by Paul H. Auslander, CFP®
As my 2012 FPA presidency comes to an end, I can't tell you how pleased I am to know that so many of our FPA colleagues see our profession as the answer to many of society's financial challenges. It makes me proud to be a financial planner.
Earning the CFP® certification, which I accomplished in 1987, gave me the confidence to present myself as a better planner than those who did not have the certification. It trained me to be the professional who could legitimately solve problems while always placing my clients' interests first. And to do that more effectively, I needed to be part of a robust community-FPA-that willingly shares best practices, leads the way in developing/evolving a body of knowledge, and helps me continue to learn and grow as a practitioner.
No one can do it alone and be successful. You can't earn your CFP certification and call it a day. You need to stay involved and be committed to lifelong learning and professionalism. That's why FPA has been so important to me. And from what many of you tell me, for you, as well. After visiting with hundreds of CFP professionals across the U.S. over the past year, I'm pleased to say it's a core characteristic of today's FPA member.
My FPA travels also exposed me to the groundswell of support for efforts to unify the financial planning profession within a collaborative framework. That is exactly what we have been doing with our commitment to the Financial Planning Coalition. We are working closely with CFP Board and NAPFA through our partnership in the coalition for the betterment of the profession. I am heartened by the promise of the path ahead. Our profession has grown, marketplace demand is on the rise and the value of the CFP certification keeps growing.
Finally, please know that FPA is actively working with our chapters to increase their effectiveness by forming state organizations that will create excitement and energy that can only occur on a local level. Our profession will continue to benefit from our efforts to coalesce around the CFP certification, reinforce our stature as a stand-alone profession, demonstrate to other organizations the utility and efficiencies that can be created by a single association, and employ our unique skills and capabilities for our clients, our communities and our country.
Thank you for your support and for all that you do for FPA and the financial planning profession.
