What to Expect

  • We keep a steady pace of 15 weekly one-hour sessions to consistantly review the material required for the AFC Exam.

  • Connection with your facilitator and peers is a core part of the learning process. You’ll learn from the group as well as from the content itself.

  • Led by Kimberly Zimmerman Rand, MSW, AFC®, ACC (she/her), Principal of Dragonfly Financial Solutions LLC. With 30 years of professional experience, she knows how to hold space, encourage participation, and keep things moving with purpose.

  • We know that adult learners come with their own lived experience and individual learning styles. We welcome all types of learners and invite you to “do the hard thinking here.”

  • The cohort will be connected by email and we welcome communication between sessions to answer questions, clarify concepts, and keep the momentum moving.

meet your instructor

Kimberly Zimmerman Rand, MSW, AFC®, ACC (she/her)

Principal, Dragonfly Financial Solutions LLC

Kimberly a nationally recognized financial capability expert with over 30 years of experience. She designs and facilitates professional development training for mission-driven organizations nationwide, including NeighborWorks America and United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Kimberly is an Accredited Financial Counselor®, Associate Certified Coach, and holds an MSW from Washington University in St. Louis. Her approach combines rigorous financial expertise with an equity-centered framework grounded in social work practice.

  • "I recently passed the AFC Exam and have completed all the requirements to earn my Accredited Financial Counselor certification. Your guidance, dedication, and the time you invested in us week after week in the AFC Exam Virtual Study Group made a lasting impact on my journey. The strong foundation you helped build stayed with me throughout. Your teaching truly made a difference and played an important role in helping me stay committed and ultimately succeed. I deeply appreciate the patience, encouragement, and expertise you brought to every session."

    - Arleen E. Zorrilla, Asset Building Director, Lawrence CommunityWorks Inc.

  • "I have worked with Kimberly as my AFC trainer. Kimberly is fantastic - incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer questions and share insights about financial counseling experiences in real life. I would recommend her to anyone looking for live training for the course."

    — Diane Sherman, AFC Candidate

  • "Kimberly is very knowledgeable and engaging. She provides wonderful additional readings and resources to use going forward."

    — Financial Skills Professional Development training participant

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. 

Your Questions, Answered
Free Consultation

  • Cohorts begin in February and September. Click that “Free Consultation” button and schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • AFCPE's Self-Study program isn't for everyone. You might want the community and camaraderie of a cohort-type experience, and I am here for you. As an AFCPE Independent Trainer, I work with small groups of aspiring AFC's over the course of four months to help you feel engaged with the study material and equipped to sit for the AFC exam. I also share my "lessons from the trenches" gained from 30 years of providing financial counseling and education. And we have fun, too!

  • Your investment in the AFC Exam Virtual Study Group is $2,200. You will get 15 live study sessions, the online AFC Learning System, and professional connections that will last a lifetime.