Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
 
 
  Setting Financial Goals
  Financial Professionals
 
Put Your Needs First - Work with a CFP® Professional - LetsMakeAPlan.org
 
CFP® professionals address key personal finance and financial planning topics in this series of multimedia Webcasts
 
Lifelong Financial Strategies: 25 Personal Finance Tips over 25 Weeks
E-MAIL THIS PAGE PRINT THIS PAGE

    Publications & Resources

Resources and tools from CFP Board and other organizations provide information that can help you learn more about financial planning.

The sites listed below contain information created and maintained by institutions or organizations independent of CFP Board. In consequence, CFP Board does not control the content of these sites, nor does CFP Board make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information contained therein. Use of any information from these sites is voluntary, and reliance on such information should only be made after an independent review of its accuracy. Reference to specific commercial products or services in these sites does not constitute or imply endorsement by CFP Board.

CFP Board Publications

"Let's Make A Plan" eNewsletter
CFP Board's electronic newsletter for consumers includes articles that will help you learn more about financial planning. Get tips that can help you get the most out of your financial plan and ideas and activities that you can discuss and try with the help of your financial planner. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive valuable information, tools and resources direct to your inbox.

Read the latest "Let's Make A Plan" eNewsletter


Consumer Guide to Financial Self-Defense
 
This brochure is designed to help you identify a qualified financial advisor and provides tips to avoid "red flags" that may signal an unqualified financial advisor. View the brochure online, order a printed copy or download a copy.



Consumer Guide to Financial Self-Defense
 
   
 

 

NEW:Consumer Guide to Financial Planning
 
This brochure shares what you should know about financial planning, how to get started with your financial plan, and how to find a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner qualified to help you with your financial planning needs. Download a copy or request a complimentary printed copy by mail by completing our request form.


Consumer Guide to Financial Planning
 
 

< back to top

Government Resources

Many federal and state governmental agencies that regulate financial services also have a focus on consumer protection and education. The agencies below provide information that can help you improve your financial literacy.

< back to top

FEDERAL

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The central mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans, whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products. The CFPB website features Know Before You Owe, an effort to combine two federally required mortgage disclosures into a simpler form that makes the costs and risks of the loan clear and allows consumers to comparison shop, and functions that allow consumers to submit complaints related to mortgages and credit cards.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
FTC focuses on issues that affect the economic lives of Americans and works to prevent anti-competitive commercial practices. FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection works to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices, and its website includes free publications on topics such as identity theft, privacy issues and tips to avoid falling for scams and rip-offs.
Publications.USA.gov
This site, formerly known as the Federal Citizens Information Center, serves as a clearinghouse of resources that provide information about federal government agencies and everyday consumer issues. Those seeking purchasing tips, advice on resolving a consumer problem, or information on credit, travel and other specific topics can order or download the free annually-updated " Consumer Action Handbook." Also available is a free quarterly "Consumer Information Catalog" with lists of publications on a wealth of topics, including many free publications on money and consumer issues.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
SEC works to protect investors by regulating securities markets. An "Investors Info" section of the SEC website includes many consumer resources, including a "Check Out Brokers and Advisers" tool that allows investors to compare brokers and investment advisors, and an Investors.gov website with a variety of services to help consumers invest wisely and avoid fraud.
USA Gov
USA Gov is an online resource for government information and services regarding money, health, safety and other topics. An "Explore Topics" link directs readers to new education and consumer awareness campaigns, as well as other topics of importance.
< back to top

STATE

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
NAIC is an organization of chief insurance regulators from all U.S. states and territories that collaborate to develop uniform policies related to the regulation of the insurance industry by each state and territory. NAIC's website includes a State Insurance Department websites directory that provides links to the insurance department of each state and territory. NAIC's "Insure U" program helps educate and test consumers at different life stages about the principal types of insurance and how to avoid fraudulent insurance practices.
North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA)
NASAA is an international association of securities regulation agencies from states and territories in North America. NASAA's website includes a variety of online investor education resources for investors of all ages, including the NASAA Fraud Center.
< back to top

SELF-REGULATORY ORGANIZATION

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
FINRA is the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business in the U.S., and it continues its dedication to investor protection and market integrity through effective and efficient regulation and complementary compliance and technology-based services. FINRA's BrokerCheck allows consumers to find information about the professional background, registration/license statuses and conduct of firms and brokers registered with FINRA. The Investors section of FINRA's website also provides a wealth of resources to help keep investors educated about the investment decisions they make, including investor alerts, research tools and calculators.
< back to top

Financial Education Resources

Many of the organizations listed above have financial education programs geared toward children and their parents. Read about financial education resources for children.

