Written by Hazel Secco, CFP®, CDFA®
If you’ve been scrolling through financial blogs or catching snippets of money talk on your favorite podcast, you’ve likely heard the experts say: “Make sure you find a NAPFA advisor.“
But if you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking, “That sounds like a lot of alphabet soup. What does it actually mean for me?”
As a firm dedicated to empowering independent women, we believe that transparency is the foundation of any good relationship. Since we often serve our clients virtually from our office base in Hoboken, NJ, we want you to know exactly who is on the other end of the screen.
Here is the “why” behind our NAPFA membership and why it’s a big deal for your financial clarity and confidence.
Table of contents
First off, what is NAPFA?
NAPFA stands for the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. It is essentially the “gold standard” community for fee-only financial planners.
The most important thing to know is that NAPFA advisors are prohibited from taking commissions. We don’t get “kickbacks” for recommending a specific investment. Also, we don’t get bonuses for selling you a certain insurance policy. Our only source of compensation is you.
The Difference: This structure is designed to minimize conflicts of interest. It ensures our recommendations are driven by your specific financial goals rather than a desire to earn a sales incentive from a third party.
The “Bar” is Set High
Not every financial advisor can join NAPFA. It’s an honors society for wealth management. To be part of it, we must:
- Be a CFP® Professional: We hold the Certified Financial Planner™ designation, the industry’s high standard for competency and ethics.
- Pass a Peer Review: We submitted a full, comprehensive financial plan to be scrutinized by other professionals before being accepted into the association.
- Never Stop Learning: We commit to 60 hours of continuing education every two years—significantly more than the industry average—so we stay at the forefront of tax laws and wealth strategies.
For over 40 years, NAPFA has been the standard-bearer for Fee-Only, fiduciary financial advisors. At Align Financial Solutions LLC, we believe you deserve a partner who advocates for the highest professional and ethical standards.
The Three C’s of a NAPFA Advisor
To help you understand the value of this partnership, we focus on three core values that shape every NAPFA-registered professional:
1. Comprehensive
A NAPFA financial planner doesn’t just look at your investments; they focus on your entire financial life. From your first major career move to the day you enter retirement, we help outline a holistic path. We build plans focused on your unique needs, your goals, and your future, ensuring every piece of the puzzle—from taxes to estate planning—works together.
2. Competent
Financial issues can be complex, but you shouldn’t have to navigate them alone. NAPFA advisors differentiate themselves by adhering to rigorous competency standards and ongoing continuing education. We commit to 60 hours of education every two years. This helps us stay ahead of changing laws and strategies so we can partner with you effectively, regardless of how your circumstances change.
3. Client-Centered
Working with a NAPFA-affiliated advisor means you always come first. We are fiduciaries at all times. This “client-centered” focus means we are committed to aligning solely with your interests. Because we are Fee-Only, we never receive commissions or kickbacks. Our only “boss” is you.
The “Fiduciary” Promise
You’ll hear us use the word fiduciary a lot. In plain English, it means we have a legal and ethical obligation to put your interests ahead of our own. Every year, we sign a Fiduciary Oath.
For the independent women we serve—many of whom are juggling careers, families, and long-term legacy planning—having an advisor who is a sworn fiduciary means one less thing to worry about. You can feel confident that our advice is centered on your vision for the future.
If you’ve been scrolling through financial blogs or catching snippets of money talk, you’ve likely heard the experts say: “Make sure you find a NAPFA advisor.” But what does that actually mean for your financial future?
Read the full mission and fiduciary oath at the NAPFA website.
Why We Do Things Differently at Align Financial Solutions
We chose the NAPFA, fee-only model because we believe you deserve a seat at the table where the only agenda is your success. Whether we’re meeting over a coffee in town or via a Zoom call from three time zones away, our commitment to the NAPFA standards ensures our interests stay firmly aligned with yours.
Want to see what it’s like to work with an advisor who is truly in your corner? We’d love to meet you. Click here to schedule a 15-minute Align call with Align Financial Solutions LLC. Let’s talk about your vision for the future.
