First, we know that a JD is somebody that went to law school, and we know that a PhD, CPA, or MBA in a business and tax area is good too. But, what is all the other stuff? I do know that designations are not degrees and not generally regulated by the boards of higher and secondary education. Therefore, most of these so called licenses are merely a license to use the letters from a group. ie you are licensed to use the letters cfp or cfa. But that doesnt prevent you from going to the secretary of state and trademarking the letters CFP for "Cold Fried Poultry" or CFA for "Candles From Africa". Generally speaking, a person who practices law in a specific area such as tax or estate planning is the best resource for wealth transfer, limited partnerships, LLC's, Trust Drafting, and Will Preparation if that person has experience. Further, a good fee based investment advisor for stock, bond, and money management is hard to beat if he or she has a solid track record and has reasonable fees. Moreover, a good CPA for tax preparation, filing, and succession (form 706) is a good idea. So, lets take a look at all of these designations----"It is almost like royalty for sale."

AAFM --CWM Chartered Wealth Manager, CAM Chartered Asset Manager , MFP Master Financial Professional , CTEP Chartered Trust and Estate Planner American Academy of Financial Management & Analysts "AAFM" www.financialcertified.com Licensed, chartered, and certified after meeting all standards of education, testing, ethics, experience, and continued education. A designation for individuals who manage money for high value customers as brokers, investment advisors, or trust officers.

AAMG -Accredited Asset Management Guru. A designation awarded by the College for Financial Excellence upon completion of a 11-module study program and a comprehensive final exam.

AEP- Accredited Insurance Salesman. A credential awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners and Salespeople to estate planning practitioners who complete a comprehensive exam grounded and trust, insurance, accounting, and law, and need annual education requirements. About 1,200 members are holding licenses. A credential awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils to estate planning practitioners who complete a comprehensive exam grounded and trust, insurance, accounting, and law, and need annual education requirements. About 1,200 members are holding licenses.

AFC- Accredited Financial Counselor. A designation awarded by the AFCPE, primarily to academic military or extension persons who pass an exam and experience requirements. AFC Accredited Financial Counselor. A designation awarded by the AFCPE, primarily to academic military or extension persons who pass an exam and experience requirements.

ATA Accredited Tax Advisor--National Society of Accountants and Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation- 703-549-2228 Awarded to tax professionals who complete educational, examination, and experience requirements. CE is required. Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation 703-549-2228 A designee who has completed six courses through the College for Financial Planning. The ATA designation is granted by the Accreditation Council for Accounting and Taxation (ACAT).

ATP -Accredited Tax Preparer. A designee who has completed a one module program through the College for Financial Planning. The ATP designation is granted by the ACAT also. Also, A designee who has completed a one module program through the College for Financial Planning. The ATP designation is granted by the ACAT also. National Society of Accountants and Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation 703-549-2228 Awarded after completing educational, examination, and experience requirements. CE is required. Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation 703-549-2228

CEA -Certified Estate Advisor. Students must complete and pass an exam. Currently 90 members. A designation awarded by the National Association of Financial and Estate Planning. Watch out!!! These guys want you to sign a contract and sell stuff. If you sign up to sell their products, then you can use their designations. Sounds like a great Multi Level Operation!

CEBS -Certified Employee Benefit Specialist. This credential is gained by completing a 10-course program. The courses cover every aspect of employee benefit package development. Organizational and financial areas are discussed. No license is required unless a participant gives advice on policies. Enrollees include: may be: bankers, attorneys, government employees, accountants, insurance company representatives, agents, actuaries, trust fund managers, benefit personnel and anyone interested. In Canada and the U.S., there are over 8,000 graduates of the program.

CEC Certified E-Commerce Consultant This is a business & financial graduate certification for specialists in the e-commerce management field. This designation is from the IIPA International Institute of Professional Analysts. These guys run internet companys and really know stock options. Candidates are granted the CEC after completing experience in WWW/Internet, skill sets in listed areas, courses, an ethics agreement, and other work in CE. This is becoming the hottest designation for web and business/financial consultants.

CEP-Certified Estate Planner-Yes it is out there and popular with the CPA crowd. They also offer the CRP-certified retirement planner.The designations are offered by The National Institute for Excellence in Professional Education, LLC utilizing top quality Surgent and Associates course materials. The Certified Estate PlannerTM course is another designation. The Certified Estate PlannerTM (CEP) or the Master Certified Estate Planner (MCEP) is available.

