What services are available?

• Seminars and workshops for individuals and families:
  • Basic financial literacy
  • Budgeting
  • Debt management
  • Understanding insurance
  • Building savings
  • Customized programs
• Seminars and workshops for staff of partner organizations
• Individualized counseling

Free help ... with no strings attached

Members of the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) are available to offer pro bono assistance to those in need. FPA works closely with non-profit and charitable organizations to create programs that address clients’ needs.  Whether providing educational seminars or individualized counseling, volunteers can assist victims of natural disasters, individuals with medical crisis, military personnel dealing with long deployments and other qualified individuals, families and businesses.

Resource Web Links

Credible links for information and specialized services. This is an 11-page list covering everything from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to taxes, credit counseling to saving for college. It is a listing of vital resources useful to everyone. We encourage you to download the list, give it to colleagues, friends, and neighbors.

Unbiased financial advice with no sales or promotion of products or services

FPA volunteers abide by prescribed guidelines and follow the financial planning process.  They do not sell products or services while engaged in pro bono activities.  There is no charge, no commitment, no pressure … just unbiased financial advice.

How can a financial planner help?

Many people think of financial planning as something for the wealthy or for active investors. In fact, it’s much more than that. Financial planning involves all kinds of everyday money matters, such as designing a household spending plan, managing credit card bills, choosing insurance policies or refinancing a mortgage.

Financial planning means setting and reaching goals, now and in the future. It means getting one’s financial life organized and working. From insurance claims and taxes to paying for children’s education and planning for retirement … an FPA volunteer can help qualified pro bono clients with all kinds of needs.

How can I get assistance?

Contact us at probono@fpamn.org; give us your phone number and we will call you back.  We have adjusted gross income limitations of $20,000 for single clients, and $40,000 for married households, but these may be waived for clients referred by our non-profit partners; Perspectives, Accountability Minnesota, Minnesota Family Formation Project, Red Cross, and all branches of the deployed military.  Please review the attached Confidential Client Questionnaire, Letter of Engagement and the ProBono Guidelines.  These are documents that you will need to read and or fill out prior to your consultation.

I WANT TO VOLUNTEER

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life...
                       that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself”
                                                            Ralph Waldo Emerson

A way to give back to our community while helping people in need or crisis.  Through Pro Bono service you can connect with members of the FPA chapter, and help our profession forge an identity of caring for our society’s financial well being. For new financial planners, it is a way to build your planning skills.

Who can participate?

All FPA members may participate.  For individual consultations, you must be a CFP®, or be a CFP candidate working under the supervision of a CFP®.  Allied professionals may provide services in their area of expertise, and all members can help with organization and outreach.

What services can I get involved in?

• Seminars and workshops for individuals and families:
  • Basic financial literacy
  • Budgeting
  • Debt management
  • Understanding insurance
  • Building savings
  • Customized programs
• Seminars and workshops for staff of partner organizations
• Individualized counseling

Can I really help?

Many people think of financial planning as something for the wealthy or for active investors. In fact, it’s much more than that. Financial planning involves all kinds of everyday money matters, such as designing a household spending plan, managing credit card bills, choosing insurance policies or refinancing a mortgage.

Financial planning means setting and reaching goals, now and in the future. It means getting one’s financial life organized and working. From insurance claims and taxes to paying for children’s education and planning for retirement … an FPA volunteer can help qualified pro bono clients with all kinds of needs.  When you help a Pro Bono client you can help change a life.

How can I get involved? 

To find out more about the FPA pro bono initiative, visit the national FPA website.

Contact Minnesota FPA at probono@fpamn.org; provide us with your contact information and one of the committee members will contact you. Please review the attached Confidential Client Questionnaire, Letter of Engagement and the ProBono Guidelines.  These are documents that you will need to follow, review and execute with a pro bono client during your consultation.