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. As a successful individual, you need to be aware that anyone can call themselves a "financial planner", but not anyone can use the CFP® mark of distinction. It is up to you to differentiate between a professional who has earned the CFP® mark and one who has not. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to know the education and credentials of the person with whom you choose to do business.
A CFP® professional is a member of an elite group of financial professionals that set the standard for ethical and competent personal and business financial planning. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ is more than a designation; it is a reflection of ones professional aptitude and commitment. To earn this designation, Brian P. Sauser, CFP® has demonstrated competence through the successful completion of rigorous financial planning curriculum in the disciplines of tax planning, retirement planning, business planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance; and has sat for and passed the comprehensive two-day, 10-hour final examination as well as has met the education, experience, and ethics requirements of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. To retain this designation, Brian P. Sauser, CFP® 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 accountants, attorneys, and other advisors as the gold standard for measuring professional excellence and integrity; 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, credible, 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.
