- What Is the Series 53 Exam and License?
An investment professional who supervises municipal securities trading for a securities firm or bank dealer needs a Series 53 license. The Series 53 exam, also called the Municipal Securities Principal Qualification Examination, evaluates the knowledge and expertise of a municipal… read more…
- What Is a Certified Retirement Financial Advisor (CRFA)?
No matter where you are in your career, sooner or later you’ll be approaching retirement. While you should start saving now for your post-working life, consulting with a certified retirement financial advisor (CRFA) could be one move toward making sure… read more…
- What Is a Certified Fund Specialist (CFS)?
A certified fund specialist (CFS) is a financial services professional who has acquired advanced expertise in choosing and managing mutual funds. The certification is typically obtained by those already working in the financial industry, including accountants, investment bankers, brokers, money managers and certified financial planners. Learn more about the qualifications for earning a CFS credential… read more…
- What Is a Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP)?
A Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP) is a specialized professional who helps individuals and families understand the complex rules and requirements of Medicaid, particularly when it comes to long-term care and asset protection. As the costs of healthcare and elder care continue to rise, many people are concerned about how to qualify for Medicaid benefits without… read more…
- The Series 9/10 Exam and License
The Series 9 and Series 10 exams assess the attributes a general securities sales supervisor needs for their job. They are administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). They’re also prerequisites for becoming a brokerage branch manager. Here’s how… read more…
- How to Switch Financial Advisors
For many people, switching financial advisors can be very difficult and they end up avoiding the topic and putting it off, indefinitely. However, replacing your advisor doesn’t have to be a big hassle or come with high costs, if you… read more…
- What Is Secular Stagnation?
More than a decade after the Great Recession, the United States has seen a mixed record of recovery. Despite record-breaking highs in the stock market and an unemployment rate that has fallen every year since 2009, other economic indicators show… read more…
- What Is a Certified Estate Planner (CEP)?
Thousands of people reach retirement age every day, and millions more will turn 65 in the next decade. Many of them, even those who have funded a comfortable retirement, have neglected an estate plan. A Certified Estate Planner (CEP) helps… read more…
- What is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)?
Financial institutions and businesses are expanding their operations to a truly global scale, but that scale comes with increased risk. How do banks avoid becoming vehicles for money laundering when they access new markets? What rules govern how they do… read more…
- What Is an Accredited Estate Planner?
The Accredited Estate Planner designation is a professional credential for individuals who specialize in estate planning services. You might work with someone who holds an AEP® designation if you need help creating or fine-tuning an estate plan or a succession plan… read more…
- What is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP)?
If giving back is part of your financial plan, you may consider working with a chartered advisor in philanthropy (CAP). A CAP has the necessary knowledge and expertise to help you createa plan for philanthropic giving. Here’s a closer look… read more…
- SEC Disclosure Requirements for Advisors
Because registered investment advisor firms (RIAs) have a fiduciary duty to act in their clients’ best interests, they are subject to scrutiny and regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This means RIAs are required to disclose certain financial… read more…
- What Does a Chartered Market Technician (CMT) Do?
Do you ever wonder who’s behind the trading desk, helping your financial firm find the best investment mix? In many cases, you’ll find a Chartered Market Technician (CMT). Read on to discover how CMTs achieve their designation and how they play… read more…
- What Is a Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS)?
A Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS) is a professional who has attained a higher level of education and training in financial planning. As the name suggests, they specialize in working with high net-worth clients—typically those who have at least $1 million in liquid assets. But the expertise of a Certified Wealth Strategist goes beyond just offering… read more…
- What Is a Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC)?
Need help planning for retirement? Partnering with a Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) can help you find the answers you seek. Since QPFCs have extensive retirement planning training, they can help guide you through the process. Read on to discover… read more…
- The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is a twelve-member body that sets and implements monetary policy for the Federal Reserve System. It does this through what it calls open market operations – encouraging lenders to raise or lower interest rates by… read more…
- A Guide to Sole Proprietorship Taxes
Being a sole proprietor or independent contractor can simplify your finances. However, it’s important to understand how your business structure affects your taxes. There are tax laws that sole proprietors need to know. This guide explains how to prepare, file,… read more…
- What Is an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC)?
Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) is one of many certifications and designations that financial professionals can earn. The AFC indicates that a professional values sound financial principles and is trained to teach people their worth. Here’s what it takes to get this designation, how it differs from other popular designations and which clients it serves best.… read more…
- What Is a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA)?
If you’re overwhelmed by retirement planning, it’s wise to partner with an expert who puts your interests first. Working with a financial professional like a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) can help you to find resources you’ll need when planning… read more…
- What Does a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) Do?
As you age, it can be difficult to know what decisions are best for your health, finances or estate planning. That’s why it’s important to make those decisions with someone you trust. A Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) can help ensure… read more…
- What Is a Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA)?
High net-worth individuals and families are often faced with many complex financial decisions. There are financial professionals who have specific certifications in these financial concerns, though. One of the most prominent among financial advisors is certified private wealth advisor, or… read more…
- Series 3: Definition and Exam Information
The Series 3, also known as the National Commodities Futures Examination, is a licensing exam for financial professionals who wish to sell commodity futures contracts. The Series 3 allows a financial professional to sell both commodity futures contracts and options… read more…
- Series 79: Investment Banking Representative Exam
The Series 79 exam, also known as the Investment Banking Representative Exam, is taken by many financial professionals, including investment bankers. Those who pass the exam ability can advise clients about debt and equity offerings, mergers and acquisitions, tender offers,… read more…
- What Is a Fellow, Secure Retirement Institute (FSRI)?
A Fellow, Secure Retirement Institute (FSRI) is well versed in what it takes to retire in a sustainable way. As a result, their knowledge covers a broad range of retirement topics, from investment management to customer experience. To learn more… read more…
- What Is a Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellow (FICF)
A Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellow (FICF) is a specially trained insurance professional and member of a national network of counselors. But in order to get the FICF designation, you have to already have a Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC) designation. Keep… read more…