable, providing training on critical topics to help our professionals provide essential support to those they serve,” said Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director, AFCPE. “This course gives people with disabilities the opportunity to improve their financial well-being and allows financial professionals the tools to better their craft and provide excellent service to everyone.”

One in four in the U.S. has a disability, and people with disabilities need the same skills as those without disabilities to become financially empowered. They need to learn to complete tasks such as creating a spending plan, using banks to manage their money, and understanding public benefit programs and the disability service system. In addition, many financial counselors are not equipped to meet the needs of clients with disabilities, which is why the Financial Inclusion Essentials course has been widely praised by its over 450 users.

“NDI is pleased to partner with AFCPE to relaunch the Financial Inclusion Essentials course, further building the knowledge and awareness in the field that financial inclusion is possible for all, including people with disabilities,” said Thomas Foley, J.D, Executive Director, National Disability Institute. “This updated course is important in helping people with disabilities and their families build a better financial future.”

This new version of Financial Inclusion Essentials includes case studies that give real-world, memorable examples, interactives that bring the material to life, and a downloadable compilation of helpful resources. The relaunched course also has a compiled collection of your notes, takeaways from the course, and engaging hands-on activities. In addition, this course now meets ten ethics and practice standards of practice CEUs and two CEUs for Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).

Registration for the Financial Inclusion Essentials course is open and available at https://www.afcpe.org/certification-and-training/financial-inclusion-essentials/, and you can contact AFCPE (education@afcpe.org) for special pricing for groups of 10 or more.

About National Disability Institute
National Disability Institute (NDI) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better financial future for people with disabilities and their families. The first national organization committed exclusively to championing economic empowerment, financial education, asset development, and financial stability for all persons with disabilities, NDI affects change through public education, policy development, training, technical assistance, and innovative initiatives. To learn more, visit www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org. Engage with NDI on Facebook: @NationalDisability or follow NDI on X: @NatDisability.

About AFCPE
The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) ensures the highest integrity of the financial counseling profession by certifying, connecting, and supporting diverse professionals. Our comprehensive certification programs represent the gold standard for financial counseling, coaching, and education, including the AFC^® (Accredited Financial Counselor^®) certification, which is accredited by NCCA and nationally recognized by CFPB and the Department of Defense. Visit www.afcpe.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Kate Ryan, 369977@email4pr.com, (740) 525-7433

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Washington, D.C. — A collaboration of financial and Veterans support organizations announced today the launch of the newly designed VetCents to improve the financial health of America’s Veterans and their caregivers. 

In a panel discussion moderated by the American Bankers Association Foundation and featuring experts and advocates from the Association of Military Banks of America, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Wells Fargo Foundation, and LifeCents, the redesigned VetCents officially launched to a room of financial institutions, Veterans support organizations and civic leaders. The discussion highlighted the unique challenges Veterans face and how VetCents, the next evolution of the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP), will improve the financial health of our nation’s Veterans and their caregivers.

“The Veterans Benefits Banking Program launched in 2019 to provide Veterans, beneficiaries, and caregivers with a safe, reliable, and inexpensive way to access their monetary benefits,” said Major General (Ret.) Steven J. Lepper, American Military Banks of America president and CEO. “What started with four financial institutions has grown to 86 and counting.” 

The Department of Veterans Affairs, a founding partner of VBBP, shared how VBBP brought to light other financial issues unique to the Veteran community. VA Secretary McDonough: “Veterans deserve to get their benefits in the safest, most secure way possible — and that’s what the Veterans Benefits Banking Program delivers. Expanding this great program, to include financial counseling and education, will have a real impact on Veterans’ lives [by] helping protect and grow the benefits they’ve earned.” 

The partnership behind VetCents includes financial wellness provider LifeCents who created the customized financial health platform for Veterans, beneficiaries, and caregivers to access financial wellness tools and resources. 

“VetCents is a next-generation approach to improve access for Veterans, beneficiaries, and caregivers to the myriad of benefits available to them through the VA,” said Blake Allison, CEO and Founder, LifeCents. “It also offers an interactive and engaging experience that is designed specifically to help Veterans and their families improve their financial well-being and achieve financial security.”

Wells Fargo Foundation, a key supporter of VBBP and now VetCents, leveraged its experience and success in creating financial wellness programs for niche and marginalized communities. 

“Supporting VetCents was a perfect fit with Wells Fargo’s goal to strengthen the financial health of our nation’s Veterans,” said Bonnie Wallace, head of Financial Health Philanthropy, Wells Fargo Foundation. “VBBP and VetCents can directly address the wide array of financial stressors that the Veteran community faces and connect them to the resources and support needed to improve their financial situations.”

