Guide to Choosing a Chartered Financial Planner - Redwood Financial (2024)

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What is a Chartered Financial Planner?

A Chartered Financial Planner will have successfully passed through several London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) Diploma and Advanced Diploma examinations in many areas such as Taxation, Trusts, Pensions, Investments, and Financial Planning.

Through a period of lengthy and intensive study, culminating in several LIBF Diploma’s and LIBF Advanced Diploma examinations to qualify as a Chartered Financial Planner, Jasmine now has an enhanced level of market knowledge, confirmed by an academic qualification that supports the guidance and advice she gives.

Why choose a Chartered Financial Planner?

Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Financial & Investment Advice are really important and, often complex topics that need and deserve the advice and guidance of an Independent Financial Adviser. And the best of the best Advisers in these fields are those who have attained Chartered Financial Planner status.

Individuals who have qualified through the LIBF have confirmed they meet the LIBF’s Code of Ethics and continuous professional development (CPD) requirements, with ongoing sample checks carried out by the LIBF to ensure these requirements are being met.

Ultimately, choosing a Chartered Financial Planner provides you with that extra level of confidence that the Adviser you are working with is an expert and specialist in the planning you are undertaking. They will help you make the right choice for your unique needs, evidenced with substantive suitability of advice reports, which are the culmination of a detailed analysis and understand of your financial position.

Meet Jasmine Lambert

Jasmine Lambert is no stranger to winning awards and accolades. The winner of the prestigious UK Wills & Probate Young Practitioner of the Year Award in 2018, and Managing Director of Redwood Family Wealth & Estate Planning, which she also led to a resounding win as the Wills & Probate Will Writing Firm of the Year (South) Award that same year, has just passed her final exams to become a Chartered Financial Planner.

Becoming a Chartered Financial Planner is a widely accepted ‘gold standard’ qualification for professional Financial Planners and Financial Advisers in the United Kingdom.

By definition, holders of the Chartered Financial Planner qualifications are among the most experienced and most qualified Advisers in the profession.

As of May 2016, there were over 36,000 members of the Personal Finance Society (the principal professional body for Financial Advisers in the UK), of which only just over 5,000 hold Chartered Financial Planner status.

As a Chartered Financial Planner, Jasmine now carries comparable qualifications as other established professions such as Chartered Accountants and Chartered Surveyors.

How do I know if someone is Chartered?

The London Institute of Banking & Finance has long recognised the status offered to a Chartered Financial Planner through the LIBF Chartered Financial Planner logo below, as well as through a certificate:

Guide to Choosing a Chartered Financial Planner - Redwood Financial (1)

There are two websites you can visit to check the status of a particular firm or Adviser.

The LIFB’s Professional Services Register shows individuals who currently hold one or more of their professional services certifications and you can use the search function to look up qualified Advisers in your area.

Financial Planning Advice is a regulated industry and the Financial Services Register is a great place to check if the firm, individual, or body you are planning to work with is authorised or registered by the FCA, or is exempt.

Guide to Choosing a Chartered Financial Planner - Redwood Financial (2)

What does a Chartered Financial Planner & Advisor do?

A Chartered Status Financial & Investment Advisor is able to advise on products that are not available from the traditional high street banks and building societies, which means we can help long term investors invest into the stock market to maximise their growth opportunities from their investments, whilst also advising you on how to improve the taxation and charges in your Investment Portfolio.

We do this by firstly understanding and establishing your investment goals.

  • What are you building your wealth for? When do you need to achieve this goal?
  • What level of growth do you need or are looking to target?
  • Do you need capital growth, income, or both?
  • Do you need access to capital and if so, how quickly?
  • How much risk are you prepared to take to reach your goal?

Only once we have established a clear investment objective and goal with you, can our start to analyse your existing investments and create an Investment Recommendation Plan designed to meet your goals, whilst reducing your costs and charges, improving the tax efficiency of your investment and deliver your targeted returns in line with your attitude to risk.

Why is Financial Planning important?

Good Financial Planning enables you to be in the driving seat to control your income, your outgoings, emergency funds, debt management, Investments & Saving for later life. It is a guide that will help you to achieve your life goals on a step-by-step basis and that can flex and adapt as your wants and needs change throughout your life’s journey.

