Why AARP Needed a FinTech Curriculum

AARP Partners with TheMoneyCoach.net to Deliver Financial Education for Seniors

In 2019, AARP—the nation’s leading advocate for Americans over 50—identified a major obstacle: millions of older adults were unprepared for a digital-first financial world. Traditional banking habits couldn’t keep up with mobile apps, online transfers, and fraud prevention tools.

To meet this need, AARP launched a national initiative centered on financial education for seniors, aiming to empower older adults with digital skills that would allow them to manage money safely and confidently from home.

How TheMoneyCoach.net Designed a Senior-Friendly Digital Solution

AARP selected TheMoneyCoach.net, co-founded by personal finance expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox and technologist Earl Cox, to build a trusted fintech curriculum from the ground up. The program was crafted specifically for seniors—with clarity, simplicity, and dignity in mind.

It included:

• Step-by-step video walkthroughs
• Easy-to-understand articles and guides
• Live workshops for hands-on learning

Through this blended learning approach, participants mastered essential digital banking tasks such as:

• Depositing Social Security checks using mobile apps
• Setting up account alerts and transferring money online
• Recognizing and avoiding financial scams

A Crisis-Proof Program That Reached Millions

Just months after the launch, the COVID-19 pandemic forced widespread bank closures and isolation. But thanks to its early investment in financial education for seniors, AARP was prepared.

Rather than scramble for solutions, AARP directed its 38+ million members to the digital resources developed by TheMoneyCoach.net. Seniors who once depended on branch visits quickly adapted, using mobile tools to:

• Stay connected to their money
• Avoid service disruptions during lockdown
• Build new habits that increased financial security

Impact Snapshot:

• 38M+ members served via online access
• 10K+ digital learning sessions completed in year one
• 94% of workshop attendees reported greater confidence in digital banking

Awarded AARP Vendor of the Year

In 2020, TheMoneyCoach.net was named AARP Vendor of the Year in recognition of its outstanding service, rapid deployment, and measurable impact. The award acknowledged not only technical excellence, but also the personal commitment to making senior financial empowerment accessible to all.

This campaign became a model for how legacy organizations can partner with innovative teams to solve real-world problems at scale.

Testimonial Highlight:
“I never thought I’d learn to bank online at my age—but now I show my friends how to do it. It’s changed how I manage everything.”
– Workshop Participant, Age 72

Frequently Asked Questions

How was the financial education for seniors delivered?

The program used a hybrid model: digital videos and articles were paired with in-person workshops to guide seniors step-by-step through mobile banking tasks.

What made this initiative successful?

Its timing and real-world practicality. Launched before the pandemic, it provided seniors with tools to navigate remote banking during COVID-19.

What did seniors learn through this program?

They gained essential skills in using apps to deposit checks, send money, set alerts, and monitor account balances—safely and independently.

Why did AARP choose TheMoneyCoach.net?

Because of Lynnette’s trusted financial advice and Earl’s technology expertise. Together, they built a program that worked for real people in real life.

Can this model be adapted for other groups?

Absolutely. This approach is now being considered for other audiences, including low-income families, students, and corporate employees.

Final Takeaway

This award-winning collaboration between AARP and TheMoneyCoach.net shows what’s possible when financial education for seniors is treated as both a priority and a right. With expert