CFP Importance

How important is it to get a CFP if I plan on working in wealth management as a career? I am currently on a team working under a wealth advisor and am fully licensed. I want to take my education to the next step but am really struggling for motivation to study for and take a big test. I basically tell myself I'm going to do it but never put my money where my mouth is. So yes I want to do it, but I also want to know that it is worth it so I can commit easier.

Thanks for any advice!

5 Comments
 

What do you do now? Where do you want to go in WM? Do you want to be a FA yourself or do something else?

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 
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If you want to be a FA, then it is very important. The 7 and 63 are minimum competency exams. The CFP shows that you actually know how to plan for somebody. It's also not that hard for somebody with planning experience. I had 5+ years of full time planning experience under my belt when I took it, and was done with the test before lunch. It is a lot of material, however. Expect to put in a couple hours a week for a year in order to complete it if you need to learn the materials.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

I agree the CFP is a nice addition to your name and title. It’s a nice to have but is not the most important thing. Prospecting and filling your pipeline always trumps all.

CFP - can’t fucking produce.

Don’t get caught up spinning your wheels on letters when you should be prospecting.

 

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The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.

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