- What Is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI)?
A certified financial education instructor (CFEI) is a professional who has completed specialized training to teach essential money management skills to diverse audiences. This designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a strong understanding of personal finance topics and the ability to effectively educate others through proven teaching methods. By earning a CFEI certification, instructors… read more…
- What Is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)?
If you’re a business owner, you’ll most likely be facing many complicated decisions when it comes time to retire. After all, selling a business is a major life event. To help you navigate this complex transition, consider consulting a certified exit planning… read more…
- What Is a National Social Security Advisor (NSSA)?
A National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) is a professional designation that signifies expertise in Social Security benefits and strategies. NSSA advisors are trained to help individuals and couples make informed decisions about their Social Security options, aiming to maximize benefits based on unique life circumstances. This designation is earned through specialized training and examination, equipping… read more…
- The Best Cities for Frequent Flyers – 2019 Edition
If you’re a frequent flyer, odds are you want to make your life as easy as possible when you have to jet off somewhere. But not all cities are equally equipped to facilitate your next adventure to the friendly skies. From the number of airports in a given area to the total number of nonstop… read more…
- What Commissions Do Financial Advisors Earn?
When looking for a financial advisor, make sure you ask how they’re compensated. Some earn a commission as a fee-based advisor, while others might be fee-only. Advisors will also likely charge you a percentage of your investments, as well as… read more…
- Charles Schwab Review
Long before investing disruptors E-Trade and Betterment came on the scene, there was Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. A maverick since its inception in 1973, Charles Schwab brokerage cut its fees by half when the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)… read more…
- What Is an Investment Advisory?
When you need financial advice, an investment advisory is one pace you can turn. Generally speaking, an investment advisory is a firm that helps its clients with developing an investment plan to grow wealth strategically. Here’s how investment advisory firms… read more…
- What Is a Financial Planner, and What Do They Do?
A financial planner can help you manage your money with an emphasis on your long-term goals, like retirement or paying off debts. In order to achieve this, a financial planner will help their clients formulate a customized plan for meeting their… read more…
- Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA)
An Accredited Wealth Management Advisor is a wealth manager specializing in high-net worth clients. It’s a designation bestowed upon experienced advisors working with high-net-worth clients. Also, it’s or for advisors with broad financial knowledge who wish to specialize in high-net-worth… read more…
- What Is the Series 53 Exam and License?
An investment professional who supervises municipal securities trading for a securities firm or bank dealer needs a Series 53 license. The Series 53 exam, also called the Municipal Securities Principal Qualification Examination, evaluates the knowledge and expertise of a municipal… read more…
- What Is a Certified Retirement Financial Advisor (CRFA)?
No matter where you are in your career, sooner or later you’ll be approaching retirement. While you should start saving now for your post-working life, consulting with a certified retirement financial advisor (CRFA) could be one move toward making sure… read more…
- What Is a Certified Fund Specialist (CFS)?
A certified fund specialist (CFS) is a financial services professional who has acquired advanced expertise in choosing and managing mutual funds. The certification is typically obtained by those already working in the financial industry, including accountants, investment bankers, brokers, money managers and certified financial planners. Learn more about the qualifications for earning a CFS credential… read more…
- What Is a Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP)?
A Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP) is a specialized professional who helps individuals and families understand the complex rules and requirements of Medicaid, particularly when it comes to long-term care and asset protection. As the costs of healthcare and elder care continue to rise, many people are concerned about how to qualify for Medicaid benefits without… read more…
- The Series 9/10 Exam and License
The Series 9 and Series 10 exams assess the attributes a general securities sales supervisor needs for their job. They are administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). They’re also prerequisites for becoming a brokerage branch manager. Here’s how… read more…
- How to Switch Financial Advisors
For many people, switching financial advisors can be very difficult and they end up avoiding the topic and putting it off, indefinitely. However, replacing your advisor doesn’t have to be a big hassle or come with high costs, if you… read more…
- What Is Secular Stagnation?
More than a decade after the Great Recession, the United States has seen a mixed record of recovery. Despite record-breaking highs in the stock market and an unemployment rate that has fallen every year since 2009, other economic indicators show… read more…
- What Is a Certified Estate Planner (CEP)?
Thousands of people reach retirement age every day, and millions more will turn 65 in the next decade. Many of them, even those who have funded a comfortable retirement, have neglected an estate plan. A Certified Estate Planner (CEP) helps… read more…
- What is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)?
Financial institutions and businesses are expanding their operations to a truly global scale, but that scale comes with increased risk. How do banks avoid becoming vehicles for money laundering when they access new markets? What rules govern how they do… read more…
- What Is an Accredited Estate Planner?
The Accredited Estate Planner designation is a professional credential for individuals who specialize in estate planning services. You might work with someone who holds an AEP® designation if you need help creating or fine-tuning an estate plan or a succession plan… read more…
- What is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP)?
If giving back is part of your financial plan, you may consider working with a chartered advisor in philanthropy (CAP). A CAP has the necessary knowledge and expertise to help you createa plan for philanthropic giving. Here’s a closer look… read more…
- SEC Disclosure Requirements for Advisors
Because registered investment advisor firms (RIAs) have a fiduciary duty to act in their clients’ best interests, they are subject to scrutiny and regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This means RIAs are required to disclose certain financial… read more…
- What Does a Chartered Market Technician (CMT) Do?
Do you ever wonder who’s behind the trading desk, helping your financial firm find the best investment mix? In many cases, you’ll find a Chartered Market Technician (CMT). Read on to discover how CMTs achieve their designation and how they play… read more…
- What Is a Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS)?
A Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS) is a professional who has attained a higher level of education and training in financial planning. As the name suggests, they specialize in working with high net-worth clients—typically those who have at least $1 million in liquid assets. But the expertise of a Certified Wealth Strategist goes beyond just offering… read more…
- What Is a Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC)?
Need help planning for retirement? Partnering with a Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) can help you find the answers you seek. Since QPFCs have extensive retirement planning training, they can help guide you through the process. Read on to discover… read more…
- The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is a twelve-member body that sets and implements monetary policy for the Federal Reserve System. It does this through what it calls open market operations – encouraging lenders to raise or lower interest rates by… read more…