Frequently Asked Questions

About AFE > Frequently Asked Questions

Does this cost money?

We do not charge for any of the workshops that we offer. All of the training and materials are completely free to your company, employees, and their families. Our goal is to provide free financial education.

Are you selling anything?

It is absolutely forbidden for our members to sell anything at the workshops or to endorse or recommend a specific financial product of any kind. The workshops are purely about education. We feel so strongly about this subject that we address it in the contract we have with our members.

Who are your speakers?

Our speakers are comprised of financial professionals from dozens of fields including: investing, accounting, estate planning, tax, real estate, law, and more. We vet every member to ensure that they are in good standing within the financial community, are knowledgeable, and can present the material in a clear, easy-to-understand way.

Why do your members do this for free? What’s in it for them?

Service – First and foremost, our members want to give back to the community and share our mission of promoting financial literacy.

Relationships – Our members are looking to build connections. They understand that if they take the time to help someone now, that person may look to them for professional advice and service in the future.

Exposure – Our members want to become known as an expert in their field who is knowledgeable and cares about their clients and their community.

Why does AFE do this for free?

We are passionate about education – Our leadership has experienced first-hand how a lack of basic knowledge can dramatically undermine one’s financial security. By providing free financial education, we aim to empower as many people as possible to take control of their own financial futures.

We serve our members – AFE is primarily supported by dues paid by our members. In return they are given access to our materials and resources as well as the optional opportunity of teaching our workshops.

We work directly with the Federal Government and other private organizations – Our relationships are predicated upon our ability to reach as many people as possible. The more people we reach, the greater the support (in the form of materials, training, and grants) we can receive from those entities.

Is AFE affiliated with or part of any financial institution?

No, AFE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is not affiliated with any financial institution in any way. Our purpose and mission is to provide unbiased education; as such, we feel that any sort of affiliation would jeopardize that.

How long are the workshops?

Our workshops are designed to last anywhere from 30-45 minutes, so that most employees can attend during their lunch time and the impact to their work is mitigated.

Where are the workshops conducted?

AFE typically members host free workshops on-site in corporate and organizational settings, either in a conference room, break room or similar suitable space. Our members may also conduct workshops virtually through various webinar platforms.

Our 401(k) provider already does this for us.

Not a problem. Most of the companies we work with have a 401(k) provider that offers some sort of plan-specific seminar or workshop. Our workshops are an ideal way to augment your employees’ understanding of these accounts because they are unbiased and take a holistic approach to financial wellness. We show your employees how their 401(k) fits into their entire financial plan, rather than merely giving them an overview of the product itself.

Will we be able to meet with the speaker before the workshop?

Yes. Once you decide that you may wish to offer this benefit to your employees, AFE will arrange a meeting with one of our local members so that you can go over topics and details and ask any questions you may have.

Can we review the workshop courses and material to help us evaluate?

Of course! We will be happy to provide you with anything you need to help you make the decision that’s best for your group. You can either contact the member you are working with directly or contact our corporate office at the number listed here on our website.

If the employees have questions or concerns after the workshop, but wish to ask them privately, can you help?

Yes, we offer all participants a free private consultation at their leisure if they wish to do so.

How many topics do your workshops cover?

We currently have over 150 different workshops that range from basic budgeting and money management through investing and advanced estate planning. We can also work with your speaker to design a custom workshop for your employees or members.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of workshops that you can do for us?

We can conduct as many or as few educational workshops as you wish and there is no commitment required on your part. We do suggest however that in order for your company to see the greatest benefit, your program should be long term, be offered on a routine basis, and cover a variety of topics. Studies have shown that the longer and more diverse a program is, the greater the impact and results.

How do I know if this will be right for my employees?

Because it can be uncomfortable for people to talk about finances with or around their peers, this may lead you to think that your employees wouldn’t be interested in educational workshops.

We understand this mentality. We have worked with several companies that at first worried our program might not be a fit but turned out to be our greatest advocates. These companies now understand that reducing financial stress contributes to employee productivity, helps decrease absenteeism and improves overall job satisfaction.

With more than 150 workshops to choose from, we are confident in our ability to educate and empower your employees.

I have more questions.

We’d be happy to help. Please use our secure contact form to reach us by clicking here.