"This text is a valuable new resource that we recommend for all of our professionals and are proud to incorporate as part of our AFC(R) certification program. With expertise representing the breadth and depth of the financial counseling profession, the content in this text provides you with a rigorous foundation of knowledge, considers critical theoretical models, and explores foundational skills of communication, self-awareness, and bias. This type of comprehensive approach aligns with our mission and vision--providing you with the foundational knowledge to meet clients where they are across the financial life-cycle and impact long-term financial capability."

-Rebecca Wiggins, Executive Director, AFCPE(R) (Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education(R))

This timely volume presents a comprehensive overview of financial counseling skills in accessible, practical detail for readers throughout the career span. Expert financial counselors, educators, and researchers refer to classic and current theories for up-to-date instruction on building long-term client competence, working with clients of diverse backgrounds, addressing problem financial behavior, and approaching sensitive topics. From these core components, readers have a choice of integrated frameworks for guiding clients in critical areas of financial decision-making.

This essential work:

- Offers an introduction to financial counseling as a practice and profession

- Discusses the challenges of working in financial counseling

- Explores the elements of the client/counselor relationship

- Compares delivery systems and practice models

- Features effective tools and resources used in financial counseling

- Encourages counselor ethics, preparedness, and self-awareness

A standout in professional development references, Financial Counseling equips students and new professionals to better understand this demanding field, and offers seasoned veterans a robust refresher course in current best practices.

Dorothy B. Durband is Professor and Director of the School of Family Studies and Human Services at Kansas State University. She has spent much of her academic career teaching counseling concepts and communication skills for use in financial planning and counseling settings. Dr. Durband was the Founding Director of the nationally recognized Red to Black^(R) program at Texas Tech University. Her experience includes providing financial counseling and financial education, employee training, special events planning, and fundraising for nonprofit organizations. She has been the recipient of three university teaching awards. Durband received a Ph.D.in resource management with a specialization in family financial management from Virginia Tech, a master of science in family studies from Texas Woman's University, and a bachelor of science in family life and environment from Louisiana State University. She is an Accredited Financial Counselor^(R) and co-editor of the book Student Financial Literacy: Campus Based Program Development with Dr. Sonya Britt-Lutter.

Ryan H. Law is the Director of the Utah Valley University Money Management Resource Center and an award winning educator who teaches financial counseling courses as part of the Personal Financial Planning program at Utah Valley University and the University of Missouri. He teaches courses in the undergraduate programs including courses for both freshmen and seniors in personal finance, financial counseling and CFP^(R) test preparation. Ryan graduated with a bachelor's degree in Family & Consumer Sciences from Utah State University and a master's degree in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM) professional and an Accredited Financial Counselor^(R).

Angela K. Mazzolini is an Accredited Financial Counselor^(R) living in Lubbock, Texas. She is the former Program Director for Red to Black^(R) Peer Financial Coaching at Texas Tech University, which received campus, state, and national recognition under her leadership. Angela received her Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning and her master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Personal Financial Planning, Counselor Education, and Management, both from Texas Tech. She is honored to serve on the Advisory Board for the Higher Education Financial Wellness Summit, the Symposium Task Force for the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, and she also served on the inaugural Board of Directors for the Texas Association of Collegiate Financial Education Professionals.