THE FINANCIAL PLANNING PROGRAM
Welcome to our award-winning program!
With the growing demand for qualified personal financial planners, now is the time to complete the education required for the Certified Financial Planner® certification. This certification can open the door to more and better opportunities because recruiters and prospective employers recognize CFP® certification as the most desired designation in this growing field.
Our Financial Planning Emphasis within the Family, Community and Human Development major and our Certificate Program in Financial Planning are registered with CFP® Board (Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards). Our Certificate Program is open to all majors on campus and especially suited for students from Economics and Business.
These programs meet specific criteria set by the CFP® Board for those who wish to fulfill the Education component for certification. Individuals who meet the Education requirement are eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination. Successful completion of the Education and Examination components completes two of the four core prerequisites to obtain CFP® certification.
Our Financial Counseling Program, registered with AFCPE®—Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education, prepares students to become financial counselors—who help clients gain control of their financnces and reach their financial goals. Students who sucessfully complete this program will be able to take the AFC® certification examination at a discount and, after meeting all of the standards set forth by AFCPE®, become Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC).
WHAT IS A CFP®?
A Certified Financial Planner® supports and guides individuals and families in creating long-term plans to meet their financial goals. They continue to advise clients when those goals change over time due to shifting life circumstances.
Clients range from the new graduate to growing families to those well into retirement. As a CFP®, you can help these individuals navigate investments, student loans, budgets, mortgages, retirement savings, insurance, taxes, bequests, estate planning and many other financial situations.
CFP® professionals may work at financial firms or insurance companies. They can also start their own practices. No matter which path you choose, you can positively impact the lives of many as a trusted advisor, counselor and coach.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CFP® PROFESSIONALS
SALARY
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay is $87,860 annually for personal financial advisors.
As a Certified Financial Planner®, your expertise and credibility can earn more. You will be more likely to reach the
top salary of $167,780 annually in the peak of your career.
OUTLOOK
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand will grow 15% through 2029 for personal financial advisors. They also note, "Those who obtain certification will likely have the best prospects."
An aging population and longer lifespans will contribute to this growth, and technology advancements should have limited impact as human advisors will be needed for more complex and specialized advice.
SATISFACTION
A new study shows that 9 out of 10 CFP® professionals are very satisfied with their career choice in financial planning.
An even higher 92% say they are very satisfied with their decision to pursue CFP® certification, and 91% would recommend CFP® certification to other financial professionals.
WHICH OPTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
MAJOR WITH FINANCIAL PLANNING EMPHASIS
This option is great for students completing the Family, Community and Human Development major. It is a short major with many online and evening class options.
*Students must declare the certificate in order for it to be awarded upon graduation (if degree-seeking) or completion (Professional Education).
FINANCIAL PLANNING EMPHASIS MAJOR WORKSHEET
Transferring from SLCC? Here's what you need to know.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN FINANCIAL PLANNING
Select this option if you are working towards your bachelor's degree and majoring outside the Department of Family and Consumer Studies.
*Students must declare the certificate in order for it to be awarded upon graduation (if degree-seeking) or completion (Professional Education).
Financial Planning Certificate Requirements
If you already have a Bachelor's degree, you can complete the Certificate Program in Financial Planning via the U's Professional Education program. For more info about this option, visit University of Utah Professional Education. Students will fill out the registration forms through the Professional Education office.
AFFILIATIONS
Financial wellness CENTER
The Personal Money Management Center (PMMC) provides a competent and confidential atmosphere where students can access accredited counseling services, quality financial education and appropriate tools to achieving lifelong successful financial outcomes.
FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSOCIATION
Join the University of Utah Chapter of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) to meet with financial planning professionals and discuss networking, resumes, and service opportunities.
Student chapter members are encouraged to join FPA of Utah, which has a special discount for its student members. Membership provides benefits to help students succeed in internships and education, and access to an online career center.
Questions? Contact the Program Director.
Dr. Su Shin
CFP® BOARD ACCOUNT
Students in our program are strongly encouraged to register an Online CFP® Board Account to receive updates and scholarship information from the CFP® Board.