UNF student Financial Planners snag national recognition

UNF Financial Planning Association Competitive Team Shines Nationally, Secures 6th Place 

The University of North Florida's student Financial Planning competitive team scored a sixth-place finish in the fiercely competitive arena of financial planning.  

The honor comes among more than 250 registered financial planning programs recognized by the CFP Board and 50-plus plans submitted during the competition.  The UNF team was presented with hypothetical client data, for which they created a written plan.  

Their effort gained them an invitation to compete at the 2023 FPA National Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.  The competition involved a live thesis defense of their plan in front of a panel of judges and a comprehensive live exam against teams from around the nation, all held before a "live studio audience" of financial advisors attending the conference.  Team members Matthew Dougherty, Ansley Nicolaus, and Sydney Bridges exhibited dedication, knowledge, and skills throughout the competition. Their performance further cements UNF's reputation as a leading institution for financial education. 

The Women’s Leadership Alliance funding helped to support Bridges and Nicolaus attendance at the event.  

“I’m so grateful for the WLA funding. It’s so important to have support such as the WLA that helps young business women such as myself. This kind of support not only provided a leg up at the event, but it will help my future career,” Bridges said. 

The top three teams were: 

• Texas Tech University 
• University of Akron 
• University of Arizona