Building Financial Confidence in Times of Change

October is National Financial Planning Month in the United States, and on October 8 we join colleagues worldwide to mark World Financial Planning Day. Both occasions shine a spotlight on the value of the right guidance and a well-designed plan for the future.

Holistic financial planning is about more than investments or numbers on a spreadsheet. It is about confidence, clarity and peace of mind. It helps people connect their goals and values with practical strategies that move them closer to the life they want to live.

As CEO of CFP Board, I have the privilege of seeing how CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals help people achieve their life goals every day. With more than 106,000 CFP® professionals across the U.S., our community is growing, and so is its impact. This October is a time to celebrate their work and highlight why the profession has never been more relevant.

Planning Through Uncertainty

Today’s economic environment is weighing heavily on households. Recent research points to rising concerns about debt, retirement readiness and the spread of financial misinformation. At the same time, clients of CFP® professionals report greater confidence in their financial future.

That is why National Financial Planning Month and World Financial Planning Day matter. They emphasize that financial security is not achieved by chance but through informed choices, disciplined strategies and guidance from professionals committed to acting in the best interests of their clients.

A Global Movement

World Financial Planning Day highlights the shared focus of financial planning organizations across the globe. While each country faces unique challenges, the themes are universal: helping people navigate change, prepare for the unexpected and build lasting financial well-being.

CFP Board is proud to be part of this global community.

Charting the Future of the Profession

At CFP Board, we are investing in research, education and outreach to expand the pipeline of future CFP® professionals and build a workforce ready to serve all Americans. Our initiatives and scholarships support students and career changers, expanding access to the profession. Our research provides timely insights into financial planning trends and client sentiment. And our public awareness campaign elevates recognition of CFP® certification as the standard for competent and ethical financial planning advice.

These efforts position the profession for a vibrant future and expand opportunities for more Americans to experience the benefits that come from working with a CFP® professional.

Together, We Make an Impact

For CFP® professionals: Use this month to share your story — connect with clients, engage with your communities and showcase the impact of financial planning.

For those thinking about your financial future: If you have not yet created a financial plan, there is no better time to start. A CFP® professional can help you clarify your goals and move forward with confidence.

National Financial Planning Month and World Financial Planning Day highlight an essential truth: Financial planning changes lives. It brings stability in times of uncertainty, confidence in the face of complexity and hope for the future.

On behalf of CFP Board, thank you to all CFP® professionals for the work you do each day to serve clients and strengthen communities. Together, we are building a future where competent, ethical financial planning advice is possible for more people, everywhere.