Episode•September 16, 2021•32 min

Becoming An Accredited Financial Counselor with Rebecca Wiggins | Ep. 70

About Our Guest Rebecca Wiggins is the Executive Director of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE®) where she leads the professional membership and certification organization for the field of financial counseling and education and provides an annual research and training symposium for field professionals. She is a hands-on executive with over 10 years of experience in nonprofit organizational management. As a respected leader, she has built motivated staff teams with strategic vision and diligence, while optimizing operational efficiencies and creative opportunities. Previously, Rebecca managed multiple financial education grant-funded programs for military financial counselors and educators, in partnership with FINRA Investor Education Foundation and Department of Defense. As Grant Programs Coordinator, Ms. Wiggins worked collaboratively with subject matter curriculum and design experts, managing the quality assurance, implementation and evaluation components for each project. As Director of Certification Programs, Ms. Wiggins expanded the organization’s Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) University partnership program and implemented policies and procedures for greater efficiency and support for certification candidates. Additionally, she worked to elevate standards and support for the post certification requirements to maintain AFCPE designations. Ms. Wiggins holds a Masters of Family Financial Planning and a Masters in Business Administration. She is deeply committed to AFCPE’s mission and focused efforts to build, support and ensure the integrity of the Personal Finance profession and improve the economic well-being of all individuals and families worldwide. Connect with Rebecca LinkedIn AFCPE Twitter Connect with Tiffany on Social Media Facebook: Money Talk With Tiff Twitter: @moneytalkwitht Instagram: @moneytalkwitht LinkedIn: Tiffany Grant YouTube: Money Talk With Tiff Channel Pinterest: Money Talk With Tiff This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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Key Takeaways

Skill sets and networking often outweigh formal credentials when pursuing career opportunities

Rebecca transitioned from music and arts administration into financial counseling through program management skills and a key connection at AFCPE

Tiffany emphasizes that "it's not what you know, it's who you know" and encourages applying even when job descriptions list requirements you don't fully meet

The AFC (Accredited Financial Counselor) and CFP (Certified Financial Planner) serve different client needs along a financial continuum

AFC focuses on budgeting, debt management, spending plans, and the emotional/psychological aspects of money

CFP focuses on long-term wealth building, investments, insurance, and tax strategies

Many professionals hold both certifications to serve clients across their entire financial journey

Follow your passion rather than the money—identify what makes your "heartbeat faster"

Rebecca found alignment between her values around equity/inclusion and AFCPE's mission to close racial and gender wealth gaps

Tiffany transitioned from HR to financial education because helping people get out of debt brought her joy

Both guests stress that career paths are rarely linear and twists/turns are normal

It's okay—and often necessary—to ask for help with personal finances

Most people weren't taught money management in school and were taught to be quiet about money

Financial counselors provide judgment-free support and have often walked in clients' shoes

Consumers should verify credentials, continuing education requirements, and backing organizations before hiring professionals

Intro

Tiffany Grant interviews Rebecca Wiggins, Executive Director of AFCPE, about becoming an Accredited Financial Counselor and navigating non-linear career paths in financial services.

Rebecca Wiggins leads the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE), a national nonprofit that certifies financial counselors. She holds master's degrees in Family Financial Planning and Business Administration, previously managed military financial education grants, and co-hosts the podcast Real Money, Real Experts.

Becoming An Accredited Financial Counselor with Rebecca Wiggins | Ep. 70

Key Takeaways

Intro

– Rebecca's Non-Linear Career Journey

– The Power of Networking and Taking Opportunities

– What is AFCPE and the AFC Certification?

– AFC vs CFP: Understanding the Distinctions

– Can You Hold Both AFC and CFP?

– Identifying Your Passion and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

– It's Okay to Ask for Help

Resources

Topics