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Robert Kinzer
Robert Kinzer
00:51

Robert Kinzer

Literacy Institute for Financial Enrichment

Largo, MD USA

"Get a vision. Shoot for the moon and if you miss, you fall upon the stars. But at least have a plan."

Career Roadmap

Robert's work combines: Numbers, Education, and Teaching / Mentoring

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Day In The Life

President

I promote and teach financial education to enhance people's wealth and contribute to generational wealth.

02:40

Day In The Life Of A Financial Educator

My Day to Day

Every day, I work to break down the barriers that keep people from financial freedom. As the president of LIFE, a nonprofit for financial literacy, I teach workshops in schools, churches, and community centers. I give people real, practical tools to manage money wisely. It’s not just about numbers. It’s about changing mindsets, challenging a system that holds people back, and making financial knowledge accessible.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Sociology and Anthropology

    University of the District of Columbia

  • Certification

    Certified Financial Education Instructor

    National Financial Education Council

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a President:

Bachelor's Degree: Finance

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I earned a basketball scholarship to Penn State, later transferring to Texas A&I before heading to Europe to play professionally.

  • 2.

    After five years of professional basketball in England and Scotland, I had to pivot and find a new career path.

  • 3.

    I became a stockbroker, earning my Series 7 certification, which opened my eyes to the financial world.

  • 4.

    I transitioned into banking, joining the FDIC as a senior financial analyst and later as a community affairs specialist.

  • 5.

    I spent 30 years at the FDIC, teaching financial literacy across the country while working to regulate and supervise banks.

  • 6.

    In 2017, I retired from the FDIC but continued my passion for financial education as president of LIFE (Literacy Institute for Financial Enrichment), a nonprofit I co-founded.

  • 7.

    I also serve as vice chairman of Prince George’s County Public Schools’ financial literacy advisory committee, ensuring students graduate with money management skills.

  • 8.

    Today, I continue teaching financial literacy through workshops, my nonprofit, and my book, “The Other Side of the Hoop.”

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Myself:

    I need to get an advanced degree in order to compete with my peers.

  • How I responded:

    When I started working in financial institutions, most of my peers had more advanced degrees. They were MBAs, CPAs, and certified financial analysts, while I had a sociology degree. I initially felt inferior because they had more education than I did. I overcame that fear and doubt just by gaining experience, learning how to put out a good product, and building confidence.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • One of the bigger struggles I've encountered in my career is racial discrimination. I've been left wondering why I wasn't selected for a position despite being qualified. It's held me back at times but I stayed motivated and found success regardless.

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