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Guidance Redefines Our Way
January 14, 2025 | Issue #67
If you're frustrated by one-sided reporting, our 5-minute newsletter is the missing piece. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you comprehensive, unbiased news—free from political agendas. Stay informed with factual coverage on the topics that matter.
Hello everyone,
When we talk about creating lasting impact through mentorship, few areas carry more weight than financial literacy. Research shows that financial habits formed before age 15 can determine lifelong financial behaviors. Yet, according to the National Financial Educators Council, only 23% of young people talk to their parents regularly about money.
This gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity. As we begin 2025, AFGM is deepening its commitment to financial education as a core value, understanding that financial wellness isn't just about numbers – it's about creating generational change.
In this issue, we explore groundbreaking research on youth financial literacy while providing practical strategies for financial success at any age. We're also proud to spotlight our longstanding partner, Equitable Advisors of the Capital Region, whose 75-year legacy of serving our community aligns perfectly with our mission of creating lasting impact.
Whether you're starting your financial journey, guiding others, or looking to strengthen your financial foundation, this issue offers insights and strategies to make 2025 your strongest financial year yet.
Let's grow together,
Michael R. Morgan Founder & CEO AFGM
Editor-in-Chief, G.R.O.W. Newsletter
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin
Feature Story
The Money Talk: Why Early Financial Education Shapes Our Future
Remember your first paycheck? That moment when you held real money you'd earned? For many of us, it was a paper route, babysitting, or a summer job. But how we thought about that money then might be secretly running our financial show today.
The Science of Financial Literacy
Dr. Annamaria Lusardi, Academic Director of the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC) at George Washington University, has spent decades researching financial education. Her groundbreaking research reveals a startling truth: financial literacy isn't just about knowing terms – it's about building confidence and the capability to make sound financial decisions throughout life.
"Financial literacy is a fundamental life skill for participating in modern society," Dr. Lusardi explains in her research. "The earlier we build these skills, the better equipped we are to make crucial financial decisions."
The Numbers Tell a Story
Dr. Lusardi's research highlights some compelling findings:
Only 33% of adults worldwide understand basic financial concepts
Young people who receive financial education are significantly more likely to save and plan for retirement
Financial literacy has a direct impact on wealth accumulation and financial well-being
Breaking the Silence
Here's where mentorship becomes powerful. AFGM's approach aligns perfectly with what research shows best: practical, hands-on financial education and consistent guidance and support.
Making It Real: The 5-5-5 Approach
Based on proven educational strategies, here's how to make financial literacy stick with your mentee:
5 Minutes: Daily money check-in
Track one expense
Note one saving opportunity
Celebrate one smart money choice
5 Days: Weekly money challenges
Monday: Track all spending
Tuesday: Find one saving opportunity
Wednesday: Learn one financial term
Thursday: Practice comparison shopping
Friday: Review and reflect
5 Weeks: Build lasting habits
Week 1: Budgeting basics
Week 2: Saving strategies
Week 3: Smart spending
Week 4: Investment introduction
Week 5: Future planning
The Ripple Effect
Dr. Lusardi's research demonstrates that financially literate individuals make better personal financial decisions and positively impact their communities through increased saving, reduced debt, and better retirement planning.
Your Turn: Start the Conversation
Ready to make a difference? Here are three ways to start:
Share your first money memory with a young person
Help them set up their first budget using our free template
Join our upcoming "Money Mentors" training session
Remember: Every tremendous financial journey starts with a single conversation. Make yours count.
Want to learn more about youth financial literacy? Join our workshop in April, where we'll dive deeper into practical strategies for teaching money management. More details coming soon.
Sources: Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC) at George Washington University
Professional Growth Gateway
Building Financial Confidence as a Leader: Beyond the Numbers
As leaders, our relationship with money influences more than our finances – it impacts how we lead teams, make strategic decisions, and mentor others. Here's how to build and project financial confidence that inspires trust and drives results.
The Leadership-Finance Connection
Strong financial leadership isn't just about managing budgets. It's about:
Making informed decisions with confidence
Creating a culture of financial responsibility
Empowering others to take control of their financial futures
Leading by example in financial matters
Five Pillars of Financial Leadership
Know Your Numbers
Understand key financial metrics in your field
Stay current with market trends
Develop financial fluidity for your industry
Communicate with Clarity
Break down complex financial concepts
Share financial insights effectively
Frame financial discussions positively
Model Financial Wellness
Demonstrate sound financial habits
Share appropriate financial lessons learned
Show how financial decisions align with values
Build Financial Teams
Connect team members with resources
Foster open discussions about financial goals
Create supportive financial learning environments
Drive Financial Impact
Link financial decisions to mission success
Measure and celebrate financial wins
Create opportunities for financial growth
Putting It Into Practice
This week, challenge yourself to:
Have one meaningful financial conversation
Learn one new financial concept
Share one financial lesson with your team
Growth Opportunity
Join us for "Financial Leadership in Action," – a special workshop collaboration with Equitable Advisors in April. Learn from experts who've guided financial decisions for over 75 years.
"Financial confidence comes from knowledge, practice, and a willingness to keep learning."
Success Spotlight
Building Financial Futures: Equitable Advisors' Legacy of Leadership
In the heart of the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia), a team of financial professionals believe in something bigger than just numbers – they believe in transforming lives through financial empowerment. Leading this mission is Richard Allen, Executive Vice President of Equitable Advisors' Capital Branch, whose approach to leadership mirrors AFGM's core values of mentorship and community impact.
