Anyone may call himself or herself a “financial planner,” but only those who have fulfilled the certification and renewal requirements of the CFP^® Board can display the CFP^® certification marks, which represent a high level of competency and professionalism. CFP^® Board’s Standards of Professional Conduct require CFP^® professionals to look out for your interests above their own.

What separates a CFP^® professional from other advisors is rigorous training and standards to offer you the best planning and advice. CFP^® professionals are evaluated comprehensively in six specialty areas to provide a holistic approach to planning: retirement, estate planning, taxes, investments, budgeting and insurance. They are also bound by ethical standards to ensure that the financial planning advice they provide you – the client – meets your goals and needs first.

While CFP^® professionals can and do sell financial and insurance products they are first and foremost committed to the planning process and partnering with their clients to help achieve their goals.