RALEIGH, N.C. – State Employees’ Credit Union said it has partnered with the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) to certify more than 1,000 of its employees statewide with the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) designation over the coming months.
Accredited Financial Counselors must meet educational and ethical requirements and have at least 1,000 hours of relevant experience as a financial counselor before receiving their certification. SECU said its branch employees qualify as candidates through their day-to-day service, which includes enrolling members in the Another Chance Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) service, preparing tax returns through the Credit Union’s economical tax preparation options, keeping members in their homes via SECU’s Mortgage Assistance Program and helping members avoid costly payday loans by offering a Salary Advance Loan program with an accrued savings component.
“The AFC accreditation will increase the expertise of our staff and will provide the structure and groundwork for SECU to further expand our financial counseling services,” said Joan McCool, SECU’s SVP of IRA and Investment Services. “SECU’s investment in the financial education of our employees will reap great rewards for everyone, ultimately increasing the proficiency and credibility of our staff to help members achieve long-term financial success.”