Our Credentials

Two of the key factors in selecting a financial planner and/or advisor are relationship and common values.  One of the other key factors is their competency.  We created this page to walk you through some of the industry credentials to help gain an understanding of what to look for in your selection process.  If you have questions about any of these, please feel free to reach out, we're happy to help!

Kingdom Advisors is an organization and community of advisors, planners, accountants, and attorneys serving the public by promoting the integration of a Biblical worldview into financial practices.  They raise the bar on certifications by requiring high level industry certifications to become a Certified Kingdom Advisor®.  In addtion to these requirements, they require a pastoral reference, continuing education in Biblically based financial practices, and a core education course.  They require the highest level of Integrity and Service.

Website:  www.KingdomAdvisors.com

The Certified Financial Planner™ is a credential provided by the CFP Board.  It means the CFP^® professional has met rigorous qualifications for financial planning.  These qualifications include course work in understanding the financial industry in areas of ethics, business, retirement plans, insurance, investing, estate planning, and tax planning.  In addition to the course work, there is a proctored exam, 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience in financial planning, continuing education, and ethics training.

Website:  www.LetsMakeAPlan.org

The Series 65 and 66 allows an individual to act as a registered Investment Advisor Representative.  Along with required course work and a proctored exam, FINRA also requires continuing education called "Firm Element" training.  This training generally involves topics such as Anti-Money Laundering and Ethics.  Please keep in mind, FINRA does NOT certify anyone.  They only register them.

Website:  www.Finra.org

Confusingly, the Series 66 mentioned above is a combination exam of the Series 65 and Series 63 exams.  The Series 63 exam covers state laws related to both fee-based investment advisors and commision-based registered representatives of a broker-dealer.  The Series 6 allows for the sale of commision-based mutual funds.  It also allows for the sale of commision-based separate accounts used with many cash value life insurance and annuity products.

Website:  www.Finra.org