{"id":2906,"date":"2018-06-01T10:28:41","date_gmt":"2018-06-01T14:28:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.afcpe.org\/?p=2906"},"modified":"2019-04-23T15:44:01","modified_gmt":"2019-04-23T19:44:01","slug":"fridayfollow-helping-people-climb-out-from-under-the-rock-of-fear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.afcpe.org\/news-and-publications\/blog\/fridayfollow-helping-people-climb-out-from-under-the-rock-of-fear\/","title":{"rendered":"#FridayFollow – Helping people climb out from under the rock of fear"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Adrian Klenz, AFC\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0is a financial counselor, educator and certified housing counselor. He\u2019s also one of AFCPE\u2019s AFC\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0Review Course instructors. When people ask what he does, he usually has to explain how his work differs from a financial advisor or a financial planner.\u00a0<\/p>

Adrian:<\/strong>\u00a0Usually people hear the word \u201cfinancial\u201d and think investment and retirement planning. I explain to them that I focus more on financial behaviors.\u00a0<\/p>

AFCPE: What inspired you to enter the personal finance field?<\/strong><\/p>

\u00a0Unemployment! I was laid off at the height of the \u201cgreat recession\u201d and I answered a job ad for an Americorps position for a local community action agency (Western Dairyland).\u00a0They wanted me to create a financial literacy program.\u00a0I had been working for a decade in the mental health field so it was quite a transition. Fortunately, I have been able to use my mental health experience to help clients make changes to financial behaviors.\u00a0I taught for a time at UW-Eau Claire teaching students how to be financial mentors. Then I began teaching for several national organizations. In 2015 I started my own business providing financial counseling, housing counseling and financial education.\u00a0<\/p>

AFCPE: Tell us how you are \u201cmeeting people where they are.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>

I find that sharing my own trouble with money from my younger days helps put people at ease. They realize that I am not going to judge them because I have experienced many of the same issues they are facing.\u00a0That has helped me meet people where they are.\u00a0<\/p>

AFCPE: What\u2019s on the horizon? What\u2019s got you most excited in your work?<\/strong><\/p>

I have been thinking a lot about how to stay \u201crelevant.\u201d\u00a0 It is important not to be complacent. I am contemplating getting my certification as a financial coach (FFC\u00ae<\/sup>). I have some experience with coaching but I am considering taking that to the next level. I am exploring certification in financial therapy.\u00a0Given my mental health background, that might be enjoyable. I am also working on a book about my experiences with money and how I was able to climb out of that hole.\u00a0Since I teach all over the country I get to chat with non-profit professionals everywhere and that helps me keep my finger on the pulse.\u00a0<\/p>

Adrian answers the Friday 5:<\/strong><\/p>

My Why:<\/strong>\u00a0Helping people climb out from under the rock of fear. Money issues create a significant amount of stress and emotional anguish.\u00a0I lived that. So, helping people take control of their money issues and helping them find peace is my why.\u00a0<\/p>

My Favorite Quote:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cI have often been adrift but I have always remained afloat.\u201d<\/p>

My Hero (who inspires you):\u00a0<\/strong>My biggest historical hero is Robert Kennedy. In the financial realm, I really admire Elizabeth Warren.<\/p>

My Favorite Personal Finance Resource:\u00a0<\/strong>I have several Google alerts set for topics like \u201cfinancial literacy, financial counseling, financial coaching, financial capability, and budgeting.\u201d\u00a0I get daily notices from all over the internet with many wonderful articles. I usually find this helpful.\u00a0<\/p>

My best advice:\u00a0<\/strong>Try to keep things in perspective. Nothing is as good or bad as it seems.\u00a0We often get so worked up that we lose perspective and focus.\u00a0<\/p>