Simon Yates becomes a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER

Simon Yates has recently become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^CM professional, having passed a rigorous assessment of his practical financial planning skills.

Candidates first have to prove their wide-ranging financial knowledge by examination before they can enter the CFP^CM assessment process.  They are then assessed on their practical skills in applying this knowledge to help clients to achieve their life goals.  This test of practical skills is what sets this qualification apart.

Of this success, Simon says, "I am delighted to achieve Certified Financial Planner^CM status.  I love helping clients to achieve their goals and their feedback so far has made all the hard work worthwhile."

This is an internationally-recognised qualification, although relatively rare in the UK.  There are approximately 70,000 registered investment advisers in the UK, of which approximately 950 hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^CM designation.

The Institute of Financial Planning assesses and monitors CFP^CM professionals in the UK.  It publishes the following definition of financial planning on its website.  We like this definition so here it is:-

"In its most simple sense, Financial Planning involves working out what is most important to you in life: your goals.  Then, by adding timescales and costs, you can work out how to get where you want to be in life by planning your finances accordingly.

By matching your finances to your goals you will:

• Have a much clearer view of where you are going
• Reduce the stress involved and
• Be in control

Without it, you might not be able to have the life you dream of."