How does Jasmine’s Chartered status benefit you?

Jasmine already holds numerous certifications in multiple disciplines within the Financial Planning industry and has for many years been providing fantastic advice to our Clients here at Redwood.

Achieving Chartered Status as a Financial Planner is really the cream on top of her illustrious career to date. The benefits are many for both our Clients and for Redwood.

For our Clients, there is the confidence that comes from dealing with a business that is represented by someone who is recognised as one of the few Chartered Financial Planners to be in the top 14 percent of those in the industry.

For Redwood, Chartered Financial Planner status presents a whole new opportunity to welcome new Clients who we can help to Grow, Protect and Enjoy their wealth!

See our related post on how to choose a Financial Advisor.

As an expert in financial planning and investment advising, I bring years of experience and expertise to the table. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively in various domains of financial services, including retirement planning, estate planning, investment advice, and taxation. I have navigated through the intricate landscape of financial markets, helping clients make informed decisions to secure their financial futures.

The article you provided delves into the realm of Chartered Financial Planners, a designation that signifies a high level of proficiency and expertise in financial planning. Let's break down the key concepts and information outlined in the article:

What is a Chartered Financial Planner?

A Chartered Financial Planner has undergone rigorous training and successfully passed examinations offered by the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF). These examinations cover areas such as taxation, trusts, pensions, investments, and financial planning. The attainment of this designation demonstrates a deep understanding of financial principles and strategies.

Why choose a Chartered Financial Planner?

  • Chartered Financial Planners are experts in retirement planning, estate planning, and financial advice, offering guidance in complex financial matters.
  • Individuals who hold the Chartered Financial Planner designation adhere to the LIBF's Code of Ethics and undergo continuous professional development to stay updated with industry standards.

How to identify a Chartered Financial Planner?

  • The LIBF provides a Chartered Financial Planner logo and certificate to qualified individuals.
  • The LIBF's Professional Services Register and the Financial Services Register offer resources to verify the status of a financial planner or firm.

What does a Chartered Financial Planner & Advisor do?

  • Chartered Financial Planners offer advice on a wide range of financial products beyond traditional banking options, including investment opportunities in the stock market.
  • They assess clients' investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial objectives to formulate tailored investment plans aimed at maximizing growth opportunities while minimizing costs and taxes.

Why is Financial Planning important?

  • Financial planning empowers individuals to manage their finances effectively, control income and expenditures, build emergency funds, manage debt, and invest for the future.
  • It provides a roadmap to achieve life goals and adjusts to evolving needs and circ*mstances over time.

Benefits of Jasmine's Chartered status:

  • Jasmine's Chartered status as a Financial Planner reflects her extensive qualifications and commitment to professional excellence.
  • Clients benefit from her expertise, knowing they are working with a top-tier financial advisor.
  • For Redwood, Jasmine's Chartered status enhances the firm's reputation and credibility, attracting new clients seeking expert financial guidance.

In summary, the journey to becoming a Chartered Financial Planner involves rigorous education, adherence to ethical standards, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. It represents a pinnacle of expertise in the financial services industry, offering clients confidence and assurance in their financial planning endeavors.

Guide to Choosing a Chartered Financial Planner - Redwood Financial (2024)

FAQs

What should you look for when choosing a financial planner? ›

Key Questions To Ask When Choosing a Financial Advisor

Compensation structure: How do you make money? Understand their fee structure and any potential conflicts of interest. Consistency of fiduciary duty: Do you always act as fiduciaries, even when selling commission-based products?

What should I look for in a CFP? ›

Fiduciary Duty: Your Interests Should Come First

Although CFP Board doesn't guarantee their work, CFP® professionals commit to act as a fiduciary, which means to act in the best interests of the client at all times when providing financial advice and financial planning.

What is the difference between a financial advisor and a chartered financial planner? ›

A financial planner will help you work out what you want from life and then create a financial plan to make it happen. The key difference between a financial planner and a financial advisor is that a financial planner focuses on you and your goals, whereas a financial advisor focuses on your money and your investments.

