Money worries often show up in conversations about housing, employment, food security, family stress, and overall well-being. Yet many helping professionals report feeling uncertain about how to begin discussions about finances with the individuals and families they serve. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension’s Encouraging Financial Conversations (EFC) training was developed to address that need by helping professionals build the confidence, skills, and resources needed to engage clients in positive, productive conversations about money.
The six-hour EFC training is designed specifically for helping professionals, including case managers, social workers, family support workers, housing advocates, educators, and other frontline staff. Participants learn practical strategies to empower clients to achieve financial goals and strengthen their financial well-being. The training focuses on helping professionals recognize opportunities to discuss finances, ask meaningful questions, connect clients with appropriate resources, and support behavior change through action planning and goal setting.
Professionals who participate in EFC gain more than financial education knowledge. They develop practical communication skills that can be incorporated into everyday client interactions. Participants learn how to:
- Start conversations about money in a respectful, client-centered way.
- Use powerful questions that help clients identify goals, challenges, and strengths.
- Support clients with action planning and follow-up conversations.
The training also recognizes that financial decisions are influenced by personal experiences, values, family obligations, systemic barriers, and life circumstances. This approach helps professionals engage clients with empathy while avoiding assumptions or judgment.
When helping professionals feel confident talking about finances, clients benefit. Financial concerns often affect many aspects of life, including housing stability, employment, family relationships, health, and stress levels. EFC provides professionals with tools to support clients in identifying financial goals, managing financial challenges, building savings habits, understanding available resources, and increasing financial capability
If you work with individuals or families and want to feel more comfortable addressing financial topics, now is the perfect time to join the next Encouraging Financial Conversations training series.
The upcoming virtual session will be held October 6 – November 10th on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The training is offered online via Zoom, and all worksheets and resource materials are provided free of charge. The course has also been approved by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Wisconsin Chapter for six continuing education hours for social workers. Participants seeking CE hours must attend all six sessions and complete the evaluation survey.
To learn more and register, visit the Encouraging Financial Conversations program page. Whether you are new to discussing money with clients or looking to strengthen your existing skills, EFC can help you build confidence and equip you with practical tools to support the financial well-being of the people you serve.