Financial Literacy and Education in Communities (FLEC) Awards

As America’s preeminent nonprofit financial counseling and education organization, MMI is proud to honor journalists across the country who support our communities through financial empowerment. The MMI Financial Literacy and Education Communities (FLEC) Awards celebrate these trusted voices for their contributions to reducing social barriers and knowledge gaps, particularly for those struggling with debt.

Studies have consistently shown that stigma prevents many individuals from seeking financial help, yet timely intervention with non-judgmental counseling is critical for those facing instability. Quality coverage of the very real challenges faced by a wide range of Americans – and stories of finding help to triumph over adversity – lowers the barrier of stigma for millions of others and inspires them to seek solutions that transform their financial futures.

MMI’s research has proven that local media coverage of MMI clients who have overcome their debt increases the number of people reaching out for financial counseling by as much as 10 times. By partnering to produce stories that reduce the stigma of debt, shame and isolation is reduced and community financial wellness is increased. The FLEC Awards honor reporters and media professionals who are making a difference in the lives of those needing financial education and debt management solutions.

The FLEC Awards were launched in 2021 to recognize outstanding contributions in consumer financial journalism. Honorees are selected by the senior leadership team at MMI based upon the breadth, depth, and quality of reporting on financial wellness issues impacting communities at the local and national levels.

MMI FLEC Award Recipients:

2024

Jesse Jones, KIRO Seattle
Leah Dunn, WSB-TV Atlanta
Daniela Molina, InvestigateTV
Tiffany Salameh, WJXT Jacksonville
Alina Machado, NBC 6 South Florida
Michelle Singletary, The Washington Post
Erica Sandberg, Personal Finance Expert
Jason Stoogenke, WSOC-TV Charlotte
Cory Smith, Sinclair Broadcast Group
Gray Television and InvestigateTV

2023

Ellen Chang, The Street
Jessica Dickler, CNBC
Robin Hartill, The Penny Hoarder
Caitlin Burchill, NBC Connecticut
Rachel DePompa, NCB12 Richmond
Mallory Sofastaii, WMAR Baltimore
Joel Larsgaard and Matt Altmix, How to Money

2022

Jackie Lam, Bankrate
Adam Hardy, Money
Sean Pyles, NerdWallet
Susan Campbell, KTVK Phoenix
Tricia Kean and Daniel Gutierrez, KTNV Las Vegas

2021

Ted Rossman, Bankrate
Jackie Callaway, ABC Action News Tampa Bay
Heather Sullivan, FOX 26 Houston

Better Business Bureau

MMI is proud to have achieved an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a nonprofit organization focused on promoting and improving marketplace trust. The BBB investigates charges of fraud against both consumers and businesses, sets standards for truthfulness in advertising, and evaluates the trustworthiness of businesses and charities, providing a score from A+ (highest) to F (lowest).
Financial Counseling Association of America

MMI is a proud member of the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA), a national association representing financial counseling companies that provide consumer credit counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling, bankruptcy counseling, debt management, and various financial education services.
Trustpilot

MMI is rated as “Excellent” (4.9/5) by reviewers on Trustpilot, a global, online consumer review platform dedicated to openness and transparency. Since 2007, Trustpilot has received over 116 million customer reviews for nearly 500,000 different websites and businesses. See what others are saying about the work we do.
Department of Housing and Urban Development

MMI is certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide consumer housing counseling. The mission of HUD is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD provides support services directly and through approved, local agencies like MMI.
Council On Accreditation

MMI is proudly accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), an international, independent, nonprofit, human service accrediting organization. COA’s thorough, peer-reviewed accreditation process is designed to ensure that organizations like MMI are providing the highest standard of service and support for clients and employees alike.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling

MMI is a longstanding member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®), the nation’s largest nonprofit financial counseling organization. Founded in 1951, the NFCC’s mission is to promote financially responsible behavior and help member organizations like MMI deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services.