Alliance for Investor Education (AIE)
AIE is dedicated to facilitating greater understanding of investing, investments and the financial markets among current and prospective investors of all ages. Their website includes an "Investor Education This Week" section and a "New Info for Investors" section.
American Association of Individual Investors (AAII)
AAII is a membership organization that focuses on providing individual investors with educational information and advice on the basics of investing, financial planning & retirement, mutual funds, stock market investing and other investment topics.
AARP
AARP is a membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives. Whether or not you're an AARP member, their website has information to help you stay current on wide range of topics, including money and work.
AnnualCreditReport.com
AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit reports. This website serves as a credit management tool that allows consumers to review the information in their credit report, understand how it is used and learn how to detect errors and possible instances of identity theft. It provides quick, on-the-spot, no-hassle credit reports from up to three companies.
Better Business Bureaus (BBB)
BBB operates under the belief that both voluntary self-regulation and consumer education are key factors in justly resolving most commercial problems. The "Visit the BBB Nearest You " tool on its website allows consumers to find BBB accredited businesses and charities, file complaints, and access company or charity reports before deciding whether that organization is one worth buying from or donating to.
Consumer Federation of America (CFA)
CFA is an advocacy, research, education and service organization working to give consumers a voice in matters and decisions that affect their lives. Their website provides a wealth of information in areas of Communications, Energy, Finance, Food & Agriculture, Health & Safety and Housing, among others. A useful resource is the "Consumer Information" section, which takes viewers to topics of interest that directly concern consumers.
Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI)
EBRI uses unbiased research and education to contribute to, encourage and improve the development of reliable employee benefit programs and sensible public policy. The "What's New in Employee Benefits" section of EBRI's website helps consumers keep current on the latest employee benefit programs, including employee-sponsored insurance coverage and retirement savings plans.
Institute of Consumer Financial Education (ICFE)
ICFE works to educate people about the importance of increasing savings and using money and credit wisely in order to achieve economic strength and financial health. ICFE makes available to consumers a number of financial education resources and links, including many designed to teach children good money habits.
Jump$tart Coalition
Jump$tart Coalition works to ensure that basic personal financial literacy is taught at the K-12 educational level. In addition to the Guest Speaker and Teacher Training Programs that exist to improve the personal financial management skills of educators, parents, students and others, Jump$tart Coalition also has a quarterly newsletter, the "Jump$tart Update", to help educators find the latest personal finance education tools, concepts and sample lesson plans.
National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators (NACAA)
NACAA is a membership organization of consumer agencies from around the country. The "Consumer Info" section of the NACAA website provides many resources for about issues affecting consumers, including filing complaints, avoiding identity theft, and locating product recall information.
National Consumers League (NCL)
NCL works to protect consumers and workers across the nation and provides education on a wide range of issues including health, fraud, finance, labor and privacy, among others. NCL's website offers free publications covering a wide variety of topics, including tips for avoiding "phishing" scams and check fraud.
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
NCOA focuses on improving the quality of life of elder persons by helping them stay healthy and independent and productive members of society. NCOA's website provides information about reverse mortgages, jobs for seniors, older adult falls and funding for aging programs.
National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)
NEFE's mission is to help all Americans acquire the information and gain the skills necessary to take control of their personal finances. The NEFE website includes a wealth of information and education resources, including information on its popular high school financial planning program NEFE's Smart About Money campaign features a website with tips and tools for reaching all your financial goals.
National Program on Women and Aging (NPWA)
NPWA addresses issues of special concern to women, including community education, security, health and dignity of women as they age. NPWA's website includes a "Publications and Useful Information" section with information about efforts to advance the long-term economic well-being of women through asset building and a "Tips, Tools & Tactics: The Best Resources for Women's Financial Planning" publication with financial planning tools and resources that can help women develop plans for their financial lives.
Retirement Made Simpler™
The Retirement Made Simpler™ campaign, established by AARP, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the Retirement Security Project (RSP), supports automatic 401(k)s to help Americans save more effectively for retirement. The Retirement Made Simpler website provides an Automatic 401(k) Toolkit and the latest research and information to help you better understand, and build support for, 401(k) automation in your workplace.
School Grants Information
A group of teachers and students have assembled the School Grants Blog website full of detailed information on various types of education grants, including how to apply for each grant and tips for writing a successful grant application.
Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER)
WISER helps women acquire the information and skills necessary to achieve greater financial security now and during retirement. The WISER website provides information on topics regarding retirement plans, social security, saving and investing, divorce, widowhood, health care and caregiving.
< back to top

  Copyright © 2012, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc.
All rights reserved. Copyright, Collection and Dissemination of Information Policy and Legal Information.