The CPWA^® is an advanced certification designed for experienced advisors who work with high-net-worth clients.  The certification takes a more in depth, advanced and holistic approach to financial planning, focusing on the full cycle of wealth planning—accumulation, preservation and distribution--and solutions advisors can bring to their high net worth clients. 

 CPWA^® certification encompasses a Core of Body of Knowledge which includes the four knowledge domains listed below:

• Human Dynamics – explores ethics, applied behavioral finance and family dynamics
• Client Specialization – a focus on the needs of closely held business owners, executives and retirement
• Wealth Management Strategies – tax strategies and planning, portfolio management and risk management
• Legacy Planning – charitable giving, estate planning and wealth transfer

Candidates who earn this designation gain specialized knowledge and expertise to identify and analyze challenges facing high-net worth clients and help them develop specific strategies to minimize taxes, monetize and protect assets, maximize growth and transfer wealth.

CFP^® certification is recognized as the highest standard in personal financial planning. Bringing all the pieces of your financial life together is a challenging task. Although many professionals may call themselves “financial planners,” CFP^® professionals have completed extensive training and experience requirements and are held to rigorous ethical standards.

• EDUCATION - Unlike many financial advisors, CFP^® professionals must develop their theoretical and practical knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial planning curriculum approved by CFP^® Board.
  
  
• EXAMINATION - CFP^® professionals must pass the comprehensive CFP^® Certification Exam, which tests their abilities to apply financial planning knowledge to real-life situations. The exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.
  
  
• EXPERIENCE - CFP^® professionals complete several years of experience related to delivering financial planning services to clients prior to earning the right to use the CFP^® certification trademarks. This hands-on experience guarantees that CFP^® professionals have practical financial planning knowledge, so you can count on them to help you create a realistic financial plan that fits your individual needs.
  
  
• ETHICS - When it comes to ethics and professional responsibility, CFP^® professionals are held to the highest of standards. They are obliged to uphold the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence as outlined in CFP^® Board’s Code of Ethics. CFP^® professionals are required to put your interests ahead of their own at all times and to provide their financial planning services as a “fiduciary”—acting in the best interest of their clients.

Enrolled agents (EAs) are America’s Tax Experts®. They are the only federally-licensed tax specialists, have passed a three-part examination covering individual tax returns, business tax returns, and representation, practice and procedures, and have passed a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS.

• The enrolled agent license is the most expansive license the IRS grants a tax professional.
• ALL EAs specialize in taxation.
• EAs go beyond basic requirements and have additional expertise.
• Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards.