Helping Military & Veterans
Why Military & Veterans?
Like most Americans, many service members do not receive comprehensive personal financial education in school. Compounding this, active members and veterans of the armed services often face substantial and unique financial challenges.
- Many face long deployments where housing, food and other necessities are taken care of, then return to navigate their financial circumstances on their own.
- Many have modest incomes and few assets, and would not be able to access quality, objective financial advice on their own. Help that may be available on military bases can be overwhelmed by demand, while predatory lenders often set up shop outside bases hoping to lure the unwary.
- Those who are wounded in service may face a maze of benefit applications and key financial decisions at a time of severe stress and turmoil.
- Young people leaving the armed services can face a daunting job market where their skills may not be perceived as relevant, leaving them unemployed or underemployed and financially at-risk as they attempt to adjust to civilian life.
How We Are Helping
For years, FFP has had a special focus on helping the men and women who serve our country and their families, supporting nonprofits committed to developing and expanding financial planning programs for military and veterans.
Depending on organizational need and geographic location, there may be opportunities for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals to volunteer with our grantees or other nonprofits serving members of the military or veterans. If you are interested in being connected to opportunities that may arise, please sign up on ProBonoPlannerMatch.org.
Current Grantees
Coordinated Assistance Network
The Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN) is a secure, cloud-based platform that helps individuals access nonprofit services related to finances, housing, employment, benefits, education, counseling, and more. Originally developed as the Yellow Ribbon Network, CAN has a long history of serving veterans, servicemembers, and their families. With support from the Foundation for Financial Planning, CAN has enhanced its technology to integrate pro bono financial planning and is partnering with FFP to recruit CFP® professional volunteers to provide personalized financial guidance to individuals navigating financial hardship.
NAPFA Foundation
The NAPFA Foundation provides one-on-one pro bono financial planning services to wounded and disabled veterans through a partnership with Building Homes for Heroes. Many participating veterans are first-time homeowners and benefit from comprehensive financial guidance to ensure they can sustainably manage homeownership expenses, including maintenance and property taxes. NAPFA Foundation volunteers are matched with each veteran homeowner for a minimum of two years, providing ongoing support and stability as veterans transition into long-term financial independence.
San Diego Financial Literacy Center
The San Diego Financial Literacy Center (SDFLC) delivers one-on-one pro bono financial planning through its Financial Opportunity Clinics, serving underserved communities throughout San Diego County. These complimentary clinics connect low-income individuals and families—many of whom are active-duty military members or veterans—with Certified Financial Planner™ professionals who provide confidential, personalized financial guidance. By expanding access to professional financial advice, SDFLC helps clients build confidence, stability, and long-term financial well-being. To learn more about SDFLC’s impact, visit FFP’s Our Impact page.
Code of Support Foundation
Code of Support Foundation strengthens military and veteran families by connecting them with essential services through its secure PATRIOTlink platform. With support from the Foundation for Financial Planning, Code of Support integrates pro bono financial planning into its coordinated care model, connecting veterans and their families with CFP® professional volunteers. These volunteers provide individualized financial guidance to help families navigate challenges such as employment transitions, housing instability, debt, and service-related financial stress—supporting greater financial resilience and long-term stability.
