In this ever increasingly complex world of finance, with headline stories of scam-artists robbing retirees of their lifetime earnings, it is more important than ever that consumers be knowledgeable about financial advisors’ history and track record. Therefore, you should be aware of the following regulatory agencies to know if a financial advisor is in good standing:

1. The Certified Financial Planner® designation requires 24 months of course work, covers 101 topics of Financial Planning and passing a rigorous 10 hour comprehensive EXAM. CFP ® certificates must abide by a strict code of ethics. The regulatory board is the Certified Financial Planner® Board of Standards and can be reached at 1-800-487-1497 or at www.CFP.net.

2. North Carolina State Board of Certified Public Accountants Examiners

1-919-733-4222

3. The Better Business Bureau

Charlotte: 704-527-0012

Hendersonville: 828-692-1413

4. The Chamber of Commerce

Lake Norman: 704-892-1922

Hendersonville: 828-692-1413

5. State Department of Insurance: 1-919-733-7487

6. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) : 202-292-8088

These designations and regulatory agencies provide essential accountability. If you have any questions regarding this letter or other issues, feel free to ask us here or call us at our office.

Toll Free: 1-888-949-7475