Team RTD dedicates significant time and resources to achieve and maintain over 40 collective designations. In fact, “Competence and Continuing Education” is an essential component of our Core Values. Why does this matter to RTD? Because we care. We care about the professional growth and development of our people. We care about creating a competitively healthy environment in which every individual is encouraged to achieve their fullest potential. We care about gaining and sharing industry knowledge and best practices by participating in various local and national organizations. Why should this matter to our clients and their other advisors? Because they care. They care about placing their trust and confidence in a firm committed to a standard of excellence. They care about engaging with a team of professionals passionate about helping clients experience the freedom that comes with financial wellness. They care that our first Core Value is not about us – “Clients Interests Always Come First!”
So what do all of these letters after our names mean? When you see the credentials earned by RTD’s financial planning team, some such as CFP®, CPA, and MBA, are easily recognized.
Did you know to achieve the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation individuals must complete 18 to 24 months of study, pass a rigorous exam, meet ethics requirements, and complete 3 years as a financial planner? The CFP® is awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board), a non-profit organization “promoting the value of professional, competent and ethical financial planning services.”
Some of our teams’ other credentials, such as AIF®, AIFA®, CPC, and CHRPS®, may be less recognizable. The Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst® (AIFA®) professional designations are awarded by The Center for Fiduciary Studies, an organization with the vision that “all investors’ wealth and retirement accounts are managed with a fiduciary standard of care.”
The American Society for Pension Professionals and Actuaries awards the Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) designation to individuals trained in all aspects of qualified plan design and administration. Attaining this credential demonstrates the knowledge to consult with clients sponsoring company retirement plans and to fulfil departmental leadership roles for compliance, relationship management, plan documents and operations.
The Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPSSM) designation is earned through the College for Financial Planning®. Attainment of this designation demonstrates an understanding of design, installation, maintenance and administration of retirement plans.
These designations, all held by team RTD, require significant study and exams as well as, ethics and continuing education. Continuing education demonstrates motivation, knowledge and success. With knowledge and success comes confidence. With confidence we are able to make more thoughtful decisions for our clients.
Not all “financial planners” have fulfilled the training and experience to earn CFP® credentials. Not all advisors act as fiduciaries required to act in a client’s best interest. Not all pension professionals have committed to achieving in depth certification. The next time you visit with any professional, ask about designations earned by them and their associates. How much they care really does make a difference!