Posts by Shawn Janes
The Impact of ESG and Sustainable Finance on Financial Planning: How CFP® Professionals Can Lead
Good to Know As investors increasingly seek to align portfolios with personal values, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have moved from niche interest to mainstream consideration in financial planning. For CFP® professionals, meeting this demand isn’t just a matter of offering ESG‑labeled products — it’s about guiding clients through meaningful choices while upholding fiduciary…
Read MoreCFP Board Enhances Continuing Education Requirements: New Ethics Module Effective 2026
CFP® Board Updates In a move that reflects its ongoing commitment to public trust and professional accountability, the CFP Board recently announced updates to its Continuing Education (CE) requirements, including the launch of a new ethics module that will take effect in 2026. These changes are designed to ensure that CFP® professionals stay aligned with…
Read MoreNavigating Retirement Income Planning in a Volatile Interest Rate Environment
Good to Know After several years of aggressive rate hikes, interest rates have now stabilized — but the future remains uncertain. With inflation cooling, market volatility persisting, and rate cuts likely on the horizon, CFP® professionals face a complex landscape when helping clients structure reliable retirement income strategies. The Current Landscape Based on the CFP…
Read MoreCFP Board Issues Latest Candidate Exam Data: Trends for 2026
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board recently published its exam results for the July 2025 testing window, offering insights into candidate trends, pass rates, and the evolving professional landscape. Key Takeaways from the Exam Data The total number of exam‑takers increased to a new high point, signaling stronger interest in the CFP® certification. The pass rate…
Read MoreWhy the CFP® Designation Still Matters: Compensation, Satisfaction & Industry Standing
Good to Know In September 2025, the CFP Board released new data reinforcing what many in the profession already know: CFP® professionals earn more, enjoy higher job satisfaction, and are more likely to be seen as trusted advisors compared to their non-certified peers. While the financial services industry continues to evolve — with AI tools,…
Read MoreProcedural Rules Update: What Every CFP® Candidate and Certificant Should Know
Good to Know While most headlines in financial planning focus on tax law changes or exam updates, one of the most quietly important developments this year was the CFP Board’s update to its Procedural Rules, which took effect on May 23, 2025. These rules govern how the Board reviews potential ethical violations and fitness issues…
Read MoreCFP Board’s New OBBBA Planning Resources & Webinar Series
CFP® Board Updates As financial professionals begin navigating the wide-ranging implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the CFP Board is stepping in with critical support. In an August announcement, the Board previewed the launch of two key resources: a peer-reviewed planning guide and a live webinar series aimed at helping CFP® professionals…
Read MoreCFP Board’s 2025 Public Policy Priorities: What Planners Need to Know
CFP® Board Updates In September 2025, the CFP Board published its official list of six public policy priorities, outlining the organization’s advocacy agenda for the years ahead. These priorities serve as a guide for how the CFP Board plans to influence regulation, legislation, and public perception of the financial planning profession. For CFP® professionals and…
Read MoreSEC’s Updated Fiduciary Standards: How CFP® Professionals Can Stay Ahead
CFP® Board In The News In July 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released updated guidance related to Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) and fiduciary standards. These updates are part of an ongoing effort to clarify the expectations for financial professionals when providing investment advice and brokerage services to retail investors. While these rules…
Read MoreWhat CFP® Professionals Need to Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill: Opportunities and Risks
CFP® Board In The News The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) is making headlines, not just for its sweeping tax code changes, but for the long-term planning ripple effects it introduces. While the CFP Board has rightly spotlighted the bill’s implications for 529 plans, standard deductions, and SALT caps, this legislation extends far…
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