Advisory Board Member Raymond Donegan Jr.
California Financial Educators Council
Born on Chicago’s South Side, Raymond Donegan Jr. now calls San Diego, California home – and it’s in California where he dedicates his energies to empowering families and communities with financial wellness education. A retired 22-year veteran of the U.S. military, Donegan earned a BS in Technology Management from DeVry University in 2013 and credentials as a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) through the National Financial Educators Council in 2023. He also holds certifications in Security+ (cybersecurity) and as a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and is a licensed Life Insurance Broker.
Being named to the California Financial Educators Council Advisory Board takes Raymond’s passion for financial literacy advocacy to the next level. By participating on the CFEC committee, Advisory Board Member Raymond Donegan Jr. plans to scale his interactive personal finance trainings to reach even more California individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds with this vital information. Throughout his entire career, Raymond has demonstrated the top-level leadership, ethical, and community service standards that qualify him to represent the CFEC on its prestigious advisory board. The California Council is anticipating a lasting and constructive partnership with Raymond Donegan Jr. in the upcoming years.
Empowering Life Readiness with Essential Financial Education: Raymond Donegan Jr.
My name is Raymond Donegan Jr. I’m a retired U.S. military service member, NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®), and licensed life insurance broker dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities through financial literacy in San Diego, CA and its counties.
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of growing up in an underserved community where financial education wasn’t taught in schools or discussed at the dinner table. I saw families work hard but still struggle – not because they lacked ambition, but because they lacked access to financial knowledge. Those early experiences shaped my purpose and ignited my lifelong commitment to financial empowerment.
During my 22 years of military service, I learned the value of discipline, structure, and strategic planning – skills essential to both leadership and financial wellness. I served in multiple leadership capacities, including Command Financial Specialist, Command Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Representative, Military Police Officer, Command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor, Command Sexual Assault Victim Intervention Program Coordinator, and Supply Department Leading Petty Officer. Through those experiences, I came to understand that true readiness isn’t just physical or tactical – it’s financial. Yet even with all I had learned, I realized I hadn’t taught my own daughters those same lessons soon enough. That realization became my mission.
Now based in San Diego, California, I lead interactive, real-world financial literacy workshops for diverse audiences – from high school seniors preparing for independence to community organizations seeking to build generational wealth. My programs focus on budgeting, debt management, wealth-building, proper protection, and long-term planning, but above all, they focus on mindset – helping people shift from financial fear to financial freedom.
My passion for service didn’t end when I retired from the military; it evolved. Today, I am committed to helping others gain the financial confidence to build strong foundations, seize opportunities, and create lasting change for generations to come. Because financial literacy isn’t just about money – it’s about freedom, stability, and the power to design the life you deserve.
California Financial Educators Council Board Details
The California Financial Educators Council Advisory Board Members drive our push to build sustainable, scalable economic empowerment programs that affect people’s lives at the community level. Our Advisory Board Members share their knowledge and expertise to guide financial wellness programs and donations to community members.
Our Board Members are professionals who have successfully passed a rigorous selection process and have proven their commitment to supporting the growth of sustainable financial wellness programming in their communities. Board members possess these traits:
Dedication
A demonstrated deep passion for raising financial wellness, empowering people, and strengthening whole communities with financial education.
Contribution
Minimum contributions of time, active participation, and communication are required of individuals and organizations selected to serve on the Advisory Board.
Integrity
Board members are individuals with a proven history of providing ethical, honest service in their local communities and maintaining strong professional values.