In addition to encouraging banks of all sizes to join the VBBP program,  the American Bankers Association Foundation serves as the 501(c)(3) nonprofit fiscal sponsor for managing donations that fund the VBBP.

“We’re proud to support the VBBP which is making a real difference in the lives of Veterans,” said Lindsay Torrico, executive director of the ABA Foundation. “We are also excited about the opportunity to get more of America’s banks involved in this important work. Adding the VetCents initiative will help in that effort.” 

For more information about VetCents and VBBP visit www.veteransbenefitsbanking.org.

For photos and information from today’s panel visit https://bit.ly/VetCents.

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About the ABA Foundation

Through its leadership, partnerships, and national programs, ABA’s Community Engagement Foundation (dba ABA Foundation), a 501(c)3, helps bankers provide financial education to individuals at every age, elevate issues around affordable housing and community development, and achieve corporate social responsibility objectives to improve the well-being of their customers and their communities.

About the Association of Military Banks of America

The Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA) was founded in 1959. AMBA is a not-for-profit association of banks operating on military installations, banks not located on military installations but serving military customers, and military banking facilities designated by the U.S. Treasury. The association’s membership includes both community banks and large multinational financial institutions, all of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA’s primary mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. In addition to the primary mission, VA carries out four specific missions to make good on its commitment to Veterans and other beneficiaries: Veterans Health Care, Veterans Benefits, National Cemeteries, and national preparedness for responding to war, terrorism, national emergencies, and natural disasters.

About LifeCents

LifeCents (www.lifecents.com) is a financial wellness and technology company that empowers people to acquire the knowledge, build the habits, and gain the confidence they need to make smarter everyday decisions. The company’s award-winning digital wellness platform helps people become financially aware, savvy, and engaged which is of great value to businesses and communities. 

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/

Thirty military spouses will receive free training and the credentialing exam to earn their Accredited Financial Counselor^® (AFC^®) designation, which enhances a career in financial empowerment. AFC-trained counselors use a comprehensive, research-backed, life-cycle approach to empower clients financially.

The White House Executive Order on Advancing Economic Security for Military and Veteran Spouses, Military Caregivers, and Survivors indicates that military families often rely on dual incomes and that spousal unemployment can be a factor in the decision to leave active-duty service. The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship addresses both the financial readiness and spouse employment challenges of military families by providing opportunities for portable careers in financial counseling to military spouses.

“Military personnel and their families face unique financial challenges complicated by frequent moves and deployments. Moreover, un- or underemployment among military spouses is common,” said Gerri Walsh, President of the FINRA Foundation. “This fellowship program is unique in enhancing job-related marketability for military spouses while simultaneously equipping them to bolster the financial—and mission—readiness of their own communities.”

More than 680 military spouses have achieved the AFC certification courtesy of the FINRA Foundation since 2006. In pursuit of the designation, Spouse Fellows have provided financial counseling and education to more than 260,000 service members or their families and dedicated more than 540,000 hours to helping military families around the globe reach their financial goals. This fellowship has had representation across the United States and overseas.

“We are thrilled to welcome the newest class of FINRA Foundation Fellows,” said Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director of AFCPE. “This class joins a passionate community of AFC professionals committed to helping military service members, families, and veterans navigate financial challenges and build a strong financial foundation. We look forward to supporting them in their certification journey and beyond.”

The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship is open to qualifying spouses of active-duty or retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Army or Air National Guard or reserve component service members, as well as to spouses of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Professionals. For more information and to sign up for program updates, visit afcpe.org/certification/finra-foundation-fellowship.

About the FINRA Investor Education Foundation
The FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that empower underserved 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 on-base financial educators through a combination of professional development programs and public awareness initiatives. 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. For more information about FINRA Foundation initiatives, visit finrafoundation.org.

About AFCPE^®
The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education^® (AFCPE^®) is a national nonprofit whose mission is to ensure the highest level of knowledge, skill, and integrity in the personal finance profession. The Accredited Financial Counselor^® (AFC^®) certification program is accredited by The National Commission for Certifying Agencies, setting the mark apart in the field with the highest standard of excellence. Visit afcpe.org to learn more.

Media Contact Info:
Kate Ryan, 364387@email4pr.com, 614-368-1055

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FinEd50 continues to expand the coalition by partnering with the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE), a national nonprofit recognized as a leader in financial counseling, coaching and education. As a part of the FinEd50 coalition, AFCPE will expand our reach by integrating their dedicated communities of personal finance professionals into our advocacy network. Together, we hope to reach even more states and help expand access to financial education in all 50 states.