Certified Estate Planning Wizard may be trademarked but may be a private designation. We will keep looking.

CAM Chartered Asset Manager"CAM Designations"

MFP Master Financial Professional"MFP Designations"

CWM Chartered Wealth Manager "CWM Designations"

CTEP Chartered Trust and Estate Planner"CTEP Designations"

CPM Chartered Portfolio Manager - Awarded by meeting the experience, education, ethics, professional, and testing requirements.

MFP Master Financial Professional-Offered by the Master Financial Professional Board of Standards--An International Organization not based in the USA. Must Meet Education and Experience and Testing and Ethics. Alliance with 560 of the top business schools worldwide of which this MFP credential is offered. Try http://www.financialcertified.com "MFP Designations" Meet requirements to become an international financial professional.

CFC-Certified Financial Consultant-Offered by the Institute of Financial Consultants--An International Organization not based in the USA. Must Meet Education and Experience and Testing and Ethics. Meet requirements of experience, study, education, focus on finance, financial analysis, investment management, estate planning, and banking. Highly regarded at an international level. Sort of the international financial planner designation.

CFC-Certified Financial Consultant--Here is a another one from the Institute of Financial Consultants. Try "CFC & Institute of Financial Consultants" Meet requirements of experience, study, education, focus on finance and banking. Excellent organization that requires diverse knowledge of investments, tax, banking, financial planning, finance, insurance and retirement, and estate planning. This credential is for investment advisors, officers, trust and banking officers, financial advisors, financial counselors, financial managers etc. You can earn the CFC along with the MIFC designation.

Certified Financial Counsellors? --CFC may or may not be out there.

CFM-Certified Financial Manager-another financial planning designation which is probably given by the same people as the CMA which is the Certified Managerial Accountant. The CMA and CFM may be from a Canadian Organization. This also might be a designation that Merrill Lynch is granting to its brokers after they take a few classes and a quiz. "CFM & CMA" Try

CMA/FAD -Registered Financial Analyst Designate --American Academy of Financial Management Analyst. For Bankers, Trust Officers, Money Managers, CFO and CEO types. Must meet experience and education requirements.

RFA™- Registered Financial Analyst Designate--American Academy of Financial Management & Analysts--International Institute grants this to qualified financial managers after meeting education, ethics, testing, reference, and knowledge criteria. See http://www.aafma.com--Becoming the new financial analyst favorite designation. This is not too difficult to get if you already have a CPA, Law degree, MBA, or financial analyst background.

CFP™- Certified Financial Planner. This person has completed an approved educational curriculum with five or more exams, passed two additional certifying exams, meets continuing education requirements of 15 hours per year, and is licensed by the CFP™ Board of Standards. About 32,853 people have this license. Wow that a lot people. CFP™ Certified Financial Planner Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. 800-647-0526 Licensed and certified after meeting extensive educational requirements ( many never took the comprehensive exam so beware!) by the College for Financial Planning or another approved educational program. A bachelors degree, examination and experience requirements must also be met. All graduates must complete CE requirements, complete an ethics update, and pay a license fee to maintain this designation. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. 800-237-6275 "CFP™ Board" http://www.cfp-board.org

CFS -Certified Funds Specialist. This credential is given and sponsored by its own private company, but is regulated. After enrolling in the program, participants complete a 60-hour self-study course and take a two-hour final exam. All materials and testing supplies cost . There are currently 5,000 people with this designation. The Institute of Business and Finance offers this designation. Also The CFS is described as: CFS -Certified Fund Specialist Institute of Business and Finance 800-848-2029 Awarded after completing educational, examination and experience requirements in the area of mutual funds. CE is required. Institute of Business and Finance 800-848-2029

ChFC -Chartered Financial Consultant. Has completed an educational program offered by The American College, passed 10 exams covering financial planning, investments and insurance. Has also met experience and ethical standards and achieves continuing education requirements of 15 hours yearly. About 31,000 happy people have received the ChFC designation. ChFC Chartered Financial Consultant The American College 610-526-1000 Awarded after completion of education, examination, and experience requirements. Those who received this designation after July 1, 1989 have CE requirements. For others, CE is voluntary. American Society of CLU and ChFC 800-927-2427 Has completed an educational program offered by The American College, passed 10 exams covering financial planning, investments and insurance. Has also met experience and ethical standards and achieves continuing education requirements of 15 hours yearly. About 31,000 have received the ChFC designation. Thats a lot of people. Makes me curious about the American College?

CIC-Certified Insurance Consultant or Counselor-is a designation that may be out there too.

