Why is it important?
Why should teachers care?
As a financial planner dedicated to serving educators, I’ve pursued advanced certifications that directly benefit my teacher clients:
CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™)
The CFP® designation is the gold standard in financial planning. Here’s how it benefits you:
- Comprehensive Knowledge: CFP® professionals are trained in all areas of financial planning, including retirement, investments, taxes, insurance, and estate planning. This holistic approach is crucial for teachers who need to navigate complex benefit systems and plan for long-term financial security.
- Ethical Standards: CFP® professionals are held to strict ethical standards, ensuring that I always put your interests first. This is particularly important for teachers who may have encountered predatory financial practices in the past.
- Continuing Education: I'm required to complete ongoing education to maintain my CFP® designation, ensuring that I stay current with the latest financial planning strategies and regulations that affect educators.
Who is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional?
A Certified Financial Planner™ is a financial professional accredited by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards as having demonstrated financial planning technical knowledge, experience, and adherence to a client-centered code of ethics. CFP Board’s Standards of Professional Conduct require Certified Financial Planner™ practitioners to act in their clients’ best interests.
What makes a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional different from other financial advisors?
For the past 35 years, the CFP® certification has been recognized as the gold standard in financial planning.
Apart from the rigorous educational and experience requirements to obtain and maintain their CFP® certifications, Certified Financial PlannerTM professionals have strict fiduciary obligations of loyalty and care to clients. This includes disclosing and properly managing all conflicts of interest and recommending ideal rather than simply “suitable” financial products.
This difference is at the core of what separates fee-only certified financial planner professionals from other financial advisors.
Breach of fiduciary duty is a major offense that brings serious legal complications, so you can rest assured that a CFP® professional is working for you and not just to line her own pockets.
Most investment advisers who are not CFP® certified, including stockbrokers, are regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. FINRA permits brokers to accept financial incentives contrary to the client’s best interest as long as the recommendation itself is suitable.
My Promise to You
“I’m not a flashy salesperson. I’m a dedicated professional who will provide you with a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to your financial planning. My goal is to be your trusted partner, empowering you to make smart financial decisions and achieve lasting security.
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Nathaniel Carswell, CFP® Professional and Founder of Teachers’ Path
