Resources for CFP Professionals

 

Certified Financial Planner® Professional Toolkit

Your goal is to ensure that you help clients achieve their financial objectives and Live Life Confidently™.
This Toolkit is your go-to hub for the latest tools and resources, designed to be applied to your professional practice immediately – to help you serve your clients better.

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Promote
Enhance Practice
Client Resources

 

 

 

Promote Your Certification

Demonstrate your value by marketing your credentials and strengthening your web presence

 

 

1. Promote Yourself as a CFP® professional

Leverage the following examples to describe the role you play as a professional financial planner.

 

CFP Professional Value Proposition

Looking for an effective way to describe the difference you make in your clients’ lives? FP Canada engaged in qualitative research on the functional and emotional value of financial planning. The result is a value proposition that conveys the meaningful role you play in the lives of your clients:

You have aspirations – for what and who you care about, for today and for the future. But life is complicated, and figuring out how to make those aspirations a reality can be hard.

You need a plan. A financial plan. Only CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals see your whole picture, no matter how complex, and work with you to help you understand where you are and where you want to be.

Whether you have a pressing issue or just need some help getting started, CFP professionals have the knowledge, skills, experience and the ethics to help you build the financial plan that will let you live your life confidently. 

‘Elevator Pitch’ –spark interest in the value of what you do – for when you have 60 seconds to desctibe what you do

"Life is complicated and figuring out how to reach your goals can be overwhelming. There’s an endless amount of information out there and it can be hard to even know where to start. I simplify complex financial matters for my clients and look at their whole picture to help them build a plan that lets them Live Life Confidently."

 

2. Share Your Digital Badge

Promote your certification through a custom, blockchain-verifiable digital badge, which includes a CFP professional digital badge and certificate. This easily shareable credential allows clients, employers and others to securely and confidently verify your certification status across all types of online platforms, including email signatures, websites and various social media accounts.

 

Log in to your FP Canada Portal and click on the ‘View my CFP Digital Credential ’ link. On your digital credential page click “Add to Email Signature ”, located on the left-hand side, to access step-by-step instructions. Instructions are available for Outlook and Gmail users.

To add your digital credential to your website or blog, sign in to your FP Canada Portal and click on the ‘View my CFP Digital Credential ’ link. On your digital credential page click “Embed Credential ”, located on the left-hand side, to access step-by-step instructions. You can choose to embed just the credential image (badge or certificate) or the full page of your digital credential.

To add your digital credential to your LinkedIn page, sign in to your FP Canada Portal and click on the ‘View my CFP Digital Credential ’ link. On your digital credential page click “Add to LinkedIn ”, located on the left-hand side. Then go to your LinkedIn account and select “Add new profile section ”. Under “Accomplishments ”, select “Certifications ” and copy-and-paste the information from your digital credential page to your LinkedIn account, including the unique link to your digital credential.

To add your digital credential to your LinkedIn page, sign in to your FP Canada Portal and click on the ‘View my CFP Digital Credential ’ link. On your digital credential page click on the social media icons on the right-hand side of the page to link your digital credential in any social media post such as a tweet or status update.


For additional information, visit the digital credential topics within the CFP certification FAQ.

 

3. Frame Your Certification Diploma

Display your diploma or your annual certificate with an elegant customized wooden frame. Visit our partner store to choose from a variety of high-quality frames.

 

4. Wear Your Designation with Pride

CFP certification magnetic pins are available for purchase through the FP Canada™ Portal.

 

5. Build Your Profile

Market your credibility as a CFP professional through your listing in FP Canada’s official “Find Your Planner” Tool which allows prospective clients to find a professional financial planners that have met FP Canada’s rigorous certification standards. The tool is featured on FP Canada’s consumer website Financial Planning For Canadians, referenced in social media posts and mentioned often in media. You can set up your profile on the “Find Your Planner” tool by featuring your contact information and adding details about your practice. Setup your profile by reaching out to us at info@fpcanada.ca or call 416-593-8587 or 1-800-305-9886.

 

6. Showcase the CFP Mark Correctly 

CFP MarkYou’ve met a high bar for certification to earn your CFP designation. FP Canada encourages you to use the CFP Mark extensively to showcase your certification as a financial planning professional. To maintain the integrity of your CFP designation, it’s important to use the marks correctly. Please read the CFP Marks Usage Guide thoroughly to be sure you understand how to use the CFP Marks according to the rules.

