- What Is a Chartered Portfolio Manager (CPM)?
Managing an investment portfolio requires a solid grasp of theories, strategies and practices to design, assemble and oversee a package of financial assets for the specific objectives of individual or institutional clients. Chartered portfolio managers (CPM) meet these portfolio requirements and… read more…
- What Is a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS)?
Financial advisors who want to acquire and display expertise at helping businesses set up and run effective and appropriate retirement plans for their employees can study for a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS) certificate. The designation shows that an advisor… read more…
- Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor (ADPA)?
When conventional married couples go through divorce or the death of one of the spouses, it can be complicated to sort out the financial and tax issues. Unmarried couples, that is, those in a domestic partnership, sometimes do not enjoy… read more…
- RIA vs. Broker-Dealer: What You Need to Know
A financial advisor can help you shape your investment strategy so you can reach your long-term goals. But financial advisors aren’t all alike when it comes to their expertise and experience or the type of advice they’re qualified to offer.… read more…
- What Is a Certified Professional Retirement Coach (CPRC)?
Making the transition from working life to retirement presents a number of challenges ranging from how you’ll pay your living expenses to how you’ll occupy your time. The Certified Professional Retirement Coach is a professional designation that indicates a retirement… read more…
- What Is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning (CSEP)?
Estate planners help people figure out how to pass assets to their heirs without losing too much to taxes, while also planning charitable bequests and addressing other matters relating to estates. It’s a complex task, involving a labyrinth of Internal Revenue Service regulations, court rulings and federal and state laws. Financial professionals who work with… read more…
- What Is a Retirement Management Advisor?
There are many certifications for financial professionals. Each one specifies a distinct type of service that an advisor is qualified to offer. A retirement management advisor (RMA) is one such designation. You may consider working with this financial advisor when you need guidance and help in creating a personalized retirement income plan. Here’s what you need… read more…
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Certified Fraud Examiners are trained in fraud examination activities like forensic accounting. Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs) have a variety of job options, such as forensic accountants, compliance officers, internal or external auditors, state or private investigators and law enforcement. CFEs… read more…
- A Guide to the Biggest Securities Licenses
Selling securities or financially advising clients requires a license, and which license a professional needs depends on a number of factors, including what type of securities are being offered for sale, what type of financial transaction is being conducted and… read more…
- CFA vs. MBA: Understanding the Differences
There is a wide variety of training for financial, investment and business expertise. Two of the most readily recognized and broadly accepted designations are the charted financial analyst (CFA) designation and the master of business administration (MBA) degree. Understanding the… read more…
- CIMA vs. CFA: What’s the Difference?
Financial advisors can earn a range of certifications and designations indicating their specialty and expertise. Two popular designations are CFA (chartered financial analyst) and CIMA (certified investment management analyst). CFA is a common designation that shows someone has a background in investment reporting and analysis. CIMAs, on the other hand, focus on strategic financial management.… read more…
- CMA vs. CPA: Which Should You Choose?
Finding the right financial professional can be a bit of work. Even when you’ve narrowed the focus of precisely what you need, you may still have trouble finding the right expert to help you. When it comes to various accounting… read more…
- What Was the Series 62 Exam and License?
Before it was retired in 2018, the Series 62 license was one of the most common certifications among financial professionals, allowing them to become registered representatives authorized to trade corporate equities and debt securities. Read on to learn what you… read more…
- What Is the Series 86 Exam and License?
Passing the Series 86 exam — also known as the Research Analyst Qualification exam — is necessary for anyone who wants to work as research analyst for a broker-dealer member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Series 86 comprises… read more…
- What Is an Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP)?
Tax professionals designated as accredited tax preparers (ATP) can help ensure an individual’s returns are up to the standards of the IRS. By passing an exam, the national ATP credential demonstrates a thorough understanding of the current tax code and… read more…
- What Is the Series 52 Exam and License?
A Series 52 certification lets professionals trade municipal securities. Also known as the Municipal Securities Representative Qualification Examination, it’s one of the first steps toward a career as a licensed municipal securities representative. Here’s what Series 52 covers and what its… read more…
- What Is the Series 82 Exam and License?
The Series 82 gives its holder the authority to conduct private securities transactions, among other activities. The exam is also known as the Private Securities Offerings Representative Exam. Private securities are investments only available for a select group of investors. Here’s… read more…
- What is the Series 26 Exam and License?
Financial professionals who plan on selling closed-ended funds, mutual funds, and variable products must follow a specific career path. They’ll take the Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Principal Qualification Examination (Series 26) and obtain the Series 26 license. Here’s… read more…
- Certified in Social Security Claiming Strategies (CSSCS)
Social Security benefits can be confusing, even for the most seasoned financial professional. But those advisors who have earned the Certified in Social Security Claiming Strategies certification are well-versed in the ins and outs of their Social Security. They can help their… read more…
- What Is the Series 24 Exam and License?
Financial professionals seeking to gain more knowledge and expertise might look to exams and licenses to complete for further education and skills. For some, taking the General Securities Principal Qualification Examination — or Series 24 exam — will be helpful.… read more…
- What Is a Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC)?
If you’re a socially conscious person, it can affect every aspect of your life, from the car you drive to where you shop. It can also impact which companies you choose to invest in, and many investors choose to pursue… read more…
- What Is a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)?
Millions of Americans retire each year and the financial services industry is trying hard to meet demand. To that end, many advisors have specialized by earning professional certifications that highlight their retirement planning expertise. A Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)… read more…
- About the Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC)
With millions of people living into their 70s, 80s and 90s, the costs of healthcare, long-term care, aides and nursing homes are straining finances in many families. In response to this chronic problem, the financial and insurance industries have created many specializations for professional advisors. One of these, the Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC), focuses… read more…
- What Is a Certified Financial Fiduciary (CFF)?
There are many credentials for financial professionals, and it can be difficult to distinguish one from another. A Certified Financial Fiduciary (CFF) is a relatively new certification that brokers, financial advisors, insurance agents or other professional may acquire. A CFF… read more…
- What Is a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC)?
Creating and sticking to a financial plan is challenging, if not impossible, for many Americans. That’s why some enlist a financial advisor or consultant to keep them on track. Some partner with a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) to do so.… read more…