Her Story
About Ann
Ann House is a personal finance education, financial counseling, and consumer economics professional with more than 35 years of experience counseling individuals, teaching financial education, and supporting university-based personal finance programs. She began her career in 1991 and retired three years ago from the University of Utah, where she served for many years as a Personal Financial Counselor and Educator and established one of the first university financial wellness centers in the nation. Prior to that, she held extension faculty experience with Utah State University for seven years. Ann House now works as a self-employed Financial Education and Personal Financial Counselor in private practice, where she assists clients with budgeting, debt management, and working with spouses on finances. Her educational background includes a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Utah. She is a member of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) and has contributed to the field through initiatives such as starting a VITA site on campus and developing the Finance in the Classroom website. She also collaborated on legislation requiring a semester-long financial education class in Utah high schools.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ann
01What do you attribute your success to?
Some of it was luck, getting with a wonderful mentor professor. Perseverance after being widowed as a police officer's wife who was shot. I wanted to show my children that hardship doesn't define you and to be known for my talents and accomplishments. Our goal as financial counselors is to teach people to make good decisions so we work ourselves out of a job.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be open and be open to criticism. I was not open before grad school but doing an internship was amazing and improved my writing by listening to feedback from people I admire.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Get a degree and get accredited. Stay up to date as things change quickly. There is not just one way; you can take time off and go back to school. Have goals but feel free to change them.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenge is convincing people they need you but don't want to pay for it. Opportunity is exploding due to the current economy as people struggle and need hope and options; getting the word out through AFCPE.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity. Being careful with people looking to me for guidance, honesty, being who I am without changing depending on who I'm talking to.
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