CFP101 - Foundations of Financial Planning, Ethics & Psychology
Build the foundation for comprehensive financial planning and effective client relationships.
Course Overview
This course introduces the financial planning process, professional standards, and foundational client communication skills, with an integrated emphasis on the Psychology of Financial Planning. Learners develop the ability to conduct client discovery, construct financial statements, and apply ethical and fiduciary principles. The course also explores behavioral biases, decision-making frameworks, and strategies for effectively engaging clients in goal setting and financial planning conversations.
CFP101 is the recommended first course in UNC Charlotte’s CFP® education curriculum. It establishes the financial planning and client-engagement foundation learners will use throughout the five domain courses (CFP102–CFP106) and ultimately in CFP107 Capstone.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Financial Planning & Case Synthesis: Apply CFP Board Practice Standards to conduct client discovery, analyze financial data, and develop integrated, professional financial planning recommendations.
- Financial Analysis & Strategy: Construct net worth and cash flow statements, perform time value of money calculations, and evaluate debt, cash flow, and education funding strategies.
- Ethics & Regulatory Compliance: Navigate financial service regulations, consumer protection laws, fiduciary duties, and CFP Board ethical and procedural standards.
- Psychology of Financial Planning: Identify behavioral biases and apply client counseling and communication techniques to guide financial decision-making and manage money conflicts.
Where CFP101 Fits in the Program
CFP101 → CFP102–CFP106 → CFP107 Capstone
CFP101 is recommended first. After completing CFP101, learners move into the five financial planning domain courses:
- CFP102: Insurance & Risk Management Planning
- CFP103: Investment Planning
- CFP104: Income Tax Planning
- CFP105: Retirement Savings & Income Planning
- CFP106: Estate Planning
The five domain courses may be completed in a flexible sequence. CFP107 Capstone comes last and requires successful completion of CFP101 through CFP106.
Additional Information
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.Applies To The Following Certificate
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At a Glance
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