Introduction to the Partnership
The collaboration between Dalton Education and Wake Forest University has created an accredited certification program that aims to elevate the standard of financial advisory services for military personnel and their families. This specialized training is designed to help address the unique financial planning needs of this community, ensuring they receive expert guidance tailored to their circumstances.
Benefits of the Certified Military Financial Advisor Program
The Certified Military Financial Advisor™ (CMFA™) certification delivers comprehensive training focused on the specific financial challenges faced by active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Developed by knowledgeable industry professionals, the program's curriculum covers essential topics that may not be addressed in traditional financial planning education. These core aspects make this certification not just valuable but necessary.
Program Insights from Leadership
James Dalton, the Chief Product Officer at CeriFi, noted the significance of this new partnership. He emphasized that by offering an accredited program, they are setting a higher bar for financial advisors. The need for credible training in military-specific financial planning has never been more apparent, enhancing the value of this certification in the financial services field.
Target Audience
In a landscape where there are over 2.1 million active-duty service members and approximately 8.6 million employed veterans, there is a pressing demand for financial advisors equipped to understand and address the unique financial circumstances of military families. Recognizing this gap in the market, Dalton Education is positioning itself as a leader in this specialized education sector.
Accredited Curriculum
With a curriculum designed to be both comprehensive and applicable, the CMFA™ program requires around 22 hours of study. It complements the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) certification by incorporating military-specific content that is often neglected in other financial planning programs. Such inclusivity makes this certification especially appealing for professionals looking to serve military clients effectively.
Industry Response
Trailblazing financial firms, including Thrivent Financial and Ameriprise Financial, are taking proactive measures to cater to the financial needs of service members and their families. By actively engaging in the education of their advisors through the CMFA™ program, these firms demonstrate a commitment to improving client outcomes.
Real-World Impacts of the Program
Myke Sampayo, a former U.S. Army sergeant and Field Training Manager at Ameriprise Financial, highlights the differences that come when firms back their claims of supporting veterans with actionable support systems and educational training for financial advisors. Such initiatives not only bolster the knowledge base of financial professionals but also significantly improve the quality of life for the military families they serve.
Key Features of the CMFA™ Program
The CMFA™ program is designed with flexibility in mind, supporting the busy lives of financial professionals. Some of the standout features of the program include:
- Self-paced learning options for convenience.
- Engaging, multi-faceted content that combines on-demand instruction with real-life case studies.
- Practical resources, such as client meeting checklists, to facilitate immediate application.
- Approval for 22 hours of continuing education credit for CFP® certification maintenance.
- The opportunity to earn a certificate from an accredited program through Wake Forest University.
- Accessible program cost of $1,495.
Conclusion
Financial services firms that are eager to learn more about this accredited CMFA™ certification and how it can benefit their advisors and clients are encouraged to reach out to Dalton Education directly. The partnership with Wake Forest University exemplifies a groundbreaking step toward providing accessible and high-quality education geared to foster professional growth in the financial planning sector.
About Dalton Education
Dalton Education, a renowned provider of educational resources in the financial services sector, is dedicated to helping professionals excel by offering top-notch training programs. With a record of high CGI® pass rates and significant contributions to the number of certified professionals in the country, Dalton is recognized for its innovative approach to education.
About Wake Forest School of Professional Studies
Wake Forest School of Professional Studies is committed to delivering quality education and innovative programming. Their initiatives cater to the growing demand for skilled professionals in today's workforce, emphasizing an accessible online education experience aimed at advancing careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMFA™ program?
The CMFA™ program is a certification designed for financial advisors to specialize in the needs of military service members and their families.
How long does the CMFA™ program take to complete?
The program typically requires about 22 hours of study to complete.
Who can benefit from the CMFA™ certification?
Financial advisors who work with military clients or wish to specialize in that area will find the certification particularly beneficial.
What is the cost of the CMFA™ program?
The program investment is $1,495.
How does this partnership enhance the certification?
The partnership with Wake Forest University brings accreditation, increasing the program's credibility and recognition within the industry.
