Enter one of the fastest-growing professions today – financial planning. The Midlands Technical College CFP Certification Education Program is offered at Trident Technical College via two-way interactive conferencing.

This program provides the job knowledge needed by financial planners as determined by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Participants who successfully complete this 18-month program will be certified as eligible to apply for the CFP certification examination.

The seven-course certificate program covers fundamentals of financial, insurance, estate, income tax, investment, and retirement planning, and finishes with a capstone (case study) component. Tuition is $3,500 for the certificate program. Courses are approved for insurance continuing education. Individual components may be taken for $695 per course. Payment plans are available.

This program is offered in partnership with the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. The program is taught by Neil Brown, CFP, CPA, program director at Midlands Technical College.

Students who successfully complete this new program will be certified as eligible to apply to sit for the CFP certification examination in July 2009. Students must have an undergraduate degree and three years of work experience and pass this national certification examination to receive the Certified Financial Planner designation.

For more information, contact Patsy Towery at 803.732.5256 or toweryp@midlandstech.edu; Nancy Beym, Moore School of Business, at 803.777.2144; or Neil Brown at nbrown4444@yahoo.com.

To register, call 803.732.0432.

Dates of Courses:
Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. (dates may be adjusted to meet college calendars)

2009CSP CEPFP-620-08TR  Income Tax Planning 10/30/08-1/29/09
2009CSP CEPFP-680-08TR  Comprehensive Exam Review 2/12/09-3/26/09

Receive a primer on determining your net worth and cash flow and learn how to create a budget that provides you with control rather than restrictions over your money. This course covers the basics of borrowing, including information about the types of credit, interest rates, credit cards and loans. Other topics include how to get a copy of your credit report, the information it provides and how to read it. Credit scores and the process for correcting any mistakes, as well as tips for building a solid credit history, are also covered.

Topics include the basics of life, disability and long-term care insurance, and guidance in making decisions regarding types and amounts. This course also covers identity theft - how it is defined and how it can happen - and provides simple steps you can take to help protect against this fast-growing crime. It also provides information on what to do if you have become a victim of identity theft. Finally, determine whether renting or buying is appropriate as you walk through comparing mortgages, the application process and closing.

This course provides information on IRAs, 401(k)s, contributions and matching, as well as information on making investment decisions for retirement. Learn what a financial plan is and help to determine goals. The course also covers the basics of creating an individual financial plan and effective investing strategies, along with an overview of the most popular investment vehicles, including stocks, bonds and mutual funds.