2204-363049_PFP to Tax

Expand your financial services | Statistics | Testimonials | Resources | Learn more

Expand your tax and financial services to meet the growing demand.

Client needs are changing faster than ever. Explore the top benefits of diversifying your financial planning skills and get success tools to be your clients’ No. 1 go-to adviser.

CPAs who formally offer planning services report better outcomes for their firms and add value for their clients.

Many CPAs who formally offer planning services report high levels of growth and fulfillment.

Two out of every three affluent individuals say tax knowledge tops the list of important considerations when selecting a financial adviser.

Tax reform provides a natural opportunity to discuss the impact on all aspects of your clients' financial lives.

Other planning professionals covet the tax relationship, with 54% of them offering tax planning services.

Technology is evolving quickly, allowing clients to do some planning on their own, but they lack the perspective the CPA financial planner provides.

Why expanding your services is important

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Statistics | Testimonials | Resources | Learn more

Expand your financial services | Statistics | Testimonials | Resources | Learn more

Why now is the best time to invest in your future as a CPA financial planner

of millennials are stressed and anxious about saving for retirement.*

70%

growth in demand for personal financial advisers projected**

15%

of Americans say their financial planning needs work.***

70%

* Source: annuity.org ** Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics *** Source: Northwestern Mutual

Expand your financial services | Statistics | Testimonials | Resources | Learn more

Lori Luck, CPA/PFS

"I started looking at how to add future value to our firm, so I sought out like-minded professionals who want to build on tax and look at the whole big picture. I encourage my staff to begin by pursuing the AICPA’s Personal Financial Specialist (PFS™) credential. As a firm owner, it is important to me that my staff be able to fill expanding needs because this is what clients are looking for. When I retire, I want to know there is a team in place to provide these services to clients."

Mark Astrinos, CPA/PFS

“I started my career in audit at a Big Four firm. But talking about personal finances always excited me, so I found my passion and followed it. Now I get to help clients with their planning needs day in and day out since starting my own independent financial planning firm. I get to partner with clients to help them build meaningful and purposeful lives.”

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Practitioner success stories

President | Shareholder CLS Financial Advisors

Financial Life Planner | Investment Advisor Libra Wealth

Don't just take our word, here's what others have to say.

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“I started looking at how to add future value to our firm, so I sought out like-minded professionals who want to build on tax and look at the whole big picture. I encourage my staff to begin by pursuing the AICPA’s Personal Financial Specialist (PFS™) credential. As a firm owner, it is important to me that my staff be able to fill expanding needs because this is what clients are looking for. When I retire, I want to know there is a team in place to provide these services to clients.” Lori Luck, CPA/PFS President | Shareholder CLS Financial Advisors

“The PFP Section connects members with a wealth of valuable resources and a network of people facing similar challenges and opportunities. It is a collaborative community where you will find technical depth, fresh ideas and meaningful friendships. Whether you’re interested in accessing some of the resources, sharing your gifts, networking or something else, this is a warm, open community that wants to welcome and support you in any way you desire. I know because I have enjoyed these benefits as a PFP Section member. You can too.” Paula McMillan, CPA/PFS Senior Financial Advisor Stearns Financial Group

“I use the PFP Section resources extensively and have for many years. Timely and critical information is available in all formats: podcast, webcast, video clip, email, newsletter, reference manual and the Advanced PFP Conference. Financial Planning Digest gives me expert information and thought leadership. I love that a Broadridge subscription comes with a section membership. Broadridge’s client-oriented materials helps me communicate efficiently with clients on topics that matter to them. Also included with membership is a subscription to Bob Veres Inside Information. It would be hard to run my business without the PFP Section.” Brooke Salvini, CPA/PFS Owner Salvini Financial Planning

“The PFP Section supported the development of my financial planning practice with best practices aligned with my CPA professional value. In the beginning, the PFP Section’s how-to guides gave me the confidence to be on the right track. Along the way, it connected me to deep and wide expertise from the profession’s thought leaders. It’s very comforting to have such a level of excellence on your side. The section’s extensive resources create value no financial professional can miss, or should do without.” Jean-Luc Bourdon, CPA/PFS Founder and wealth advisor Lucent Wealth Planning

“The PFP membership is a one-stop shop for everything I need for my small personal financial planning firm. I have found no other source with vast information, resources, CPE, advocacy, tools and opportunities to engage with other members. I have access to collaboration, group wisdom and a professional peer group second to none. The PFS credential — which the PFP Section supports and administers — provides a forum of like-minded people committed to serving their clients with excellence. The PFP Section provides everything a CPA needs to get started and stay current and relevant.” Susan Tillery, CPA/PFS President & CEO Paraklete Financial

Expand your financial services | Statistics | Testimonials | Resources | Learn more

What you can do next

Whether you want to start providing personal financial planning services or add these services as a formalized offering in your established practice, we're here to guide you with the necessary tools and resources.

CPAs who formally offer planning services report better outcomes for their firms and add value for their clients.

Many CPAs who formally offer planning services report high levels of growth and fulfillment.

Two out of every three affluent individuals say tax knowledge tops the list of important considerations when selecting a financial adviser.

Tax reform provides a natural opportunity to discuss the impact on all aspects of your clients' financial lives.

Other planning professionals covet the tax relationship, with 54% of them offering tax planning services.

Technology is evolving quickly, allowing clients to do some planning on their own, but they lack the perspective the CPA financial planner provides.

Why expanding your services is important

What to learn

Take advantage of the many trainings and learning opportunities.

CPA/PFS Program, including the PFP certificate pathway and the new experienced track where you can demonstrate your knowledge and ability to serve as the primary point of contact with the PFS credential. Advanced Personal Financial Planning Conference at AICPA ENGAGE A deep dive into personal financial planning with top-notch speakers, thought leaders and networking with peers.

Listen to the stories of others in the PFP Community: • Get to know your community and learn from each other in this series • Grow Your Practice Beyond Taxes with Value Added Financial Planning • Use your client’s tax return to provide valuable financial advice • A story of tax to personal financial planning • How to Make Time to Provide Personal Financial Planning Services

Understand the mechanics of setting your business up for success.

Building a Financial Planning and Tax Advisory Business podcast series An insightful podcast from a panel of successful financial planning practitioners Roadmap to developing a tax and financial planning business A helpful guide to establish and grow your practice Technology for a Tax and Financial Planning Services Business Guide Resources to make the right technology decisions you can implement in your firm The CPA’s Guide to Investment Advisory Business Models Rules on delivering investment advice CPA financial planner marketing toolkit Compilation of client and prospect-facing materials to help you advertise your services and showcase the benefits of working with a CPA financial planner Finding the sweet spot in tax planning and technology Download Highlight your expertise as a CPA financial planner with these ads and Tax and Financial Planning Business Annual Software Survey Results

Client tools

Be seen as a trusted adviser in the eyes of your clients with these essential resources.

Personal Finance Scorecard Jump-start client and prospect conversations and learn about their financial concerns. Analysis of a Tax Return Checklist Review a 1040 using this checklist to identify planning opportunities and client needs. Proactive Planning Toolkit Ensure your tax and financial planning advice consider the latest rules and regulations.

Take action and harness your knowledge.

Expand your financial services | Statistics | Testimonials | Resources | Learn more

Let’s talk.

Learn how you can further your financial planning services.