AFCPE We’re a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to educating, training, and certifying!

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.

06/01/2026

Stay connected and keep learning this June with Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education events and webinars designed for financial counseling and education professionals.

AFCPE® members receive free access to webinars year-round—supporting ongoing professional growth and practice development.

Ready to join the community?

Become a member today: https://www.afcpe.org/membership/

New Money Mindset blog: "Fight Inflation One Percent at a Time," by Samuel Molina, AFC®, MSFP, CFT™Interest rates remain...
05/28/2026

New Money Mindset blog: "Fight Inflation One Percent at a Time," by Samuel Molina, AFC®, MSFP, CFT™

Interest rates remain elevated; that shift can create real opportunity for savers.

When financial institutions compete for deposits, they often respond with higher yields on savings products. For consumers, that can mean improved returns simply by being more intentional about where cash is held.

For financial professionals, it’s a reminder that even small rate differentials can matter in cash management strategies and short-term positioning.

Small changes. Real impact. One percent at a time.

📖 Read the full blog post here: https://buff.ly/dtB1NEe

Looking to make an impact in the financial counseling and education profession? Get involved with AFCPE® leadership!Join...
05/27/2026

Looking to make an impact in the financial counseling and education profession? Get involved with AFCPE® leadership!

Join us for upcoming info sessions to learn more about serving on the Board of Directors or Certification Council:

📅 Board Info Session | June 2nd | 12 PM ET
Learn about board service and the nomination process.

📅 Certification Council Info Session | June 4th | 12 PM ET
AFCPE® is seeking 2 new members (2027–2029) for Military and Public constituencies. AFC® not required.

Join us to learn more and explore ways to get involved!

Who is most at risk for lower financial health and how should we respond?A new article in the Journal of Financial Couns...
05/26/2026

Who is most at risk for lower financial health and how should we respond?

A new article in the Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning examines how demographic factors shape financial health using National Financial Capability Study data (2015, 2018, 2021).

Financial health, measured through spending, borrowing, saving, and planning, varied significantly by age, race, education, income, employment status, and marital status. The study found that demographic factors explained 39% of the variance in financial health outcomes.

Lower financial health scores were most associated with adults ages 25–34, non-White respondents, lower-income households, and those with less education or less stable employment.

The findings reinforce a clear takeaway: financial health is not one-size-fits-all. Tailored, data-informed education and interventions are essential.

Read the full article here: https://buff.ly/LcnlJo6

Note: AFCPE® members get free access to all JFCP articles. Click the link in our comments to learn more about member benefits.

Our offices are closed today in observance of Memorial Day,As we pause to recognize this national holiday, we honor and ...
05/25/2026

Our offices are closed today in observance of Memorial Day,

As we pause to recognize this national holiday, we honor and remember the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. AFCPE® proudly supports the military community year-round through its commitment to financial education, counseling, and service.

We hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day.

📖 Now in the Q2 issue of The Standard: Understanding Financial Trauma by Heidi ClemonsMoney experiences don’t happen in ...
05/20/2026

📖 Now in the Q2 issue of The Standard: Understanding Financial Trauma by Heidi Clemons

Money experiences don’t happen in a vacuum. For many people, financial behaviors are deeply shaped by life experiences—including trauma.

In Understanding Financial Trauma, Heidi Clemons explores how financial trauma can impact everyday money decisions and offers insights into how compassion and practical support can help people rebuild confidence and stability.

For survivors leaving high-demand groups or abusive relationships, managing money independently can feel overwhelming, unfamiliar, or even scary. What may look like procrastination, avoidance, or financial “disorganization” is often connected to deeper experiences of control, manipulation, or restricted autonomy.

Whether you’re a financial professional supporting clients or someone interested in the connection between emotions and money, this Q2 article offers an important perspective on the human side of personal finance.

💬 How do you think life experiences shape the way we manage money?

📚 Read the full article here: https://www.afcpe.org/news-and-publications/the-standard/2nd-quarter-2026/understanding-financial-trauma/

05/15/2026

Every AFC® professional has a story — and every journey starts with a commitment to helping others achieve financial well-being.

The AFC certification program is designed to help financial professionals build the skills, confidence, and practical knowledge needed to support individuals and families through financial counseling and education. From coursework and training to a strong professional community, the process is built to help you grow both personally and professionally.

In this reel, AFC's share how earning their certification impacted their careers, expanded opportunities, and strengthened the difference they make in the lives of others every day.

If you’ve been considering the AFC certification, this is your sign to explore what’s possible. 💙

Click here to learn more: https://www.afcpe.org/certification/afc/

05/13/2026

🎙️ NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Beyond the Numbers: The Emotional Side of Financial Planning with Dr. Sonya Lutter

Money is never just about numbers. In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael and Brandy sit down with Dr. Sonya Lutter to unpack the emotional and psychological side of financial decision-making.

From emotional spending and financial stress to navigating money conversations in relationships, this episode explores how our thoughts, behaviors, and experiences shape financial wellness. 💭💸

We discuss:

✨ Why stress impacts financial decisions
✨ The emotional weight behind money arguments
✨ How communication and empathy support better client relationships
✨ The differences between financial psychology, financial counseling, and financial therapy

Whether you’re a financial professional or simply curious about the human side of money, this conversation offers meaningful takeaways you can apply in both work and life.

🎥 Watch now: https://buff.ly/rYHWOBp

Ready to take your financial planning knowledge to the next level? 📈 Register for the Amplified Planning Externship! Reg...
05/11/2026

Ready to take your financial planning knowledge to the next level? 📈

Register for the Amplified Planning Externship!

Registration closes on May 22nd, and the live program begins June 1st.

This 8-week virtual, asynchronous experience gives you an inside look at real client meetings while helping you build practical financial planning skills alongside 50+ industry experts. Participants also gain access to tools like eMoney, Redtail, EncorEstates, Asset-Map, and new for 2026: Nitrogen and Holistiplan.

Plus, Externship Finishers can earn:

✔️ 500 CFP Board standard pathway hours

✔️ 180 AFCPE® experience hours

Whether you’re building experience, growing your confidence, or expanding your professional toolkit, this is an opportunity to invest in your future.

Register today by clicking the link in our bio.

ProfessionalDevelopment FinancialCounseling Externship CareerGrowth FinTech FinancialWellBeing

Ready to take your financial planning knowledge to the next level? 📈Register for the Amplified Planning Externship!Regis...
05/11/2026

Ready to take your financial planning knowledge to the next level? 📈

Register for the Amplified Planning Externship!

Registration closes on May 22nd, and the live program begins June 1.

This 8-week virtual, asynchronous experience gives you an inside look at real client meetings while helping you build practical financial planning skills alongside 50+ industry experts. Participants also gain access to tools like eMoney, Redtail, EncorEstates, Asset-Map, and new for 2026: Nitrogen and Holistiplan.

Plus, Externship Finishers can earn:

✔️ 500 CFP Board standard pathway hours
✔️ 180 AFCPE® experience hours

Whether you're building experience, growing your confidence, or expanding your professional toolkit, this is an opportunity to invest in your future.

Register today: https://buff.ly/w9rQdAs

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Columbus, OH

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