Train-the-Trainer model enhances financial professionals’ ability to increase financial literacy in clients

Finance professionals play a key role in helping American families increase financial literacy and stability. While technology has made it easier for people to learn about finance, limited financial literacy and distrust in finance professionals among low-to-moderate income earners illustrates the need for finance professionals to better reach this audience. 

The University of Maryland Extension uses a train-the-trainer approach to provide financial professionals with relevant resources and information that reflects the modern financial landscape, helping them better serve their clients and enhance their financial wellbeing. Training professionals, combined with the flexibility of remote programs and services, creates a “multiplier effect” to impact greater numbers of people. Now in its 38th year, the annual Personal Finance Seminar for Professionals program hosts experts from across the industry who share relevant information and resources with financial educators, professionals and counselors.  

In 2025, the program trained 102 finance professionals from 29 states including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Pre- and post-event surveys revealed that 98% of attendees planned to apply knowledge and/or skills gained from the seminar and 100% said they would share what they learned with others. The university estimates that attendees reach over 166,000 individuals across the United States through workshops, one-on-one meetings and digital means.

University of Maryland Extension | Project supported by fee-based funding.