CIMA - Certified Investment Management Analyst--Investment Management Consultants Association Awarded to investment consultants who complete educational, examination, and experience requirements. CE is required Investment Management Consultants Association. This is a well organized association giving classes at the Wharton School of Business. Mainly for fee based advisors, financial managers, investment counsel, and trust officers. 303-770-3377 "IMCA"

CIMC -Certified Investment Management Consultant. The Institute for Investment management Consultants awards this credential to financial advisors who pass two levels of NASD-administered exams. The IIMC's self-study course is what the exam is based on and it covers Investment Theory and the Management/Elements of Investment Consulting.

CLU -Chartered Life Underwriter-- The American College- 610-526-1000 Insurance or financial specialists who have met work experience and education requirements. American Society of CLU and ChFC 800-927-2427 CLU -Chartered Life Underwriter.- Has completed an educational program offered by The American College, passed 10 examinations covering the application of life and health insurance in filling needs for survivor income, estate planning, business continuation and employee benefits. Has also met experience and ethical standards and achieves continuing education requirements of 15 hours yearly. About 83,000 happy people have received the CLU designation.

CMA CHARTERED REGISTERRED MARKET ANALYST or Financial Analyst Designate. Information for Management Accounting. www.certifiedmanagementaccountant.org

CMFC -Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor. A nine-module program must be completed by graduates, with an examination given by the College for Financial Planning. A code of ethics must be followed. Taking this course will normally qualify for CE requirements as well as continuing education. CMFC Another one of the many certifications from the College for Financial Planning 303-220-4800 and Investment Company Institute Awarded to mutual fund professionals who completed course work and an examination. This program can earn professionals CE credits.

CPA -Certified Public Accountant- Individual State Boards of Accountancy 212-596-6200 Licensed after completing the Uniform CPA Examination, state work experience, educational requirements, and statutory requirements. CE is required. State Board of Accountancy. Has met educational qualifications, such as a bachelors degree in accounting, passed certifying examinations and met experience qualifications in the area of public accounting. Many CPAs are getting the PFS which is a tack on designation for financial studies.

CPCU- Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter. The AICPCU awards this property and insurance designation to those who passed a series of 10 national exams, met requirements and pledge to keep a code of professional ethics.

CPhD- Certified Philanthropic Development. A professional designation awarded by the National Association of Charitable Estate Counselors. Participants must complete a course of study, examination, present a record of successful philanthropic activity and have a commitment to pursue philanthropic counseling. Several hundred CPhDs have been awarded this designation. Do you call these guys Doctor?

CPM-Certified Portfolio Manager----We are looking for the group that awards this too.

CRPC- Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. A person who has completed an 11-module course from the College for Financial Planning, which culminates in a comprehensive final exam. The course focuses on assisting individuals with selecting and using retirement plans effectively. Another designation from the College for Financial Planning 303-220-4800 Awarded to retirement planning professionals who completed course work and an examination. This program can earn professionals CE credits.

CRPS- Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist. A person who has completed a 10-module course from the College for Financial Planning culminating with a final exam. The course focuses on plan design and features. Another one of the many designations granted by The College of Financial Planning 303-220-4800 Awarded to retirement professionals who completed course work and an examination. This program can earn professionals CE credits.

CTEP-Certified or Chartered Trust and Estate Planner- A premier designation for Financial Advisors, CPA's, Trust Officers, Portfolio Managers etc. You can get this credential quickly if you have over 2 years of estate planning experience. See http://www.financialcertified.com

CTFA-- Certified Trust and Financial Adviser. The Institute of Certified Bankers awards this designation. Recipients must meet educational requirements, pass exam, and pledge to meet continuing education requirements in the future. Designees have studied tax law, investments, personal finance and fiduciary responsibilities. These are mainly trust officers. A three year deal for 2 weeks each year we think.

EA -Enrolled Agent. A designation is awarded by the Internal Revenue Service (202 662 5000) to individuals who wish to represent persons before the IRS. Persons must pass a comprehensive, IRS two-day exam on all aspects of tax law, including filing procedures. EA Enrolled Agents U.S. Treasury Department Income tax specialists who pass an Internal Revenue Service Exam or have five years audit experience with the IRS. Internal Revenue Service Director of Practice 202-401-6221

ELS --Estate Law Specialist. This specialization program for attorneys has been approved by the American Bar Association is only two years old. Participants must pass exam, present CLE credits, have documentation of education, have work experience and must have references from other attorneys in the financial planning field. Currently only eight participants have completed the ABA Estate Law Specialist program.