Here are some rules when using the CFP Mark online:
  • Use the certification marks as adjectives for approved nouns (e.g., CFP® professional)

  • The exception is when the CFP® acronym mark is used following an individual’s name (e.g., John Doe, CFP®)

  • The certification marks must be written in capital letters or small caps (e.g., Certified Financial Planner®)

  • Where feasible, the first instance of the CFP® marks on the page must appear with the registered trademark symbol ®.
For more information, read the CFP Marks Usage Guide.
You are also responsible to comply with your organization’s communications style guide and electronic media policies. Be sure to adhere to these when setting up your profile.

  • Certified Financial Planner® professional. Simplifying complex financial matters to help clients Live Life Confidently™.

  • Certified Financial Planner® professional, Investment & Retirement Planning at FINANCIAL INSTITUTION.

  • Jane Doe, CFP® | Investments & Retirement Planning, FINANCIAL INSTITUTION | 500-555-5555
  • Jane Doe, CFP® @sampletwitteruser
    Certified Financial Planner® professional. Simplifying complex financial matters to help clients Live Life Confidently™.

  • Jane Doe, CFP® @sampletwitteruser
    Financial Planner, Investment & Retirement Planning at FINANCIAL INSTITUTION.

  • Jane Doe, CFP® lives in Winnipeg, MB and provides personalized financial planning for all stages of life.
  • Jane Doe, CFP®
    Financial Planner
    jane.doe@examplefinancialorg.ca
    Helping You Live Life Confidently™

  • John Doe
    Certified Financial Planner® professional
    john.doe@examplefinancialorg.ca
    500-555-5555

 

7. Setup Your Digital Branding Tools

Ensure your certification is proudly shown in your digital presence. Access your branded LinkedIn header image, video conferencing backdrop and mobile phone background below:

LinkedIn:
  1. Open the link to the branded LinkedIn header image. Right click on the image and select “Save As…”, then save to your computer.
  2. Click on the “Me” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage and select “View Profile”.
  3. Click the camera icon at the top right corner of your profile header image.
  4. Select “Change Photo” and choose the downloaded image. Then click “Apply”.
In Zoom:
  1. Open the link to the branded video conferencing backdrop. Right click on the image and select “Save As…”, then save to your computer.
  2. In a Zoom call, click on the up arrow beside the Start/Stop video icon and select “Choose Virtual Background”.
  3. Click on the “+” icon, select “Add Image” and choose the downloaded image
In Microsoft Teams:
  1. Open the link to the branded video conferencing backdrop. Right click on the image and select “Save As…”, then save to your computer.
  2. When joining a call, select “Background Filters”. Alternatively when in a call, click on the three dots menu and select “Apply background effects.
  3. Click on the “+ Add New” and choose the downloaded image.
  4. Select the new image from the list of backgrounds and click “Apply”.
On an Android device:
  1. Open the link to the branded phone background image or lock screen background image. Press and hold on the image until the “Download Image” option appears, then select this option.
  2. Open your phone's Gallery app.
  3. Find the downloaded image and open it.
  4. Tap the three dots in the top right and select "Set as wallpaper."
On an Apple device:
  1. Open the link to the branded phone background image or lock screen background image. Press and hold on the image until the “Add to Photos” option appears, then select this option.
  2. Open your phone’s Photos app.
  3. Find the downloaded image and open it.
  4. Tap the share icon in the bottom right, scroll down and select “Use as Wallpaper”.

 

 

Enhance Your Practice

Elevate your professional practice with practical tools and insights for better client outcomes

 

 

1. Build a client engagement letter with our Terms of Engagement tool

Need help building or updating a client engagement letter? Try FP Canada’s new Terms of Engagement tool. You can choose from a range of sample clauses to build a downloadable letter customized to your practice. This helps you ensure client engagements are appropriately and consistently documented and supports you in meeting your professional obligations relating to disclosure under the Standards of Professional Responsibility. Log in to the FP Canada portal to get started.

 

2. Stay Up To Date: FP Standard

This industry publication, issued bi-annually, is your key source for staying current with news, events, ideas and trends in the financial planning profession.
Read the latest issue  |  Download the Latest issue in PDF
Read the Spring 2021 issue  |  Download the Spring 2021 PDF

 

3. Leverage Sample Social Media Content

Looking to build your social media presence as a financial planner? We have you covered with ready-to-use social media posts that can be shared from your own social media accounts.

Ready-to-use social media posts
You can also follow us to stay up-to-date with more content, news, updates and discussions about the profession.

