What Does it Take to Create Successful Personal Finance Programs?

If you’re on a quest to find out how to build personal finance programs that achieve maximum success, you’ve reached the right spot. In the sections that follow, you’ll receive a rundown of all the steps involved to develop a financial literacy program model that truly works. Read on:

Practicality, Goal-setting are Key

In the sections that follow, we outline the recent history of an individual who received guidance for developing personal finance degree programs that had real effect on the participants and the sponsors.

DeCorey manages the afternoon dispatch team for the regional division of a rideshare company. Many of his 23 employees are students at the local university, and others are in process of applying for college. DeCorey interacts with his team regularly and hears a lot of discussion about money issues. He knows money problems are a leading cause of college dropout, so he decides to look into personal finance programs for groups of this demographic. But DeCorey also was aware that he would need some advice.

DeCorey collected the information he needed by putting a short survey in their paycheck envelopes. He found out that the team was ripe for just a basic core course in money management.

Free Personal Finance Programs Should be Practical

DeCorey had a strong notion of his near-term goal: to ensure that his employees had the personal finance foundation to stay the university course. Given that so many of his team were both working and attending school, their time allotment for attending personal finance programs would be limited. He figured that one or two hours a week was about the maximum they could participate, so he felt fine with a basic financial literacy class or course that compressed some key knowledge into easily understood segments.

Therefore, DeCorey’s ultimate goal for his personal finance degree programs was for the participants to attain the “apply” level on Bloom’s Taxonomy – using information in new situations.

Choose and Conquer

Once DeCorey’s goals were in place, he needed to choose how his personal finance programs would be delivered. There were a few options available, from in-person training to webinars to DIY programs. Based on the scheduling constraints, DeCorey selected digital online lessons for his financial literacy courses delivery.

Working Out the Kinks

At this stage, DeCorey would have to narrow down the topic focus for his personal finance programs. Since he was dealing with many university students, he decided to home in on the subjects of paying for higher education, choosing a career path, and creating a student loan repayment plan. These topics were suggested by the CFPB as important for young adult financial education.

Unearthing the Most Qualified Presenter

DeCorey next was charged with discovering a presenter with the right qualifications to spearhead the free personal finance programs. He needed someone with audience relatability plus high-level knowledge of personal finance topics. DeCorey was able to locate a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) through the NFEC’s network.

Formatting Options

Now DeCorey faced the task of selecting personal finance programs that were backed up with a financial capability curriculum package that could be applied within his given time frame, yet still maintained the highest quality. DeCorey chose a program with a segmented design that could be taught either in single modules or as a full package.

Reporting Outcomes and Results

Recall that DeCorey supervised 23 employees. Out of that group, 21 saw the personal finance degree programs through to the finish. DeCorey collected data before and after the programming to find out how much they learned – and saw that their mean scores increased by 15%, a satisfying result. DeCorey compiled the information into a vividly designed report to illuminate their accomplishments.

Continuing to Grow into the Future

DeCorey felt his personal finance programs had succeeded, and was delighted to continue. He wanted first to recognize his team’s collective achievement, so he threw a party to celebrate. Then DeCorey set up continuing education lessons that were released monthly, so his employees would maintain their forward momentum.

Share the gift of financial education programming with a school, nonprofit organization, or entire community – sponsor the NFEC’s financial literacy package. The package includes: eLearning platform, curriculum, and educator training. Your sponsorship will support organizations that desire to empower the people they serve with practical financial education.

If you seek to make a real, measurable impact on the financial capabilities of citizens, the NFEC is the best choice for your investment. Our financial literacy programs cost less per student than most available programs, while providing robust financial literacy education that serves both learner and educator.

The NFEC’s programming focuses on more than just education; it includes promotions to gain added recognition for the sponsor and for the overall financial literacy movement. Sponsoring a campaign can help your organization meet its business objectives while you serve the community in a meaningful way. Some benefits past sponsors have received include client acquisition, fulfilling CRA requirements, launching new product lines, reduced marketing costs, media awareness, community goodwill, and unique brand recognition.

Your generosity funds key ingredients toward a national solution, including state-of-the-art education, widespread awareness about the financial literacy movement, and the creation of sustainable, scalable programs that ensure long-term success at raising the financial capabilities of citizens around the world.

Patron Program

Community Financial Education Ambassadors share the gift of financial education with schools, nonprofits, and various community groups. By becoming a Patron you will support organizations that desire to empower the people they serve with practical financial education. Participation is simple:

Select

Select the group (school, nonprofit, or community) you wish to sponsor; or the NFEC can connect you with one of more than a thousand organizations that have requested support.

