Feeling like a failure. Took 2nd exam for CFP. Failed with 67. Tomorrow I call school and see what I can do. Any suggestions other than cry and get some tequila?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

You need to take a step back. The CFP is not that serious. Soon it might even be irrelevant. Yes, it is by far the best advertised designation. But in reality, it means nothing. People who have it are proud they got it. People that don’t, and are far enough in their career, don’t care about it. I’ve had talks over the years about getting it but I’ve never lost or not got a client because of it, and have many friends who have it and they say they never have got one because they have it. Granted, there is no real way to know. People just might not come see me to begin with because I don’t have one but have seen my friends and it never came up why.

My problem with it is that I’m over 15 years in the industry. I’ve taken all the courses and the knowledge would be very valuable if I was 2 years in the industry. Where I am now, it is either outdated, or just incorrect in today’s world. The time commitment to get it could be better spent studying on what I want to do. Not on subjects I’ll never deal with.

I say all this not to discourage you from finishing it, but to try and put it into prospective. Why are you looking to get it? Knowledge? If that’s true, passing it is only for you and studying for it has served its purpose. Letters? Maybe look at what you really want to do and get letters that are more focused on your goals as a career (I.e. a AIF if you want to be fed only). Is it a requirement for work? Find a new firm that values on the job training to book training.

Anyway, keep your head up! This career can be very rewarding, no matter the letters behind you name!

like

I failed the series 7 twice. Third time was the charm. Standardized tests are zero indication of how good you are as a advisor
Just try again and drink Casamigos while your wait for the next exam.

like

I agree with MP1. I teach exam prep courses and your score tells me that you have 1 or 2 concepts that are not solid AND your real challenge is reading.

like

I don't know much about how this exam works but can you take it a second time?

like

What review did you use?

like

Use Dalton Review, it’s very difficult but worth it.

like

When I prepared for the CFP board exam (back in 2005), I enrolled in Kenneth Zahn’s live review classes. Studied a “pre-class” book they gave me for 3 months prior to the “class”, which was 4 straight days. Then they gave me another book that I studied for 3 months after the class. Passed the CFP board the first time.

like

+1 for Ken Zahn program. If you do the studying like they instruct you'll pass

like

Only a failure if you quit trying

like

“If at first your don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit. Don’t be a damn fool about it.” W.C. Fields

like

I learned a lot from the Dalton online classes which I think are also recorded. That helped me more than reading the textbooks.

like

Related Posts

For those with, or working on, Masters degrees, what major did you pick? I’m on my second semester of Music Ed, which is what my undergrad is in. Did you do music for both or something different?

Do any of you have an employer that covers tuition benefits? I want to get a Ph.D. but I don't want to pay for it.

likehelpful

Any MBAs here that competed in a case competition or an entrepreneurship case competition and willing to chat?

like

Is the ETS GRE-GMAT converter accurate? My GMAT is above medians everywhere but I don’t know how much it matters.

like

what schools do pre-mba LEK associates typically get into? targeting wharton, sloan, hbs

like

Has anyone made the jump from TAS to IB? Is it possible with no MBA? Any insight appreciated

like

Best study guide for CFP?

Just saw an old coworker post bragging about how she graduated from the most prestigious University in the world. It was obviously the Harvard Extension School…cringe

funnylike

I’ve got my first CFP course exam on Monday. I’m going through the American College HS300. Any advice or tips? I feel good overall, but still nervous. Thank you.

like

I applied to B schools and while I got into a school I'm very happy with, another school that was my #1 rejected me outright when I felt I had a great shot. Furthermore, that school was close to both my and my wife's families. So despite the school im attending being better for my career, I can't help but feel that I've let my wife and both of our families down.

This is really starting to eat at me, to the point of having nightmares and waking up anxious. Any tips on how to get over this?...

like

My wife is a Software engineer - QA with 2 Yoe, now we are thinking to move to Canada, can someone please guide us on which 2 year course can she pick (for student visa), is data science related course a wise decision? Or how to find a QA related PG program.
Preferably in Victoria, British Columbia

like

Can you get MBA tuition reimbursement if you’re a Digital Strategy Analyst? Or, do you need to be baptized as a pure Strategy Analyst?

smart

Does the current GSAP agreement say that if you intern at another consulting company it 100% certain that sponsorship is lost? Or does it say “may” impact sponsorship?

I’m reading a GSAP letter from 2018 and in this version it says “may impact”

People who pivoted/trying to pivot to PM - what resources did you use/do you recommend? There are some online courses or boot camps that have $1-2k tuition fees - worth it? Which ones are worth it?

like

What’s the average GMAT score required for booth/Kellogg’s executive MBA ?

like

Can someone suggest best consultants in Hyderabad for applying masters in USA?

like

I'm about to start my part-time MBA. Already feel like dropping out...

like

Average salary for a Senior Associate who’s in the process of getting their CFP?

like

Joining Google in a few weeks and assuming I will be moving to the Bay Area sometime this year. For people who have kids, what do you do about schools? My wife and I are looking to buy a place but most the public schools in the South Bay are rated terribly. It’s good to note we don’t have kids yet but are trying to think longer term. Are schools even considered in the resale value of a house? Thoughts and insights appreciated!

like

Did any PM or PMM get into b-schools like CBS or NYU to make the transition? Would love to chat!

like

More Posts

Can you please tell companies name which uses azure for their data engineering projects

Considering trading my no date pre-ceramic sub for a modern DJ. Thoughts?

