Five Ways Financial Services Professionals Can Participate in Financial Education
In the financial services industry, professionals often encounter clients who would benefit from gaining more knowledge about how to manage their personal finances. The industry often also has a stake in raising awareness about the need to improve financial literacy at both the individual and community levels. At the same time, there’s a growing trend in the country toward exhibiting corporate social responsibility (CSR), and recent evidence shows that Americans are more likely to support businesses that make social impact a priority. In this article, we lay out five ways in which financial services professionals can participate in the financial education movement – for the mutual benefit of their businesses and the community.
Teaching
A financial services professional can take the initiative to earn certification as a financial educator. Well-qualified instructors can deliver financial education to individuals one-on-one or to groups of any size, from any background, and at all life stages. To meet qualifications and gain credibility and respect, prospective financial education instructors should choose a rigorous certification training program that meets top national standards.
Sponsorship
Those in the financial industry who want to meet their corporate social responsibility goals while also building their businesses can do so by sponsoring complimentary financial education resources in their communities. By adopting this model, the professional can create a win-win-win opportunity that simultaneously benefits the community, the business, and the social cause.
Advocacy
Another way for financial services professionals to get involved in promoting financial education is to advocate for the movement. Promoting school mandates for financial education, encouraging individuals and families to teach children about money, and sharing the latest research with the industry are some opportunities for conducting advocacy to help people in your community achieve greater financial strength.
Educating (autopilot)
Professional financial services companies or organizations also can choose to invest in a fully-managed, turnkey financial education program to bring to their communities. Various packages are available to reach this end, but it’s important to choose one with a trusted reputation that is proven to meet the highest standards of quality and rigor.
Empowering client families
Industry professionals can empower their own clients’ families with valuable resources that help them achieve not only their current financial goals, but also greater financial security over time. This participation method also can be incorporated within the sponsorship option outlined above.
All these modes of participation offer a financial services professional the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the community that demonstrates positive social impact; while at the same time building strong community relationships and enhancing the professional’s brand and business opportunities.
