AFCPE

06/23/2026

🎙️ New Episode Alert: Real Money, Real Experts

Why do we make the financial decisions we do? The answer often goes much deeper than budgeting, saving, or investing.

In "Money Roots & Financial Wellness: Understanding the Stories Behind Our Financial Decisions," hosts Rachael DeLeon and Brandy Baxter sit down with Jack Howard, Head of Money Wellness at Ally, to explore how our beliefs, experiences, and personal narratives shape our relationship with money.

From financial trauma and scarcity mindsets to the concept of "money roots," this conversation dives into the emotional and psychological factors that influence financial well-being. Jack shares insights from her personal and professional journey, highlighting how self-awareness, values, and understanding your money story can lead to healthier financial habits and a more fulfilling financial life.

💬 What's one money lesson or experience from your past that still influences the way you manage money today? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Watch the full episode: https://buff.ly/YU0gB7H

06/22/2026

Mid-summer break = the perfect time to revisit a must-hear Real Money, Real Experts episode! 🔥

We're re-airing Justin Chastain's AFC®️ episode — "The Wealth Within: How Self-Worth Shapes Net Worth" — on June 23rd.

Listen to the full episode: https://buff.ly/epqOFrW

New episodes are coming in July and we. cannot. wait. 🎙️

06/19/2026

This is a day to remember, a day to learn, a day to inspire. In honor of Juneteenth, our offices will be closed today.

06/17/2026

Featured in The Standard Newsletter: "Counseling for the Unknown: How AFC® Professionals Can Help Military Spouses Prepare for a Divorce," by Dr. David Fernandez, PsyD., JD, AFC®

Divorce can be a difficult and emotional life change—and for military spouses, it often comes with added financial questions around benefits, housing, healthcare, and long-term planning.

In this latest article, “How AFC Professionals Can Help Military Spouses Prepare for Divorce,” we explore how AFC® professionals can support military spouses as they navigate these decisions with greater clarity and confidence. From understanding key benefits to planning for financial stability after divorce, informed support can make a meaningful difference during a challenging time. 💙

For financial counselors, coaches, and educators, this piece also highlights practical ways to strengthen client support through empathetic, client-centered financial guidance.

📖 Read the full article: https://buff.ly/pF7dvbq

In this article, Dr. David Fernandez explains how an AFC® can help during uncertain financial times, such as divorce.

06/15/2026

The AFCPE® Symposium Scholarship window is now open!

Scholarship recipients receive complimentary in-person registration to the 2026 AFCPE® Symposium, taking place November 17–19 in Bethesda, MD — making it easier to be part of this incredible professional development experience. 💙

Whether you're a student, first-time attendee, financial coach, counselor, educator, or someone passionate about helping others improve financial well-being, this could be your opportunity to join the AFCPE community at Symposium.

✨ Thinking about applying? Hear directly from past recipients.

In this reel, Raya Boyte Starnes, AFC®, Maja Gillespie, and Cherie Stueve, PhD, CFP®, AFC®, FFC®, FBS®, CAP®, all past Symposium Scholarship recipients share how the scholarship helped make attending Symposium possible and the lasting impact it had on their professional journeys. From meaningful connections to new ideas and professional growth, hear why Symposium mattered to them.

📅 Applications close July 20

Know someone who should apply? Tag them or share this post! 💬

06/12/2026

New research in the Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning (JFCP): “Barriers and Bias: Financial Service Challenges Among Sexual and Gender Minority Couples” examines barriers to seeking financial services and experiences of discrimination among sexual and gender minority (SGM) couples.

Findings show shared barriers across groups, while also identifying unique challenges, including affordability concerns and experiences of heterosexism and transphobia among SGM participants.

Read the article here: https://buff.ly/aa7XAuD

📚 AFCPE members receive free access to JFCP research articles as a membership benefit. Check out the link in the comments section to learn more about membership.

06/10/2026

There’s more to the story of the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE®). 💙

We recently updated the About section of our website to better share who we are, what we do, and why financial well-being matters.

Whether you’re a financial professional, educator, counselor, coach, or someone simply looking to build a stronger financial future, AFCPE is committed to advancing financial well-being for all.

🔗 Check it out the page here: https://buff.ly/NNwbRNQ

What does financial well-being mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments ⬇️

06/05/2026

🎙️ New Episode: Real Money, Real Experts, "Advocacy Made Accessible: Using Your Voice for Financial Change" with Lisa Whitley, AFC®

How can financial professionals turn client experiences into meaningful change? 💡

Hosts Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon explore how advocacy can support financial wellness, influence policy, and better serve communities — without feeling overwhelming.

✨ Big change can start with one small step. Your voice matters.

Watch now: https://www.afcpe.org/real-money-real-experts-podcast/

06/03/2026

Help celebrate the professionals, educators, counselors, and coaches making an impact in financial well-being.

✨ Only AFCPE® members can vote or apply, and award recipients are recognized at the annual AFCPE Symposium.

Want to recognize leaders in the field — or be recognized yourself? 🔓 Become an AFCPE® member to unlock exclusive opportunities to vote, apply, connect, and grow with the AFCPE community.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/Zk02uj1