GFA-Global Financial Analyst--Yes you got it. This may be out there too. So, keep your eyes open.

JD- Juris Doctor- is a graduate from a law school. JDs can become an attorney licensed to practice law within a state or multiple states after completing the required hours for a JD. Some state Bar Associations have authorized specialties, many state bar associations are granting board certifications in estate planning or tax. JD Requires admission to law school, 30 or so exams, a cummulative state exam to become a licensed attorney who may counsel individuals on the law, multi-state ethics exam, and continuing education along with extensive background and criminal checks. "American Bar Association"

LLM- Masters in Law- Normally in taxation or estate planning but an LLM can be in general law, maritime, international issues "so ask what the LLM focus work was". This is awarded to attorneys that have completed additional schooling at an accredited graduate school after becoming a licensed to practice law. A JD with a LLM or MBA in Tax or Estate Planning is a great background for investments or financial planning.

LUTCF- Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow. Awarded to persons in the life insurance industry who have completed a series of study/work courses in the application and service of life and health insurance. About 60,000 have completed these requirements.

MBA--Master of Business Administration. This is the traditional way to learn about finance. See if your advisor has a finance or accounting major. Some Universities offer an MBA with concentrations in financial planning and estate planning. In many cases, this can be better than a LLM, CFP™, CHFC, or CFA MFP MASTER FINANCIAL PLANNER

MS- Master of Science. Or MSFS Master of Science in Financial Services. This is an educational degree, similar to an MBA, with concentration on personal financial planning, investment and taxation. MS degrees have been offered for years by major universities and colleges. Over the years, The American College and the College for Financial Planning have joined the institutions that award this postgraduate degree and they focus on financial services.

PFS -Personal Financial Specialists. A number of CPAs have also taken additional financial planning study and are accredited as Personal Financial Specialists. About 2,450 CPAs have acquired the PFS designation. Participants must pass an exam and already be a CPA. Also, they must have experience in financial planning before being allowed to take test. PFS Personal Financial Specialist- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants- 800-862-4272- Awarded to CPAs who become an AICPA member, pass a comprehensive financial planning examination and fulfill work experience requirements. CE is required. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 800-862-4272 Sounds like a greasy way for tax guys to sneak into the business and put more letters after their names.

REBC -Registered Employee Benefits Consultant. Completes five examinations on the installation and administration of group employee benefit plans. Must comply with experience, ethics and experience requirements, plus 15 hours of CE yearly administered by the American College. Over 500 hold designation.

RFA -Registered Financial Associate. Has completed an undergraduate curriculum in financial planning and counseling from an accredited institution. The RFA must meet requirements of ethics and a significant annual continuing education of 40 hours yearly. After three years, an RFA may apply for conversion to RFC. A new designation with about 100 designees.

RFC -Registered Financial Consultant International Association of Registered Financial Consultants 800-532-9060 Awarded after becoming an IARFC member and completing education and experience requirements. Also must have met licensing requirements for securities and life and health insurance. CE is required. International Association of Registered Financial Consultants 800-532-9060 Has a professional financial planning designation or has passed a comprehensive RFC examination. Meets requirements of experience, ethics, licenses and a significant annual continuing education of 40 hours yearly. About 1,500.

RFP -Registered Financial Planner- Registered Financial Planner Institute- 440-282-7176 Awarded after becoming an RFPI member, and completing education and experience requirements. One of the best financial planning specialty designations for estate planning, insurance, investments, real estate, and tax.. This is also a international organization. The RFP has reasonable fees in comparison to the others who really stick you for annual dues, fees, and other. "RFPI"

RHU -Registered Health Underwriter. Completes three examinations on the use and application of disability, health, medical and long term insurance. Must comply with experience, ethics and experience requirements, plus 15 hours of CE yearly administered by the American College. About 5,700.

RIA-Registered Investment Adviser- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities administrators 800-732-0330 Indicates registration with the SEC or with one or more of the states. Many brokers with series 63, and 7 will eventually take the RIA exam (series 65). No examination or continuing education is required for a business to file for the RIA with the SEC, but an individual with a broker-dealer must take the exam. States have different requirements. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 800-732-0330 or State Securities Commission RIA- Not a professional designation. A Registered Investment Adviser (sic) is a person or firm that has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and adheres to certain disclosure requirements. This qualification is necessary for the rendering of investment advice. Investment Advisers who manage less than million are generally state registered. "SEC Securities and Exchange Commission"

FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS These professional organizations may be of value to you, even if you are not a member. For example, the Million Dollar Round Table offers a wide variety of educational and motivational materials, which might be useful even to a fee-only financial planner or a bank trust officer. Please attach no significance to the order or data. We will be happy to add new groups and extend the references - if readers will send us the data.

