Why Working with a CFP® Professional Matters – Especially For Women
When it comes to financial planning, not all advisors are created equal. Whether you work with us at Green Financial Group or another firm, one of the most important things you can do is look into whether or not your financial planner is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional (CFP®).
Women, in particular, face unique financial challenges. From longer life expectancies to career interruptions for caregiving, having a strong financial plan in place is critical. A CFP® professional is equipped with the expertise to guide women through these complexities, helping them build confidence and long-term financial security.
What is a CFP® Professional?
Many people assume that all financial planners are “certified,” but that’s not the case. Anyone can call themselves a financial planner, but only those who meet the rigorous education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements set by the CFP Board can earn the CFP® designation.
As a CFP® professional myself, I went through a rigorous process to ensure I have the necessary knowledge and skills to help my clients succeed. Here’s what sets CFP® professionals apart:
Education: We complete an extensive course of study through a CFP Board-approved program.
Examination: We pass a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of financial planning, from investments to estate planning.
Experience: We must have at least three years of relevant financial planning experience before we can even call ourselves a CFP® professional.
Ethics: We adhere to a strict code of ethics, ensuring that we always act in the best interests of our clients.
Why Women Benefit from Working with a CFP® Professional
Women have distinct financial planning needs. Here are just a few reasons why working with a CFP® professional can be especially beneficial:
Longevity Planning – Women tend to live longer than men, meaning retirement assets need to last longer. A CFP® professional can leverage their expertise in complex planning concepts to help create a sustainable income plan for your later years.
Career Breaks & Pay Gaps – Many women take time off for caregiving, whether for children or aging parents. This can impact retirement savings and Social Security benefits. A CFP® professional can help you strategize around these interruptions to your benefit.
Investment Confidence – Studies show that women often feel less confident about investing, despite generally being better investors than men. A CFP® professional can provide the education and guidance to empower women to take charge of their portfolios.
Estate & Legacy Planning – Women are often left to manage finances after the loss of a spouse. Having a solid estate plan in place ensures financial security for loved ones and minimizes stress during difficult times. While a CFP® professional is not an estate attorney, they are well-versed in collaborating with other professionals and can walk by your side to advise from the financial planning perspective as you get these pieces of the puzzle into place.
My Commitment as a CFP® Professional
As a CFP® professional with Green Financial Group, I don’t just help my clients build wealth; I help them build confidence in their financial future.
Whether it’s creating a personalized retirement strategy, navigating life transitions, or optimizing cash flow, I am dedicated to ensuring that every client I work with feels confident and empowered.
Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision, and I hope that understanding what goes into the CFP® certification helps you feel more confident about working with a professional who has met these high standards.
If you’d like to learn more about how working with a CFP® professional can benefit you, I’d love to chat. Feel free to reach out and schedule a time to talk about your financial goals and how we can create a plan tailored to your needs.
Please Note: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.
The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Lauren Smith and not necessarily those of Raymond James.