A client conversation can reveal a lot. Put hundreds of them together and you start to see something bigger.
In his latest message, K. Dane Snowden shares why CFP Board uses research to capture what CFP® professionals are seeing through trusted client relationships, and how that work strengthens the profession’s voice with Americans, employers, media and policymakers.
October is National Financial Planning Month, and CFP Board is raising awareness of CFP® certification as the standard in financial planning with our award-winning Public Awareness Campaign, “It’s Gotta Be A CFP®.” The fall run of the campaign kicked off on Sept. 14 and will continue into November, capitalizing on the attention National Financial Planning Month brings.
During the fall run, you can catch the campaign on:
Fox & Friends Weekend: CFP® professionals will talk about the value of financial planning LIVE on Oct. 10
Live & Streaming TV: CNN, MS Now, FOX News, Bravo, TLC, Netflix, Sling and HBO MAX
Your Favorite Sports: NFL, NCAA, NBA, MLB Playoffs, NHL, MLS, PGA and NASCAR Marquee Sports Networks
Podcasts and Music Streaming: SiriusXM, Spotify, iHeart and Podcasts
Online Publications: The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram and the campaign’s debut on the personal finance spaces of Reddit, reaching consumers that are actively seeking advice, sharing experiences and discussing financial decisions
Download the Campaign Toolkit
Align yourself with the national fall campaign with our free social media toolkit, available to download for all CFP® professionals. These kits include social media assets and email signatures.
Our Public Awareness Campaign will be seen by millions of Americans, many of whom will visit LetsMakeAPlan.org and use the "Find Your CFP® Professional" tool. Is your profile up to date? Just a few quick updates can help your profile stand out, including:
Affordability Challenges Affecting How Americans Plan for the Future
Rising costs are forcing Americans to make difficult financial decisions, and CFP® professionals say the future of retirement safety nets is a topic that many clients discuss. According to CFP Board's new report, Expensive Today, Elusive Tomorrow: A Survey About Affordability and the 2026 Elections, 78% of CFP® professionals report that clients find Social Security’s long-term viability important enough to discuss, with 73% indicating that the long-term viability of Medicare is important. At the same time, affordability pressures are leading some clients to take actions that could jeopardize their long-term financial security, including withdrawing from retirement accounts early, reducing retirement contributions or taking on high-interest debt.
Despite these challenges, CFP® professionals report that their clients' financial outlook remains optimistic and they are helping clients stay focused on long-term goals through strategic planning. The report explores how rising costs are reshaping financial decisions, the concerns clients are raising most often and the steps recommended to navigate today's pressures without sacrificing tomorrow's opportunities.
New Scholarship Opens Doors for Women Pursuing the Profession
In September, CFP Board launched the Cary Carbonaro Women & Wealth Career Changer Scholarship to help create pathways for women entering the financial planning profession and build a CFP® professional workforce that more closely reflects the American public. Made possible through a $125,000 gift from Cary Carbonaro, MBA, CFP®, an avid supporter of women in the profession, the scholarship provides awards of up to $5,000.
This new scholarship is just one of the Fall Education Scholarships available to those pursuing CFP® certification. The window to apply for fall scholarships is open through 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 30. Explore them all here.
Upcoming Webinar Covers Compliance, Regulation & Data Privacy in the Age of AI
While artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, the duty a CFP® professional has to their clients remains the same. Join CFP Board on October 1 from 2-3 p.m. ET for Compliance, Regulation & Data Privacy in the Age of AI, a discussion on navigating this new frontier in financial planning responsibly and ethically.
During this free webinar, expert panelists will take a compliance-centered deep dive on CFP Board's Generative AI Ethics Guideand explore how youcan ensure you meet confidentiality, recordkeeping and other requirements while integrating generative AI into your practice.
Free Virtual Events Offer Support to Career Changers
October 2026 CFP® Pro Career Studio
Changing careers takes courage, hard work and lots of research. CFP Board’s upcoming CFP® Pro Career Studio aims to make taking those first steps into the profession a bit easier by connecting potential career changers with those who have already walked in their shoes.
This free, virtual event runs Oct. 13-15 from 7-8 p.m. ET and will connect participants with two successful career changers: Evelyn Zohlen, CFP®, who previously worked as a relationship manager at Vanguard, and Wilson Liu, CFP®, who made the switch to financial planning after working in information technology for 20 years. Sign up now.
Financial Planning Firms Showcase for Career Changers
Demystify financial firms and employment path options at CFP Board’s first-ever Firm Showcase for Career Changers on Oct. 28 from 1-2 p.m. ET. The interactive event is designed to provide clarity on employer models, boost confidence and connect career changers directly with hiring firm representatives. All registered attendees will have the option to share their registration profile for post-event contact from prospective employers. Register now.
Public Policy Pulse Newsletter Debuts
Last week, CFP Board published the inaugural issue of Public Policy Pulse, a newsletter that brings CFP Board’s public policy work and news on legislation affecting the financial planning profession straight to your inbox. Once a month, you’ll receive a detailed report on how CFP Board is advocating for financial planning legislation and how you can get involved through our Advocacy Center.
Standard registration for the November CFP® Exam is open through October 6, for the testing window of October 29 to November 5. Late registration will be available from Oct. 7-13. Have questions? Check out our step-by-step guide to registering.
From LetsMakeAPlan.org: ‘What Happens to Your Finances When You Lose a Job Unexpectedly — and How to Prepare’
Job insecurity is top of mind for many Americans, with recent waves of layoffs putting many on edge. CFP Board Ambassador Chloé Moore, CFP® outlines practical steps to prepare for a potential layoff and to make sure your budget is covered.
Two Connections Sessions Focus on Pro Bono Financial Planning
Heading to Connections Conference 2026? Be sure to attend two insightful panel sessions exploring how pro bono financial planning is making an impact in higher education and at major financial services firms.
On Tuesday, October 6, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. PT, learn how to launch and scale impactful peer financial coaching programs in academic settings.
Then, on Wednesday, October 7, from 8-9 a.m. PT, discover how Morgan Stanley successfully activated over 300 CFP® professionals to deliver pro bono financial planning while navigating compliance, advisor engagement and firm culture. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies, practical frameworks and real-world tools to expand access to financial planning within your own institution or practice.
Support the Center's Work
A contribution to CFP Board Center for Financial Planning 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.
You worked hard for your marks. Wear them proudly. Literally.
Customize apparel, stock up on pens or hit the courts with branded tennis balls from the CFP® Pro Store. Create your account today and you'll enjoy 15% off your first order.
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.