Delivery

The NFEC handles all setup and delivery of sponsored programming, highlighting your organization’s generosity. Deliver material in person, or we can ship to the organization on your behalf.

Promotion

Participate in awareness initiatives featuring your support of the organization and leadership in promoting financial wellness.

Involvement

Take part in optional activities which may include event launch, graduation ceremonies, and/or guest speaking.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The NFEC’s programming is holistic and supports both learners and educators. The comprehensive program is aligned with educational standards, TPACK framework, and eLearning best practices.

Learners

The NFEC’s programming is grounded in constructivist theory. That means learners construct their own understanding by participating in real-world financial activities and then reflecting on the lessons delivered via the eLearning Platform and live instruction presentation resources. The learner-centered approach to education applies scaffolding, simulation, project-based learning, case studies, and other accepted educational strategies. Theprogram is designed to help participants assimilate what they learn, and then translate knowledge into action.

Educators

Research has established that teachers are the single most important variable contributing to student success, regardless of student age.(1) Because the qualifications of financial educators have direct impact both on short-term student outcomes and on their long-term financial well-being, the NFEC’s programming offers materials to support educator development and class facilitation. The NFEC curriculum is aligned with the TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge) educational framework that identifies the skills educators should possess in order to teach effectively.

(1) L. Sanders, S. P. Wright and S. P. Horn (1997). Teacher and classroom context effects on student achievement: Implications for teacher evaluation. Journal of Personnel Evaluation in Education, 11.

Financial Education Resource Package

eLearning Platform
(Technology & Content Knowledge)

The National Financial Educators Council’s proprietary eLearning platform presents an authentic, dynamic learning process. The platform’s engaging content and vivid design create a unique user experience and connection with Patrons. Learners (both educators and student end-users) become inspired to take action toward building sound financial foundations. Learn more.

Presentation Materials (Pedagogical & Content Knowledge)

The program’s curriculum and eLearning platform work together to make integrating technology into the classroom easy. The lessons align with online videos, online testing, and other resources so blended learning or flipped classrooms may be conducted with ease. Educators also can integrate the resources to conduct more traditional classroom sessions. Learn more.

Educator Training
(Pedagogical Knowledge)

The NFEC’s Certified Financial Education Instructor program is designed to improve teachers’ pedagogical knowledge and ability to teach personal finance. Financial education is a unique subject that requires specialized expertise to teach effectively. This professional development program helps educators gain both confidence and the ability to help others improve their financial capabilities. Learn more.

Personal Finance Programs

Media Promotions & Launch Events

To ensure that your organization receives the recognition it deserves, the NFEC can help you build awareness in your chosen market. Increase the reach and frequency of the financial literacy movement while you connect with others who have an affinity for this cause. Case study – financial literacy survey promotion.

Our Patrons receive customized public relations options. The NFEC either can provide a managed PR solution, or coordinate efforts with your public relations and compliance departments to ensure alignment with your brand and messaging. Available media promotions include:

Press Releases

Approved press release delivered via e-releases.

Direct Media Outreach

Direct local media contact outreach or collaboration with your PR team.

Social Media

Social media recognition via NFEC’s Twitter & Facebook pages.

Marketing Materials

When you become a Patron, your organization will receive tremendous buzz, deeper connection with your community, exposure to new customers, potential media recognition, and widespread goodwill. You receive a comprehensive marketing package that highlights the valuable resources you are providing to your fellow citizens and demonstrates how you are helping to create a positive impact in the lives of community members. Your customized marketing package will include:

  • Letters to schools & nonprofits – Your Introduction
  • Brochure – Sells Program
  • Custom Welcome Webpage – Provides Additional Information & Legitimacy
  • Flier – Promotes Course to Students
  • Letters to parents – For Full Family Involvement
  • Email Communication – Template Communication Forms

Private Labeling Options

The NFEC’s eLearning Platform can be custom-branded to meet your needs. Learn your options and view samples below:

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Basic Example

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Private Example

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Advanced Example

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Customized Incentives

For organizations that want to provide incentives to students participating in the course, the NFEC’s proprietary Learning Management System has a built-in incentive program linked to participant accomplishments. Organizations have the option to offer custom incentives that encourage participation and completion of set milestones.

Sponsors & Patrons

Share the gift of financial education with a school, nonprofit organization, or community in your state – sponsor financial literacy programming. Your sponsorship will support organizations with a desire to empower the people they serve with practical financial education.

