The Military Spouse Fellowship Program offers an opportunity to military spouses to earn financial counseling certification. The deadline for applying for the course online is April 22, 2016. The total cost of the Accredited Financial Counselor certification will be covered under this program. It should be noted here that the approximate cost is usually $1,200 to $1,250, but spouses of military personnel will not have to pay for it.
Spouses are required to acquire either paid employment or volunteer work related financial counseling experience, as part of the training. This experience is usually obtained from sources within the military community.
The Military Spouse Fellowship Program is administered by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation in association with the National Military Family Association and Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE).
The program was launched back in 2016 and has provided fellowships to approximately 1,360 spouses. Those who have successfully acquired their certification are currently working in a variety of jobs through the U.S. and overseas. These jobs include but are not limited to financial counselor at family, financial aid offices, credit counseling and tax centers and credit unions.
In an announcement regarding the application process, Rebecca Wiggins, AFCPE executive director, ?These organizations are in need of well-trained specialists who understand the unique financial needs of military families.?
She further added, ?AFC certification sets the standard in financial counseling and education. The program allows military spouses to give back to the military community but also supports them in building a portable and rewarding career.?
In addition, President of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, Gerri Walsh iterated that the military spouses ?gain expertise and skills, and have credibility with other service members and their spouses because they ?speak military? and live the lifestyle.?