Post Photo
like

what credit cards do ya’ll use?

like

Anyone have the link for the ‘All things link’ bowl? Used to be in it and now doesn’t come up in search anymore.

What do you think about 5G briefs and projects?

like

Happy 2017 everyone!! How's everyone feeling?

like

Hello Everyone. Please let me know whether Infosys is actually giving permanent WFH. What about next year or next to next year?

It feels very telling that there are so few people in this group. Any thoughts on that? It feels like the vast majority of people managers only want the title and don’t want to worry about their people.

likesmart

What are the exit opportunities for a product manager in canada? Ideally one that makes 2-300k

like

If your industry is severely impacted by covid, how is your leadership reacting? Are you seeing more cross-industry collaboration?

What are some of your favorite science podcasts to listen to?

like

Any ladies up for a drink this weekend?. Have the next 5 days off from work. 33 M

like

What is a good website to use to create a whole custom baby site?

Girlfriend of 3 years cheated on me right before we were supposed to leave the state and move in together. We broke up about 4 months ago. I couldn’t demonize her, so I’m still struggling with processing it and idk what to do. I’ve been looking into therapy, but I can only do online which leaves me hesitant. Any advice would be appreciated.

like

Anyone purchased a timeshare? How does it work and how do you like it?

Anyone in the strategy consulting group? How’s it going for you?

Anyone here from IQVIA that have had their green card sponsorship done here? What was your timeline like?

like

I feel like a failure as a parent at times - my youngest daughter is extremely anxious about middle school and in the first week has already had two emotional breakdowns. She is so worried about people picking on her and not having friends. I have reached out to the counselor and principal with hopes to get her some support in school, but I can’t do anything to make it better. I feel like I should be able to do more than encourage her but I know some battles she had to fight on her own.

like

Devs, how critical it is for a designers to stick precisely to the grid? (8pt, 4pt, etc)

In instances when elements are off the grid, does that complicate your task or it’s not a big deal?

like

No active posters? Here for the unfiltered gossip!!

Additional Posts in Financial Advisors

I interviewed for an employed role and knocked my business plan pitch out the park, but could tell I disappointed them with my technical. By my own admission I’m lacking in this area as only have 1.5 years experience with a poor manager who only had me focus on biz dev.

They asked me what my salary expectations are but had already hinted my experience would knock me down a pay grade.

As it was 4 of them and 1 of me I said I would email them. How do I play this without lowballing myself?

like

Has anyone heard of, or tried using, the Paladin Registry?

like

This job sure brings out the inner narcissist in me! Normally I am all about the clients and their needs, and have always been a bit of a caregiver..but when they are super happy and make referrals and such

likesmart

LLP. 2 partners with a single employee. What could my client (one of the partners) do in the way of a retirement plan? 2nd partner may or may not “be in."

like

What are some good networking clubs, organizations, or groups to get involved in?

like

Can some of you experienced folk recommend some good books for rookies? What are your favorites for investment strategies, marketing, selling, etc.?

like

I’ve got my first CFP course exam on Monday. I’m going through the American College HS300. Any advice or tips? I feel good overall, but still nervous. Thank you.

like

I just finished the book I was reading. What should I read next?

like

How many of you make over $500k a year? What is your AGI after deductions? What firm do you work for? How long have you been in the business? What’s the best piece of advice you can give?

likesmart

Titles that my new client puts on the business card after his name: MBA, AWS, CDMP, PMP, ITIL, CSSGB, ACP, RMP

like

Millennial advisor expanding into the 65+ client market for the first time. Anyone have recommendations for where I can learn about Medicare supplement plans and who/where you use for your clients?

like

It's March, and I have done a lot of seminars in Jan and Feb. I've gotten a few clients but would like to increase AUM drastically! Any books, sites or advice on what I can do for marketing?

like

Has anyone bought a list of prospects that was actually legit? If yes, what company did you use?

like

I’m taking the CFP exam Nov 8th. All tips/tricks welcomed !!

Thank you so much.

like

Best books you read this year that aren’t about sales, marketing or prospecting?

like

There are advisors who present themselves as a financial planner first and investment manager second. Which one are you?

like

Anyone with US Trust as a PCA? Looking for additional details in terms of the culture, day to day type of things and how you’re doing there vs. what the recruiter stated was the average?

like

For you introverts who aren't fond of socializing or "hanging out". Do you just dislike socializing at work or just dislike it in general? In my case it's the latter. How about you guys?

like

CFP thinking of taking a few month career break to search for a new position. Need a recharge and to reevaluate, not to mention time to search. Would this be a mistake? Thanks

like

I have been in the industry for 6 yrs now. I have been offered a position with Fidelity as a PC. Currently an advisor in the bank channel. Anyone have advice on moving into this role?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal