At FWI, we empower, educate and energize clients of all ages to expand their financial capability, improve their financial well-being, and build wealth for the future. Our mission is to strengthen individuals and families, empowering communities toward economic stability.
FWI believes that the financial competency of individuals, families and communities can be fostered and developed by weaving and implementing financial education programs and services into the community. Our vision is to empower individuals and families to make sound financial decisions that lead to financial independence and sustainability for a lifetime—building wealth for their future and the future of their communities.
Chartered in 2003, the Financial Wellness Institute (FWI) is a nationally-recognized, private, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization headquartered in New Jersey. Serving the Delaware Valley area, the Institute’s mission is to “Strengthen individuals and families and move communities to economic stability”. FWI’s goal is to change individuals’ behavior by empowering and educating them to improve their financial, physical, social, career and community wellbeing.
Using an integrated bundle of educational services, the Institute is recognized for its strategic holistic approach. FWI provides a supportive environment for family enrichment and capacity building through a diverse network of practitioners and advocates from academia, government entities, social service agencies and the private sector. Together, the FWI network provides services to thousands of individuals and organizations.
Our services “meet our clients where they are” in the life-cycle and are designed to strengthen families by listening to their needs and intensifying services as necessary. We aim to strengthen lives in a way that encourages our clients to make short and long-term commitments to increase their income, decrease expenses, acquire assets and obtain affordable housing. Our objective is to shift our clients from a state of vulnerability to economic stability, empowering them to be strong providers for themselves, their families, and their communities.
RESPECTFUL – We are respectful of differences in the communities in which we live, work, play and pray.
EMPATHY – We recognize that each individual is unique; thus, without judgement, we meet our clients where they are in the life cycle and intensive services as needed.
PERSEVERANCE – We recognize that it takes courage, tenacity, persistence and humility to uplift diverse voices.
ADVOCACY – We give a voice and uplift those in need.
INTEGRITY – We hold ourselves accountable to our commitments to our clients, partners, funders and community stakeholders.
RESOURCEFUL – We search for solutions to help solve societal problems.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Wanda P. Hardy, President & CEO of the Financial Wellness Institute, is a renowned and highly decorated financial educator and consultant. She has conducted numerous classes, workshops and seminars in the Delaware Valley area, instructing thousands of individuals and families in making informed financial decisions. An American Association of Family & Consumer Science Certified Personal & Family Finance Educator (CPFFE) and certified FDIC Money Smart Trainer and Instructor, she has trained bank staff members, social service agency, nonprofit organization and government agency personnel to deliver financial education programs specifically geared to their needs.
A champion of issues impacting the economic health of the community, Ms. Hardy is a Trustee for Jefferson Health Foundation, New Jersey and the Community Foundation of South Jersey. In addition, she serves on the Board of Managers for the Regional Foundation, formerly Wells Fargo Regional Foundation and Community Development Corp.
Ms. Hardy is a graduate of Columbia University School of Business for Nonprofit Management and holds both a Bachelor of Science degree and an Executive Master’s degree in Business Administration (EMBA) from St. Joseph’s University
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