“AFCPE is thrilled to join the FinEd50 coalition. Equity, inclusion, and accessibility are guiding principles of our organization’s mission and vision. Our diverse and inclusive community of personal finance professionals serves people from all social and economic backgrounds. They work as financial counselors, educators, coaches, and planners to deliver high quality financial guidance to individuals and families nationwide,” said Rachael DeLeon, AFCPE Executive Director. “Knowledge builds agency, hope, and opportunity – something that all students deserve. By strengthening the financial education of our youth, we strengthen the financial wellbeing of our communities. We hope to amplify and inform the work of the coalition by connecting our professional community with the resources needed to be a voice for change.”

About AFCPE:

The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure the highest level of knowledge, skill, and integrity of the personal finance profession. We believe that all people – regardless of income or background – deserve equitable access to high quality financial counseling and education, and the opportunity to meet with a professional who has the knowledge and skills to help them achieve lasting financial well-being. Bringing together research, education, and practice, we support the profession through comprehensive training, professional development, and high-quality resources to help improve the economic well-being of individuals and families. Our Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) certification program is accredited by The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), setting the mark apart from all others in the field and emphasizing the highest standard of excellence. To learn more visit, www.afcpe.org.

FinEd50 Welcomes AFCPE to the Coalition!

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WASHINGTON, March 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/

The national program offers eligible military spouses the opportunity to earn a career-enhancing financial credential — the AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®) certification — while working with the military community. Military Spouse Fellows will gain the experience and credibility needed to work in the financial field and the flexibility to achieve their career aspirations while supporting their service members and families.

A 2021 Spouse Fellow said, “At the end of our session, the veteran got somewhat emotional as they expressed appreciation for the free assistance they are able to utilize, as well expressing affirmation over their decision to serve in the military in the first place. This gratitude reinforced in me the impact I can make in the lives of others simply by pursuing something I’m passionate about (that being personal finance).”

The program is open to current or surviving spouses of active duty or retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard or Reserve service members, as well as spouses of members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps.

Applications will be accepted until midnight EDT on Friday, April 14, 2023. Prospective candidates can apply online at: https://www.afcpe.org/military-spouse-fellowship.

The Fellowship is made possible by FINRA Investor Education Foundation in partnership with AFCPE, who administers the certification. FINRA Foundation covers the costs associated with the program’s self-study course and exam. Together, both organizations work to create a sense of community among the FINRA Foundation Fellows through their shared mission and experiences.

“FINRA Foundation research has found that more than half of Americans report feeling anxious about their finances,” said Gerri Walsh, President of the FINRA Foundation. “Equipped with training in financial counseling, FINRA Foundation Fellows can help military families to manage their financial lives and plan more confidently for their financial futures. And the AFC designation empowers military spouses by providing them with transferable skills and tools to plan for their own financial futures.”

More than 650 military spouses have earned the AFC certification courtesy of the FINRA Foundation since 2006. In pursuit of their designation, the Spouse Fellows have given back by providing financial counseling and education to more than 260,000 service members or their spouses and dedicating more than 530,000 hours to helping military families around the globe reach their financial goals.

“It’s essential for military spouses to have opportunities and tools to advance their careers,” said Rachael DeLeon, AFCPE Executive Director. “The Fellowship program uniquely impacts the spouse, their family, and the larger military community. Spouses have the opportunity to earn a nationally recognized certification, the AFC, which equips them with the knowledge and experience to help military service members and their families better navigate financial challenges and reach financial goals — now and into the future.”

Many FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellows who complete the AFC certification support the military community by serving in roles such as financial counselors on military bases, at credit counseling and tax centers, and in financial offices, among others. Fellows report strengthening knowledge and networking skills, “I think the networking … has been the most beneficial and rewarding part. I have met some incredible people and made some really great connections through the fellowship. I feel like no matter where the military takes our family, there is someone I could reach out to. It provides an extra layer of security because I know that, if needed, I could reach out to several places and get leads for a job.”

About the FINRA Investor Education Foundation
The FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that empower underserved 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.

About AFCPE
Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) certifies, trains, and supports financial professionals to be qualified motivators of change for people with life goals, regardless of where they are or where they’ve been on their financial journey. Our comprehensive certification programs represent the highest standard for financial counseling, coaching and education, including the AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®). The AFC certification is accredited by NCCA and nationally recognized by the CFPB and DoD. AFCPE membership is made up of a diverse and inclusive community representing professionals from across the financial continuum. AFCPE offers a strong professional network, as well as access to tools and resources that advance your work and enhance your career. To learn more visit, www.afcpe.org.

