Investing is a crucial – and much misunderstood — aspect of securing a prosperous financial future. While some have the time and know-how to manage their investments, many could benefit from expert guidance.
A highly trained financial advisor can assist you in meeting your financial goals in a tailored, strategic manner.
Qualifications
At Allied Wealth, we hold two of the most stringent qualifications financial advisors can achieve.
We are Certified Public Accountants (CPA).
A CPA is a professional accountant who has met the education, experience, and examination requirements established by the State Board of Accountancy. To earn the CPA designation, an individual must typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, pass the Uniform CPA Exam, and have a certain amount of professional experience in accounting. CPAs must keep up with continuing education requirements to maintain their license and stay up-to-date on industry developments.
We also hold the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
A CFA is a professional designation for financial analysts who have completed a rigorous program of study and passed a series of exams. The CFA program covers various financial topics, including investment management, financial analysis, ethics, and professional standards. The CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals, administers the program.
To earn the CFA designation, candidates must complete a series of three exams, each designed to test their knowledge and skills in different areas of finance. The exams are administered over several years and require hundreds of hours of study and preparation. In addition, candidates must have at least four years of professional experience in the investment industry.
How we help with investing
Holding a CPA and CFA designation helps us provide expert guidance to our clients in a tailored, strategic manner.
While a CFA focuses on investment management, a CPA specializes in accounting and tax matters. Combining these designations can offer a holistic approach to financial advisory, providing clients with an expansive range of services from investment planning to tax optimization.
CFA expertise
CFA charter holders undergo rigorous training in investment management, equipping us with in-depth knowledge of portfolio management, asset valuation, and risk management. This enables us to provide data-backed investment strategies tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.
The CFA program also emphasizes ethical and professional conduct, which requires us to prioritize your best interests when managing investments.
CPA expertise
A financial advisor with a CPA designation is well-versed in tax laws and can help construct a tax-efficient investment portfolio.
Having a tax-efficient portfolio is important because it can help minimize the taxes you owe on your investments, ultimately leaving you with more money in your pocket.
A tax-efficient strategy involves making investment decisions that reduce or defer taxes, like investing in tax-exempt bonds or holding investments for the long term to take advantage of lower long-term capital gains tax rates.
Another tax-efficient strategy can be tax-loss harvesting, which involves selling securities at a loss to offset capital gains and reduce taxes owed.
By implementing a tax-efficient strategy, you can potentially increase your after-tax returns, which may help you reach your financial goals.
Integrated advice
With CFA and CPA designations, we can offer integrated advice that encompasses investment management and tax planning, which can be particularly beneficial for clients looking for a one-stop shop for all their financial needs.
Complex Scenarios
Clients with more complex financial situations, like owning a business or having various types of income and investments, may benefit from using an advisor proficient in investment and tax planning.
Financial planning
Holding a CPA and a CFA certification helps us engage in comprehensive financial planning for our clients in a more well-rounded manner.
By combining the expertise of both designations, we can offer a more holistic approach to financial planning, ranging from investment strategies to tax optimization.
Final thoughts
The financial world is complex and ever-evolving. While expertise in one area is valuable, combining multiple disciplines can provide a more robust and comprehensive service.
An advisor with both CFA and CPA designations is equipped to offer a balanced and well-rounded approach to financial management, from dissecting complex financial statements to constructing tax-efficient portfolios. For clients, this translates into well-informed decisions and the potential for a more secure financial future.
Content in this material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. No strategy ensures success or protects against loss. LPL Financial does not offer tax advice.