New Research Reinforces the Value of CFP® Certification
CFP Board recently released a new report, Trust. Confidence. Impact: 2025 Financial Planning Longitudinal Study, confirming that Americans who work with CFP® professionals continue to achieve better financial outcomes than those working with other advisors or managing finances on their own. The second year of results in the decade-plus-long study reinforces meaningful advantages in financial preparedness, client satisfaction and holistic planning for CFP® professional-advised households.
The research reveals that 94% of households advised by CFP® professionals feel confident in their ability to achieve financial goals, compared to 85% of those working with other advisors and 81% of unadvised Americans. This confidence translates into action: 83% of people who work with a CFP® professional maintain emergency funds covering three months’ worth of income and 61% have a will in place – significantly higher than clients of other advisors (68% and 46%) and unadvised individuals (53% and 24%). Half (51%) of people who work with a CFP® professional also report living comfortably, compared to 40% with other advisors and 31% of unadvised households.
CFP® Professionals Earn Higher Client Satisfaction and Trust
The findings reveal notable differences in clients’ relationships with their advisors. Nearly 3 in 4 (73%) clients have strong trust in their CFP® professional, compared to just 52% for other advisors. Two-thirds (62%) of CFP® professional-advised Americans say they are very satisfied with their advisor’s role, versus 44% of those working with other advisors. Americans also say their CFP® professional helps reduce financial anxiety (59%) and motivates them to reach financial planning goals (54%). In comparison, those working with other advisors report these benefits at rates of 38% and 34%, respectively.
This satisfaction may stem from deeper relationships: 60% of CFP® professional clients say their advisor makes an effort to learn about their family and values, compared to 41% of those with other advisors.
Holistic Planning Covers More Life Stages and Financial Areas
Financial plans managed by CFP® professionals cover nearly twice as many critical planning areas compared to other advisors. This holistic approach shows up across multiple dimensions, with CFP® professional clients significantly more likely to receive detailed planning in investment and retirement planning, estate planning, and risk management and insurance.
“We’re seeing that the benefits of working with a CFP® professional are holding steady in year two,” said Kevin Roth, Ph.D., Managing Director of Research at CFP Board. “As we track these households in the years ahead, we’ll deepen our understanding of how CFP® professionals influence financial outcomes at every stage of life.”
How Can You Earn CFP® Certification and Build Stronger Client Relationships?
Get an overview of the CFP® certification process here and identify your next step. CFP® certification makes a difference for advisors and for their clients, often leading to higher salaries as well as better client outcomes. Don’t wait – make CFP® certification one of your goals for 2026!