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

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