The American Dream is often described as opportunity. In his latest message, CFP Board CEO K. Dane Snowden makes the case that readiness matters just as much, and shares what America’s 250th birthday means for the work CFP® professionals do every day.
On June 18, CFP Board announced Cherlyn Rugg as the 1,000th recipient of a scholarship offered by CFP Board Center for Financial Planning, 10 years after the launch of the Center’s scholarship program. This milestone reflects CFP Board’s ongoing efforts to expand access to CFP® certification and strengthen the pipeline of future financial planners.
CFP® Professionals Report Higher Pay and Career Fulfillment
CFP® professionals earn 11% more than financial professionals who do not hold CFP® certification, according to CFP Board’s 2026 Compensation Study. Across all financial planners surveyed, median 2025 total compensation was $195,000, reflecting 15% year-over-year compensation growth from 2024 to 2025. The study also found that 85% of CFP® professionals report a high to very high sense of personal fulfillment in their careers.Read more and download the study.
New Research Reveals Widening Gap Between Financial Fraud Awareness and Preparedness
Sixty-two percent of Americans have encountered fraud or know someone who has in the past three years, according to CFP Board’s new research report, “Don’t Fall For It: Guarding Against Financial Fraud.” Yet many remain unprepared to recognize, avoid or respond to fraud. CFP® professionals can play a critical role in closing this preparedness gap by helping clients recognize risks, strengthen prevention strategies and navigate recovery. Read more and download the report.
See You in Vegas: Early Bird Rate Ends Soon
Registration is open for CFP Board Connections Conference, October 5-7, 2026, in Las Vegas — and you can save $200 if you register by July 10. The conference brings together CFP® professionals, firm leaders, innovators, researchers, students and educators from across the profession for three days of insight, innovation and collaboration. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore emerging trends or expand your network, Connections is designed to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving profession — while earning up to 15 CE credits.
Conference Highlight: Crystal Washington joins the lineup of keynote speakers, along with Michael Kitces, CFP® and mentalist Theron Schaub. As an author, technology strategist and one of Forbes' 50 Leading Female Futurists, Crystal makes complex artificial intelligence and app technology easy to understand and accessible for everyday people. Crystal will share insights to help you anticipate change, adapt with confidence and prepare for what's next in financial planning.
Deadline Extended: Share Your Experience With AI in the Profession
With artificial intelligence rapidly reshaping financial planning, CFP® professionals have an important voice in the conversation. The Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) is seeking insights from CFP® professionals to help refresh its Impact of AI on Financial Planning global research. Take the anonymous 5-10 minute survey to help inform the 2026 Global Report, to be released on World Financial Planning Day (October 7). The survey closes July 6.
CIMA® Designation Now Opens Door to Accelerated Path
Professionals who hold the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation are now eligible for the Accelerated Path to CFP® certification. This pathway allows eligible professionals to bypass education coursework so they can sit for the CFP® exam sooner. Learn more about the Accelerated Path.
Washington Update
As the August recess approaches and a September 30 government funding deadline looms, Congress faces a crowded agenda. One major piece of legislation that moved forward this week is the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan housing affordability and supply package that passed the Senate and the House but has yet to be signed by the President. CFP Board is monitoring that bill and other key legislation on the Hill, while also engaging on regulatory issues, including a recent comment letter to the Department of Labor on a proposed rule intended to increase access to alternative investments in employer retirement plans and a review of the SEC’s proposal to change earnings reporting. Read more in the full June 2026 Public Policy Update.
CFP® Exam Update: Registration Open for November Exam
Know someone preparing to take the next step toward CFP® certification? Registration is now open for the November CFP® exam. The testing window runs October 29 to November 5. Learn more and register at CFP.net/exam.
From LetsMakeAPlan.org: ‘Awkward Money Moments: How New Couples Can Handle Financial Surprises’
In a relationship, money is rarely just about numbers. It can reflect independence, security and self-worth. CFP Board Ambassador Scott Ward, CFP® offers practical steps new couples can take to navigate money conversations so they don’t ruin the honeymoon phase.
Make an Impact This Summer Through Pro Bono Service
Summer can be a great time to give back. Whether you want to volunteer for the first time or continue your commitment to pro bono financial planning, CFP Board encourages CFP® professionals to make a difference in their communities.
Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Visit www.probonoplannermatch.org to connect with nonprofit organizations seeking financial planning volunteers. Opportunities are available across the U.S. and in a variety of formats, making it easy to find a way to serve that fits your schedule.
If you've already volunteered this year, be sure to report your pro bono hours through your CFP Board account. Reporting helps CFP Board measure and celebrate the collective impact of the profession.
Questions? Please reach out to Moley Evans, Director of Volunteer Engagement at mevans@cfpboard.org.
Support the Center's Work
The middle of the year is an ideal time to assess your charitable giving for 2026. As part of your plans, consider supporting CFP Board Center for Financial Planning. Your contribution helps expand access to CFP® certification, strengthen the talent pipeline and bring competent, ethical financial planning to more Americans. Donate through your CFP Board account or at CFP.net/donate.
At CFP Board, we believe each employee contributes directly to our organization's growth and success. We're currently looking to fill several positions in our Washington, DC, office. View the list of currently open positions, and please share these opportunities with your colleagues who may be interested.
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