About Us

At FHI, our goal is to create and deliver effective, trauma-informed financial education for people experiencing economic stress. We are committed to helping providers of human services (and related) fields learn how to work collaboratively with their participants about personal finance and economics. Our approach is informed by the latest research in learning strategies, behavioral economics, psychology and neuroscience, resulting in award-winning educational and training services.

Personally Relevant

Financial Education for all

From our experience over the past two decades, we developed Person-Centered Financial Education© (PCFE) - an educational approach that views personal finances and economics as an integral part of the whole person. PCFE incorporates basic finance and economic concepts into an understanding of a person’s psychological, emotional and cultural relationship with money.

Lens

FHI sees personal finance as a vital part of healthy individuals and thriving communities.  We recognize every person is navigating unique challenges that require relevant education and training that is immediately applicable.

FHI develops and delivers Person-Centered Financial Education© (PCFE) for people experiencing economic stress and for the organizations that serve them and their families.

Mission

Vision

Person-Centered Financial Education© (PCFE) will be a nationwide standard in financial education, specifically designed for people experiencing financial stress. 

More About

FHI

Shawn Young

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Public speaker, author and tennis enthusiast.

Shawn founded the Financial Health Institute (FHI) in 2007 to address the need for a better approach to helping people facing economic stress. To more effectively support these populations, Shawn and his team developed Person-Centered Financial Education© (PCFE).  Fascinated by micro and behavioral economics, individual and organizational irrationality, and theories of learning and change, Shawn is currently writing a book about the history and effectiveness of financial education and "literacy" in the United States. The book will draw extensively from his research and his experiences leading FHI.

M.A., M.F.A.

Joanne McLain

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Counselor, designer, coach, writer and artist.

PhD, M.A., B.A., Licensed Professional Counselor, Accredited Financial Counselor

Joanne brings more than 30 years of experience working with people to help them gain important life skills. Her experiences include six years with a Department of Human Services where she was Deputy Director and managed family programs that included services for families involved with child welfare, adult protection and all benefits programs. Joanne enjoys designing and delivering curriculum that helps people learn about financial health. She and her team deliver FHI’s curriculum online and in-person.

Meet Your Experts

  • Suzanne Laznicka

    M.A., B.A.

    PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

  • Lily Nobunaga

    B.A.

    GRAPHIC DESIGNER & MARKETING SPECIALIST