financial foundations | Intentional Money

A magnifying glass over a financial advisor's credentials and registration documents, representing how to verify a fiduciary.

Is Your Financial Advisor a Fiduciary, and Who Can Actually Give You Investment Advice?

A CFP on a business card doesn't tell you who's legally allowed to give investment advice. Here's how CFP, IAR, and RIA status actually work — and how to verify it yourself.

Elizaveta Shafir

Sep 77 min read

Side-by-side illustration of two people holding certificates — a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) and an AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor) — representing comprehensive financial planning versus financial counseling and behavior change.

CFP vs AFC: What It Actually Takes to Earn Each, and How to Verify It

CFP vs AFC — the requirements, the exam difficulty, and how to actually verify someone holds either credential, side by side.

Foundations

Elizaveta Shafir

Sep 55 min read

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Is Your Financial Advisor a Fiduciary, and Who Can Actually Give You Investment Advice?

CFP vs AFC: What It Actually Takes to Earn Each, and How to Verify It

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