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Partnering with a financial planner can provide personalized guidance to help you achieve your financial goals through strategic planning, investment advice, and ongoing support.

C. W. Copeland, Ph.D. President of the Financial Planning Division of the National Financial Group.
What is a Financial Planner?
A financial planner is a professional who helps you manage your finances by assessing your current situation, understanding your goals, and creating a roadmap covering budgeting, saving, investing, retirement, tax planning, and risk management. They provide expert advice tailored to your unique financial needs.
Benefits of Working with a Financial Planner
  • Personalized Strategy: Your planner develops a customized plan based on your income, expenses, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives.
  • Goal Setting and Accountability: They help you set realistic financial goals and keep you accountable toward achieving them.
  • Investment Guidance: Planners advise on appropriate investment options aligned with your goals and risk profile.
  • Tax and Retirement Planning: They assist in maximizing tax advantages and preparing comprehensive retirement strategies.
  • Emotional Support: Financial decisions can be stressful; a planner offers objective advice to help you stay focused during market fluctuations or life changes.
How to Choose a Financial Planner
  • Credentials: Look for certifications such as CFP® (Certified Financial Planner), which indicates rigorous training and ethical standards.
  • Fee Structure: Understand if they charge via commission, hourly fees, or a percentage of assets under management. Fee-only planners often have fewer conflicts of interest.
  • Fiduciary Duty: Prefer planners who act as fiduciaries, meaning they are legally required to act in your best interest.
  • Experience and Specialization: Check if their expertise matches your needs, such as retirement planning, estate planning, or tax strategies.
  • Compatibility: Good communication and trust between you and your planner are critical for a successful relationship.
What to Expect When Working with a Financial Planner
  • Initial Discovery Meeting: To discuss your financial situation, goals, and expectations.
  • Financial Plan Development: The planner will analyze your data and create a written financial plan.
  • Implementation: They guide you through executing the plan, including investments and insurance purchase.
  • Ongoing Reviews: Regular check-ins to update your plan and adjust strategies as life circumstances or markets change.

Explore The Six Areas of Financial Planning

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Tips for a Successful Partnership
  • Be transparent about your finances and goals.
  • Ask questions and ensure you understand recommendations.
  • Stay engaged and review your plan regularly.
  • Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if uncertain.
  • Working with a qualified financial planner can empower you to make confident, informed decisions and build a secure financial future tailored to your unique needs and aspirations.
Bio
C. W. Copeland, Ph.D. is the President of the Financial Planning Division of the National Financial Group. Dr. Copeland is also an Adjunct Professor of Insurance at The American College of Financial Services, an Adjunct Professor at the College for Financial Planning, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus, an Adjunct Professor at Georgia State University, and an Adjunct Professor at Clark-Atlanta University. Dr. Copeland conducts scholarly research in Behavioral Economics and teaches graduate-level business courses. He has been a regular guest on radio and television shows across the country where he addresses audiences on financial planning strategies on a regular basis. Dr. Copeland has served for 27 years as an instructor with R.S. Thomas Training Associates providing pre-licensing training, continuing education, and business development advice for financial services professionals. Dr. Copeland has more than 28 years of industry experience as a financial planner where he coordinates the efforts of attorneys, tax advisors, employee benefits coordinators, estate and business planners, and pension managers for the benefit of his clients. He holds numerous licenses and registrations (in multiple states) in the areas of investments and insurance and holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations.

Download C.W. Copeland's ebook

"What Would the Rockefellers Do?"

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