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

Season #1

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).