When it comes to managing your money, there’s no shortage of advice—books, blogs, apps, and self-proclaimed experts all promising the “best” way to invest, save, or retire. But if you’re looking for personalized, professional, and trustworthy guidance, working with a certified financial planner (CFP®) can be a game-changer.
So, what exactly does a certified financial planner do, and how can they help you take control of your financial future?
In this article, we’ll break down the role of a CFP®, explore the key services they offer, and explain why working with a certified financial planner may be the best investment you ever make.
What Is a Certified Financial Planner?
A certified financial planner (CFP®) is a financial professional who has met rigorous qualifications set by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. To earn the CFP® designation, a planner must:
- Complete a comprehensive financial planning curriculum
- Pass the CFP® certification exam
- Meet experience requirements (typically 4,000–6,000 hours)
- Adhere to strict ethical standards
- Commit to ongoing continuing education
Unlike some advisors who focus solely on investments or insurance sales, CFP® professionals provide holistic financial advice that covers every aspect of your financial life.
What Services Does a Certified Financial Planner Provide?
When you work with a certified financial planner, you get more than an investment advisor—you get a long-term partner who helps you design a full financial strategy tailored to your goals and values.
Here’s what they typically help with:
1. Retirement Planning
They help you calculate how much you’ll need to retire comfortably, where to invest, and when and how to start withdrawing your money. Whether you’re decades away or approaching retirement, a CFP® ensures your plan is on track.
2. Investment Management
A CFP® will recommend a diversified portfolio based on your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline—and adjust it as your life changes. They also consider tax implications, account types, and rebalancing.
3. Tax Planning Strategies
While not tax preparers, CFP® professionals help you reduce tax liability through smart financial planning—like Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and charitable giving strategies.
4. Estate and Legacy Planning
They work alongside attorneys to help you plan how your assets will be passed down. This includes guidance on trusts, wills, life insurance, and beneficiary designations.
5. College Savings and Education Planning
CFPs help parents and grandparents choose the best vehicles for funding education, such as 529 plans or custodial accounts, with minimal tax impact.
6. Budgeting and Cash Flow Analysis
They help you track spending, build an emergency fund, and allocate your income in ways that support your financial priorities.
7. Risk Management
A CFP® will review your insurance policies to ensure you’re protected against unexpected events—such as disability, death, or property loss.
8. Life Transitions and Major Events
Whether you’re buying a home, getting divorced, changing careers, or receiving an inheritance, your advisor helps you navigate the financial implications.
What Makes a CFP® Different from Other Advisors?
Not all financial advisors are created equal. The term “financial advisor” isn’t regulated, meaning almost anyone can use it—even without proper credentials or a fiduciary duty.
Here’s how a certified financial planner stands out:
| Financial Advisor | Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) |
|---|---|
| No standardized training required | Must pass rigorous certification exam |
| May not have fiduciary responsibility | Required to act in your best interest |
| Often focuses on selling products | Offers comprehensive planning |
| May be commission-based | Often fee-only or fee-based |
| No continuing education required | Must complete ongoing education |
In short, CFP® professionals are trained to provide a deeper level of guidance with your best interest at the center of every recommendation.
When Should You Hire a Certified Financial Planner?
While it’s never too early (or too late) to start working with a planner, certain life stages and events make hiring a CFP® especially valuable.
Consider partnering with a certified financial planner if you are:
- Earning a higher income and want to optimize savings and taxes
- Starting or growing a family
- Managing equity compensation or stock options
- Navigating a career change or starting a business
- Preparing to buy or sell real estate
- Approaching retirement and need income projections
- Inheriting money or planning a legacy
- Going through divorce or caring for aging parents
A CFP® helps you avoid mistakes, seize opportunities, and stay focused on long-term success.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Certified Financial Planner
Before hiring any financial planner, ask the following questions:
Are you a fiduciary at all times?
Fiduciary CFP® professionals are required to always act in your best interest.
How are you compensated?
Fee-only planners are paid directly by clients and don’t earn commissions from selling products.
What services do you offer?
Make sure the advisor provides comprehensive financial planning—not just investment advice.
What kind of clients do you typically work with?
Look for a planner who understands your life stage, career path, and financial concerns.
How often will we meet and review my plan?
Regular check-ins and plan updates are essential for staying on track.
Can you work with my CPA or attorney?
A great planner collaborates with your other professionals to ensure a cohesive plan.
Why Clients Choose Encompass Financial Services
At Encompass Financial Services, our certified financial planner professionals are committed to helping individuals and families across all stages of life create financial plans that are practical, comprehensive, and rooted in integrity.
We are:
- Fiduciary—We act in your best interest, always.
- Fee-only—No commissions, no hidden agendas.
- Experienced—Our team has guided clients through all types of markets and milestones.
- Holistic—We integrate tax strategy, estate planning, insurance, and investments.
- Local—We understand the financial landscape of Southern California and support our community with personalized care.
Real Client Success Story
One couple in their early 50s came to us unsure whether they were on track for retirement. They had a variety of accounts, owned rental property, and had adult children to support through college.
After working with our certified financial planner, they:
- Received a full retirement projection with multiple what-if scenarios
- Consolidated and rebalanced their investment portfolio
- Set up a Roth conversion plan to reduce future taxes
- Updated their estate plan and beneficiary designations
- Adjusted their insurance coverage to reflect their current needs
Today, they have a clear path to retirement and confidence that their plan supports their lifestyle—and legacy.
How to Get Started
Hiring a certified financial planner starts with a conversation. Your first meeting is an opportunity to share your goals, concerns, and current financial picture.
We’ll ask questions like:
- What are your top financial priorities?
- What goals would you like to accomplish in the next 5, 10, or 20 years?
- What do you worry about when it comes to money?
- How do you currently manage your investments and savings?
- Do you have estate plans or tax concerns?
From there, we’ll outline how we can help—and what working together would look like.
Final Thoughts
Your financial future deserves more than a guess or a generic plan. It deserves the attention, insight, and personal guidance of a certified financial planner who understands your goals and works with you to build a secure, fulfilling financial life.
At Encompass Financial Services, we’re here to simplify the complex and help you create a plan that works—for today and for the years ahead.
Encompass Financial Services
12636 High Bluff Dr #110, San Diego, CA 92130, United States