Education & Certification to Look for When Choosing a Financial Planner (1264)

There are no state or federal regulations that govern the use of the title “financial planner.” Thus, almost anyone can use that title. However, most legitimate financial planners have one or more college degrees from various fields and have earned financial designations, such as certified financial planner (CFP) or chartered financial consultant (ChFC).

Experience also counts a great deal when selecting a financial planner. Look for someone with training in accounting, law, insurance, and securities trading, but be sure an advisor has had at least some experience in total financial planning, not just in a specialty area.

While financial planners are not regulated, other licenses hold them to certain standards. Having a broker’s license in securities or real estate or being registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or a state securities agency are examples of such licenses and registrations.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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