CFP® Certification

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, there are at least 118 professional designations and certifications within the financial services industry; and most seem to imply an expertise in one area or another. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to know the education and credentials of the person with whom you choose to do business. This description is designed to briefly explain the responsibilities and ethics of a CFP^® professional.

A CFP^® professional is a member of a distinguished profession dedicated to serving the financial ambitions of individuals, families, and organizations. The CFP^® professional's expertise is the prudent arrangement of a client's financial position, in all areas, rather than selling or promoting individual "products of the day".

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ is more than a designation. It is a reflection of ones professional aptitude and commitment. To earn this designation, the CFP^® professional has demonstrated competence through the successful completion of a series of rigorous financial planning examinations in the areas of tax planning, retirement planning, business planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance; as well as has sat for and passed the comprehensive two-day, 10-hour final examination and has met the education, experience, and ethics requirements of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. To retain this designation, the CFP^® professional must maintain diligent competence through a continuous program of education and development and must comply with the Board of Standards Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.

The CFP^® designation is universally recognized by CPAs and attorneys as the gold standard for measuring professional excellence and integrity in the financial planning profession, and has become the most highly-regarded and sought-after financial planning credential amongst the public today. When selecting someone to help you crystallize your objectives and take action, you should be confident that the person you choose is competent, credibile, and has proven experience.

To gain a more in-depth understanding of the CFP^® designation, please feel free to visit www.cfp.net. You can also learn more about the other array of designations and certifications, as well as the CFP^®, by visiting this FINRA link.

Visiting this FINRA link may also provide you information about the qualifications, registration and employment history, as well as any disclosures of customer disputes, disciplinary actions and regulatory events that may be associated with the financial services professional you might be considering doing business with.
 

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