Why Work With a CFP®
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation is widely regarded as the highest standard in financial planning. It signifies deep expertise across core areas including retirement income planning, tax strategy, insurance, investments, and estate planning.
To earn the CFP® mark, advisors must:
Complete a rigorous multi-course educational program
Pass a comprehensive 6-hour board exam
Have a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience
Commit to ongoing continuing education
Uphold a fiduciary standard — putting clients’ interests first
Why it matters: CFP® professionals are trained to build comprehensive plans, not just sell investments. This designation ensures that your retirement strategy is built on more than intuition — it’s built on education, ethics, and an integrated understanding of your full financial picture.
Learn more about choosing a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional. You can also learn about the certification process and the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Why Work With a CIMA®
The CIMA® designation is a globally recognized certification for advanced investment strategy and portfolio management. It focuses on applying institutional-level frameworks to real-world portfolios and is designed for professionals who oversee assets and make high-level investment decisions.
Earning the CIMA® credential requires:
Acceptance into a selective educational program (Brian completed his at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania)
Completion of graduate-level coursework in portfolio theory, risk management, and behavioral finance
Passing a challenging certification exam
Maintaining continuing education to stay current with evolving investment standards
Why it matters: CIMA® professionals are trained to manage portfolios with discipline, consistency, and risk awareness — skills that are especially important for retirees who need reliable income and stability across market cycles.
