What the letters mean.

• Position: Rebuilding Confidence

CPft/PFS--Personal Financial Specialist

The PFS credential is a CPA exclusive financial planning designation subject to the AlCPA's and a state board of accountancy's regulations, ethics and standards, including maintaining a fiduciary responsibility to their clients. PFS candidates must meet educational and experience requirements in financial planning categories and pass a rigorous exam, (http://bit.ly/hwqyjb)

CFP--Certified Financial Planner

A CFP must have a bachelors degree (in any subject), obtain additional financial planning courses, meet experience requirements, and pass a rigorous exam though the CFP Board of Standards. A CFP is subject to the CFP Board of Standard's ethics and standards and must also maintain a fiduciary responsibility to their clients.

ChFE--Chartered Financial Consultant

A ChFC is a credential typically for insurance agents and is exclusively through The American College. A ChFC candidate must meet experience requirements and take specific financial planning courses at The American College and is subject to The American College's Code of Ethics and Procedures.

CFA--Chartered Financial Analyst

CFAs are recognized for their real-world investment analysis and portfolio management skills. A CFA must meet experience requirements, take strict courses and pass a series of exams through the CFA Institute. This credential focuses on investment analysis in the global financial industry.

CLU--Chartered life Underwriter

CLUs have the highest professional designation for life insurance agents. A CLU must...