Are you overwhelmed by planning for your financial future? You’re not alone.
A Financial Planning Standards Council survey found that close to 40 per cent of Canadians ignore personal finances due to confusion, lack of knowledge or being overwhelmed. Further, 39 per cent feel they don’t have their financial future under control, while 29 per cent say they’re overwhelmed with financial options.
That’s exactly where a Certified Financial Planner – and events like Financial Planning Week – are vital, says Stettler’s Jim Gilbert, of Gilbert Financial Services.
Owned and operated by Jim and wife Amy, Gilbert Financial Services is currently the only locally owned Stettler financial institution with the star-rating of a Certified Financial Planner, according to the Financial Standards Planning Council. A member of the financial services industry since 1993, Jim’s CFP credentials and qualifications are key. They indicate comprehensive knowledge, supported by ongoing professional development. From this foundation, the Gilbert Financial team enables clients to confidently plan for their financial future.
What is a Certified Financial Planner?
“CFP professionals take a big-picture view of each individual, including their lifestyle, financial needs and priorities,” explains the Financial Planning Standards Council. “Without this broad approach, it’s like trying to see out of a window with the curtains half-closed. It takes a full view to understand and make the right decisions about every aspect of personal finances.”
For Jim Gilbert, a CFP’s ongoing education is a key difference from some others in the industry.
“Certified Financial Planners undergo rigorous training and examinations to earn the qualification,” Jim explains. “To maintain certification, license holders must also complete 30 hours of continuing education, including two hours of Board of Standards-approved ethical information, in addition to their licensing fee.”
Why a Certified Financial Planner?
Quite simply, a CFP designation is the industry standard, Jim says.
“Having a CFP on your team will ensure you’re dealing with a Financial Services Professional trained in Financial Management, Investment Planning, Insurance and Risk Management, Tax Planning, Retirement Planning, Estate Planning and Legal Aspects,” he explains.
Questions for your advisor:
When evaluating potential financial advisors, It’s important to ask about their designations – some require a fee but little continuing education.
It’s also important to ask about fees. “Cheapest isn’t always best, but it is important for clients to realize how much they are paying in fees, and what they receive for these fees,” Jim says, adding the CFP’s far-reaching education and experience also brings added value.
Learn about Financial Planning Week at FinancialPlanningForCanadians.ca.
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A Stettler family business, Gilbert Financial Services has added value to clients for 25 years. Contact Jim or Amy Gilbert for an obligation-free review of your plans, and start planning your future with confidence.
Gilbert Financial is a trade name for the Mutual Funds business. Mutual Funds are only offered and regulated through Global Maxfin Investments Inc. and Non-Mutual Funds including Financial Planning are offered and regulated through Gilbert Financial.