Recognition highlights the power of financial education, volunteerism, and purpose-driven leadership
BOSTON, MA and NEW YORK, NY — May 19, 2026 — The Invest in Others Charitable Foundation and Savvy Ladies have announced that Amanda Connaughton, CFP®, Financial Planner at Financial Solutions has been named the recipient of the Savvy Ladies Volunteer of the Year Award, presented on May 12 at the organization’s Volunteer Summit in New York City. As sponsor of the award and in celebration of Connaughton’s volunteer efforts, Invest in Others is providing a $5,000 grant to Savvy Ladies to support its volunteer-driven efforts to deliver free financial education to women nationwide.
“At Invest in Others, we believe that financial advisors play a powerful role not only in guiding clients, but also in strengthening communities,” said Barkley Payne, President and CEO of Invest in Others. “Amanda exemplifies the kind of charitable leadership this collaboration was designed to highlight. We are proud to recognize her impact and to support Savvy Ladies’ mission through this grant. This collaboration reflects what’s possible when organizations come together around shared values, and we are excited about the potential for continued and expanded collaboration in the future.”
As part of the 2026 collaboration between Invest in Others and Savvy Ladies, this grant initiative was created to build community within the financial services industry, spotlight mission-driven financial advisors, and strengthen awareness of the connection between financial education, charitable efforts, and long-term community impact.
Connaughton was recognized for her ongoing volunteer work with Savvy Ladies, where she provides guidance and support to women seeking financial clarity and confidence. The $5,000 grant will support the organization’s continued growth and enhance access to its services.
“I am genuinely honored to receive this award, but I’m just one of many hardworking volunteers who give their time and expertise to support Savvy Ladies clients.”
“Together, we are creating a safe space where women can feel supported and empowered. The women we speak with and the success stories we get to be part of are what make this work so worthwhile, and I’m proud to serve an organization making such a meaningful difference. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to walk alongside these women, and seeing the lasting impact we can make as volunteers is truly powerful,” she said.
Connaughton noted that the grant will directly enhance the organization’s ability to serve clients. “This $5,000 one-time grant will be used to directly support the continued growth of the helpline and resources available to our clients,” she added. “Savvy Ladies will use these funds to improve the client experience, such as adding text capabilities, making it easier for women to access the financial guidance they need.”
Through her volunteer work, Connaughton has seen firsthand the importance of accessible financial education.
“I have worked with many women who feel insecure about their finances or stuck and unsure how to move forward.
Savvy Ladies provides the support and resources they need to make empowered and informed decisions. Grants like this play an important role in continuing that work, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
The recognition is part of a broader 2026 collaboration effort between Invest in Others and Savvy Ladies, which includes ongoing storytelling and visibility efforts to amplify the impact of financial advisors who give back. Connaughton, Savvy Ladies, and other volunteers will be featured across Invest in Others’ communications platforms, helping to inspire other advisors to engage in meaningful charitable work. The collaboration also coincides with Invest in Others’ 20th anniversary year, as the organization expands new initiatives to connect with financial advisors nationwide and further elevate the role of charitable efforts within the profession.
“Savvy Ladies is proud to recognize Amanda for her outstanding commitment to empowering women through financial education,” said Judy Herbst, Executive Director of Savvy Ladies. “We are deeply grateful for creative collaborations like this one with Invest in Others, which not only celebrate the dedication of our volunteers but also help advance our shared mission and ensure we can continue moving this important work forward.”
As Invest in Others celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, it remains committed to celebrating, amplifying, and inspiring the charitable work of financial advisors. Together, Invest in Others and Savvy Ladies continue to demonstrate how financial education, volunteerism, and philanthropy intersect to create lasting impact for women and communities nationwide.
Pictured (l-r) are: Stacy Francis, Founder Savvy Ladies, CEO Francis Financial, Judy Herbst, Executive Director Savvy Ladies, Emily Jaffe CFP®, CDFA®, President, OFC Wealth Management, Helpline Volunteer and Award Nominee, Jayeeta Choudhury CFP®, CDFA®, Vice President, Rivers Edge Wealth Partners, Helpline Volunteer and Award Nominee, Amanda Connaughton, CFP®, Financial Planner at Financial Solutions, Oldham County, Helpline Volunteer and Savvy Ladies Volunteer of the Year Award recipient,
Abby Salameh, Managing Partner, Mercer Advisors, Invest in Others Board Member, and
Emily Burns Perryman, Chief Marketing Officer, Invest in Others.
