Designations

How Our Education and Credentials Can Benefit You

AIF^® – Accredited Investment Fiduciary^®

The AIF designation represents a thorough knowledge of the fiduciary standard and its application by financial services firms through the implementation of “best practices” for investment policy and procedures. With all the rules and regulations encapsulating the retirement industry, a plan sponsor's need for fiduciary services is critical to make sure they're delivering a quality standard of care to their employees.

Let one of our AIF® professionals guide you through this process.

AIFA® – Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst®

Individuals earning an AIFA designation are trained to conduct assessments of “best practices” and fiduciary standards implemented by financial services firms. They have demonstrated knowledge of new audit requirements pursuant to the Pension Protection Act of 2006. As the landscape of financial services evolves, particularly with retirement plans, so does the regulations and compliance that govern them.

As a plan sponsor, you need someone in your corner who can help you navigate these changes.

CDFA - Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

Individuals receiving this designation must successfully complete a series of four examinations based on the treatment of property during divorce, alimony and child support, and tax implications of property division. They also must have at least two years financial planning or legal experience. The CDFA may act as an advisor to one party’s counsel or divorce lawyer or function as a mediator for both parties. 

Whether you are planning to get a divorce or currently in the process of becoming divorced, we can help guide you through these difficult times which are often not only financial, but also emotional in nature.

CFP^® - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ 

Individuals with the CFP^® designation have passed a demanding exam which covers all facets of financial planning, including investments, individual and estate taxes, insurance, retirement planning and estate planning. A CFP must have completed college and three years of financial industry experience. They must also abide by a strict code of conduct and ethics.

By working with one of Stonegate Wealth Management's CFP^® designees, you can feel confident that you are working with a competant advisor with the necessary experience integrity to help you and your family achieve your financial goals.

CPA - Certified Public Accountant

The CPA designation is obtained through the completion of an extensive undergraduate program, generally two years of audit experience and passing a rigorous set of four examinations administered by the AICPA and local state boards.

A person who becomes a CPA is licensed to prepare tax returns, give tax advice, and represent someone in front of the IRS.

CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst

The CFA designation is at the pinnacle of investment credentials available and most sough after worldwide. Offered by the CFA Institute (formerly the Association for Investment Management and Research), individuals must demonstrate competency in economics, accounting, security analysis, and money management. Candidates are required to successfully complete three difficult exams over three years, gain at least three years of qualifying work experience, and meet standards of professional and ethical conduct.

Due to the rigourous process involved, you can rest assured that an individual holding the CFA designation is one of the best and brightest available when it comes to devising a prudent investment strategy for your portfolio. When you hire us, you can feel confident in the advice we provide will help you to achieve your financial goals.

ChFC - Chartered Financial Consultant

The ChFC is designation for individuals who demonstrated their vast and extensive knowledge of financial planning. The designation is administered by the American College. ChFCs must meet experience requirements and pass exams covering finance and investing. They must have at least three years of experience in the financial industry, and have studied and passed an examination on the fundamentals of financial planning, including income tax, insurance, investment and estate planning.

Holders of this designatiom have demonstrated a well-rounded knowledge of financial planning.

CLU - Chartered Life Underwriter

The CLU designation is granted by the American College to individualn who have completed training in life insurance and personal insurance planning. To obtain the designation, individuals must complete advanced courses and exams topics including insurance, investments, taxation, employee benefits, estate planning, accounting, management and economics.

Holders of this designatiom have demonstrated a well-rounded knowledge of insurance planning.

CRPC – Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^SM

The CRPC^® Program focuses on the pre- and post-retirement needs of individuals, allowing the deisignee  to transform the retirement planning process into a positive experience.

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^SM designation holders can help individuals devise and implement a retirement plan from start to finish that's right for them, ranging from investment management to estate planning.

CRPS – Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist ^SM

The CRPS Program is specifically targeted at professionals who design, install, and maintain retirement plans for the business community. Candidates must pass an examination and comply with the program’s code of ethics as well as complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years to stay up-to-date on changes in the industry.

Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist^SM designation holders can help business owners and plan sponsors decide what plan is right for them, and how to install and maintain it.

JD - Juris Doctor

The JD degree is professional degree granted by law schools for completing a three year course of post-undergraduate study of the law. Generally, completion of a JD must be followed by passing the bar exam in one or more jurisdictions in order to be permitted to practice law. Attorneys often have extensive training in fields of tax and estate planning.

NAPFA  Registered Advisor- National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

NAPFA is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to the advancement of fee-only comprehensive financial planning. Registration in NAPFA means that the financial advisor meets the highest standards for professional competency, comprehensive financial planning and fee-only compensation.

NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisors are committed to the three primary ideals: 1) the belief that clients are best served by a comprehensive approach to financial planning; 2) the highest levels of competency must be achieved and maintained; and 3) fee-only compensation and a fiduciary relationship are vital to placing the interests of the client above all.

Working with a NAPFA-Registered advisor, you will feel confident that your advisor has your best interests at heart.

RF™ - Registered Fiduciary

The Registered Fiduciary™ designation identifies financial professionals that have met the necessary requirements to serve in the important new role of Fiduciary Adviser. RF™ designated professionals are identified as having met the highest fiduciary standard in the financial industry. The RF™ designation is continuously being updated to reflect the most recent regulatory, marketplace and technology changes.

RP^® - Registered Paraplanner

The RP^® Program is specifically designed to provide individuals who are new to the industry with a solid, comprehensive understanding of financial planning and a knowledge base allowing that individual to participate in the financial planning process, such as assist with preparing financial plans.

This designation ensures the quality and competancy of our support staff with regards to the assistance of data gathering and processing of our financial plans.

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