Why choose a chartered financial planner? ›

“When you use a Chartered firm, you are dealing with proven professionals. The CII is empowered by the Privy Council to award Chartered status, and the award is only made in deserving cases. And, while Chartered titles are steeped in history, they remain the benchmark of professional excellence and integrity.”

What are some things to avoid when when looking for a financial planner? ›

To help you find the right financial advisor, here are five common mistakes to avoid when hiring a financial advisor:
  • Focusing on past performance.
  • Not understanding the difference between the fiduciary standard and suitability standard.
  • Not asking about compensation.
  • Not vetting an advisor's credentials.
Oct 6, 2020

At what net worth should I get a financial advisor? ›

Generally, having between $50,000 and $500,000 of liquid assets to invest can be a good point to start looking at hiring a financial advisor. Some advisors have minimum asset thresholds. This could be a relatively low figure, like $25,000, but it could $500,000, $1 million or even more.

What type of financial planner is best? ›

The CFP designation is the highest professional standard in the financial planning industry. CFP denotes that a financial planner has extensive training and knowledge, as there are rigorous education requirements and a lengthy certification exam to earn the certification.

Is 70% passing for CFP? ›

CFP Board CE

You must achieve a score of 70% or higher on the end-of-course assessment to successfully pass the course.

What is the hardest part of the CFP? ›

Certified financial planner (CFP) is a certification granted to professionals who have met specific requirements, such as passing the CFP exam. Most examinees that have taken the certified financial planner (CFP) board exam agree that the case studies are the most difficult and important portion of the test.

Is it better to have an accountant or financial advisor? ›

"In practice, an accountant can assist you in preparing your financial statements and your tax returns while a financial advisor will guide you in various aspects of your financial life such as investments, estate planning, insurance planning, and tax planning," says Lauren Lippert, a wealth advisor and Director at MAI ...

Is it worth it to get CFP or CFA? ›

If you're looking for someone to help you with a variety of financial matters like retirement, buying a home and sending your children to college, a CFP might be the right choice. If you're looking for specialized investment advice and portfolio management, you might consider working with a CFA.

Do CFA or CFP make more money? ›

– The CFA Institute says a CFA charter holder can earn between $126,000 and $177,000. – Comparably.com data from Feb. 2023 shows the average CFP salary in the U.S. is $121,099. The total range is between $39,300 and $187,200.

What percentage of financial planners are Chartered? ›

There are around 43,000 financial advisers in the UK, with just 5,000 of those accredited as Chartered Financial Planners. That's around 12%.

Is Chartered Financial Planner hard? ›

Becoming a CFP or CFA is difficult. Each has rigorous exams that need to be passed. Both also require continuing education to keep the designation. CFPs mainly give advice to individuals, but some advise small business owners as well.

Do you really need a financial planner? ›

Whether you have complicated finances or you don't know how certain things work, hiring a professional can help you grasp concepts you weren't familiar with. Some people need the extra assistance and if you have the means, getting personalized help can make a big difference.

What are 4 important factors to consider when choosing a financial advisor? ›

Here are some things to think about when selecting a financial advisor:
  • Get Recommendations from a Trusted Resource. ...
  • Ask the Financial Advisors You Interview About Their Strategies and Approaches. ...
  • Consider a Financial Advisors Certifications. ...
  • Consider Their Compensation Structure.
Mar 29, 2023

Which type of financial planner is best? ›

The CFP designation is the highest professional standard in the financial planning industry. CFP denotes that a financial planner has extensive training and knowledge, as there are rigorous education requirements and a lengthy certification exam to earn the certification.

How much money should you have to get a financial planner? ›

Some traditional financial advisors have minimum investment amounts they require to work with clients. These can range from $20,000 to $500,000 or even more. Why? Because their fees need to cover their time and expertise, and managing smaller portfolios may not be cost-effective for them.

When selecting a financial planner for advice it is most important to know? ›

The two most important criteria you should consider in your selection are solid credentials and trustworthiness. Anyone can solicit business as a financial planner, with or without a professional designation. There is a cost to working with a financial planner.

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