What is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional and why does it matter?

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals have completed extensive training, experience requirements, and are held to high ethical standards.  A CFP® professional must always act in their client’s best interest and are obligated to practice integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism, and diligence.  They help you bring all the pieces of your financial life together.  You can count on a CFP® professional to have completed the following:

  • Education - a bachelor’s degree and completed a comprehensive course which covers a personal financial planning curriculum approved by the CFP® board.  In addition, a CFP® professional must complete continuing education based on professional competency and ethics. 
  • Examination - passed a rigorous test administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.  
  • Experience - at least three years of hands on experience in the financial planning process.