Helping Investors to Understand

When it comes to engaging a financial intermediary, it is essential that investors be provided with disclosures that are written in simple and comprehensible English.  That is the position of the CFP Board, who recently sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission urging, among other things, that more attention be paid to the…

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Escaping from the Jeopardy of Debt

Reducing your debt does not mean the problem is over. Debt reduction without a constituted management plan may create a permanent risk in your financial security, as stated by Eleanor Blayney, CFP, a Consumer Advocate of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Blayney encourages American families to have a more thoughtful approach to debt…

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FINRA Outlines New Suitability Requirements

The date of July 9, 2012, marks the implementation of new FINRA rules governing the suitability requirements of brokers under Rule 2111. While many see this as the first foray into a new set of regulations and harmonization of the true fiduciary standards that RIA’s must meet, these new rules and standards push brokers to…

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CFP Board Changes Bankruptcy Rules

With the difficult economic situation the last few years, bankruptcy filings for CFP professionals have been on the rise.  Historically, the CFP Board has had strict guidelines limiting anyone who has filed bankruptcy from getting the CFP certification.  However, effective July 1, 2012, the CFP Board is implementing a new bankruptcy rule applicable to all…

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CFP Board Changes Experience Requirement

The CFP Board has recently altered a key component to CFP certification – the experience requirement. Previously, those seeking CFP certification were required to gain three (3) years of relevant financial planning experience prior to the CFP Board of Standards issuing the CFP marks. On September 1, 2012, the Board will now recognize two (2)…

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Job Outlook for CFP Professionals

The CFP certification continues to gain ground as a standard in the financial services industry for not only those already in the financial services business, but career changers as well. Within the past week, the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics updated their Occupational Outlook Handbook noting an extremely positive job outlook for Financial Planners.…

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How to Meet the CFP Experience Requirement

In order to earn CFP® certification, a person must have a bachelor’s degree, pass an accredited CFP educational program, pass the national CFP Board exam, and meet the 3-year work experience requirement.  For a person not currently working in the financial services industry, a common question is, “How does one go about getting the proper experience?”…

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Does the CFP® Certification Help my Earnings Potential as a Financial Advisor?

A common question asked by both students enrolled in our CFP® certification educational program and those considering the CFP® certification relate to the earnings potential of Financial Advisors. A recent article in the Registered Rep discusses the earnings upside of nearly 30% for Financial Advisors obtaining the CFP® certification. With evidence of increased earnings for…

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Do Financial Planning Programs Prepare You for What You Encounter on the Job?

One of the benefits of serving the CFP marketplace as an educational provider is the privilege we have to connect with so many individuals of various backgrounds.  Whether they have been serving clients within the wealth management industry for many years, whether they are considering a change of career, or those only looking to better their knowledge of the financial…

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