Why the CFP® Designation Matters
Earlier this year, I found myself refreshing a webpage with shaky hands and a pounding heart. After months of studying, late nights, and more flashcards than I care to admit, the results of the Certified Financial Planner™ exam were in.
It was a relief, yes, but also something deeper. Pride, certainly. But even more than that, it was a feeling of stepping fully into a promise I’d already made: to show up for you with the highest standard of care, expertise, and ethics in your financial life.
If you’ve never worked with a CFP® before, you might wonder what the letters even mean or why they matter. Let’s talk about it.
The Gold Standard in Financial Planning
Anyone can call themselves a financial advisor. It’s an unregulated title, which means it doesn’t automatically signal training, testing, or accountability. The CFP® designation, on the other hand, does.
To earn it, candidates must complete rigorous coursework, pass a challenging exam, and demonstrate hundreds of hours of professional experience. The topics covered are wide-ranging, including retirement planning, taxes, insurance, investments, estate planning, and ethics, and the test itself is known for its difficulty. In March 2025, only 65% of nearly 4,000 test takers passed.
But passing the test is only part of the story. CFP® professionals also commit to ongoing education and, perhaps most importantly, to a fiduciary standard, meaning they are legally and ethically required to put your interests first.
Why That Matters in Real Life
So, what does this mean for you?
At Four Leaf, we work with people who are navigating real, often complex life moments. Maybe you’re planning for retirement and want to make sure your income lasts. Maybe you’re caring for a loved one with special needs and trying to understand how benefits, trusts, and long-term care planning fit together.
In these moments, surface-level advice isn’t enough. You deserve a partner who understands the whole picture and who has the training to guide you through it with clarity and care.
Having a CFP® means we’re not guessing or relying solely on instinct. We’re using a proven framework, backed by rigorous education and a code of ethics, to help you make confident, informed decisions.
More Than a Credential
The CFP® isn’t just a set of letters; it’s a mindset. It’s a way of approaching financial planning that prioritizes people over products and long-term trust over short-term gains.
It’s also a reminder that we’re always learning. Financial laws change. Life circumstances shift. What worked ten years ago might not make sense today. Being a CFP® involves staying up to date, ensuring that the advice we offer is not only thoughtful but also timely and accurate.
And here’s something else I think is important: just 24% of CFP® professionals are women. That gap matters. At Four Leaf, we believe representation makes financial guidance more accessible and personal. We show up as ourselves so you can, too.
A Partner You Can Trust
At the end of the day, working with a CFP® isn’t just about numbers. It’s about trust. It means you have someone in your corner who is trained to see the whole picture, listen deeply, and help you plan for a future that aligns with your goals and values. Whether you’re building a retirement strategy, creating a long-term care plan, or just figuring out where to begin, we’re here to walk alongside you.
Curious what that looks like in practice? Let’s talk. You bring your story. We’ll bring the expertise.
