Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) - An experienced planner who has completed courses of study and passed examinations in areas such as retirement and estate planning, insurance, investments, and taxes. Additionally, a CFP® is required to disclose ethical standing and comply with the CFP Board Code of Ethics. The designation is awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - The Chartered Financial Analyst program is a globally recognized standard for measuring the competence and integrity of financial analysts. Its curriculum develops and reinforces a fundamental knowledge of investment principles. Three levels of examination measure a candidate's ability to apply these principles at a professional level.

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) - The Chartered Financial Consultant designation focuses on the comprehensive financial planning process as an organized way to collect and analyze information on a client's total financial situation; to identify and establish specific financial goals; and to formulate, implement, and monitor a comprehensive plan to achieve these goals. The ChFC program provides financial planners and others in the financial services industry with in-depth knowledge of the skills needed to perform comprehensive financial planning for their clients.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - To qualify for certification, you must: complete a program of study in accounting at a college/university, pass the Uniform CPA Examination which is a stringent two day examination which tests for competence in the areas of accounting, tax, and auditing; and have professional work experience in public accounting.

Juris Doctor (JD) - Juris Doctor is the "modernized" version of the former LL.B. or bachelor of laws degree that all American law schools used to award upon completion of the standard three year course of study to become a lawyer. Someone with a JD from an accredited law school is eligible to take a state's bar exam and apply to be admitted to practice in that state.

Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) - A person or company who, for compensation, engages in the business of advising others as to the value of securities or the advisability of purchasing or selling securities. RIAs are required to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission and certain states.

Professional Investment Manager - A person who, for a fee, offers professional advice on the development of an investment plan and buys and sells securities on behalf of the client to implement the plan. A professional investment manager may hold qualifications such as the Certified Financial PlannerTM, Registered Investment Advisor and/or Registered Broker.

Form ADV - The uniform form for use by investment advisors to register and update registrations with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the state jurisdictions that require advisors to register. The form is also used to comply with SEC Rule 206(4)-4, which obligates investment advisors to disclose relevant financial and disciplinary information to clients.