The NFEC connects you with organizations that can offer benefits aligned with your company’s objectives. Some benefits past sponsors have received include client acquisition promotions, fulfilling CRA requirements, launching new product lines, reduced marketing costs, media awareness, community goodwill, and unique brand recognition. Programming is focused on more than just education; it includes promotions to gain added recognition for the sponsor and the overall financial literacy movement.

The NFEC delivers an excellent sponsorship value. Sponsoring a campaign can help your organization meet its business objectives while you serve the community in a meaningful way.

 

Community Personal Finance Programs
by Alex Rydell

The NFEC’s social enterprise fund provides complimentary personal finance programs to nonprofit organization and schools across the country. Through collaborative efforts with financial professionals, advocates and concerned citizens the NFEC’s personal finance education material is serving people in over a thousand communities across the United States and twenty-eight countries around the world.

The NFEC provides turnkey financial education resources for those financial professionals and concerned citizens who seek to improve their community’s financial capability while raising awareness and building community goodwill. Providing training and tools to help professionals and concerned citizens connect with their target audiences. The NFEC is dedicated to helping outreach partners accomplish their business and personal goals while spreading the message of financial literacy.

By providing people in the community a practical financial education, it shows the financial professionals take a long term approach to working with clients. Giving them the foundation knowledge necessary to build their credit, establish a savings plan, set financial goals and other essential personal money management topics, the financial professional is able to build future qualified clients.

This is a long-term strategy that also offers near-term benefits. Media coverage, expanded network, new clients and increased top of mind awareness are all possible benefits a financial professional can experience during the launch of the Financial EduNation campaign. Many of the people that are exposed to the promotions start thinking about their personal financial planning and many understand the importance of receiving professional guidance.

This and a host of other money management topics highlight the personal finance programs promoted by the National Financial Educators Council.

Providing personal finance programs can enrich the lives of those that live within the community and help financial professionals meet their business goals. Many financial professionals and community advocates are energized when they receive touching emails from recipients that took part in the Financial EduNation Campaign and the difference it has made in their life.

To help us become savvy enough to invest with the best, financial literacy programs can be quite helpful. The NFEC (www.financialeducatorscouncil.org) offers a wide range of products, programs, and services at both the individual and group levels. For those individuals interested in teaching personal finance, the NFEC has a certification program. The Certified Financial Education Instructor training prepares graduates to teach personal finance effectively, matches them with presentation opportunities, and positions them as qualified instructors who are also members of the Personal Finance Speakers Association. Thus the NFEC can help you put together a team of advisors with the qualifications and expertise you need.

Personal Finance Program Looks at Investing from a Big-picture View

There’s little doubt that most people become emotional about their money. Too often we get bogged down in the little details of day-to-day spending and our checking account bottom line—focusing on the trees, rather than seeing the whole forest. The NFEC’s personal finance program encourages us to take a big-picture view, especially toward investing.

A key component of good money management programs is helping individuals gain a positive attitude toward money. Gaining that perspective requires patience and calm. Investments are likely to go up and down in value, sometimes very quickly. It’s tempting to become alarmed and make hasty decisions.

The NFEC cautions against making any rash investment moves. This team of experts has reviewed the financial statements of more than 50,000 individuals, and their emerging personal finance programs represent the state of the art. They recommend stepping back and looking at the big picture, keeping the following points in mind:

  1. Watch for trends. The market will have a tendency to move in certain directions. Keep your eyes open and place investments ahead of trends.
  2. Conduct demographic research. Long-term trends are based on the characteristics of different groups of people.
  3. Do general research. Conduct due diligence investigation of any investment you consider. Does the company have any problems being reported in the news?

The next step in this financial wellness program is to check into your emotional state. Emotions have a powerful effect on our money decisions. The most common emotions behind money issues are greed and fear. We need to shed our emotional baggage and take the long view in order to invest wisely.

Finally, although having a team of trusted advisors is important, we need to make our decisions independently. The NFEC’s personal finance lesson plans remind people that there’s always a salesman ready with a “hot tip.” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Maintaining this big-picture perspective will help us remain patient and consider all our decisions with a cool head.

Complimentary Financial Literacy Resources
& Free Personal Finance Programs

The NFEC provides free personal finance programs along with the other resources listed below to support individuals and organizations who want to teach financial literacy lessons, promote financial wellness, and share best practices with others in the industry.

