As financial advisors, we always talk about the importance of planning, but a new study from the CFP Board’s Center for Financial Planning provides real data on just how much of a difference it makes. What stood out to me wasn’t just that people working with CFP® professionals are better off financially—that part isn’t surprising. What caught my attention was how much better off they are in ways that go beyond just dollars and cents.
At Kindred Wealth Partners, we have five CFP® professionals on staff, and reading through this study reinforced why that matters. Here are a few key findings that stood out and how we address them in our approach to financial planning.
1. People with CFP® professionals feel more confident and prepared
The study found that 78% of people working with a CFP® professional have at least three months of income saved in an emergency fund. That’s a huge jump from the 53% of people who don’t work with an advisor at all. It also found that 40% of clients working with a CFP® professional believe their family would be financially okay if something happened to them, compared to just 23% of unadvised individuals.
How we address this: At Kindred Wealth Partners, we take a comprehensive approach to planning—meaning we’re not just looking at investments, but also cash flow, emergency funds, insurance, and estate planning. A financial plan isn’t just about growing wealth; it’s about protecting what you’ve already built.
2. People trust CFP® professionals more than other advisors
One of the most interesting takeaways from the study was that 69% of clients working with a CFP® professional trust their advisor “a lot,” compared to just 52% of those working with a non-CFP® advisor. That trust is critical because financial planning is a long-term relationship, not just a one-time transaction.
How we address this: We know trust is earned through transparency and accountability. As CFP® professionals, we are held to a fiduciary standard, meaning we are legally required to act in our clients’ best interests. That’s not just a tagline—it’s the foundation of how we operate.
3. Financial stress is lower when working with a CFP® professional
The study found that only 8% of people working with a CFP® professional report experiencing financial anxiety, compared to 18% of those who don’t work with an advisor. That means clients aren’t just in better financial shape—they also feel better about their financial future.
How we address this: A big part of our job is helping clients understand their financial plan in a way that feels manageable and empowering. Many people feel financial stress simply because they don’t have clarity on where they stand. We make sure every client has a roadmap and knows what steps to take next.
Why This Matters
Seeing real data confirm what we’ve always believed is exciting, but what’s even more important is making sure these insights translate into real action. If working with a CFP® professional means having a stronger financial foundation, greater trust, and less stress, then making sure clients have access to that level of advice should be a priority.
At Kindred Wealth Partners, our team of five CFP® professionals is here to help guide you through the financial planning process, no matter where you’re starting from. If you’re ready to take control of your financial future, we’d love to have a conversation.
The full study can be found by clicking this link.
*Study results do not signify working with a CFP® will guarantee success nor is an endorsement of the firm by the CFP Board.