Many times “Financial Planners” will continue to use a designation without being an active member. Always verify that your “Financial Planner's” designations are active and that they are in good standing.
There is no clear definition as to what a “Financial Planner” is. There is no one professional designation for financial planning. In many states anyone can call themselves a “Financial Planner” without having any professional training and without carrying any professional designations. A Registered Financial Consultant requires significant experience, professional education, and annual continuing education (33% more experience and continuing education than a CFP).
Always consider the following questions: Does my “Financial Planner” really listen to me? Do they offer me realistic strategies for Retirement Planning, Investments, Estate Planning and Asset Protection? Do they they make fiduciary recommendations that help me meet my needs and goals? As an independent fiduciary professional financial advisor, I am ethically bound to act in your best interests as if I were you. As a fee professional, I do not offer products to my clients nor am I engaged in the business of marketing or soliciting for any insurance or securities products.
Continuing my education and staying up to date with current information is important to me. I have to perform a minimum of 40 hours annually on subjects directly related to the profession of financial planning, retirement planning, estate plannng, trusts, and investment advice/management.