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Intro: |
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| If you decide to interview the planner in person, ask to see the certificates. While you have planners on the phone, ask if they've ever been disciplined for any unlawful or unethical actions in their professional career. If they have, politely end the interview. |
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Now that you have some names of financial planners, call them and ask what certifications they have. Again, you shouldn't base your decision on credentials alone. This person won't automatically become your ideal financial advisor just because he or she has a piece of paper. A certificate does, however, tell you that this person is intelligent enough about finance to pass a somewhat difficult test, and that he or she is dedicated to finance as a profession. The most common and widely regarded financial planning certificates are: CFP. A Certified Financial Planner has completed a self-study course and passed a final examination given by the Institute of Certified Planners. CFPs are required to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree or more than five years of financial planning experience. PFS. Personal Financial Specialists are licensed accountants who have three years of planning experience and have passed an examination given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. ChFC. Chartered Financial Consultants have passed an examination given by the American College, a private college in Pennsylvania.
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Check credentials