FP Canada is on LinkedIn  FP Canada is on Facebook  FP Canada is on YouTube  FP Canada is on Twitter

 

4. Financial Planning Research Studies

As financial planning continues to evolve, research equips planners with practical information and techniques that can elevate your practice. Incorporate these insights into your discussions with clients and peers and leverage the research findings into your practice.

 

2022 Financial Stress Index

The 2022 Financial Stress Index shows that 38% of Canadians say money is their biggest stressor, outranking personal health, work, and relationships.

  • Two in five (39%) report feeling less hopeful about their financial futures now than a year ago
  • One in three (35%) say financial stress is leading to anxiety, depression, or mental health issues

Canadians who worked with professional financial planners were more optimistic about their financial futures and far less likely to experience financial-related anxiety, depression, or mental health issues issues as a result of financial stress than those who didn’t (16% vs. 36%).

As a CFP® professional, you’re in a position to continue helping Canadians overcome financial stress by providing guidance on their short-term and long-term financial planning needs

Go to the 2022 Financial Stress Index page to read the research results, download the white paper, and find tools that will help you share the insights with your clients and colleagues. The Financial Stress Index is an ongoing study commissioned by FP Canada that has been providing snapshots of Canadians’ financial stress levels since 2014.

A holiday spending poll of consumers by FP Canada reveals that 60% of Canadians showed restraint, staying on budget with their early holiday season shopping over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, one-in-four respondents reported going over budget significantly.

The poll also found that Canadians who work with a professional financial planner did a good job of sticking to their budgets during the early holiday spending season. Canadians who work with a financial planner were far more likely (69%) to say they expect to enter the new year with $0 in credit card debt, compared to 51% of those who do not work with a financial planner.

Read the News Release.

A survey by FP Canada finds that Canadians are experiencing two vastly different pandemics. 

  • Half (50%) of working Western Canadians say they’ve suffered a job loss or wage/hour reductions, compared to one-in-three in the Eastern Canada
  • More than 34% of Canadians reported an increase in household expenses over last year
  • Nearly 40% of Canadians said their work lives have been impacted negatively by the pandemic
  • About 20% of working Canadian women say they’ve been forced out of the labour force entirely

The survey also shows how working with a professional financial planner is beneficial during good times and bad and how a financial planner can help clients adapt quicker to changing financial realities. Read through and use the data to better articulate the value you bring to clients as a financial planner.

Read more on the Updates & Insights page.

Read the survey results on FinancialPlanningForCanadians.ca.

A survey by FP Canada finds that 35% Canadians feel their bank accounts cannot withstand another financial emergency, up from 33% from two years ago.

As a financial planner, you are in a position to provide additional confidence to Canadians not only with respect to their financial plans, but also to their current financial situation. From debt management to emergency funds, the study shows there are key opportunities to support your clients’ finances.
Read more on the Updates & Insights page.

Read the Study Results on FinancialPlanningForCanadians.ca.

A survey from FP Canada reveals that one in three Canadians feel they will never recover from a pandemic. However, those who work with a financial planner are much more confident of their financial health.

Use the study to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on your clients that may not be apparent in a typical financial plan review.
Read more on the Updates & Insights page.

Read the Study Results on FinancialPlanningForCanadians.ca.

What might be stopping Canadians from seeking professional financial planning services? A study by FP Canada shows four-in-10 Canadians say they have a reason preventing them talking about money issues with a financial planner. Reasons include not enough money, afraid of being judged and it would cause stress, among others. Use these findings to adapt your client conversations.
Read more on the Updates & Insights page.

View the Study Results.

A study by FP Canada shows that nearly one-in-four Canadians feel money is a taboo topic, ranking it alongside other time-honoured, forbidden subjects such as politics, sex and religion. Read the study for insights into why people may not be comfortable talking about money and how you can encourage your clients to discuss these topics.
Read more on the Updates & Insights page.

Read the Study Results on FinancialPlanningForCanadians.ca.

 

FP Canada Research Foundation™

The FP Canada Research Foundation is committed to technical research that examines and challenges current practices in financial planning, behavioural research that examines the impact of human behaviour on effective financial planning, and research that examines the benefits of financial planning on society as a whole. See the FP Canada Research Foundation Research & Resources page for the latest content.

