QUITNIAN CO DEMOCRA1 MARKS, MS = 1427 C~rculst~on WEEKLY 02/26/2009
BBB: Making sense of financial creditionals
gdgkland, Miss., February Specialist). These are among the ccri~p!aints. 2009 - In the financial world, designations that require a high 1Jsz DrokzrCheck at theFinancial acronyms and abbreviations level of knowledge and training." Industry Regulatory Authority to abound. And unfortunately, The BBB offers the following str if a financial professional has questionablecredentialscaneasily tips f o r investigating and a disciplinary history. be disguised among them. There evaluating the individual1 Be wary of generic titles. are many people and companies that want to manager investors' company best suited for your personal needs: ..,.., ~Srlyone can use titles such as ~ ~ n n canalyst", ial "financial money, and some are more .Investigate thecredentialingkdy advisor", "financial consultant", qualified than others. that sponsors the designation. "iinancial planner", "investment "Do your due diligence in -1s there a web site that details the consultant", and "wealth checking out your financial credential requirements? manager" without having any manager," said Bill Moak, -1s there a database where you car] special expertise, training or PresidentICEO of t h e Better locate members in good standing? experience. Business Bureau (BBB) serving *Question the requirements for a The DUB, serving Mississippi Mississippi. "You should specific designation. since 1964, continues to offer understand thedifference between Investigate the individual. assistance to consumers as they a C F P (Certified Financial Checkwith theagency providing make pre-purchase and contract Planner), a C F A (Certified credential certification to be sure decisicms. Check out companies Financial Analyst), a C P A individuallcompany is in good o n the B B B web site (~ertifiedPubk&countant), and standing with them. (n\~iw.ms.bbb.org)or by calling ~ c~i ia nl a P ~ - . - f ~ e r s r m a ian Check the BBB record o i SClO-987-8280,