Two years ago, I set out to earn the CFP designation. I started the coursework in 2023, thinking I’d power through it in about a year. That didn’t happen. Life got in the way. Work got in the way. And the truth is, I wasn’t getting the support I needed from my firm at the time.

Everything changed when I joined Members’ Wealth.

From the start, the team here made it clear they were invested in my growth. I was encouraged to finish the program, given time during the week to study, and pushed—in the best way—to get it done. That motivation made a difference. I leaned in. Every night, I sat down with a stack of practice questions, calculator in hand, tackling topics like tax strategy, investment theory, estate planning structures, and the ever-present ethics rules.

It was exhausting. It was intense. It was absolutely worth it.

The CFP curriculum is designed to challenge you. It's not just about knowing the rules—it’s about applying them in a way that makes a real difference for people. I’ve always taken a comprehensive approach to planning, but the depth of this program sharpened that even further. I thought I knew Roth conversions—turns out, I had more to learn. Like how a recently retired client might use the gap years before Social Security and RMDs to lower lifetime tax liability through partial conversions. Or how large conversions might impact Medicare premiums if you’re not careful​.

I also got a deeper understanding of estate planning tools I already use with clients. Strategies like GRATs, ILITs, and charitable remainder trusts aren’t just concepts in a textbook—they’re tools that can bring a client’s legacy to life. The exam made me think about how to apply these structures more intentionally. It pushed me to fine-tune the “why” behind every recommendation​.

The ethics portion was frustrating at times—not because the material was hard, but because it forced me to slow down and reflect on the responsibility that comes with this work. I’ve always held myself to a high standard, yet studying the CFP Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct reminded me how much clients rely on us to do the right thing, especially when no one is watching. That level of trust means everything to me.

The investment content was familiar ground, given my background, but the lens was different. Less about outperforming benchmarks, more about building portfolios that serve a purpose. Risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs—those aren’t just buzzwords. They’re the foundation of making sure investments actually work for the person behind the numbers.

Insurance planning, cash flow modeling, education funding—none of it was new, but I now approach each topic with a more integrated mindset. The biggest lesson? It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about asking better questions.

Now that I’ve passed, I feel a mix of pride, relief, and renewed energy. The long nights were worth it. The hours of study made me better. And the support I received at Members’ Wealth made it possible to keep going, even when I felt burnt out.

This milestone isn’t about adding letters after my name. It’s about doing right by the families I serve. It’s about making sure the advice I give reflects the highest level of professionalism, depth, and care. If you’re working with someone who holds the CFP mark, you should know what that means—it means they’ve committed to doing this the right way.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your plan is truly comprehensive—or whether you’re missing opportunities to simplify, save, or strengthen your strategy—I’d love to talk. This exam may be over, but the real work—the work I care most about—is just getting started.

And tonight? I’m taking a break from studying. Just for tonight.

These examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual client experiences. Individual results will vary based on personal financial circumstances and tax laws.

About the Author – Stu Caplan

Stu Caplan is Senior Wealth Strategist at Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions.

The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of industry experience, Stu and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations.

Stu received his MBA from The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and his bachelor’s degree from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. Stu resides in Bucks County, PA with his wife and two sons. He’s an avid golfer and is thrilled that his boys have embraced the game. He also volunteers his time as a board member of the PKD Foundation and Abrams Hebrew Academy.

To get in touch with the Members’ Wealth team today, I invite you to email info@memberswealthllc.com or call (267) 367-5453. 

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