The Benefits of a CFP® Certification
Working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
Not all financial planners are certified. In fact, only a select group of planners have fulfilled the rigorous requirements necessary to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
A CFP® certification means a financial advisor has met rigorous professional standards and has agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, professionalism, and diligence when working with clients. The process to obtain the certification includes demonstrating key standards that are known as the “four E’s:” education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements.
To receive the CFP® certification, an advisor must have a minimum of three years experience in the financial planning process and must develop their financial planning education by completing a comprehensive course of study. The topics covered include:
- General Principles of Financial Planning
- Insurance Planning
- Investment Planning
- Income Tax Planning
- Retirement Planning
- Estate Planning
- Interpersonal Communication
- Professional Conduct and Fiduciary Responsibility
Once certified, CFP® professionals are held to the highest of standards in terms of ethics and responsibility. All practitioners must abide by a strict code of professional conduct and ethical responsibilities. Additionally, they must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to stay current with financial planning developments and best practices.
We believe it’s important for clients to trust their financial advisor and working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional may provide an added sense of security.