Acronyms and abbreviations are everywhere in our culture. An acronym is formed from the initial letters of other words and can be very useful to convey a message, but only if you know what it means. I am sure most of us are very familiar with ASAP (as soon as possible) and FYI (for your information).
You might recognize a few of these finance-related acronyms: DJIA (Dow Jones Industrial Average), NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) and S&P 500 (Standard and Poor’s).
Additionally, there is a plethora of acronyms behind the names of our planners. When you are looking for a planner, you should consider someone who is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner.
The CFP® certification indicates that the individual has met CFP Board requirements and has agreed to adhere to the Board’s high standard of professional competency and ethics. The Financial Planners at Syverson Strege are all CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioners and have met extensive training and experience requirements to put their clients’ interests first. Most of our Associate Financial Planners are also certified or are currently studying for the CFP® exam.
Many of our planners continue their learning by taking additional courses, have advanced degrees, and have worked hard to earn additional designations.
CFP® - Certified Financial Planner
To sit for the CFP® Certification Exam, a person must complete college- or university-level coursework through a program registered with The CFP Board. We have 12 planners and associate planners with this designation.
CFA - Chartered Financial Analyst
CFA candidates must pass three exams which require roughly 900 study hours. Financial planners with the CFA designation should be exceptionally competent regarding matters relating to investments and financial analysis. Syverson Strege has three Certified Financial Analysts.
CKA® - Certified Kingdom Advisor
A Certified Kingdom Advisor® designation allows a financial planner to confidently integrate technical expertise and biblically wise counsel in the financial advising role. We currently have two financial planners with this designation.
AEP® - Accredited Estate Planner
An Accredited Estate Planner must be actively licensed or certified as an accountant; attorney; insurance and financial planner; philanthropic advisor; or trust officer. An AEP® must have been actively practicing for a minimum of five years, devoting at least one-third of their professional time to estate planning. Syverson Strege has two financial planners who hold this designation.
CEPA® - Certified Exit Planning Advisor
The Certified Exit Planning Advisor program was specifically designed for business advisors who work closely with owners of privately held companies. To receive the CEPA designation, Tyler Conley completed the rigorous four-day program that involved approximately 100 hours of pre-course study, 30 hours of classroom instruction, and the successful completion of a three-hour proctored exam.
CAP® - Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy
The CAP® designation is administered through The American College of Financial Services. This designation demonstrates you have the knowledge and tools to help clients articulate and advance their highest aspirations for themselves, their family, and society. Our firm uses charitable tools as part of our philanthropic planning. Four of our planners hold this designation.
CASL® - Chartered Advisor for Senior Living
A Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL) is a professional designation for individuals whose advice helps older clients achieve financial security. This designation requires 250 to 300 hours of study and the completion of five college-level courses, along with work experience. We have one Chartered Advisor for Senior Living.
CIMA® - Certified Investment Management Analyst
The CIMA® certification program provides a systematic process advisors and consultants can use to put their clients’ strategies into action through knowledge of advanced portfolio management, portfolio construction, and risk management techniques. Syverson Strege has one Certified Investment Management Analyst.
MFM - Master Financial Manager
To become accredited as a Master Financial Manager you must have a degree in financial planning with at least 18 hours of graduate studies with five or more approved finance courses from an accredited business school program.
Our goal at Syverson Strege is to provide the best client care possible. We are dedicated to understanding each client’s unique situation. You are our biggest priority!
If you would like to receive a complimentary private consultation to see if Syverson Strege is mutually a good fit for your unique financial situation, please call (515) 225-6000 or request to be contacted online. We look forward to speaking with you!
