What is personal financial planning?  Helping people meet life’s financial challenges is the process of personal financial planning.  The process focuses on developing strategies in the following areas:

• Investment Management

• Tax Planning

• Estate Planning

• Retirement Funding Strategies

• Insurance & Risk Management

• Wealth Protection

Who can provide personal financial planning?  CPAs who specialize in financial planning.  CPA financial planners have broad experience using technical skills relevant to the financial planning process.  Washington State CPAs are subject to continuing education requirements and ethics standards enforced by the Board of Accountancy as well as the Department of Financial Institutions.  CPAs are accustomed to upholding a high degree of integrity by providing objective independent advice. 

Where can I find a CPA who specializes in personal financial planning?  Link to WSCPA.ORG… find a cpa;  or call the WSCPA at (425) 644-4800; the Society maintains a list of qualified service providers.  Your current CPA may also be able to provide this service or refer you to a qualified CPA.   

How do I know if a CPA is qualified to provide personal financial planning?  CPAs generally promote the financial planning services they provide.  Make sure the CPA promoting the financial planning services you seek is a Registered Investment Adviser. CPAs financial planners generally earn additional designations such as PFS (Personal Financial Specialist), CFP (Certified Financial Planner), CFA (Certified Financial Analyst).

Do I need Personal Financial Planning?