Anyone can call themselves a financial coach. Only those who have met the standard of excellence in financial planning can call themselves a CFP^® Coach.

Why choose a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP^®) professional?

Choosing a financial planner may be one of the most important decisions you make for yourself and your loved ones. Financial planners can provide you and your family with guidance over your lifetime, or work with you to address specific concerns as needed. Regardless of how you choose to work together, a planner can play a central role in helping you meet your life goals and achieve financial well-being. Consequently, take the time to select a financial planner who is competent and trustworthy, one of whom you can depend for professional advice and services.

What is the Gold Standard for Financial Planning?

CFP^® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) which help you identify financial planners who are committed to competent and ethical behavior when providing financial planning services. Because CFP^® professionals have taken the extra step to demonstrate their professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP^® certification process, they are often referred to as the “Gold Standard” for financial planning. In addition to significant education and experience requirements, they must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their personal financial planning knowledge and skills, continually update their abilities and abide by CFP^® Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility (Code of Ethics) and Financial Planning Practice Standards (Practice Standards).

Is a CFP^® Professional also a Fiduciary?

When you work with a CFP^® professional, you are the focus of the financial planning and your needs drive all recommendations. Whether providing financial advice or providing financial planning, a CFP^® professional must act as a fiduciary, and therefore, act in the best interests of the client at all times. To learn more about the CFP^® Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, visit here.

Why do CFP^® Professionals Volunteer with Wings for Widows?

There are many reasons why someone wishes to volunteer their time and expertise. First, many firms encourage pro bono service and highly value giving back to the community in this way. Second, CFP^® professionals often volunteer for organizations with a strong mission that leverage their experience and skills. The Wings for Widows mission is to “guide widows and widowers to financial wellness,” and the best way to do that is to provide our clients the best possible advice and recommendations. Many of our CFP^® professional volunteers have direct experience working with clients who became widows or widowers. Our mission resonates strongly with these volunteers, also. We don’t just “coach;” we CFP^® coach!