Comments in Celebration of
CFP Board's 25^th Anniversary

The following comments were received in response to CFP Board’s invitation to the entire CFP® certificant community and to the many individuals and organizations who have supported the CFP® certification to share memories of CFP Board and thoughts on the future of the financial planning profession and the CFP® certificant community.

Learn more about sharing your comments and thoughts with CFP Board in celebration of this milestone in the history of the CFP® certificant community.

A Great Sense of Fulfillment and Hope for the Profession

It is hard to believe that it has been 25 years! I was President of the ICFP, one of the incorporators along with the College for Financial Planning, at the time and had the privilege of signing the incorporation papers. I guess I was in the right place at the right time. Having been in the first graduating class from the College in 1973 it is with a great sense of fulfillment and hope for the profession in the future that I view the progress, both in numbers and professional substance, that has been made by the Board over these 25 years.

Colin “Ben” Coombs, CLU, CFP^®
Longview, WA
December 17, 2010

Dedication to Consumer-Focused Ideals, Determination, and Teamwork

How time flies when you're having fun! Congratulations to all of us!

This is an amazing accomplishment – the product of dedication to consumer-focused ideals, determination, and teamwork.

What a privilege to have been a part of the formation of this professional group! I was in attendance at the FIRST meeting to establish the Central Texas Society of the ICFP with FIVE other individuals from the entire state of Texas. I recall clearly the goals we established and the strategies we put in motion. Then, in 1995 I attended a CFP conference in Dallas and was invited to a hospitality meeting sponsored by the North Dallas Chapter of the ICFP – a group of over 300 members! As I met the host representatives and looked all around the room, I was thunderstruck. My eyes welled with tears and I could not speak. I realized that we had accomplished what we set out to do in those early days—our plantings of a few seeds had become a forest!

I am grateful to the College for Financial Planning and the CFP Board for helping me build a career and business beyond my wildest dreams. For nearly thirty years I have enjoyed helping many families and businesses improve their financial security and happiness. What a blessing!

I read every year with amazement the number of CFP^® certificants worldwide and am thrilled by the consumer's growing awareness of the value of CFP^® certification training and adherence to practice standards and Code of Ethics.

I had the opportunity last year to speak before a group of planners about the early history of planning. A young man raised his hand and said "I want to say 'Thank You' to all of you that formed and shaped this wonderful profession. I love the work I do and it's people like you that paved the way for us." I was surprised and truly humbled by his sincere expression. What a great community we have.

So to all my peers—we're only 25 and we've only just begun! Thanks for the memories!

Teresa Jensen White, CFP^®
San Antonio, TX
July 27, 2010

Guiding Customers through Their Challenges

I was a sales assistant at a wirehouse for many years. I had an opportunity to become an advisor at a bank program, I took it and it changed my life. I was fortunate enough to have a co-worker (a CFP^® certificant) to mentor me through the challenges of both the new position and the courses to become a CFP^® certificant myself. I did so, and have since become an independent financial advisor/planner with a focus on the small guy. My feeling is the normal working blue collar worker needs an advisor just as much as the millionaire, maybe even more so. I feel I am able to guide my customers through their challenges. Having the CFP® certification shows my customers that I am qualified to guide them. Having this certification has also helped me with the confidence needed to become an independent advisor.

Janice F. Dabate, CFP^®
Manchester, CT
July 23, 2010

Proud to Hold the CFP^® Certification

I am very proud to hold the CFP^® certification and be a member of an elite group of highly trained and skilled professionals with one goal in mind; real and meaningful financial planning.

It is easy for those in this industry to add "financial planner" behind their name. But when it says "CFP" it designates a professional in the field, which clients find comforting and of great value.

Rick V. Huff, CFP^®
Bluford, IL
July 30, 2010

Credibility Needed to Succeed in Competitive Environment

I have been a financial professional for 29 years but did not receive my CFP^® certification until three years ago. I believe the designation has been a significant enhancement to my business. While I had always utilized a financial planning approach with my clients, the designation made a difference in the way my clients viewed me. Our industry has gone through dramatic changes in the past ten years and will continue to change in the future. Investment Advisors need to differentiate themselves from the typical broker who "sells" financial products. Using a consultative and financial planning process allows me to do so. Being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional gives me the credibility I need to succeed in an ever more competitive environment.

Paula Heichel, CFP^®
Washington, DC
July 22, 2010

The Foundation of My Professional Success

I have been in the financial planning profession for over 14 years. As most financial planners can probably attest, the early years were "tough sledding", trying to build a client base and professional reputation in this business.

Prior to actually getting into the business, I enrolled in the College for Financial Planning's CFP program. After completing the program, I took the CFP^® certification test. After two failed attempts, I pass the exam on the third try. After working in the financial planning field for a few years, I applied for the CFP^® certification. This was the absolute best move for my career in the financial planning field.

