Why work with a CFP^® Certified Financial Planner^™

What You Should Know

Anyone can call himself or herself a "financial planner”.

In fact, most people think that all financial planners are "certified", but this isn't true. Only those who have fulfilled the certification and renewal requirements of the CFP Board can display the CFP^® certification marks. Individuals certified by the CFP Board have taken the extra steps to demonstrate their professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP certification process that includes a demanding education, examination, experience and ethical requirements.

When selecting a financial planner, you should feel confident that the person you choose is competent and ethical. The CFP^® certification provides that sense of security by allowing only those who meet the requirements to use the CFP^® certification marks.

When you work with a CFP^® practitioner, you are the focus of the financial planning relationship and your needs drive the financial planner's recommendations. A CFP^® practitioner will define the scope of their work, explain the services they provide, discuss the method of compensation, and relay any other relevant information. CFP^® practitioners also follow certain standards, called Financial Planning Practice Standards, when providing financial planning. These standards are based on a six-step financial planning process, which is described below. This broad-based approach distinguishes financial planning practitioners from other advisors who typically focus on only one area of a person's life.

The Financial Planning Process

• Establishing and defining the client-planner relationship
• Gathering client data including goals
• Analyzing and evaluating the client's financial status
• Developing and presenting financial planning recommendations and/or alternatives
• Implementing the financial planning recommendations
• Monitoring the financial planning recommendations

Choosing a financial planner may be one of the most important decisions you make. Financial planners can provide you and your family with guidance over your lifetime and can play a central role in helping you meet your life goals and achieve financial well-being.

Take the time to select a financial planner who is competent and trustworthy, one on whom you can depend on for professional advice and services. Your future may depend on the choices you make.

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Why work with a CIMA^® Certified Investment Management Analyst

What You Should Know

In a world of tens of thousands of financial professionals, those who have earned the CIMA Certified Investment Management Analyst designation are exclusive.

When you work with an investment consultant who has taken the time to become CIMA^® certified, you’re working with someone who understands financial complexities and risks, is well-versed in modern concepts of investment advice, and, perhaps most important, is educated enough to understand how your individual investments are being overseen and how they work together. These skills, along with a commitment to advanced education, enable them to provide you with the kind of service that you not only want, but deserve. To maintain this designation, CIMA^® professionals are required to adhere to a rigorous code of professional responsibility and complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years.

Selective admission including an extensive background check, and a demanding graduate level curriculum and exam, assure you that the investment management consultant who is licensed to carry the CIMA designation is among an elite group that is uniquely qualified and trained about the investment management topics that affect investors, including:

• The ever-changing legal and regulatory environments that affect your investments
• The changing economy, securities markets and other information necessary for your continued success
• Investment strategies and new methods for performance measurement, asset allocation and asset selection
• The meticulous planning needed to accomplish your financial goals

Certified Investment Management Analysts (CIMA^®) are dedicated to elevating their practice through education, experience, examination and the highest standards of ethics.

When you work with an investment management consultant who has earned the CIMA Certified Investment Management Analyst designation, you're working with someone who is among the best in the field.

“Investment & Wealth Institute™(The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks “CIMA,” and “Certified Investment Management Analyst.” Use of CIMA, and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirement for investment management professionals.”