 

The FP Canada Research Foundation™ funded a study to investigate why the majority of Canadians take CPP and QPP benefits at 65 or earlier, when in many cases they should wait until age 70. Dr. Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald, Director of Financial Security Research of the National Institute on Ageing, led the study.

This research provides valuable insights to help planners better guide their clients to making the best possible choices when planning for retirement.
Read the research paper on the FP Canada Research Foundation website.

Many financial planners note that their clients do not always take action on the plans they deliver and discuss with their clients. But a survey funded by the FP Canada Research Foundation found that only 39% of clients surveyed felt that their financial plan was explained in a way they understood, and only 38% felt that the level detail of their plan was appropriate.

Examine the findings from the Implementation Gap Research to better support your client through the implementation stage.
Review the Executive Summary, use the Practice Notes and read more on the FP Canada Research Foundation website.

 

5. 2020 Definitions, Standards and Competencies Guide

The Canadian Financial Planning Definitions, Standards and Competencies is the unified, definitive source on financial planning definitions and professional standards. Reference this publication to better understand the principles and standards that you are expected to follow in the process of all types of financial planning engagements and guide the delivery of your professional services.
View book: English   |   French
Download book: English PDF   |   French PDF

 

6. Financial Planning Body of Knowledge

The Financial Planning Body of Knowledge describes the knowledge CFP professionals are expected to have on 12 key financial planning topics. Updated regularly, it is an important professional resource. Building on the Canadian Financial Planning Definitions, Standards and Competencies, the Financial Planning Body of Knowledge defines the holistic nature and scope of financial planning and is essential to the demonstration of competence in fundamental financial planning practices, financial planning areas and professional skills. This reference can assist you to maintain the currency of your knowledge and may cue educational or professional development needs.

 

7. 2022 Projection Assumption Guidelines

Since 2015, FP Canada and Institut québécois de planification financière (IQPF) have released unified Projection Assumption Guidelines. You can use the Guidelines to establish reliable assumptions to use in making long-term projections that are free from potential biases or predispositions, and that are based on evidence and research. The use of the Guidelines is strongly encouraged to promote trust and confidence in your projections, given its objectivity and basis in reliable sources.
PAG: English   |    PAG: French
Addendum to the Projection Assumption Guidelines
A companion to the Guidelines, this addendum contains the data sources on which the Guidelines are based, the specific calculations for inflation and guidelines for rate of return.
Addendum: English   |   Addendum: French
Questions? Read the Frequently Asked Questions.

 

8. Continuous Professional Development Options

Learn MoreStay at the forefront of your financial planning with FP Canada’s continuous professional development requirements go beyond maintaining technical competence. FP Canada tracks the evolving needs of professional financial planners and the financial services industry as a whole. Our continuous professional development programs are designed to help you serve your clients better and to ensure that you stay at the forefront of your financial planning career.
Explore Continuous Professional Development Programs offered by the FP Canada Institute™.

 

 

 

Resources for Clients

Engage and support your clients by providing further reading and online tools

 

 

1. Consumer Newsletter – Here’s the Plan

Encourage your clients to subscribe to FP Canada’s free consumer semi-monthly email newsletter, Here’s the Plan. Each issue provides financial planning tips which underline the value of working with a financial planning professional. Topics include teaching children good financial habits, managing money stress, and how best to use your tax refund.

 

2. Consumer Website – Financial Planning for Canadians

Amplify the awareness for financial planning and reinforce the value of your services as a professional financial planner by sharing FP Canada’s consumer website Financial Planning for Canadians with your clients. It features over 140 articles, videos and infographics to help your clients understand the benefits of financial planning with a professional. Our consumer website can also be a great source of content for publishing on your social media accounts.

 

3. Here’s Your Plan Brochure

Reinforce the value that you provide as a professional financial planner and give clients and prospective clients the tools to evaluate their financial situation. Printed copies of Here’s Your Plan brochures are now available for purchase through your FP Canada Portal.
Share the Here’s Your Plan brochure with clients before your virtual meeting.

 

4. Understanding Your Own Financial Wellness Questionnaire
(Updated in 2020)

Based on the Financial Wellness Study and with the financial support of the FP Canada Research Foundation, CPA Canada developed the Financial Wellness Guide, an interactive questionnaire that helps Canadians understand money basics and how to apply learnings to improve their own lives.
Share the questionnaire with clients as a discovery exercise to help identify areas where they may want guidance from you as a professional financial planner.
Share the Financial Wellness Guide Interactive Questionnaire.
Read more on the FP Canada Research Foundation website.