One of the biggest changes to shake the world of finance has been the rise of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional fifty years ago this year. The now-trusted CFP® certification earned by both Gabe Lapito and Ryan Gomendi of Strategic Retirement Plans—traces its roots back to 1969 when a small group set out to create a new type of financial service. Focusing on fiduciary responsibility to the client and their holistic financial health, their meeting laid the groundwork for the financial advising industry that has earned a place at the top of today’s market.

“Financial planning has come a long way since the days of the stock broker,” says Gabe Lapito, MBA, CPA/PFS, CFP®, AIF® and Owner/Financial Advisor of Strategic Retirement Plans. “Back then investment guys just bought your stock for you. Now people want someone to talk with them about their whole financial life, from insurance, tax and investment planning to retirement and estate planning. They need someone who will keep up with the changing financial landscape and help them align their finances with their life goals.”

“The fact that this new approach has grown so rapidly since 1969 is a big deal,” adds Ryan Gomendi, Masters of Accountancy, AIF®, CFP® and Financial Advisor at Strategic Retirement Plans. “It shows that this approach speaks to people. It shows we’re meeting a need.”

(The following article appeared in InvestmentNews.)

https://www.investmentnews.com/article/20190914/FEATURE/190919985/financial-planning-founders-started-a-movement-and-created-a