AALU Association for Advanced Life Underwriting. A conference of NALU for those agents who specialize in estate planning and employee benefits. Holds an annual meeting and is involved in meeting with congressional committees on relevant topics. About 3,000 members.

ABA American Bar Association. Established in 1878, this organization is for attorneys and others in law-related fields. About 33,000 attorneys are a part of the ABA's Real Property Probate and Trust Section. Financial planners often need attorneys for advice in estate, business, trust and tax areas.

AFCPE Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. This international organization was founded by a group of students and academicians in 1979. Members include financial counselors, planners, educators in private practice, academic, state cooperative extension specialists and educators, and military and government personnel. This association, with about 600 members, offers the designation AFC (Accredited Financial Counselor) by way of an examination, experience and recommendation.

AFS Academy of Financial Services. An international academic organization, the AFS holds annual meetings where CE can be earned. Financial planners are invited to speak and faculty members present papers. The organization is made up of faculty from different colleges who teach individual personal finance and financial planning. Other members include financial planners, financial consultants and other professionals. Currently there are 450 members of the AFS.

AIB American Institute of Banking. A service of the American Bankers Association, it provides training and education for bankers. Masters and undergraduate degrees are both offered. Professional seminars, an Internet Masters Program and courses and a "College on a Computer" program are also offered. An International Training Center is also available.

AIMR Association for Investment Management Research. Provides a variety of services to investment managers. Also administers the CFA education and designation program. It has 80 chapters worldwide and over 30,000 investment professional members.

American The American College is a non-profit academic institution located Bryn Mawr, College PA that offers several professional financial education programs, including CLU, ChFC, RHU, REBC and AEP. The first five parts of the ChFC curriculum also qualify for the academic portion of the CFP™ requirements. The College also offers Masters degrees in Financial Services and Financial Management.

CAFP Canadian Association of Financial Planners. Awards the RFP designation to Canadian planners who may have another educational qualification, such as CFP™. An RFP must submit to an additional comprehensive examination and review of a financial plan. About 2,400 RFP members

CAIFA Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. This association is the Canadian corollary to NALU. Holds an annual conference, ten schools and over 180 CE qualifying seminars each year. The CAIFA has about 18,000 members and 59 chapters in Canada. It offers Canadian courses leading to the following designations: CFP™, CLU, ChFC, REBC and RHU.

CIFP Canadian Institute of Financial Planning. Administers the CFP™ educational program in Canada, under license from the CFP™ Board. It is the longest operating correspondence course of its kind in Canada. Six courses, each with their own exam, are required. CFP™ licensees must complete a comprehensive proficiency exam and have two years work experience in financial planning. Continuing Education is then required on an annual basis.

CFP™ CFP™ Board of Standards. (Formerly IBCFP) This organization grants Board CFP™ license to persons who have completed an educational curriculum, have passed the CFP™ Boards certifying exam, and have met ethics and practice standards. The Board requires 15 hours yearly of continuing education in order to retain the CFP™ license. Over 30 thousand persons in the U.S. hold the CFP™ designation.

College College for Financial Planning. An academic institution located in Denver for that offers a variety of professional financial education programs, including a Financial course that qualifies the students to sit for the CFP™ Board's licensing exam.

Planning Now a for-profit institution, the College is now part of the Apollo Group. The five CFP™ preparation courses include subjects such as: insurance, tax, assets, mutual funds, and retirement planning. The College offers a Masters of Science degree in Financial Planning. The College also offers the ATP, ATA, AAMS, CRPC and CRPS designations.

CFTC Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Created by Congress in 1974, the CFTC registers firms and individuals through the National Futures Association, and is responsible for ensuring the economic utility of future markets.

IBF Institute of Business and Finance. The IBF's objectives are to enhance the professionalism of the financial service industry, to serve persons who deal with this industry and to offer quality education. To enroll persons must have a high school diploma or GED and complete application. The Institute offers programs to earn designations CFS, BCS, BCE, BCI, BCM and BCF.

ICFP Institute of Certified Financial Planners. A professional membership organization for CFP™s. Has local societies in many major cities or states. The ICFP holds an annual meeting, a practice management conference, a retreat for master members and a weeklong residency for new entrants. About 15,000 members. The ICFP and the IAFP are discussing a merger.

