Some places that you can find accounting and financial planning information.
NAPFA, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, is composed of fee-only planners. Members of this organization have complied with all state and federal regulations, most have considerable education and experience in their field, and all participate in continuing education. NAPFA will send you a list of fee-only planners in your area (888-333-6659).
The Institute of Certified Financial Planners (ICFP) issues and regulates certified financial planners. This Denver-based institute requires a comprehensive certification exam, continuing education classes, three to five years' experience in the field, and adherence to the Board's Code of Ethics. The ICFP includes both fee-only and commission-based planners. Call for names of CFPs in your area (800-282-7526).
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has a program for training CPAs to do financial planning. They'll send you a list of people in your area who have the Accredited Personal Financial Specialist (APFS or PFS) designation. (Call 212-596-6200, or write to them at 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036.)
The Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR) regulates chartered financial analysts. Members of this group (CFAs) are highly regarded for their considerable experience in investment decision making. They must adhere to strict rules and codes of conduct set by the AIMR and have passed three rigorous board examinations. This credential is often held by mutual fund portfolio managers and other institutional investment portfolio managers (804-980-3668).
The American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, issues the Chartered Financial Consultant designation (ChFC). This is an insurance industry designation, which signals you that these planners will focus first on selling insurance investment products. The designation requires rigorous coursework, adherence to a code of ethics, and a minimum of three years' related experience in one of several financial fields (610-526-1000).
