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 the right financial planner is a pivotal decision that impacts not just your immediate financial situation, but the long-term well-being of you and your loved ones. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional offers more than just advice—they provide a partnership designed to guide you through life’s financial journey. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of planning for the future or addressing immediate financial questions, a CFP® professional is equipped to support your unique needs.

The value of working with a CFP® professional lies in their commitment to understanding your individual goals and crafting strategies tailored to achieving them. They bring a depth of knowledge and a level of trustworthiness that ensures you’re receiving expert advice suited to your life’s ambitions. By choosing a CFP® professional, you’re not just making a decision for today; you’re laying the foundation for financial peace of mind for years to come.

In your moments of need, especially during times of transition like widowhood, having a trusted financial guide can make all the difference. A CFP® professional stands ready to help you make informed decisions, empowering you to focus on what matters most. Selecting a competent and caring financial planner means choosing a path toward achieving your life goals and securing financial well-being for you and your family. 

What is the Gold Standard for Financial Planning?

The term “Gold Standard” in financial planning is synonymous with the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation. This prestigious title, governed by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board), signifies a financial planner’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of competence and ethics in their service. CFP® professionals distinguish themselves by voluntarily undergoing a rigorous certification process, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in financial planning.

Achieving the CFP® designation is no small feat. It requires a combination of substantial education, extensive experience, and the successful completion of a comprehensive examination that tests a candidate’s knowledge and skills in personal financial planning. Furthermore, CFP® professionals are committed to ongoing education to maintain their competency and adhere to the CFP Board’s stringent Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards.

By choosing a CFP® professional, you are entrusting your financial well-being to someone who has proven they are at the forefront of their field, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundations necessary to navigate your financial journey. This commitment to professionalism and ethics makes CFP® practitioners the “Gold Standard” in financial planning, offering you peace of mind as you work together towards achieving your financial goals.

Is a CFP^® Professional also a Fiduciary?

Understanding the role of a fiduciary is crucial, especially for individuals in vulnerable situations. A fiduciary is someone who is obligated to act in your best interest, ensuring that any advice or financial planning provided is tailored to benefit you above all else. This is particularly important for those who may feel overwhelmed or unsure in the financial landscape, as it guarantees that your financial well-being is the priority.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional embodies this principle of trust and care. By choosing to work with a CFP® professional, you’re not just gaining access to expert financial advice; you’re also ensuring that this advice comes with a commitment to prioritize your needs and goals. This means that every aspect of your financial planning, from the smallest detail to the overarching strategy, is designed with your best interests in mind.

CFP® professionals are bound by the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, which mandate that they act as fiduciaries when offering financial advice or planning services. This commitment reinforces their dedication to serving you with integrity, transparency, and the highest ethical standards. To delve deeper into what this means for you and how it shapes the services provided by CFP® professionals, you can explore the CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. This resource provides a comprehensive look at the principles guiding CFP® professionals in their role as fiduciaries, ensuring that your financial journey is navigated with your best interests at the forefront.

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

There are numerous motivations behind why individuals choose to volunteer their time and expertise. Firstly, many companies actively promote pro bono services, placing high value on the importance of contributing back to the community in meaningful ways. Secondly, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professionals often seek out volunteer opportunities with organizations that have a compelling mission, allowing them to utilize their specialized skills and experience for a greater good.

At Wings for Widows, our mission is dedicated to guiding widows and widowers towards financial wellness. We believe that the cornerstone of achieving this goal lies in offering our clients the finest advice and recommendations available. Many of our CFP® professional volunteers bring invaluable experience in supporting clients through the challenging transition into widowhood. This shared experience fosters a deep connection with our mission, making our volunteers uniquely equipped to make a significant impact.

Our approach goes beyond traditional coaching; we provide expert guidance rooted in the principles of CFP® professionalism. This ensures that our clients receive not just support, but advice that’s backed by a profound understanding of their specific needs and challenges. By focusing on financial wellness, we aim to offer more than just advice—we strive to provide a pathway to a secure and confident future for those navigating life’s most difficult moments.