IIMC Institute for Investment Management Consultants. With approximately 1000 members, the IIMC has 15 chapters with 12 twelve more in the works. Memberships are divided into two categories: corporate and consultant. Most members already hold several professional designations. An educational facility, it holds two conferences a year, offers benefits and discounts to members, and sells software.

IAFP International Association for Financial Planning. A general membership trade organization. Has local chapters in major cities. Also has a broker/dealer division for participation of investment firms. Conducts three annual conferences and offers a wide variety of publications, cassettes and books. About 16,000 members.

IARFC International Assn. of Registered Financial Consultants. A professional membership group for Registered Financial

Consultants (RFC). Provides two continuing education conferences: one on a week cruise and the other held at a college campus of an institution that offers a financial planning curriculum. The IARFC provides practice management oriented benefits to its members. About 1,300 members.

ICI Investment Company Institute. This national association is the association of the investment company industry. Established in 1940, its members represent 63 million individual shareholders. Its membership includes 10 sponsors of unit investment trusts, 447 closed-end funds and 7,271 mutual funds. The ICI represents its members in aspects of statistics, business operations, policy research, regulation, taxation, legislation economic research and public information.

MDRT Million Dollar Round Table. An organization of the elite producers of life insurance. Membership is based on production requirements that are adjusted annually. About 66% of membership are U.S. Those with greater production may qualify for Court of the Table or Top of the Table. Holds an annual conference with 5,000 members attending and produces a variety of productivity aids for the members. About 18,000 members.

NACEC National Association of Charitable Estate Counselors. A non-profit group of 1500 financial advisors, a portion of who have been granted the CPhD designation. They member now with the National Heritage Foundation, an umbrella, nationally chartered foundation that promotes philanthropy by permitting donors to establish sub-foundations into their specific interests. About 500 sub-foundations have already been established and founded.

NAEP National Association of Estate Planners and Councils. Each professional must complete an exam in his or her specialty. About 1,200 members. The NAEP will introduce a new program format its national conference in November.

National Association of Global Finance and Estate Planning and Fraud Examination. www.fraudexaminercertified.com

NAIC National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The NAIC, established in 1871 by state insurance commissioners, provides a level of uniformity among individual states' regulatory activities, serves as a clearing house for information among each state, develops exceptional regulatory legislation to be approved by each state, and organizes political unity among the insurance commissioners of each state.

NALU National Association of Life Underwriters. A U.S. based association of life insurance agents. Coordinates with state associations and local associations in over 300 cities. Represents the agents in various respects. Holds a national annual conference and states hold similar events, usually of shorter duration. About 108,000 members.

NAPFA National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. An association of financial advisors who do business only on a fee basis, accepting no commissions. Licenses the use of "Fee-Only" trademark for its members. Hold annual and regional conferences. About 480 members.

NASAA North American Securities Administrators Association. NASSA is the national organization representing 65 securities administrators from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for investor protection and regulatory oversight of the securities industry. NASAA recommends national policies in the securities industry and provides model legislation for state securities agencies to adopt affecting the regulation of financial planners and investment advisers. Serves as co-regulators of the securities industry with the SEC and work to protect the interests of all investors in the securities markets, particularly small or individual investors.

NASBA National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. NASBA, established in 1908, is the national organization of 54 state boards of accountancy in the U.S., the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NASBAs purpose is to enhance the effectiveness of state boards of accountancy. It encourages cooperation among the individual state boards of accountancy, analyzes major issues affecting the boards, and fosters relationships with organizations that impact the regulation of public accounting.

NASD National Association of Securities Dealers. The NASD is the largest securities-industry self-regulatory organization in this country. Through its subsidiaries, NASD Regulation, Inc., and The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., the NASD, provides a dispute resolution forum, develops rules and regulations, holds regulatory reviews of member activities, and creates, operates and regulates securities markets for the benefit of investors. The NASD manages the nations- 5,500 plus brokerage firms and more than 553,000 registered brokers. Once registered with the NASD you are subject to their rules, regulations, fines, conduct, binding arbitration, and disipline. Thus, you are federally registered, regulated, and watched.

NFA National Futures Association. A Congressionally authorized self-regulatory organization of the futures industry, the NFA is completely financed by the futures industry. No individual or firm may engage in any business that involves buying or selling futures contracts publicly without being a member. The mission of the NFA is to maintain high standards of business conduct by its members and to protect the interest of the people.

