AFCPE Celebrates Innovation and Impact in the Field of Personal Finance

WESTERVILLE, Ohio, Dec. 6 -- The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education issued the following news release:

The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education(R) (AFCPE(R)) annually recognizes the incredible innovation, work and leadership of its diverse community of members - financial professionals working across all areas of financial education, research and practice.

"This year's award winners are truly setting the highest standard. They are motivating change, bridging gaps and creating incredible impact in the lives of the individuals and families whom they serve. Our 2017 winners represent diversity in innovation, expertise and leadership," said AFCPE Executive Director, Rebecca Wiggins.

Award winners are peer nominated and go through a rigorous application peer-reviewed process.

2017 AFCPE Award winners include:

Mary Ellen Edmondson Educator of the Year Award, Paul Goebel, University of North Texas

Through his leadership, Paul Goebel established the UNT Student Money Management Center. Each academic year, Paul and his team offer students more than 200 educational programs. Paul provides exceptional service as an educator to the campus, community, and the nation including AFCPE.

Financial Counselor of the Year, Rachel Grimes, AFC(R), University of North Texas

The positive impact of Rachel's outstanding service as a financial counselor can be summed up in two words: success & empowerment. By consistently exceeding clients' expectations with innovative and diverse services, Rachel has shown the difference one person can make in the lives of thousands.

Outstanding Educational Program, University of Delaware & University of Maryland Cooperative Extension's "Smart Choice and Smart Use Health Insurance"

Smart Choice Health Insurance(TM) and Smart Use Health Insurance(TM) program consists of five multidisciplinary modules that provide health insurance literacy education to assist adults in exploring the information they need to build their knowledge, skills and confidence to choose and use their health insurance wisely.

Outstanding Financial Counseling or Planning Center, University of North Texas Student Money Management Center

The University of North Texas created the Student Money Management Center in 2005 to streamline all financial literacy education services under the oversight of one dedicated office, thus eliminating frustrations and confusion among students seeking support and guidance. Through efforts of a dedicated team, more than 96,000 students, families, and community members are gaining the confidence and knowledge needed to successfully manage their financial lives.

Outstanding Consumer Financial Information, Hands on Banking - Wells Fargo

Hands on Banking(R) is a free, non-commercial program available in both English and Spanish that teaches people in all stages of life about the basics of responsible money management, including how to create a budget, save and invest, borrow responsibly, buy a home, and establish a small business.

Outstanding Research Journal Article of the Year: Dr. Qianwen (Rachel) Bi, Utah Valley University, Dr. Michael Finke, CFP(R), The American College, and Dr. Sandra J. Huston, Texas Tech University for Financial software use and retirement savings. JFCP, 28(1)

2017 AFCPE Symposium specific awards:

2017 Outstanding Practitioner's Forum, Carmina Lass, Credit Builders Alliance

Updates in the Credit Industry: NCAP and more

2017 Outstanding Symposium Poster, Emily Koochel, Kansas State University for Financial Transparency Scale Development

2017 Outstanding Symposium Research Paper, Dr. Jing Jian Xiao, University of Rhode Island & Dr. Barbara O'Neill, Rutgers University for Budgeting and Financial Capability: A Perspective of Behavioral Hierarchy

2017 Outstanding Student Paper, Irene McIvor Mason, University of Rhode Island for Subjective Well-being and Financial Independence of Young Adults