PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS

Professional designations represent extensive study and testing.  Only a few financial planners have the level of certification of the Alpha Financial principals.  To better understand the meaning of these certification levels, we have included those that we hold and what they mean to you.

Chartered Financial Analyst

 To achieve the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst, completion of a 3 year graduate level course is required. The three-year program requires you to study for and pass three levels of exams. If you pass the exams and meet other requirements, you earn a CFA charter.

Certified Financial Planner

 The CFP® certification process, administered by CFP Board, identifies to the public that those individuals who have been authorized to use the CFP® certification marks in the U.S. have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence when dealing with clients.

Accredited Asset Management Specialist

 The College for Financial Planning^® awards the AAMS^® designation to individuals who successfully complete the program, pass the final examination, sign a code of ethics commitment, and fill out a declaration form.  This designation assures investors that this advisor has both the financial acumen and moral and ethical commitment to provide quality advice.

Certified Fund Specialist

 CFS is fully accredited and is the oldest designation in the mutual fund industry.  Although many investment firms offer mutual funds, few advisors and brokers really understand how funds interact with other parts of the portfolio or how this investment vehicle should be analyzed. The designation of Certified Fund Specialist assures clients that their financial advisor fully understands the complexities of fund evaluation.

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor

 Financial advisors face an increasingly complex onslaught of retirement planning questions as aging baby boomers look for investments to meet their lifestyle needs in 10 years, 20 years, and beyond.  Reputable financial advisors with the CRPC designation have the expertise and credibility to provide top level retirement advice.

AFFILIATIONS

Active participation in recognized professional organizations is another way to evaluate commitment to the investment community at large, as well as to clients.  Jim McGehee and John Gugle belong to and are active participants in the highest caliber professional associations.

North Carolina Society of Financial Analysts

 The CFA North Carolina Society promotes ethical and professional standards within the investment industry, encourages professional development through the CFA Program, and facilitates the open exchange of information and opinions.

Financial Planning Association

 The Financial Planning Association (FPA^®) is the leadership and advocacy organization representing the financial planning community. With local chapters and national organization.  FPA members demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of professional competence, ethical conduct and clear, complete disclosure for financial planning professionals.

National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

 NAPFA, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to the advancement of Fee-Only comprehensive financial planning. Consumers and the media look to NAPFA for access to financial advisors who meet the highest standards for professional competency, comprehensive financial planning and Fee-Only compensation.