Many people assume that the title “financial planner” means they are “certified”, but that isn’t always the case. Without a CFP® certification, planners aren’t required to meet any professional standards, meaning they may not be required to put your interests first. In addition, their years of experience and level of financial planning knowledge can vary greatly.

What can you expect from us?

• We follow the requirements established by the CFP® Board.

• We’ve made a commitment to the CFP® Board to act in your best interest.

• We’ve demonstrated the knowledge required to deliver holistic financial planning.

• We have a minimum of two years of financial planning experience.
  

In order to be called a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, advisors must go through rigorous education, examination, and experience requirements. You can trust that these financial planners are committed to the high ethical and professional standards you deserve.

Certification Requirements

• Education: CFP® professionals are required to complete schooling that covers all of the major financial planning areas. These include investment planning, tax planning, retirement savings, income planning, and estate planning, in addition to having a bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline.

• Exam: CFP® professionals must pass the comprehensive CFP® exam.

• Experience: At least two years of real-life experience providing financial planning services is required.

• Ethics: Individuals must satisfy CFP® Board’s Fitness Standards and commit to abide by CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. 

Fiduciary Standard

CFP® professionals must commit to the CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, vowing to act in their client’s best interests at all times.

This means your CFP® professional is obligated to: 

1. Place your interests above their own, including that of their firm. 

2. Disclose conflicts of interest to you, obtaining your informed consent and properly managing the conflict. 

3. Continue to put your interests first, even when acting under a conflict of interest. 

4. Comply with the terms of the client engagement and follow your directions, so long as they are reasonable and lawful. 

5. Act with care, skill, prudence and diligence based on your goals, risk tolerance, objective, financial status and personal circumstances.

When you choose your financial planner, be sure to ask for — and get — a written engagement that requires them to have a fiduciary obligation to you.