Achieving my CFP^® certification gave me the confidence to succeed in this business. It has become the foundation of my professional success.

I thank the CFP Board for elevating the CFP^® mark to the "Gold" standard of our profession.

Congratulations on the 25^th Anniversary! I can't wait to see what's in store for the next 25 years.

Jerry D. Murphy, CFP^®
Mitchellville, Maryland
July 7, 2010

A Profession with Almost Unlimited Potential

One of my most memorable Board experiences was at our first Meeting. Dave King, Chairman, stood in front of a blank blackboard. Without saying a word, he took a piece of chalk and drew a large rectangle. Above its top line he wrote IBCFP. His first words were these, “You see that everything inside this rectangle is blank. The IBCFP is whatever we make it to be. Our task as owners of the CFP marks is to do everything we can to make ‘these marks’ the symbol of the world’s finest profession. Let’s focus on filling up this rectangle with the best processes possible to move toward this goal.” I never forgot that empty rectangle and Dave’s words.

The financial planning profession and the CFP® certification have had a transforming experience on Helen and me, our family, and our clients. After all these years, I can look back and realize that everything this profession and the CFP® marks stand for are really true. Our two sons, Denby, III and Ray, both became CFP® certificants, and have been our partners in our firm for over a quarter century.

Over twenty-five years ago a young lady was referred to us. Her story was that she was a school teacher with two young sons to rear and educate. Recently, her husband had walked out on her. She did not feel she could give her sons the best education on her salary alone. She was selling Shaklee products on the side and having trouble getting started. She had no savings and a friend told her to come to see us. We developed a plan together, worked together, and today both of her sons are highly educated and successful. Today, she also has a substantial net worth, significant invested assets and an excellent income. Both of us feel that financial planning has had a major positive influence on her life

Financial planning is the first new basic profession developed in the last four centuries. With its synergistic power combining financial and human values and productivity, it has almost unlimited potential. In the emerging second financial planning revolution, I think many even more remarkable things will happen. For instance, I think it will reach deeply within under-served ethnic groups in diverse societies in a powerful way.

I want to thank my clients who first inspired me in 1960 to consider developing the concepts of total financial planning. I want to thank the planners of the 1980 IAFP Boston Meeting who persuaded me to cast my lot full time to the Movement. I want to thank Dave King, Kemp Fain, Ben Coombs, Dan Parks, Charlie Hughes and Bill Anthes, my early partners in financial planning accountability.

E. Denby Brandon, Jr., CFP®
Memphis, Tennessee
June 15, 2010

Why Being a CFP® Certificant Is Important to Me:
Giving My Very Best to My Clients

I began my career as a financial planner when I was quite young. Obtaining the CFP® designation gave me credibility, but more importantly, increased my confidence in my recommendations. At that time, I worked in a large office with several other advisors. Naturally, most of the advisors in my office were much older and more experienced, but only a small number of them had earned the CFP® marks. Passing the CFP Board exam allowed me to prove to myself that they were not better advisors than I was. I knew with certainty that I was giving my very best to my clients and that I deserved their trust.

Rachel McDonough, CFP®
Arden Hills, Minnesota
June 10, 2010

A Member of the Financial Planning Family throughout the World

In 1987 I was working for an insurance company selling life insurance.  I was encouraged by two other agents to enroll and study for the CFP® certification program, which I did. This was the beginning of my introduction to comprehensive financial planning.  At some point my two other colleagues dropped out of the program, but I continued taking the courses and exams.

In 1989 I passed the last course and graduated from the College for Financial Planning and received my CFP® designation diploma and letter which I still have framed on my wall.  To this very day, I am only the second CFP® professional on Guam and I am extremely proud to be a member of an elite group of financial planners with this prestigious designation, and responsibility to the general public.

Over the years I've attended FPA Annual Global Conferences in San Diego, Seattle and recently in Anaheim.  I plan to attend the 2010 conference in Denver and finally after all these years visit the College for Financial Planning campus where it all started for me.

I am privileged to be a CFP® professional, a member of the FPA and a member of the financial planning family throughout the world.

I consider it a humbling responsibility and honor to be in my present position and to be able to use my education and expertise in helping people plan for their financial future, to make decisions regarding their personal lives and to develop those "financial muscles" to weather the storm of today by understanding that we live in a very different world than the one our parents lived in.

Felixberto R. Dungca Jr., CFP®
Barrigada, Guam
June 10, 2010

Helping Families for the Long Term

John worked hard as a dairy farmer his entire life. In 1979 John's partner and brother was told to retire from farming due to the damaged caused to his heart from rheumatic fever. From 1979 to 1996 the farm was rented for cash to adjoining neighbors. In 1996, brother Presley died. Late one afternoon I received a call from John's wife stating that they had just met with Presley's estate attorney and were advised that about $500,000 was due in inheritance and estate taxes. Her question was: "Can we still do that charitable thing?"

