The Cygnet Institute of Personal Financial Literacy and Rochester Christian University are partnering to promote the conflict-free fiduciary standard and to offer consumer financial and retirement readiness across Oakland County and Southeast Michigan.
This effort hopes to broaden the reach of the Cygnet Institute, an established educational nonprofit, while harnessing the expertise of both institutions to help individuals make informed financial decisions through independent certified instructors, said Ted Lakkides, a Certified Financial Planner™.
“This partnership represents a significant milestone for both institutions. By combining our pioneering work in financial wellness education with RCU’s deep community roots and commitment to fostering innovation, we aim to create transformative opportunities for individuals to take control of their finances and avoid biased and conflicted advisors,” Lakkides said.
This collaboration will offer a range of initiatives, including:
- conducting employer-sponsored 401k workshops, both in-person and online
- offering a workforce development program to train fee-only Certified Retirement Counselors® to present workshops
- establishing a Financial Wellness Center at RCU
- developing an outreach program to organize Fiduciary Finance Clubs in Michigan high schools.
Dr. Remylin Bruder, RCU’s provost, said, “We are excited to embark on this journey with Cygnet Institute. Together, we will empower our community with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive environment, driving innovation and economic prosperity.”
The partnership between the Cygnet Institute and RCU reflects a commitment to using academic expertise for societal betterment. By collaborating across academia, business and the community, they aim to equip individuals and organizations with essential financial decision-making tools for success in a rapidly changing world.
For more information about the Cygnet Institute and its partnership with Rochester Christian University, visit www.cygnetinstitute.org.
