The Financial Planning Association has renewed its partnership with the Psychology of Financial Planning Specialist program, which teaches financial planners skills to enhance client relationships and improve their practices.
The 9-hour program offers participants a structured approach to understanding client behaviors, money beliefs, and communication strategies, according to an FPA news release. Planners who complete the program earn the Psychology of Financial Planning Specialist badge, which they display on their website and social media platforms.
Developed by Dr. Brad Klontz, CFP, and Dr. Charles Chaffin, the program is good for nine continuing education credits for CFP professionals.
The program is divided into 13 modules:
Client Values & Goals: The Planner’s Role in Facilitating Financial Success
Understanding Your Client’s Background
Understanding Your Client’s Money Beliefs
Understanding Your Client’s Financial Behaviors
Multicultural Competence in Financial Planning
Dealing with Client Money Conflicts
Six Steps to Help a Client Navigate a Crisis Event
Behavioral Finance for Financial Planners
Client Learning Styles and Risk Tolerance
Principles of Effective Communication
Counseling in Financial Planning Practice
Getting the Client to Take Action
Implementing Financial Psychology into Practice
Thousands of financial planners in 15 countries have completed the program, which provides insights into behavioral finance, cultural competence, crisis navigation, and effective client communication. Participating planners who complete the program get a digital badge and a certificate of completion.
“We’re proud to continue our collaboration with FPA to bring the Psychology of Financial Planning Specialist program to its members,” said Chaffin, the program co-founder. “The future of financial planning is not just client-facing — it’s client-centered. Together, we’re helping to lead that transformation.”
Through renewal of the partnership, FPA members will continue get a discount on the Psychology of Financial Planning Specialist program. For more information and to enroll, visit the FPA Learning Center.
For more information on the Psychology of Financial Planning program, go here.