I called the attorney and asked him to research the request. Two CRUTS were established and a 1031 exchange was executed. Over $400,000 in taxes were saved. Due to the long life of the CRUT beneficiary, most of the tax savings have been paid out as of this writing. When John received his first check from the 1031 property he called me. John never called. John had a question: "Was this check for the entire year?" I replied, John you will receive that amount or more each quarter. John replied: "One quarterly check is more than we received for the entire year when we rented the farm and we still had to pay property taxes, spray weeds and other expenses." Due to Montana's inheritance tax in 1996 they also established ILITs for family members. Almost 15 years later, the plan is still working though many of the tax laws have changed.

Randall Gene Knowles, CFP®
Great Falls, Montana
June 10, 2010

Celebrating 25 Years as a CFP® Professional

I just realized that my College for Financial Planning diploma is dated June 22, 1985.  In just 12 days I will celebrate my 25^th year as a CFP® professional.

Gratitude to the Board for the leadership over the past 25 years for setting the bar for integrity and highest ethics.

My personal journey began as a stockbroker April 1, 1981, with an ambition to help people manage their money so that they could be free to pursue higher callings.

Quickly did I realize that while my industry had investment products, it by and large in the 1980s lacked a client centric planning philosophy.

Next year will mark my 30th year in my personal journey of trying to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people.

I have not always succeeded, but I have never felt alone or without guidance for what could be.

I am sincerely grateful for the mission of The Board and the people who have served. 

Christopher W. Davis, CFP®, CIMA
Davidson, North Carolina
June 10, 2010

Exemplifying the Heart of a CFP® Professional

One of the shortest sentences in the bible is found in Colossians 3:15b “And be thankful.” This simple command from God embodies a sentiment that is often underused or conveyed without heart.

However, as we celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the CFP Board, this sentiment is most appropriate. Though I have not been a CFP® professional for twenty-five years nor even been in the industry that long, these three letters, C-F-P, have shaped my life. It is not just a professional designation. It stands for so much more – a humble, caring, persistent, human being that transforms the life of others well beyond their investment portfolio.

It all began when the management team at American Express Financial Advisors (AEFA) in Paramus, New Jersey, convinced me that a career as a financial planner was more rewarding than I could possibly imagine. Becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional was indeed the best way to help people reach their life’s financial dreams. The short time spent with that team, the Herculean effort of acquiring the CFP® designation, along with keeping in mind God’s command to “be thankful”, inspired me to become who I am today in the world of Financial Planning.

At AEFA, they taught me everything that goes into becoming a successful financial advisor. Sure I was trained to lead with a financial plan; it’s the road map for a client. The six-step process to comprehensive planning was ingrained in my mind and soul. They shared how to present to clients, how to develop sales skills; keep up with the fast changing arena of product knowledge and of course how to excel in client service. But most importantly, they “showed” me through their lives.

The first year as an advisor, as survivors in this business can attest, is a challenging time. Toss in new career, new city, new baby on the way, mom checking out of the workforce, the times were not only tough psychologically and emotionally but financially lean as well.

Here are some highlights of the many memories from that time.

One of my managers, Tim Burklow, showed up early one Saturday morning to our apartment. He and his dad delivered a sofa, love seat, chair and ottoman, having heard that we were in need of furniture. The thought of his kind gesture still touches my heart. This was one of many, and I do mean many, acts of kindness he did for me and my family without others knowing. He truly exemplified humility in all areas of life and for him and his example, I am thankful.

Another manager, Matt Rotella opened his home to my wife and me and served us perhaps the most wonderful meal we ate in 1997. He and his wife encouraged us to stay focused, patient and do the right thing and in time, we would be successful. I also learned emotional competence and listening skills by watching him conduct client meetings. Matt, thanks for teaching me to persevere; it was worth it.

Ken Albers, my coach, my hands on teacher; he could read me like a book. He knew when I needed a kick in the pants or when a pat on the back was more effective. His sense of humor and laugh were always disarming and his storytelling engaging, if not legendary. What he called his gift of “curiosity”, I simply call “caring”, and it has left a lifetime impression. Thank you for exemplifying the heart of a CFP^th professional.

There are others form the management team like Bill Borduin and Terrence Riley, who certainly deserve thanx. Their wisdom and zeal, respectively, were blessings.

And I would be remiss not to take the opportunity to thank an advisor, a CFP® professional, an office partner, a dear friend and fourteen years later still an inspiration – thank you Scott Sosna. Scott taught me to be true to myself and personifies all the aforementioned qualities that are essential to a CFP® professional. I am forever thankful for him.

And to the CFP Board, Happy 25^th Anniversary! “Thank you!”

