What Is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional?

You work hard for your money, and it's important to plan for your working years and the transition to retirement. It takes about six months to a year to put a financial plan into place, but it's well worth the time spent to develop habits that can last a lifetime.

It's important to have guidance when considering the options and investment opportunities available to grow and maintain your wealth.

New products are always becoming available, the cost of living continues to increase, and your financial goals may change many times. If you get a divorce, receive an inheritance, or have other life changes — for good or ill —  it's helpful to have a trusted financial advisor on your side.

So, why should you trust a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional? A CFP® does a lot more than simply tell you where to put your money.

What Does a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Do?

As a CFP®, I will help you develop a financial plan. This starts with determining your short-term and long-term goals and creating steps to achieve those goals. It involves looking at taxes, investments, risks, retirement plans, and employer benefits, just to name a few.

Do you want to start a business or plan for retirement? If so, maybe it’s time to look at your financial plan in its entirety. When choosing someone to manage your money, finding someone you trust and are confident in is the first step.

What Qualifications does a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional Need? 

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. governs the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional credentials. Candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.

  • Three years’ full-time experience in the financial planning process or the equivalent part-time experience (2,000 hours per year).

  • Completion of a CFP® Board registered program typically consisting of the following courses: Professional Conduct and Regulation, General Principles of Financial Planning, Education Planning, Risk Management and Insurance Planning, Investment Planning, Tax Planning, Retirement Savings and Income Planning, Estate Planning, and Financial Plan Development (Capstone Course). (Not all courses may be required for those who hold one of these credentials: CPA, Doctor of Business Administration, ChFC, CFA, Ph.D. in business or economics, Attorney's License or Chartered Life Underwriter).

Candidates must pass a rigorous final certification examination and complete 30 hours of continuing education requirements every two years.

What Are the Benefits of Working With a CFP®?

There are many reasons that it makes sense to work with a CFP® professional such as myself to develop your financial strategies. CFP®s:

  • Are highly qualified to assist you in creating a financial plan based on your personal goals.

  • Have a fiduciary responsibility to act in your best interest.

  • Provide coaching and encouragement.

  • Must live up to stringent professional and ethical standards.

  • Will help you pivot and choose the right direction following the birth of a child, a divorce, or a financial windfall that you want to invest wisely.

Meet With a CFP® Online or In Person Today

My fiduciary responsibility is to always put the needs of my clients first. When you are ready to begin your journey toward financial freedom, please feel free to schedule an appointment on my calendar. I look forward to taking the first step with you.

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