Summary

• Member of the Investopedia Financial Review Board
• Ed.D and MBA, with 20 years experience in finance and nonprofit fields
• Founder of Financial Beginnings, a national financial education nonprofit
• Professor at Portland State University, teaching business and finance courses

Experience

Dr. Melody Bell is a personal finance expert, entrepreneur, educator, and researcher. Melody founded Financial Beginnings in 2005 after a career in finance, during which she repeatedly encountered individuals who were forced to delay life goals such as higher education, homeownership, and retirement after failing to navigate the increasingly complex and predatory financial system. Financial Beginnings is now a national nonprofit that serves tens of thousands each year.

For over a decade, Melody has taught finance and business courses at her alma mater, Portland State University. Special projects at Portland State University have included new course development and piloting new teaching modalities. In 2016, Melody was recognized as Adjunct Professor of the Year.

Melody currently serves on Investopedia’s Financial Review Board, develops culturally responsive personal finance curriculum, and provides strategic guidance for businesses. It is Melody’s roots coming from modest means and founding a nonprofit that keep her fueled to help the next generation achieve their own definition of financial well-being.

Education

Dr. Melody Bell received a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in finance and public administration. Melody’s research has focused on personal finance education at the postsecondary level. Additionally, Melody has received such awards as Adjunct Professor of the Year from Portland State University, the Inaugural Financial Education Champion from the Oregon Bankers Association, and 40 Under 40 from the Portland Business Journal.