AFC® Independent Trainer · AFCPE®

A Guided Pathway Toward the AFC® Credential

Instructor-led training, mentorship, and professional support for individuals and organizations pursuing the Accredited Financial Counselor® credential.

Through EarningHIGHER™, Mona Lisa Morris, AFC®, CCFS®, provides a structured training pathway for those who want guidance, accountability, and professional context while preparing for the AFC® credential.

Applications are reviewed personally, and every applicant receives follow-up regarding next steps.

AFC®Accredited Financial Counselor®
CCFS®Certified College Funding Specialist®
AFCPE®Independent Trainer
EarningHIGHER™Higher Earning Hub, LLC
Your Trainer

Mona Lisa Morris

AFC® · CCFS®

Commissioner, EarningHIGHER™  ·  CEO, Higher Earning Hub, LLC

Mona Lisa Morris is an AFC® Independent Trainer through the AFCPE® (Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education) AFC® Learning System. Her work sits at the intersection of education, financial decision-making, workforce readiness, and long-term pathway alignment.

As Commissioner of EarningHIGHER™ and CEO of Higher Earning Hub, LLC, Mona Lisa brings a strategic lens to financial counseling preparation — connecting credential advancement to professional development, community impact, and field-building.

Her dual credentials — the Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) and the Certified College Funding Specialist® (CCFS®) — reflect deep, working knowledge of how financial pressure shapes decisions and how borrowing exposure today can constrain what is possible tomorrow.

AFC® Accredited Financial Counselor®CCFS® Certified College Funding Specialist®AFCPE® Independent Trainer
Mona Lisa Morris, AFC®, CCFS® — Commissioner, EarningHIGHER™
What This Training Supports

Training and Mentorship for the AFC® Credential

"I provide training and mentorship for individuals pursuing the Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) credential. Through EarningHIGHER™, candidates advance their exam preparation while building professional context and becoming part of a network of financial counselors, educators, and community leaders."

— Mona Lisa Morris, AFC®, CCFS® · Commissioner, EarningHIGHER™

Structured Preparation

A guided, instructor-led approach to AFC® exam preparation — designed for professionals who want structure, accountability, and a knowledgeable trainer alongside them.

Mentorship & Support

Direct mentorship from an experienced AFC® professional who understands the credential, the field, and the practical demands of financial counseling work.

Professional Context

Candidates connect credential advancement to broader professional development — relevant for practitioners who want their AFC® to mean something in their field and community.

About the Credential

What Is the AFC® Credential?

The Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) is a nationally recognized professional credential awarded by AFCPE® — the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. It signifies demonstrated competency in financial counseling: the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required to guide individuals and families through complex financial decisions.

The AFC® is recognized across financial counseling, education, nonprofit, military, and government settings. Earning it requires completing required coursework or equivalent experience, passing a comprehensive examination, and fulfilling continuing education requirements to maintain the credential.

AFC® and Accredited Financial Counselor® are registered trademarks of AFCPE®. For full credential requirements, visit afcpe.org.

Who May Apply

Interested Individuals and Organizations Are Welcome to Apply

The application helps Mona Lisa understand your goals and provide appropriate next steps. There is no obligation to proceed, and every applicant receives a personal response.

Educators & School Counselors

Professionals in K–12 or higher education seeking to expand their financial counseling expertise and credential-level knowledge.

College Access & Success Professionals

Advisors, coaches, and practitioners who guide students and families through postsecondary planning and financial decisions.

Nonprofit & Community Leaders

Staff and leaders at mission-driven organizations who want to build financial counseling capacity and serve their communities more effectively.

Financial Coaches & Practitioners

Individuals in financial coaching, counseling, or advisory roles who want a nationally recognized credential to support their professional practice.

Workforce Development Professionals

Practitioners working in career readiness, workforce programs, or economic mobility who want to deepen their financial counseling knowledge.

Organizations Building Capacity

Employers, agencies, and institutions interested in supporting staff through the AFC® credential pathway as part of professional development.

The Process

How It Works

Applying begins the conversation. Every applicant receives a personal response.

01

Submit Your Application

Complete the application form and share your background, goals, and interest in AFC® training.

02

Personal Review

Mona Lisa personally reviews each application to understand your goals and the type of support you may need.

03

Follow-Up

Every applicant receives follow-up regarding next steps, available options, and how this training pathway may align with their goals.

04

Discuss Structure & Next Steps

You will receive information about structure, expectations, timing, investment, and how to move forward.

Apply

Begin Your AFC® Training Application

Complete the form below to express your interest in AFC® training through EarningHIGHER™. Mona Lisa reviews each application personally and follows up with next steps.

Your information will be used to review your application and communicate with you about AFC® training. It will not be shared with third parties without your consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

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