A no-nonsense guide to what I do as a fiduciary financial planner—and why it matters for you.
Made you look! And yes, I’m being cheeky. In my world, WTF stands for What The Fiduciary?! Because, believe it or not, some of my friends and family are still unsure what it is I actually do.
I throw around words like financial planner, fee-only, and fiduciary (we give a lot of Fs in this business 😅)—but what do those actually mean? What do I spend my time doing? And how is my work different from the alphabet soup of titles floating around the financial industry?
Let’s clear it up.
The Alphabet Soup (Yes, I Add to It)
There are so many acronyms in financial services that even I sometimes have to Google them. Yet, I keep adding more letters behind my name. Why? A mix of imposter syndrome, a genuine love of learning, and a drive to stay sharp in my craft.
Here’s what those letters mean—and why they matter:
- Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®):
Requires comprehensive education, a tough exam, ethics training, and adherence to the fiduciary standard—which means I’m legally and ethically required to act in your best interest. Always. (This is different than the suitability standard—more on that in a future post.) - Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®):
Similar to the CFP®, but with a different curriculum and more technical depth in some areas. - Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®):
Focused on day-to-day money management—budgeting, debt, and helping people build financial security from the ground up. - Military Qualified Financial Professional® (MQFP®):
Specialized training in the unique financial needs, benefits, and challenges facing military families. - Fee-Only (not a credential, but super important!):
I don’t earn commissions from selling products. I’m paid directly by my clients, which helps reduce conflicts of interest and keeps my advice laser-focused on you.
So What Do I Actually Do?
In short: I help people tell their financial stories—and write new chapters aligned with their values and dreams.
We plan for the joyful moments:
👶 Starting a family
🏡Buying a home
🎓 Sending kids to college
And we prepare for the tough ones:
💼 Job loss
♿ Disability
🕊️The loss of a loved one
Through all of life’s chapters, I help clients build, implement, and adjust financial plans that reflect who they are and what matters most.
I’m not just building spreadsheets.
I’m helping people build a life that reflects their goals, values, and the legacy they want to leave behind.
Meaning Over Money
I don’t keep up all these credentials because I enjoy paying renewal fees (spoiler: I really don’t). I do it because I take seriously the trust my clients place in me.
Because at the end of the day, financial planning isn’t just about money.
It’s about meaning.
It’s about your story.
And I’m honored to help you write it.
Disclaimer:
This article is provided for educational, informational, and illustrative purposes only. It does not constitute tax advice, investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. The content is general in nature and may not apply to your individual circumstances. Please consult a qualified tax professional, financial planner, and/or legal advisor for guidance specific to your situation.