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“Now more than ever, our country is faced with personal finance challenges demanding that Americans make multiple financial decisions daily to stretch their dollars,” says AFCPE’s Executive Director, Rachael DeLeon. “Fortunately, AFCPE members, partners, and community members have stepped up to ensure Americans are receiving sound financial advice, tools, and resources to help them make the best decision for their financial future. We are honored to recognize those going above and beyond.”

The 2022 honorees are based in South Dakota, Washington, Texas, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania, with a national reach and impact, focused on underserved and overlooked populations that benefit most from reliable personal finance resources. The group included professors, researchers, entrepreneurs, spouses, and non-profit leaders focused on reducing racial disparities in finances, normalizing financial conversations, improving financial readiness in specific careers, and broad financial literacy topics.

Distinguished Fellow Award: Dr. Dottie Durband, AFC®, Associate Dean for Academics and Faculty/Professor of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University. Among her many professional accomplishments, Dr. Durband started the peer-based counseling group at Texas Tech, known as Red to Black, and served as the lead author of the newest financial counseling book used in the industry today. She has served as an AFCPE member for more than two decades and recently helped build out the financial counseling archives and interviews for the organization.

Setting the Standard Award: FINRA Foundation, for their ongoing efforts and partnership to increase financial readiness in the military community. The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship program has made an incredible impact over the last 17 years – not only for the financial wellbeing of the military community, but also in the lives of the military spouses who have had the opportunity to earn their AFC. Additionally, they support military financial educators through FINRA Foundation-sponsored continuing education

Educator of the Year: Dr. Axton Betz-Hamilton, AFC®, Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Program Coordinator of Consumer Affairs in the School of Health and Consumer Sciences at South Dakota State University. Her primary research focuses on financial abuse within families, including familial identity theft. Her own personal experience is detailed in her book, The Less People Know About Us.

Counselor of the Year: Robyn Mroszczyk, AFC® since 2008. Her focus on military finances has provided support to over 2,500 survivors, 10,000+ soldiers throughout Advanced Individual Training, garnered over 7 million views as #AskRobyn for the Blended Retirement System and will provide long-lasting impacts to over 1 million soldiers and their families with the first standardized, mandatory financial readiness common military training.

Outstanding Financial Counseling or Planning Center: Brunch & Budget®, founded by Pamela Capalad, AFC®, CFP®, offers financial planning and coaching with a racial wealth equity lens and a mission to make planning affordable to the communities that need it most.

Outstanding Education Program: AccessLex Institute’s MAX by AccessLex®, the first-of-its-kind multi-faceted personal finance curriculum exclusively for law students.

Outstanding Consumer Information: “The Paycheck Power Booster®” slide calculator, a teaching tool for organizations and individuals that shows how small purchases add up over time. It has been distributed more than 4 million times since 2001.

Outstanding Research Journal Article of the Year: Can Workplace Financial Counseling Help Lower-Income Workers Improve Credit Outcomes? Vol 32, Issue 3: Mathieu R. Despard, Yingying Zeng, Sophia Fox-Dichter, Ellen Frank-Miller, and Michal Grinstein-Weisse

To learn more about the AFCPE awards and recipients visit afcpe.org/membership/awards/

At the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education® (AFCPE®) our mission is to ensure the highest level of knowledge, skill, and integrity of the personal finance profession by certifying, connecting, and supporting diverse and capable professionals who serve communities worldwide. The Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) certification is accredited by NCCA. Visit AFCPE.org to learn more.

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Forty-five military spouses representing more than 40 bases globally will receive free training and assessment to earn their Accredited Financial Counselor^® (AFC^®) designation, which can help kickstart a career in financial empowerment and improve their own financial capability. The AFC offers comprehensive life-cycle financial education, providing the knowledge and skills to assist clients in complex financial decision-making.

The fellowship program is part of an ongoing effort to increase financial readiness within the military community. Military members and their families face unique financial circumstances, often including the strain caused by regular duty station changes and deployments around the world. Moreover, a 2021 study by the Military Family Advisory Network found that a substantial number of military families have less than $500 in an emergency fund. This international opportunity, funded by the FINRA Foundation and delivered by AFCPE, offers military spouses the tools, resources, education, experience, and a network of peers to help their communities address these concerns while at the same time enhancing their careers by earning the AFC.

“The pandemic and high inflation have created financial hardships and uncertainty for many Americans, including military families. Military Spouse Fellows understand the added financial stressors service members face,” said Gerri Walsh, President of the FINRA Foundation. “Our Fellows provide expert financial counseling and education to minimize financial distress and disruptions for service members and their families. The fellowship also allows military spouses to advance in portable, rewarding careers in communities around the globe.”

