Professional Designations

We believe education is invaluable to making sound financial decisions – both for you, the investor, and for us as your advisor. As we keep up with the evolving regulations and nuances of the financial services industry, we have sought out opportunities to continually hone our expertise and learn new and better ways to serve your needs. When you work with us, you’ll receive the personalized service you’ve come to expect, backed by the knowledgeable guidance of renowned industry organizations.

Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP^®)

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP^® and federally registered CFP (with flame design) marks (collectively, the "CFP^® marks") are professional certification marks granted in the United States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. ("CFP Board").The CFP^® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation requires financial planners to hold CFP^® certification. It is recognized in the United States and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients.

To attain the right to use the CFP^® marks, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the following requirements: a) complete an advanced college-level course of study addressing the financial planning subject areas including insurance planning and risk management, employee benefits planning, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning; b) pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination (170- question, multiple choice test that consists of two 3- hour sessions during one day. c) complete at least three years of full-time financial planning-related experience (or the equivalent, measured as 6,000 hours per year); d) agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Standards of Professional Conduct; e) complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two years; and f) renew an agreement to be bound by the Standards of Professional Conduct.

Accredited Asset Management Specialist^® (AAMS^®)

Individuals who hold the AAMS^® designation have completed a course of study encompassing investments, insurance, tax, retirement, and estate planning issues. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations. All designees have agreed to adhere to Standards of Professional Conduct and are subject to a disciplinary process. Designees renew their designation every two-years by completing 16 hours of continuing education, reaffirming adherence to the Standards of Professional Conduct and complying with self-disclosure requirements. The designation is administered through The College for Financial Planning.

Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)

Individuals who hold the AIF designation have completed a course of study encompassing an understanding of the basis for fiduciary standards and are able to identify when an individual or organization may be deemed to have fiduciary status and the application to the investment management process. To receive the AIF designation, individuals must complete a training program, successfully pass a comprehensive, closed-book final examination under the supervision of a proctor and agree to abide by the AIF Code of Ethics. In order to maintain the AIF designation, the individual must annually renew their affirmation of the AIF Code of Ethics and complete six hours of continuing education credits. The certification is administered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, LLC (a Fiduciary360 (fi360) company).

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^® (CRPC^®)

Individuals who hold the CRPC^® designation have completed a course of study encompassing pre-and post-retirement needs, asset management, estate planning and the entire retirement planning process using models and techniques from real client situations. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations. All designees must agree to adhere to Standards of Professional Conduct and are subject to a disciplinary process. Designees renew their designation every two-years by completing 16 hours of continuing education, reaffirming adherence to the Standards of Professional Conduct and complying with self-disclosure requirements. The designation is administered through The College for Financial Planning.

Certified Exit Planning Advisor^® (CEPA^®)

The Certified Exit Planning Advisor^® (CEPA^®) credential is designed for professional advisors who want to effectively engage with business owners. Through the process of Exit Planning (the Value Acceleration Methodology™), owners can build more valuable companies, strengthen their personal financial plans, and align their personal goals. CEPA advisors specialize in helping business owners plan and execute their business exit strategies, including aspects like business valuation, value enhancement, and succession planning.