Our Impact

REAL STORIES

Faye’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“If you apply their advice, you will succeed. They’re really just giving you a seed – if you water it, you will see it grow.”

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Otto’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

“Our justice system has been so unfair to these people, I’m amazed by their resiliency and positivity even though years have been stolen from them."

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Xena’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“If I hadn’t been introduced to Britepaths and my planner Enjoli, I honestly think I would be homeless. This program literally saved me."

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Jessie’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

“Absolutely do it. It’s one of the best ways you can use your time and talent as a financial planner."

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Roshon’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“Working with Jessie has been so impactful. It has changed my thinking and really changed my life."

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W!SE’s Story

FFP Grantee

"I’m so happy that I came to the class because I now have the knowledge and confidence to make it alone and take control of my finances."

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Kevin’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

“Volunteering has inspired, energized, and fulfilled me. I’m so grateful to FFP for the opportunity to meet the clients I work with and to have a meaningful impact on their lives.”

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Savvy Ladies’ Story

FFP Grantee

"I got kind, empathetic, and data driven advice, and got help formulating a plan on how to move forward. Now, I feel confident and empowered about my financial situation."

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Lynn’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“Meeting with the CFP® volunteer and having all of my ducks in a row financially has really helped me to remain calm and relaxed."

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Franklin University

CFP Board Registered Program

"I learned how to interact and be more comfortable with the client, and what additional questions to ask to build trust and a better relationship with them.”

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Maria’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“I couldn’t have done it without Don. In the end, I knew what I needed to do, and he really helped me move forward with such a hard decision."

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Don’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

"Once they know what's going on financially, that basic step gives them confidence that they can do this."

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The Caroline Friess Center’s Story

FFP Grantee

"The ability to work with a CFP® and craft solutions to remove barriers stemming from financial challenges significantly helps our clients on their path to economic self-sufficiency.”

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The Mang Family’s Story

Pro Bono Client

"Family Reach was a critical resource to us during this challenging time. Our financial coaching session was invaluable."

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The Retirement Resilience Program’s Story

FFP Signature Program

"There is a lot of confusion when it comes to finances, and a large barrier when it comes to financial planning. A lot of people can benefit by talking with a CFP volunteer.”

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The Johnson Family’s Story

Pro Bono Client

"Our experience was nothing but positive. I implemented a lot of what Paul taught us and a few months later, we could see the difference financially."

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Cindy’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

“When working with pro bono clients, it’s super helpful to be aware of that complicated stew of feelings about money.”

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Amey’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“Britepaths saved my life. Last year was a disaster and I really want to thank Dennis. He taught me how to spend what money we have in the right way.”

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Mark Johannessen, CFP®, AIF®

Pro Bono Volunteer

"Given the large number of CFP® professionals offering pro bono guidance today, it is hard to believe that prior to 9/11, pro bono financial planning was merely an aspiration."

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Raven’s Story

Pro Bono Client

"My finances are kind of limited, but with what I have, [Robert and Family Reach] really helped me get things in order to set me up for success."

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"I feel relieved and empowered. I have a safety net. And now that I am investing, I feel confident in my financial future… And if someone I know needs help, I am in a place to help the people around me."

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Erica’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

"Remember that pro bono clients are a different type of client than high wealth clients, and we must meet them where they are."

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Serenity’s Story

Pro Bono Client

"Having someone tell me that taking money out of a retirement account is an option, that people do this and it is ok … that took a load of the stress off. Now I am more hopeful than scared."

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Lydine’s Story

Pro Bono Client

"Thanks to assistance from the CFP® professional volunteer, Lydine has been able to secure a stable apartment and is thriving at her new job."

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Hussain’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

"The folks I spoke with didn’t have a ton of money... but they were really engaged, responsible, highly motivated individuals who were really wanting to take care of their finances."

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Karin’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

“Be prepared to adjust the way you work. Adapt to the veteran’s comfort level… Building that trust is super important.”

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Felix’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

"Even if my guidance can take just a few things off their checklist during treatment, I’m happy to be able to help them."

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Michael’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“I feel a big weight off my shoulders… I am a single father of three; to be able to have my finances in order and not have to worry, that is the biggest thing.”

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Yusuf’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

“Doing pro bono work gives you perspective on what really matters … it’s a gift.”

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Pamela’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“Everything I’ve learned, I’ll keep it dear to my heart. I’ll keep my finances going, save money, and keep the will up to date.”

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Paul’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

“I helped her to really focus on what we can control… to understand that she didn’t have to fear an uncertain future, but she could shape it.”

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The Young Family’s Story

Pro Bono Client

"It relieves a lot of anxiety knowing if we get in an unexpected financial bind, we have someone in our corner who offers feasible, practical, and tangible ways to take action."

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Garrett’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

“That’s the most important thing, to listen, put together a plan, and get the client started on making the situation better.”

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Yi & Matt’s Story

Pro Bono Client

"For me, it’s a huge peace of mind because my big concern is that Yi’s taken care of if I’m not here."

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University of Georgia

CFP Board Registered Program

“One of the most gratifying aspects of the VITA program is to learn that alumni have continued to volunteer in some way with VITA, or other pro bono initiatives, after they have entered into the profession”

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The Hicks Family’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“It's hard to ask folks for help when it appears to most people that we're past all of our trouble. Lilli is healthy. We have jobs. We have insurance. In spite of all this, we will be paying off debts for years to come.”

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Rick’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

“It was the way I was raised- you help people out who need help. That is why I got into this business as a financial planner. It is meaningful to me to help people make changes in their lives.”

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The McGarry Family’s Story

Pro Bono Client

"For the first 6 months after Tracy was diagnosed, we were fighting from day to day."

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Sarah’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

“I see how much I can change the lives of Samir and her family by providing them with good financial principles and understanding.”

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Kian’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

"I sometimes feel I get more out of 8 hours advising Marines who are hungry for guidance, and trying to build a life than I do during 8 months as a typical advisor to the wealthy. The impact can be profound."

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The Longo Family’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“We didn’t know anything about cancer. We didn’t know what was to come. We didn’t ask for help.”

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FIT’s Story

FFP Grantee

"I believe this was one of the most successful and impactful events for the personal development of our Marines and their families."

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Britepaths’ Story

FFP Grantee

“We want to approach each client as a complex individual and help them on their path to financial stability and life stability. It’s not cookie cutter; it’s individualistic.”

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Taz’s Story

Pro Bono Client

“At age 60, I was finally able to make a down payment on my first home.”

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San Diego Financial Literacy Center’s Story

FFP Grantee

“This is about education and empowerment. We know we are changing lives."

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KCADV’s Story

FFP Grantee

“If you want to see behavioral change, one-on-one planning is the way to go. The relationships drive the change.”

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Susan’s Story

Volunteer Financial Planner

“We owe it to them. [Our veterans] have done so much to defend our freedoms. So if I had any tiny impact – what a good feeling.”

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The Doyles’ Story

Pro Bono Client

“If Susan were sitting in front of us today, I’d give her a big hug. She changed our lives.”

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BY THE NUMBERS

FFP helps develop and support programs across the country connecting vulnerable families and individuals to free, quality financial advice. In 2022 we were proud to support efforts that benefited vulnerable groups such as domestic violence survivors, wounded veterans, lower-income essential workers, people with cancer, and many others. Since our founding in 1995, FFP has funded pro bono programs in 38 states.

Our Impact

REAL STORIES

BY THE NUMBERS

2022 IMPACT

See the full 2022 Impact Report here.