Financial counseling has become a viable career opportunity that supports the military family lifestyle of moving every few years while helping spouses advance their careers and give back to the military community. More than 1,700 FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowships have been awarded since 2006. In return, Fellows have dedicated over 522,000 hours providing financial counseling and education to more than 253,000 members of the military community.

“Becoming an AFC will greatly impact my personal goals of gaining more knowledge in the area of finance that will help my family and I build personal wealth,” said Amanda Brodman, 2022 Military Spouse Fellow. “It will also allow me to help others grow financial freedom as well, which I am very passionate about.”

As part of the program, Fellows gain access to hundreds of hours of training resources, a network of more than 3,000 financial professionals within and outside the military community, and hands-on experience and support needed to succeed valued at $2,500, all at no cost to them.

“The 2022 class already possesses the qualities to make a real impact in their communities,” said Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director of AFCPE. “All of these Fellows have experienced firsthand the unique financial circumstances that today’s military community face. Gaining the AFC accreditation will provide a solid foundation to expand their career opportunities and help this population improve their financial situations.”

The 2022 Military Spouse Fellows were selected from a competitive, global pool of applicants and will immediately begin their training in military communities worldwide.

The program is open to qualifying spouses of active-duty or retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Army or Air National Guard or reserve component service members, as well as to spouses of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration professionals. For more information and to sign up for program updates, visit afcpe.org/certification/military-spouse-fellowship.

2022 Military Spouse Fellowship Class: 

• Angelina Adame-Gignac, Army, Alabama
• Daniela Agudelo, Navy, Italy
• Nina Bergmark, Army, Missouri
• Christina Blackford, Army, New York
• Amanda Brodman, Navy, California
• Laurel Browning, Navy, California
• Patti Busque, Air Force, Florida
• Andrea Corpening, Air Force, Florida
• Michele Coughlin-DeRosier, Army, Germany
• Gina Di Nola, Army, Texas
• Matthew Diehls, Army, Germany
• Kristina Ellis, Navy, Hawaii
• Dana Elmini, Navy, Italy
• Noel Estrada, Navy, Florida
• Jaime Farrell, Marine Corps, California
• Andrea Fisher, National Guard, Arkansas
• Tracey Gordon, Army, Tennessee
• Cortney Howard, Navy, Virginia
• Nicole Jameson, Air Force, Germany
• Sergio Jimenez, Air Force, North Carolina
• Stephanie Jones, Marine Corps, South Carolina
• Sara Justice, Navy, Florida
• Rachel Konchinsky-Pate, Navy, Indiana
• Tabatha Leard, Navy, Florida
• Betsy Leese, Navy, Rhode Island
• Genie Madson, Air Force, Texas
• Aimee Mensinger, Navy, California
• Julie Mitchell, Marine Corps, Japan
• Christina Molnar, Army, Germany
• Jaye Moncier, Navy, California
• Angelica Mutai, Navy, Italy
• Jessica Oxley, Army, Washington
• Shalini Patel, Air Force, Louisiana
• Cinthia Raez, Army, Germany
• Megan Riley, Army, North Carolina
• Sergio Rodriguez, Navy, Georgia
• Ayannah Rovira, National Guard, South Carolina
• Gaby Sanchez-Manney, Air Force, California
• Brandon Shurn, Air Force, Maryland
• Anthony Sisti, Navy, Japan
• Lindsey Slattery, Army, Kansas
• Rose Sloan, Army, Florida
• Jamie Thomas, Navy, Florida
• Alysse Turner, Navy, Italy
• Ashley Walker, Marine Corps, North Carolina

About the FINRA Investor Education Foundation

The FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that empower underserved Americans with the knowledge, skills, and tools to make sound financial decisions throughout life. In 2006, the FINRA Foundation launched a multifaceted program to expand the saving and investing knowledge of military service members and their spouses. The FINRA Foundation is an active participant in the Department of Defense Financial Readiness Network and holds a U.S. Coast Guard Qualified Organization Designation. For more information about FINRA Foundation initiatives, visit finrafoundation.org.

About AFCPE®

The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) ensures the highest integrity of the financial counseling profession by certifying, connecting, and supporting diverse professionals. Our comprehensive certification programs represent the gold standard for financial counseling, coaching, and education, including the AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®) which is accredited by NCCA and nationally recognized by both the CFPB and DoD. AFCPE supports its professionals by providing career advancement and professional development opportunities, including exceptional financial education training, the Journal for Financial Counseling & Planning, and the Annual AFCPE Symposium. Visit afcpe.org for more information.

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