Most free personal finance programs don’t simply teach people about money—they have an underlying agenda. Many of these programs are produced by companies that want to sell you on their company. College graduates across the country now face an average credit card debt exceeding $20,000. Why should we expose our youth with brands that may lead to future financial problems?

The National Financial Educators Council takes a different approach. The NFEC is an independent, social enterprise organization that is focused on educating our youth—not selling them products or services they may not need. The NFEC has a vested interest in improving participants’ financial capability, to help them achieve a state of financial wellness and avoid financial problems.

All material provided is 100% educational; no advertisements are presented. The NFEC is an independent financial literacy council with a social enterprise business model. This structure gives us the freedom to deliver unbiased financial education and develop scalable initiatives to ensure long-term success at raising the financial capabilities of citizens around the world.

Choosing the best-known, most informational options will help anyone, regardless of his or her age. Considering all the available choices is the only way to find the ones that work best for you. Reviewing the various options we offer will help you choose the ones most beneficial to your individual needs.

Additional Resources Available to Certified Financial Education Instructors and NFEC Clients Include:

Workshop Presentations & Curriculum Packages

Receive your complimentary workshop package including a 90-minute presentation, instructor guide, student guide, marketing flyers, PowerPoint, and other materials.

Simply complete the form above to gain instant access to free personal finance programs.

National Financial
Capability Strategy

Complimentary report – the NFEC analyzed 43 recent proceedings documents, agency reports, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed research articles highlighting the overall strategies identified by various agencies to guide nationwide financial literacy promotion.

Enter your information above for instant access to this report and all other materials on this page.

Educator Standards: Framework for Teaching Personal Finance

The first set of standards for training financial educators. The NFEC developed the Framework for Teaching Personal Finance to share benchmarks with the financial education industry that will assist educators to become more effective instructors and give them the tools they need to help individuals improve their financial capabilities.

Access this complimentary report now. Enter your information above.

Financial Literacy Testing
& Survey Center

The NFEC’s Financial Literacy Testing and Survey Center provides over 20 free tests and surveys. The objectives of the Center includes complimentary resources for financial educators, tools for people interested in improving their financial knowledge, and up-to-date media information related to all aspects of financial education.

Enter your name and email above now to access the Testing & Survey Center.

Grant Guide &
Funding Tools

Through the NFEC’s Financial EduNation Campaign, organizations and individuals gain complimentary access to financial education sponsorship and other educational resources. The campaign objective is to provide access to funding sources, educational material, and promotions – complimentary – to build awareness for the financial literacy movement.

Complete the form on this page to receive instant access.

Learner Standards: Financial Literacy Framework

The NFEC’s Financial Literacy Framework & Standards provides a platform that includes the big ideas, essential questions, and content standards designed to encourage the highest level of achievement among participants of all ages. These guidelines clearly define the content and skills people need to improve their financial capabilities as they mature through the life stages.

Enter your information above now to receive access.

Financial Literacy
Advocacy Center

For those who desire to make a lasting difference in people’s lives and contribute to the financial literacy movement, the NFEC created the Advocacy Center. Here you will find tools, tips, and resources to help you promote financial wellness in your community and make a positive impact on your fellow citizens’ lives.

Simply enter your name and email on this page to receive instant access.

Family Savings
Challenge*

Bring financial literacy home with this interactive, fun way for families to build savings while improving their children’s financial capabilities. Ensure that your children learn valuable financial skills by sharing the practical tips and simple activities included in this program.

Take part in the Family Savings Challenge – enter your information above for access.

*Available only in select geographic areas.

National Financial
Educators Day

Financial Educators Day recognizes those individuals who are working to improve the financial capabilities of people in their communities.

You can access National Financial Educators Day resources to help you recognize and honor financial educators and advocates who make an impact in your community.

Community Patrons Fund Complimentary Resources & Support National Solution

The NFEC thanks its Patrons for investing in our financial education products and services. Patron support allows us to remain 100% independent and fund the development of these complimentary resources so they remain free of any advertising or sponsor messaging.

The generosity of our Supporters funds key ingredients mentioned in the National Financial Capability Strategy, including state-of-the-art education, widespread awareness about the financial literacy movement, and the creation of sustainable, scalable programs that ensure long-term success at raising the financial capabilities of citizens around the world.

Each Patron helps our efforts to expand and improve programming. Not only are you bringing a comprehensive campaign to your community; you are helping move the global financial literacy movement forward. The NFEC invests portions of your financial gifts into funds aligned with the National Strategy.

Changing How Our Country Tackles Financial Empowerment of Its Citizens