Who Do Financial Designations Benefit?  Here’s my Honest Take.

Over the years, I’ve achieved a few professional designations: CFP®, CIM®, and FCSI®, to name a few. I even gave the CFA® program a go and passed Level 1 before realizing that my time was better spent elsewhere.

Early in my career, these credentials were valuable. They gave me structure, taught me technical skills, and helped me stand out in a competitive industry. But two decades later, I’ve found myself asking: Do all these letters after my name really benefit my clients?

For many do-it-yourself investors and incorporated professionals I work with, the answer is no.  And I understand why.

Clients Want Real-World Value, Not Alphabet Soup

Most of my clients aren’t coming to me because of the designations or acronyms on my business card.

They’re coming because they want:

• Independent, unbiased financial advice.
• Help with creating a practical, long-term plan.
• A guide who listens and helps them make informed decisions, without selling products.

Letters after your name don’t automatically guarantee any of that.

Ethics Are Lived, Not Just Printed

Most designations include a “Code of Ethics” outlining how advisors should act in the client’s best interest. That sounds great on paper. But after 25 years in the financial world, I’ve seen how rarely these codes are enforced.

An advisor either acts with integrity or they don’t. No designation can change that. I believe in putting clients first because it’s the right thing to do, not because a course provider tells me to.

Continuing Education: Good in Theory, But…

Continuing education (CE) requirements are meant to keep advisors sharp. But in practice, they often become a box-ticking exercise. You pay your fee, attend a webinar, answer a few questions and you’re good for another year.

There’s nothing wrong with lifelong learning. In fact, I’m always reading, researching, and adjusting strategies to stay current. But I’d rather spend time learning things that actually benefit my clients than accumulating hours just to maintain a designation.

Designations Have Become Marketing Tools… and That’s OK

Let’s be honest: many credentials are more about industry credibility than client benefit.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Designations can help advisors stand out or open career doors, especially early on.

But I’ve chosen to spend my marketing budget elsewhere, i.e. on tools, information and resources that genuinely help my clients understand their finances and feel confident in their plans.

What Really Matters to Clients

At the end of the day, what matters most to clients is not how many letters are after your name, but whether you:

• Understand their goals.
• Help them build a practical, personalized financial strategy.
• Offer advice free from sales commissions or hidden incentives.

I’ll take clarity over credentials any day.

I offer transparent, advice-only planning to help you build confidence in your decisions. No acronyms required.

If you’re a DIY investor or incorporated professional looking for straight answers and a financial plan that’s actually built around your goals, let’s talk. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation and start your journey towards financial independence.

Connect with David on LinkedIn.

Disclaimer: Our content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment and tax-related decisions. You should seek independent financial advice from a financial advisor near you.