What is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) Professional?
Most people think all financial planners are “certified,” but this isn’t true. Just about anyone can use the title “financial planner.” Only those who have fulfilled CFP Board’s rigorous requirements can call themselves a CFP® professional.
Financial planning is a dynamic process. Your financial goals may evolve over the years due to shifts in your lifestyle or circumstances such as an inheritance, career change, marriage, house purchase or a growing family. As you begin to consider how best to manage your financial future, you should feel confident knowing that with a CFP® professional, you’re receiving a high standard of financial planning service.
How to Start Planning With a CFP® Professional
1. Set aside some time
No two meetings with a CFP® professional are the same, but the first one will take some time. Be prepared for a lengthy discussion about your finances to help your planner get started.
2. Think about your goals
There’s no avoiding this question – your planner will ask about your financial goals in detail and likely ask you to prioritize them, too. Take time before your meeting to consider your top short- and long-term goals.
3. Prepare to be open
Your CFP® professional needs to have a comprehensive understanding of your financial life, as well as your attitude toward risk and experience with money management. Depending on what services you’ve asked for, your planner may analyze your assets, liabilities and cash flow, current insurance coverage, investments and/or tax strategies.
4. Work through the details
Once your CFP® professional understands your financial situation, they will outline a process for developing their recommendations. Before you proceed, make sure to discuss fees, potential conflicts of interest and details of your working relationship. And don’t be afraid to ask your planner the tough questions.
Please contact us or use this link to find a CFP® professional to work with.
