This is the eBook version of the printed book.

This Element is an excerpt from Who Can You Trust With Your Money? Get the Help You Need Now and Avoid Dishonest Advisors (9780137033652) by Bonnie Kirchner. Available in print and digital formats.

A practical guide to interpreting the meaning and value of your financial professionals’ licenses, designations, and certifications

Financial professionals who have more letters after their names don’t necessarily offer higher quality advice. Some designations carry more clout because they require more dedication to obtain and maintain. Some are general and others specific. Depending on your needs, some will be more important to you than others. Here are some of the longest lived and more common designations, and what they mean.