UNT Student Money Management Center Financial Readiness Lead Mentor Rebecca Boyle won the IARFC Financial Planning Competition in Nashville, Tenn., on March 21. Only two UNT students made it to the semi-final round, with Boyle being the only UNT student selected as one of the three finalists. Entries could be individual or teams of two. Boyle also was the only individual finalist who competed against two teams.

The IARFC Financial Planning Competition is a national competition for college students in financial services programs. The first round required written plans made from a fictional case narrative. The plans had to include income tax analysis, cash flow analysis, a net worth statement, a plan to fund college education and retirement, life, disability and long-term care insurance analysis, an estate plan analysis and asset allocation recommendations. The top six plans were chosen as semi-finalists and were then required to give virtual presentations to “clients” who would listen and ask questions. From there, the top three finalists were selected and traveled to Nashville to present the final round live. The competition started with 56 plans from 13 universities and went down to the top three who presented live in Nashville for the final round held during the 2019 IARFC Annual Conference.

“This opportunity has given me the chance to bring together information from different courses and learn how to apply it in a practical way,” said Boyle. “Between the written plan and the presentation, I've gotten a taste of what it’s like to be in the financial planning field, which has been very valuable in deciding what I want to do after graduation. I'm grateful for the education and support I've gotten from UNT.”

“Rebecca is an outstanding representative of both our student body and peer mentors,” said Paul Goebel, Student Money Management Center director. “Our entire department is proud of her selection as a finalist and her win. She represented the university, her academic program and our center with distinction.”

Boyle is a senior studying finance with a minor in financial planning. In August 2016, she joined the Student Money Management Center as a peer mentor in which she provides a variety of services to students including outreach programming, personal coaching sessions and emergency aid assistance. After completing her studies, Boyle hopes to pursue a career in financial planning empowering people to reach their financial goals.

“What I enjoy most about working at the Student Money Management Center is being part of a team that truly cares about students,” said Boyle. “I've had the chance to develop professional skills that will last a lifetime, all while feeling like the work I do positively impacts my peers. I couldn't have asked for a better job or a better group of people to work with.”

For more information on the Student Money Management Center, visit https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/student-money-management-center

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Contact: Ray Willhoft, 940-565-2464, raymond.willhoft@unt.edu