Complimentary Financial Education Workshops in Spokane Valley | AFEA

Complimentary Community Financial Education Through AFEA

Many of us were never taught how money works. School covers algebra and history, but rarely retirement accounts, Social Security, or how to build a plan that outlasts a paycheck. That gap leaves a lot of hardworking people making major financial decisions with guesswork instead of guidance.

That's the gap we set out to close. Before founding Evergreen Wealth Advisors with his wife, Sammie, Darrin spent years in the classroom as a middle school science teacher. Today, as a financial advisor and President of the Spokane Valley Chapter of the American Financial Education Alliance (AFEA), he brings that same teaching mindset to complimentary financial education workshops for our community.

Darrin loves partnering with nonprofits like AFEA because it lets him give back to his community through education, and teaching is where his heart has always been. Helping people build their knowledge around topics like Social Security, Medicare, taxes, and estate planning as they head into retirement, and giving them real tools to help make their money last, is work he genuinely loves.

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Financial Literacy Shouldn't Be a Privilege

Financial confusion isn't a personal failing. It's the predictable result of a system that hands people complicated products and vocabulary without ever explaining how any of it fits together. Community members we meet through AFEA consistently tell us:

They don't know where to start with retirement planning.
They're unsure how Social Security timing affects their benefit.
They've been approached by advisors who felt more interested in selling a product than explaining it.
They want a plain-language answer, not an industry lecture.

AFEA workshops exist to change that. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AFEA is built around a strict no-selling philosophy: every workshop is purely educational, with no products pitched and no pressure applied.

A Teacher First, an Advisor Second

Darrin and his wife, Sammie, spent years in Spokane Valley classrooms before transitioning into financial services. Darrin taught science and coached sports; Sammie taught English. That background shows up in how Darrin runs a workshop. He doesn't talk down to attendees, and he doesn't rush through the slides. He explains concepts the way a good teacher explains anything unfamiliar: patiently, clearly, and with real examples people can apply right away.

Through AFEA, Darrin covers foundational financial topics that matter to our broader community, not just one narrow group of employees, including:

Social Security basics and claiming strategies
Retirement income planning fundamentals
Understanding how taxes affect retirement savings
Protecting savings against major financial risks
Building a written, actionable financial plan

What to Expect at an AFEA Workshop

AFEA workshops are designed for anyone ready to take a clearer look at their financial future, regardless of career, employer, or where they are on the path to retirement. It's a simple two-step process: first, you attend the workshop and walk away with practical takeaways you can use right away; then, if you'd like to go further, you have the option to sit down with Darrin one-on-one to talk through your specific questions and situation.

Step 1: The Workshop

A relaxed, judgment-free environment for asking questions
Clear explanations of complex topics, without industry jargon
Practical takeaways you can apply immediately

Step 2: The Follow-Up Conversation

A private, no-obligation meeting with Darrin to discuss your specific questions
A chance to apply what you learned to your own financial picture
A clear roadmap of personalized next steps

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Bring Financial Education to Your Group or Organization

If you're part of a local business, civic group, school, or organization in the Spokane Valley area and would like to host a complimentary AFEA financial education workshop, Darrin would welcome the opportunity to teach again.

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Frequently Asked Questions About AFEA Workshops

What is the American Financial Education Alliance (AFEA)?

AFEA is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides complimentary financial education workshops to communities nationwide. AFEA workshops follow a strict no-selling policy, meaning instructors like Darrin McComas are there purely to teach, not to sell products or services.

Do I have to become a client to attend a workshop?

No. AFEA workshops are open to anyone in the community, and there is never an obligation to work with Darrin or Evergreen Wealth Advisors afterward. Some attendees choose to schedule a follow-up conversation; many simply take the education and go.

What topics does Darrin cover in his AFEA workshops?

Darrin's workshops focus on foundational financial education, including Social Security basics, retirement income planning, tax-efficient saving, and general strategies for building a more secure financial future.

Who should attend an AFEA workshop?

AFEA's no-selling policy is core to its mission. Instructors are prohibited from promoting or selling specific products during a workshop. The goal is purely to raise financial literacy and help attendees make more informed decisions on their own.

Can my company or organization host an AFEA workshop?

Yes. Darrin regularly partners with local businesses, civic groups, and organizations in the Spokane Valley area to bring complimentary financial education directly to their employees or members. Reach out to Evergreen Wealth Advisors to schedule one.

Ready to Learn with Us?

Financial confidence starts with understanding, and understanding starts with the right teacher.

Join Darrin McComas at an upcoming workshop and take the first step toward a clearer financial picture.

Find An Upcoming AFEA Workshop