The ABCs of CFPs and Other Planner Designations

Sometimes it's very confusing trying to figure out which of the financial planner designations make the most sense. Which one should the accounting professional pursue or, in many cases, recommend to clients to seek as a referral in other planners?

The first hint is not to mix up professional associations with the credentials or designations. For example, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors is an organization devoted to members who work on a fee-only arrangement.

On the other hand, the AICPA's CPA-PFS designation is designed for CPAs who also have received education just in financial planning and passed an exam.

Those who want to learn more about designations should visit some of the association and organization Web sites included in this article.

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