- Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP)
A Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP) has a proven expertise in financial planning, which helps them better advise their clients. They are different than most paraplanners because the average paraplanner rarely has a formal certification. Paraplanners are part of a… read more…
- Series 6: Definition and Exam Information
There’s no shortage of required licensing exams for financial professionals. From the Series 63 and Series 65 to Series 7, there are many different exams required for various roles within the financial services industry. Financial professionals who pass the Series 6… read more…
- Series 65: Definition and Exam Information
The Series 65 exam is a test administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for individuals aiming to become licensed investment adviser representatives . The exam assesses knowledge related to investment vehicles, economic concepts, ethics, and legal guidelines that advisors need to understand to work with clients. Passing the Series 65 allows financial professionals… read more…
- What Does a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Do?
Almost no one will know what it means if your business card has a “CPCU” after your name. The “almost” is key here though. Almost no one will understand what CPCU means, but your colleagues will. Future employers will. Business… read more…
- What Is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)?
The Chartered Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation conveys an insurance professional’s expertise in one of seven different insurance topic areas. It’s a valuable certification if you are an agent or sales manager or work with insurance agents often. Here’s how to get… read more…
- Series 63: Definition and Exam Information
Thinking of becoming a licensed financial professional? You’ll likely have to take one, if not several, licensing exams. The Series 63 exam is one of the popular exams and it focuses on a financial professional’s ethical and fiduciary obligations. Read on… read more…
- What Is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA)?
Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional specialization that focuses on financial management and accounting for companies and organizations. This certification establishes that someone is an expert in both financial accounting and strategic business management. As a result, the CMA… read more…
- What Is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)?
There are many certifications that a financial advisor can earn, like certified public accountant (CPA), certified financial planner (CFP) and more. The chartered financial consultant, or ChFC, certification isn’t quite as common as some of the others, but it holds… read more…
- What Is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)?
Financial advisors have all sorts of different specializations and services that they offer. In turn, there are a number of certifications they can receive to show off those areas of focus. Some of the most popular ones are certified financial… read more…
- What Is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)?
To be a chartered financial analyst (CFA) is to have passed three rigorous, six-hour exams encompassing economics, ethics, money management and a number of other financial topics. Becoming a CFA charter holder requires an average 1,000 hours of study and… read more…
- A Guide to the Series 99 License and Exam
An operations professional takes on a lot of responsibility within the financial services industry. They bring clients aboard, receive and deliver funds and assets, collect payments, maintain accounts, and reinvest and disburse funds. To do all of that, they must… read more…
- CFA Exam: Cost, Curriculum and Difficulty
A chartered financial analyst (CFA) is someone who holds a professional designation from the CFA Institute, an international association of financial professionals. CFAs primarily review individual investments, market trends and other factors to help individuals shape their portfolios and achieve a… read more…
- How to Become a Financial Planner
Think you want to help people manage their money and meet their ultimate financial goals? If so, you may be wondering how to become a financial planner. The process for becoming a financial planner varies depending on what kind of… read more…
- What Is a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA)?
When choosing a financial advisor, pay attention to what certifications they’ve obtained. Common certifications you’ll see include certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified public account (CPA). Advisors earn these designations to assure clients that they have… read more…
- What Is the Series 7 License? Definition, Cost and Requirements
The Series 7 license allows professionals to sell securities in the U.S. To obtain it, they must pass a rigorous exam covering various financial topics. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) administers this test, and most employers in the financial… read more…
- What Is a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)?
A Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) is a professional designation that represents the highest level of expertise in life insurance and estate planning. This prestigious credential, awarded by The American College of Financial Services, signifies that an individual has completed rigorous coursework and demonstrated comprehensive knowledge in areas such as life insurance, business planning, estate planning,… read more…
- What Is a Financial Coach, and How Can They Help?
If you need help getting your finances in order or learning the basics of budgeting, you might consider seeking the help of a financial coach. A financial coach is different from other financial professionals. They spend more time helping their… read more…
- What Is a Financial Advisor Disclosure?
In the world of business and finance, disclosures are information reports that companies – public corporations, financial advisor firms, brokerages – might prefer to keep private. Governmental and regulatory agencies require disclosures to promote transparency and fairness. For example, investment advisors… read more…
- CFA vs. CFP®: Which Do You Need?
Chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified financial planner (CFP) are common certifications for individuals working in finance, namely financial advisors. These are designed to tell a client (or employer) that the holder has received education in certain types of financial… read more…
- What Is NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors)?
According to NAPFA, 60% of U.S. adults don’t have a budget and less than 50% of Americans have a purposeful savings plan. Luckily, financial advisors exist and can help you get out of your budget-less rut. You’ll have to be careful about who… read more…
- 10 Financial Certifications for Financial Advisors
When you’re searching for a financial adviser, you’re likely to encounter an assortment of initials after each financial professional’s name. Some of the most common are CFP, CFA and CPA. These letters signify different financial certifications, which are signifiers of… read more…
- What Is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)?
Certified financial planner, or CFP, is a widely recognized and popular certification that many financial advisors and financial planners earn. A CFP can help you create a financial plan to set you on track to reach your long-term goals, like retirement,… read more…