The Hidden Dangers of Choosing the Wrong Financial Advisor

When it comes to your money, not all financial advisors are created equal. The title “financial advisor” isn’t tightly regulated, which means almost anyone can use it — even if they don’t have the training, accountability, or fiduciary duty you’d expect. That’s where the CFP® designation makes all the difference.

This week, we break down why choosing a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) matters, what it takes to earn the designation, and the hidden dangers of working with someone who simply calls themselves an advisor.

Here are the key takeaways:

✅ The title “financial advisor” isn’t well regulated — anyone can use it, which puts you at risk of biased advice, limited expertise, and outdated strategies.

✅ The CFP® designation is the gold standard in financial planning — requiring rigorous education, a difficult exam, yea ...