Don Stamas, CFP®
Charlotte, North Carolina
June 22, 2010

Helping Consumers Understand Who They Can Turn to for Trusted Advice

In a world where most people who call themselves financial planners or advisors have an "alphabet soup" of designations following their name, it is critical to have organizations such as the CFP Board that provide credibility and strive to educate the public on the meaning of CFP® certification. The significant long-term impact of the financial decisions that individuals make means that planners can truly change the lives of those they work with. Thus, it is critical that consumers understand who they can turn to for trusted advice. The CFP Board provides this framework, and as a CFP® professional, I am so appreciative of the Board and its work.

Clarissa Hobson, CFP®
Colorado Springs, Colorado
June 11, 2010

Inspiring Confidence

I’ve held the CFP® designation since 1994 and have never looked back.  Love what I do and expect to continue well into my “retirement” years. 

Having this designation gave me the confidence to sell my skills to prospects and provided the opportunity to practice my trade to gain experience—this is what qualifies me to do what I do best!

Nancy T. Bryant, CFP®
Baltimore, Maryland
June 11, 2010

Thank You to All Mentors

Dr. Robert Bohn was my mentor. He not only introduced me to the financial planning program at Golden Gate University in 1998, but mentored me through coursework and challenges in completing the program as a person new to the financial planning profession. I did not know he passed away in 2005 until I saw this request to thank the person who helped develop a rewarding career as a CFP® professional. I googled his name and found his obituary. I regret that I did not take the time to thank him in person as all our conversations were online. I encourage each and every professional to call, visit or at the very least, email your mentor.

My career as a CFP® professional is so very rewarding. I would like to publicly thank Mark L Kornblau, CFP® (Colorado) and Reid Allen, CFP® (California), both wonderful persons, among many, who still take the time to mentor me through the business and practical aspects of financial planning. Thank you to all mentors everywhere!

MaryAnne Heyman, MSFP, CFP®
Fort Collins, Colorado
June 12, 2010

Proud to Be a Part of the CFP® Certificant Community

This past spring in Chicago I participated in one of the CFP Board's "Free Financial Clinics." I was quite impressed with the organization of the event and the professionalism of all the staff. Everything was done top notch. I was proud to be a part of the CFP® certificant community.

Michael H. Smith, CFP®
Riverside, Illinois
June 14, 2010

Helping Clients Transition through Life’s Phases to Achieve Their Life Goals

Many times what starts out as one facet of financial planning grows over the years to encompass the "whole enchilada". In 1984 I began a planning relationship with a Doctor and his wife. I advised them on life insurance and the estate planning that included establishing an irrevocable life insurance trust. In 2010, the wife is dying of cancer and I am completing the plan by educating the three adult daughters about the roles of trustees and how to manage the assets in both the life insurance trust and the investments in the living trusts for both parents. The implementation involves education planning, investment planning, insurance planning, and estate planning. I feel fortunate to have had the CFP® certification training to feel confident and competent enough to help my clients transition through life’s phases and achieve their life goals.

Marilyn S. Weaver, CFP®
Englewood, Colorado
June 15, 2010

Delightful to See the Growth and Acceptance of Financial Planning Throughout Our Community

Although it hasn’t been 25 years, in 1989 there was actually a Fort Worth Chapter of the ICFP.  We were seven members!  To my knowledge we are all still around practicing.  I recently checked and the DFW chapter currently has 743 members.  How delightful to see the growth and acceptance of financial planning throughout our community.

E. Kim Dignum, CFP®
Fort Worth, Texas
June 15, 2010

The Blessing of Serving as a CFP® Professional

I have been both an active ordained clergy person and a CFP® professional for almost 20 years.

My direct financial planning is limited to what I can manage in ADDITION TO a full-time ministry position.  And my clientele is intentionally limited to ordained clergy persons.

As a general rule, my colleagues in ordained ministry are not financially astute...and they are skeptical of and intimidated by many financial professionals... feeling somewhat like lambs being cared for by wolves.

Therefore, having a known colleague available to them with the expertise and credentials I have is experienced by them as a real blessing... as it is a blessing to me that they trust me with their confidence, their assets, and their future!

I recall with great fondness one particular couple, planning for retirement, who in our conversations kept referring to a certain "pot" of funds as "grocery money".

Thank heavens I inquired early on regarding precisely WHAT ASSETS that term referred to!!  Turned out it was slang for "discretionary funds".

Through the Grace of God, and patience, I was able to get them to agree to devote a significant amount of "grocery money" to investments... and they were able to manage a comfortable retirement!

Short of helping someone move comfortably and confidently from this world to the next... what greater blessing can there be to a person than helping someone build a brighter future!!??

Learn more about sharing your comments and thoughts with CFP Board in celebration of this milestone in the history of the CFP® certificant community.

Learn more about CFP Board's Mission and History and the Development of the CFP® Certification Requirements.

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