What Is A Certified Financial Planner?

By Eric A Smith, CFP


A Certified Financial Planner is a member of a distinguished profession dedicated to serving financial needs of individuals, families, and businesses.

"Certified Financial Planner" is more than a title. It is a precise definition of a planners competence, experience, and intelligence in the complex profession of financial planning. Not every person described as a financial planner is a "CFP" licensee. To earn this title, the financial planner must demonstrate competence in analyzing and developing personal and business financial plans through successful completion of rigorous financial planning examinations.

The CFP professional's area of expertise is analyzing needs and prudently arranging financial plans, rather than promoting individual financial products. In carrying out this task one CFP may be more knowledgeable in a particular field than in another and may consult with qualified individuals in other specialties. The talent of the licensed CFP is seeing that all the elements of the plan are implemented and that the advice of specialists, such as an attorney or an accountant, are co-ordinated in the best interests of the client.


Call 206.632.3337 for an appointment with Eric A. Smith, CFP