SEC Securities and Exchange Commission. An independent, quasi-judicial U.S. government agency, the SEC was created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Its mission is to administer laws in the securities field and to protect investors and the public in securities transactions. The SEC has the authority to audit Registered Investment Advisers and registered representatives and bring enforcement actions against them if it believes they are violating any securities acts or other federal securities laws. Currently, 7,000 Registered Investment Advisers are registered with the SEC.

SFSP Society of Financial Service Professionals, formerly the American Society of CLU & ChFC. A professional membership organization with continuing education and ethical practice requirements. Members may hold designations as CLU, ChFC, REBC or RHU. Some are specialists in per-sonal financial planning, others in employee benefits, brokerage, law, accounting, business insurance or estate and business planning. It has sections for various specialties and local chapters in all major cities. SFSP has about 32,000 members.

TAN The Advisor Network. A national group, TAN has 250 members and still is growing. To avoid local competition and have geographic diversity, TAN limits membership to only one member per town or city. Its monthly publication, TAN MEMBER NEWS includes articles submitted by the TAN members along with their current market positions and favorite securities. It references any member who has been quoted, published or had appeared on television.

Contact and Address Information

Asian Wealth Management and Finanical Planning Federation: Singapore

Academy of Financial Services- Dept. of Finance & Real Estate Colorado State University Ft. Collins, CO 80523 V: 970 491 0610 F: 970 497 7665 "AFS" www.vakron.edu/cba/fsr

American Academy of Financial Management - Executive Offices-Membership Committee World Trade Center New Orleans USA "AAFM" Rep. Offices in Hong Kong, Dubai, US, Mexico, Singapore, Beijing, Zurich and more.

American Bar Association 750 N Lakeshore Dr. Chicago, IL 60611 V: 312 988 5000 F: 312 988 6281 "ABA" www.abanet.org

The China Wealth Management Training Centers and Federation

American Institute of Banking 80 Maiden Lane New York City, NY 10036 V: 212 480 3200 F: 212 480 3705 "AIB" www.aibny.edu

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Personal Financial Planning Division 1211 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036-8775 V: 800 862 4272 F: 800 362 5066 "AICPA" www.aicpa.org American Society of CLU & ChFC (renamed, see SFSP)

China Wealth Management Association Hong Kong China

Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education 2121 Arlington Ave. Upper Arlington OH 43221 V: 614 485 9650 F: 614 485 9621 www.afcpe.org

Assn. for Investment Management Research 5 Boars Head Lane Charlottesville, VA 22903 V: 804 980 3668 F: 804 980 9755 "AIMR" www.aimr.org

India Federation of Wealth Management and Financial Planning

Global Assn of Intl Financial Advisors - www.certifiedfinancialadvisor.org

Canadian Institute of Financial Planning 151 Yonge Street, 5th Floor Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5C 2W7 V: 416 865 1237 F: 416 366 1523 www.multifunds.com/cifp

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards 1700 Broadway Suite 2100 Denver, CO 80290-2101 V: 303 830 7500 F: 303 860 7388 www.cfp-board.org

College for Financial Planning 4695 S. Monaco Street Denver, CO 80237-3403 V: 303 220 1200 F: 303 220 0838 "CFP™-College" www.fp.edu

Commodity Futures Trading Commission 3 Lafayette Centre 1155 21st Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20581 V: 202 418 5000 F: 202 418 5538 www.cftc.gov

Institute of Business and Finance 7911 Herschel Ave. Suite 201 La Jolla CA 92037-4413 V: 800 848 2029 F: 619 454 4660 www.icfs.com/icfs

Institute of Certified Financial Planners 3801 E. Florida Avenue Suite 708 Denver, CO 80210 V: 303 759 4900 F: 303 759 0749 www.icfp.org

Institute of Financial Analysts www.certifiedfinancialanalyst.org

International Association for Chartered Accountants www.charteredaccountant.us

General Accounting Information: www.certifiedgeneralaccountant.org

Investment Company Institute 1401 H St. NW Washington, DC 20005 V: 202 326 5800 F: 202 326 5985 www.ici.org

Finance and Life Insurance Marketing Association www.marketingfirm.org

Financial and Project Management Academy www.projectmanagementcertification.org

National Assn. of Estate Planners & Councils 270 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-2195 V: 610 526 1389 F: 610 526 1224 www.naepc.org

Nat'l Assn of Financial And Estate Planning 525 East 4500 South, Suite F-100 Salt Lake City, UT 84107 V: 801 266 9900 F: 801 266 1019 www.nafep.com

Nat'l Association of Insurance Commissions 120 W 12th St, Suite 1100 Kansas City, MO 64105 V: 816 842 3600 F: 816 471 7004 www.naic.org

Latin America and South American Federation of Wealth Management, Financial Planning and Estate Planning.

