#193: AFCPE Symposium Q&A with AFCPE Executive Director Rachael DeLeon

In this podcast, we talk to Executive Director of AFCPE Rachael DeLeon about the upcoming AFCPE Symposium, its purpose and why you should attend!

Top takeaways:

• The AFCPE is a national nonprofit that certifies, educates and supports financial coaches, counselors, and educators.
• The AFCPE Symposium brings together financial professionals from all different professions, who work with clients in a variety of sectors (e.g., military, government, private practice, academia, non profit, financial industry).
• The symposium allows people from different practice areas to learn from each other and bring new ideas to their counseling practice.
• The magic happens in the halls and the side chats.
• 4 keynote speakers:
• The State of U.S. Financial Health and Capability by Gary Mottola and Lisa Berdie
• Redefining How We Understand Financial Behavior by Rahkim Sabree (check out our interview with him from last year)
• Every Conversation Counts by Riaz Meghji
• Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is by Erika Wasserman
• The theme “Made For This Moment” injects hope and reminds us that collaborations are important to improving the nation’s financial health.
• Some topics this year include:
  • More AI topics than ever before
  • Members from FPA and Foundation for Financial Planning - building the bridge between financial counseling and financial planning
  • The importance of systemic behavioral interventions (e.g., nudges) between counseling sessions (the Coaching Operating SystemTM)
  • Why financial counseling are terrible business owners
  • Annual State of Financial Coaching/Counseling results
  • Researchers share information with practitioners
• How do you decide which sessions to attend?
  • Make time to attend different types of presentations, especially those that may be different from your typical community.
  • Look at this as an opportunity to talk to people you don’t normally have a chance to interact with.
  • Use your network to “divide and conquer” - take notes and share what you learned with each other
  • Plan to attend a post-symposium “watch party” to continue learning by watching recorded videos followed by a group discussion - either through the AFCPE or with FCN
• The app has some new features to help support networking and collaboration and helps you navigate the events in the 30-day symposium so you don’t miss anything!
• Continuing Education (CE) opportunities:
  • Pre-Approved for 15 CEUs for AFC® and CFP® professionals
  • AFC Candidates can submit experiential hours for attending and watching sessions
• Check out the pre-symposium options available for additional learning opportunities
• Sign up for the 2025 AFCPE Symposium here (in person or virtual)
  • Phoenix-Glendale, Arizona
  • Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel and Conference Center
  • Tuesday, November 18 – Thursday, November 20, 2025
  • Listen for a coupon code to match the early bird discount!
  • Members can contact AFCPE to get a special code for a deeper discount (listen for info).