The Financial Planning Industry

What is Financial Planning?

Financial planning is the process of determining how an individual can meet life goals through the proper management of their financial resources. A financial planner takes a "big picture" view of a client's financial situation and makes recommendations based on the client's needs in areas such as budgeting and saving, taxes, investments, insurance, and retirement planning.

The Financial Planning Field

Recognizing financial planning's occupational benefits, the 2001 Jobs Rated Almanac ranked financial planning as the top career choice in the country. The survey considered a number of factors while ranking hundreds of jobs and concluded that financial planners enjoy relatively low stress, have a high earning potential and enjoy a high degree of workplace autonomy. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-2007, employment opportunities for personal financial advisors is expected to grow "faster-than-average" (21-35 percent) for all occupations through 2014. In past handbooks, they have stated that "Financial advisors who have either the CFP® Certification or ChFC designation are expected to have the best opportunities."

The CFP® Certification

The Certified Financial Planner™ certification was created in 1972 to meet the professional development needs of those seeking to become financial planners. The CFP® certification helps to distinguish casual planners from those serious about a career in financial planning. Certification requirements include initial and ongoing education, examination, experience and ethics components.

CFP® Certification is a nationally and internationally recognized professional certification. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. awards the CFP® certification to individuals who fulfill initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Click here to learn more about the requirements for obtaining CFP® Certification.

Benefits of being a CFP® practitioner

Many graduates of the Emory CFP® certificate program say that what they enjoy most about their job as a financial planner is the chance to help people achieve peace of mind by learning how to manage their financial well-being. In addition, CFP® Certification can provide you with:

Enhance your career growth and professional fulfillment
Be associated with the most recognized and accepted designation in financial planning.
Work with satisfied clients who appreciate the comprehensive approach to financial planning
Earn your credibility and respect from the public and distinguish yourself from your competitors

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Emory University does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and federally registered certification marks. CFP® certification is granted only by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met its ethics, experience and examination requirements.

Emory University is a CFP Board approved educational institution providing the instruction leading up to the CFP® Certification Examination. It does not determine individuals eligibility, qualification, or any other condition required to acquiring and maintaining the CFP® Certification. Emory University is not responsible for information beyond the education program it offers. Individuals must contact CFP Board at http://www.cfp.net for all matters regarding the acquiring and maintaining of the CFP® Certification