+ What is a CFP® and why should I care?

CFP® stands for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM, but not all financial planners are "certified". Anyone can use the title "financial planner". Only those who have fulfilled the certification and renewal requirements of the CFP® Board can display the CFP® certification trademarks which represent a high level of competency, ethics, and professionalism in our industry.

An advisor holding a CFP® designation has:

  • Extensive education in investments, insurance, retirement planning, taxation, and estate law. Additionally, CFP®s must undergo a certain amount of continuing education to retain and sharpen their skills.
  • 6,000 hours of professional experience related to the financial planning process or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience 
  • Successfully passed the CFP® exam
  • Met ethical and professional standards for the practice of financial planning, and acts as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to clients, always putting their best interests first.

 

Do Credentials Matter When Seeking Financial Planning Advice?