Carolyn Steckelberg is the Associate Professor of Practice at the ISU Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences. She is also the Outreach and Education Specialist Consultant for the Financial Empowerment Center, Evelyn K. Davis Center. Iowa State’s financial counseling and planning degree is the only undergraduate program of its kind offered in Iowa! Our curriculum will prepare you for professional work helping people through the complex process of financial decision making by providing them with advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings, estate planning, taxes, and retirement. You’ll learn in the classroom and be able to gain hands-on experience in a variety of settings while you’re in school. Graduates with a financial counseling and planning degree are prepared for employment in organizations committed to improving the financial capability of individuals and families.
Iowa State’s financial counseling and planning degree is the only undergraduate program of its kind offered in Iowa! The curriculum will prepare you for professional work helping people through the complex process of financial decision making by providing them with advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings, estate planning, taxes, and retirement. You’ll learn in the classroom and be able to gain hands-on experience in a variety of settings while you’re in school. Graduates with a financial counseling and planning degree are prepared for employment in organizations committed to improving the financial capability of individuals and families.
The Financial Counseling and Planning program is a CFP Board-Registered Program that meets specific criteria for educating individuals who wish to fulfill the education component for obtaining CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification. Earning the CFP® professional designation prepares you to be a more accomplished and effective adviser by providing the knowledge, credibility, and expertise needed to set you apart.
The Financial Counseling and Planning program is also an AFCPE® Registered Education Program which offers students the opportunity to earn their Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) certification that enhances their degree and marks the highest standard of excellence in the field of financial counseling and education.
Carolyn teaches Personal Finance, Fundamentals of Financial Planning, and Financial Counseling and Lab. In addition to teaching, she serves as the faculty advisor and internship coordinator for Financial Counseling and Planning students. She provides financial counseling for students, faculty, and staff through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. As co-lead of the Bank On Iowa Coalition, she works to expand financial access for unbanked individuals. She also offers community financial education, including at the Polk County Jail. Her outreach includes workshops and one-on-one counseling to support financial wellness across various populations.
Carolyn enjoys being a part of the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition to surround herself with like-minded individuals and organizations who are passionate about providing free, non-commercial, unbiased, high quality financial education in our communities. She routinely connects with other coalition members for guidance and support, and connects students and clients with referral partners. She prefers to make a warm handoff to someone that she’s met and feel good about connecting with someone who maybe needs some additional help.
Caroyn’s favorite thing to do is find the time and space to be with her kids. Noel is a civil engineer with the City of Ames. Eva is in the doctorate in physical therapy program at Des Moines University. Nora is in the landscape architecture program at Iowa State University. She is finding it to be a difficult transition to be an empty nester. She also loves to spend time with friends and colleagues going out for food and drinks. She loves trying new things and meeting new people!
Iowa Jump$tart Coalition 