Leadership That Lifts Others
"Success in financial services isn't just about managing money – it's about developing people," shares Richard Allen, who leads over 100 of the region's top financial professionals. A University of Florida honors graduate and proud Orlando native, Allen brings a unique perspective to financial leadership that emphasizes personal growth alongside professional excellence.
Building More Than Portfolios
Under Allen's leadership, the Capital Branch has embraced a philosophy that resonates deeply with AFGM's mission. "We believe in taking small, manageable steps today to create significant impact tomorrow," Allen explains. This approach has proven successful across their 75-year legacy of serving the DMV community.
The Mentorship Connection
As an active AFGM sponsor and mentor, Allen understands the power of guidance. "In financial planning and professional development, success comes from having someone who believes in your potential," he notes. This belief is reflected in Equitable's culture, where advancement is based on capability rather than timeline.
A Legacy of Impact
Equitable Advisors' Capital Branch achievements include:
75+ years serving the DMV community
200+ financial professionals and team members
Thousands of families guided toward financial security
Countless success stories of wealth-building and protection
Community at the Core
Beyond his professional leadership, Allen exemplifies the importance of community engagement. As a Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. member and an active volunteer, he demonstrates how professional success and community service go hand in hand. With his wife, Elonda, and son, Roman Carter, he continues to make an impact both in and out of the office.
Looking Forward
For those inspired to join the financial services industry, Allen offers this invitation: "We value ambition and create opportunities for those ready to make a difference. Success here is defined by your dedication and drive."
To learn more about career opportunities with Equitable Advisors' Capital Branch, contact Richard Allen at [email protected] or visit their career portal at: https://equitable.taleo.net/careersection/eqh_1/jobdetail.ftl?job=PIN_15017
Community Corner
Be Part of the Financial Empowerment Movement
Ready to make a difference in someone's financial future? Here are four powerful ways to get involved with AFGM's financial empowerment initiatives:
1. Join Our Mentorship Program
Make an Impact Today
Share your financial knowledge
Guide mentees through essential financial planning
Help shape positive money habits
Commit to monthly mentoring sessions
Next Step: Email [email protected] with "I’m All In!" in the subject line
2. Attend Our Upcoming Workshop
"Financial Leadership in Action"
Collaborate with Equitable Advisors experts
Learn proven mentorship techniques
Network with like-minded professionals
Gain practical teaching tools
Inspire Others
Tell us about your financial journey
Share lessons learned
Help others avoid common pitfalls
Demonstrate the power of mentorship
Submit your story to [email protected]
4. Host a Financial Literacy Session
In Your Community
Lead a basic financial workshop
Organize a money management discussion
Facilitate youth financial education
Create learning opportunities
We'll help you get started.
Ready to Start?
Contact Michael R. Morgan at [email protected] to discuss which opportunity best matches your skills and availability.
"When you lift others financially, you elevate entire communities."
Upcoming Events
Your Growth Journey Continues
January 18, 2025
Leading Teams By Understanding Personalities Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Transform your leadership approach with this powerful, FREE workshop! Join AFGM CEO/Founder Michael Morgan as he shares practical DISC insights that will help you:
Build stronger team dynamics
Enhance your leadership effectiveness
Create meaningful professional and personal relationships
Develop high-performing teams
February 22, 2025
New Mentor Training Course (NMTC 25-01)
Ready to make an impact? Join our first mentor training course of 2025!
Special Note for Parents: Now is the perfect time to enroll your son in our mentee program. We're actively matching young men with our exceptional mentors committed to guiding the next generation toward success.
Two Ways to Get Involved:
Become a Mentor: Complete your application by February 15th
Enroll Your Son: Give him the gift of mentorship
Go to www.afgmentoring.net for mentorship for your son or to become a mentor.
March 22, 2025
Marine Corps 17.75K - Running for AFGM
Join us in supporting youth mentorship one step at a time! CEO/Founder Michael R. Morgan, his son Michael Jr., and nephew Gerald will be participating in the Marine Corps 17.75K race, combining physical wellness with community impact.
Stay tuned for:
Donation opportunities
Team participation details
Race day information
Full details are coming soon!
Register for any event by emailing [email protected] or visiting our website. Space is limited for certain events, so early registration is encouraged.
Closing Thoughts
Building Financial Futures Together
Knowledge is power, but shared knowledge is transformative. Every financial lesson learned, every budgeting skill mastered, and every investment understood becomes a stepping stone to personal success and uplifting entire communities. When we combine financial wisdom with mentorship, we don't just change bank accounts – we change lives.
Help us expand our impact:
Forward this newsletter to a colleague
Share financial literacy resources
Please spread the word about our upcoming events
Help someone start their mentorship journey
Support Our Mission
Visit our valued sponsor, Equitable Advisors of the Capital Region:
Explore career opportunities: https://equitable.taleo.net/careersection/eqh_1/jobdetail.ftl?job=PIN_15017
Connect with Richard Allen: [email protected]
Learn about their financial planning services
Their 75-year legacy of serving the DMV community aligns perfectly with our mission of creating lasting impact through mentorship.
Coming Next Week
Join us as we explore Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of mentorship and service leadership. You won't want to miss these inspiring stories and practical insights.
Keep Growing,
Michael R. Morgan, Founder & CEO, AFGM
Editor-in-Chief, G.R.O.W. Newsletter
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." - Chinese Proverb
Quick Reminders:
Register for "Leading Teams by Understanding Personalities" - January 18th
Forward this newsletter to help others grow
Connect with our sponsor to explore financial opportunities
Mark your calendar for NMTC 25-01 on February 22nd
See you next Tuesday!