Nat'l Assn of Personal Financial Advisors 355 West Dundee Road Suite 200 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 V: 847 537 7722 F: 847 537 7740 www.napfa.org

National Association of Securities Dealers 1735 K St. NW Washington, DC 20006 V: 202 728 8000 "NASD" www.nasd.com

National Association of State Boards of Accountancy 150 Fourth Ave. N Suite 700 Nashville, TN 37219 V: 615 880 4200 F: 615 880 4290 "NASBA" www.nasba.org

National Center for Financial Education P. O. Box 34070 San Diego, CA 92163-4070 V: 619 232 8811 F: 619 297 3076 "NCFE" www.ncfe.org

International Business School Graduate Academy of Finance. www.internationalbusinessschool.org

National Futures Association 200 W Madison St Chicago, IL 60606 V: 312 781 1200 F: 312 781 1459 "NFA" www.nfa.fututes.org

National Heritage Foundation (NACEC) 6218 Beachway Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 V: 800 986 4483 F: 703 820 5100 "NHF" www.nhf.org

North American Securities Administrators 10 G St. NE, Suite 710 Washington, DC 20002 V: 202 737 0900 F: 202 783 3571 "NASAA" www.nasaa.org

Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth St. Washington, DC 20549 V: 202 942 7040 F: 202 942 9634 "SEC" www.se.gov

Society of Financial Service Professionals 270 Bryn Mawr Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 V: 610 526 2500 F: 610 527 4100 "SFSP" www.financialpro.org

The Advisor Network 5419 SW Scholls Ferry Rd Portland, OR 97225 V: 503 297 5470 F: 503 297 8116 www.theadvisornet.com

Financial Publishers

Dow Jones Financial Publishing Corp Investment Advisor / Fee Advisor 179 Avenue at the Commons Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 V: 732 389 8700 F: 732 389 6065

Net Financial Journal by AAFMA Including Strategic Estate and Financial Planning Tips from Lawyers and Planners www.financialjournal.8m.com

Financial Planning Magazine 40 West 57th Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10019 V: 212 765 5311 F: 212 765 6123

Inside Information P. O. Box 820 Mars Hill, NC 28754 V: 828 689 4560 F: 828 689 9809

Insurance & Technology P.O. Box 1053 Skokie, IL 60076-8053 V: 800 255 2824 F: 708 647 2105

The Journal of the American Society of CLU & ChFC P.O. Box 59 Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-0059 V: 610 526 2500 F: 610 526 2538

Journal of Financial Planning 3801 E. Florida Avenue Suite 708 Denver, CO 80210 V: 303 751 7600 F: 303 759 0749

Life Association News 1922 F Street Washington, DC 20006 V: 202 331 6070 www.agents-online.com/lan

Life & Health Insurance Sales 98 Dennis Drive Lexington, KY 40503 V: 606 277 6135 F: 606 277 8059

Life Insurance Selling 330 N. Fourth Street St. Louis, MO 63102 V: 314 421 5445 F: 314 421 1070

Planning Matters IAFP, Suite B-300 5775 Glenridge Drive, NE Atlanta, GA 30328-5364 V: 800 945 4237 F: 404 845 3663

Ticker Magazine 1633 Broadway, 38th Floor New York, NY 10019 V: 212 333 3400 F: 212 333 7566 ticker@individualinvestor.com

This is a legal disclaimer. All Rights Reserved 1999. This web page is designed for academic and informational purposes to assist the average person in finding information about financial professionals and the designations thereof. If you desire legal, tax, investment or other assistance, please go to a state and federally licensed individual who may be board certified or who has passed a state exam. The author does not guarantee the accuracy of the information listed. This page should be viewed by financial organizations as informational and non-promotional. Many of the symbols and marks or designations have a basic logo trademark or service mark, and some others have certification marks filed with the US Trademark Office. Persons should be careful in using any of these marks in commerce because you may be subject to violations of federal trademark and licensing law. The information contained comes from several resources including the designations listed in some CFP TM-Designation List Web Pages and Murrow's list of financial resources. The information contained has been revised over several months and is ever changing. If you have a credential, designation, or information that should be added to this list, please write a letter to: Corrections/Additions to financial designations ---