Team recognitions

Why work with a CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER® Professional

Most people think that all financial planners are “certified,” but this isn’t true. Anyone can claim to be a “financial planner.” Only those who have fulfilled the certification and renewal requirements of CFP Board can display the CFP^® certification marks.

Individuals certified by CFP Board have taken the extra step to demonstrate their professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP^® certification process that includes demanding education, examination, experience and ethical requirements. These standards are called “the four E’s,” and they are four important reasons why the financial planning practitioner you select should display the CFP^® certification marks.

When selecting a financial planner, you need to feel confident that the person you choose to help you plan for your future is competent and ethical. The CFP^® certification can help to provide that sense of confidence by allowing only those who meet the following requirements the right to use the CFP^® certification marks.

CFP^® Certification Requirements: The Four E’s

Education: CFP^® professionals must develop their theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial planning curriculum approved by CFP Board. Other options for satisfying the education component include submitting a transcript review or previous financial planning-related coursework to CFP Board for review and credit, or showing the attainment of certain professional designations or academic degrees.

Examination: CFP^® practitioners must pass a comprehensive two-day, six-hour CFP^® Certification Examination that tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format. Based on regular research of what planners do, the exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.

Experience: CFP^® professionals must have three years’ minimum experience in the financial planning process prior to earning the right to use the CFP^® certification marks. As a result, CFP^® practitioners possess financial counseling skills in addition to financial planning knowledge.

Ethics: As a final step to certification, CFP^® practitioners agree to abide by a strict code of professional conduct, known as CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, which sets forth their ethical responsibilities to the public, clients and employers. CFP Board also performs a background check during this process, and each individual must disclose any investigations or legal proceedings related to their professional or business conduct.

How the CFP Board's Code of Ethics Benefits You

Through the Code of Ethics, CFP^® practitioners agree to act fairly and diligently when providing you with financial planning advice and services, putting your interests first. The Code of Ethics states that CFP^® practitioners are to act with integrity, offering you professional services that are objective and based on your needs. They are required to provide you with information about their sources of compensation and conflicts of interest in writing.

Ongoing Certification Requirements

Once certified, CFP^® practitioners are required to maintain technical competence and fulfill ethical obligations. Every two years, they must complete a minimum 30 hours of continuing education to stay current with developments in the financial planning profession and better serve clients. Two of these hours are spent studying or discussing CFP Board’s Code of Ethics or Practice Standards. In addition to the biennial continuing education requirement, all CFP^® practitioners voluntarily disclose any public, civil, criminal or disciplinary actions that may have been taken against them during the previous two years as part of the renewal process.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP^®, Certified Financial Planner^™,  and  in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Why work with a CERTIFIED EXIT PLANNER ADVISOR

Embarking on the journey of transitioning out of your business demands meticulous planning and expert guidance. That’s when a Certified Exit Planning Advisors® (CEPAs) – the architects of seamless business exits – become an invaluable partner in crafting a well-thought-out exit strategy.

What is the CEPA designation?

Learn more about the importance of having a certified exit planning advisor on your team.

What is the CEPA designation?

The Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) is a unique credential that allows professional advisors to deeply engage with more business owners and help them plan in every aspect of their personal finances. Whether you are looking to sell or transition out of the business when retirement rolls around, a CEPA can help you plan for a successful transition.

Why is it important?

Many business owners struggle to align their personal finances, only paying attention to business finances. Having an advisor on your team that possesses the CEPA designation will help owners build more valuable companies, align their financial goals and create a solid personal financial plan that can help you retire with confidence that your financial bases are covered.

How can working with an CEPA help me?

At Wellspring International Capital Partners, LLC., we aren’t just concerned with your business goals; we consider your personal and financial objectives as well. We take a holistic approach to help you develop a business strategy that integrates all aspects of your life. 

When you work with a CEPA, you’ll get an expert who will examine issues related to your professional industry, your tolerance for risk, your timeline for retirement and other critical areas of operating a business. We’ll help you decide when’s the best time to sell your business and how to minimize your taxes from the sale.

If you are approaching retirement or want to get a head start on an exit plan down the line, reach out we’d love to see how we can help.