By David Slegh, CFA, CAIA

Several CFA Minnesota Society members and industry professionals recently launched a financial literacy education program called MNFEI (Minnesota Financial Empowerment Initiative) in partnership with Financial Beginnings, a non-profit organization that teaches individuals how to play an active role in their financial well-being. The group’s mission is to help those in the Minnesota community who seek to improve financial knowledge and economic security and to raise awareness of the importance of financial education for all Minnesotans. MNFEI (pronounced MIN-FAY) provides a platform for passionate volunteers to deliver no-cost, unbiased, and open-sourced financial education programs to those in Minnesota communities and schools, with a special focus on those populations in greatest need.

MNFEI programming went “live” last month with volunteers collaborating with Jeremiah Program to deliver financial empowerment training. Jeremiah Program offers community-based and residential services to children and moms across the nation. Specifically, in the St. Paul and Minneapolis area, the locations are projected to support 155 moms and children, with an average age of 26 for moms and annual income of $12,428. Importantly, these young mothers are gaining work skills which are designed to significantly increase future earning potential.  We are thrilled to support Jeremiah Program’s great mission.  Feedback from participants and volunteers has been positive and we are excited to build on this momentum moving forward.

Volunteer with MNFEI

MNFEI is currently working to expand its impact by initiating financial education programs with several non-profit organizations and schools seeking to serve diverse lower-income communities, immigrants, and underserved populations. There are several volunteer opportunities with MNFEI:

• Volunteer as financial literacy teacher – materials and training provided
• Help identify beneficiaries – connect us with areas in the community that could benefit from basic financial education
• Volunteer as Firm ambassador – work in the financial industry and are interested in spreading the word or connecting MNFEI with people in your firm who have similar interests/passions? We would love to chat!
• Volunteer on the Advisory Board – MNFEI is actively recruiting individuals who are passionate about furthering financial literacy in underserved communities

To learn more about MNFEI, including opportunities to give back to your local community through increasing basic financial literacy, visit the Financial Beginnings website or email us at info@finbegmn.org.

Contact MNFEI Advisory Board

The current MNFEI Advisory Board members would also welcome the opportunity to discuss this exciting new initiative. Contact the Advisory Board at:

Jack Hansen, CFA
jackhansenjoan@gmail.com

Stefanie Adams
stefanie.adams@peregrine.com

Mark Salter, CAE, ABC
mark.r.salter@gmail.com

David Slegh, CFA, CAIA
david.slegh@gmail.com

Erol Sonderegger, CFA
eroldsond@gmail.com