NAPFA STANDARDS
At Money Plans, we are committed to the high standards of The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). We subscribe to its values, follow its Code of Ethics, and are bound by its Fiduciary Oath.
NAPFA is the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors—highly trained professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve. Since 1983, Americans across the country have looked to NAPFA for access to financial professionals who meet the highest standards for professional competency, client-focused financial planning, and Fee-Only compensation.
NAPFA VALUES
- To be the beacon for independent, objective financial advice for individuals and families.
- To be the champion of financial services delivered in the public interest.
- To be the standard bearer for the emerging profession of financial planning.
NAPFA CODE OF ETHICS
Objectivity. NAPFA members strive to be as unbiased as possible in providing advice to clients, and NAPFA members practice on a Fee-Only basis.
Confidentiality. NAPFA members shall keep all client data private, unless authorization is received from the client to share it. NAPFA members shall treat all documents with care and take care when disposing of them. Relations with clients shall be kept private.
Competence. NAPFA members shall strive to maintain a high level of knowledge and ability. Members shall attain continuing education at least at the minimum level required by NAPFA. Members shall not provide advice in areas where they are not capable.
Fairness and Suitability. Dealings and recommendation with clients will always be in the client’s best interests. NAPFA members put their clients first.
Integrity and Honesty. NAPFA members will endeavor to always take the high road and to be ever mindful of the potential for misunderstanding that can accrue in normal human interactions. NAPFA members will be diligent to keep actions and reactions so far aboveboard that a thinking client or other professional would not doubt intentions. In all actions, NAPFA members should be mindful that in addition to serving our clients, we are about the business of building a profession, and our actions should reflect this.
Regulatory Compliance. NAPFA members will strive to maintain conformity with legal regulations.
Full Disclosure. NAPFA members shall fully describe method of compensation and potential conflicts of interest to clients and also specify the total cost of investments.
Professionalism. NAPFA members shall conduct themselves in a way that would be a credit to NAPFA at all times. NAPFA membership involves integrity, honest treatment of clients, and treating people with respect.
NAPFA FIDUCIARY OATH
The advisor shall exercise his/her best efforts to act in good faith and in the best interests of the client.
The advisor shall provide written disclosure to the client prior to the engagement of the advisor, and thereafter throughout the term of the engagement, of any conflicts of interest, which will or reasonably may compromise the impartiality or independence of the advisor.
The advisor, or any party in which the advisor has a financial interest, does not receive any compensation or other remuneration that is contingent on any client's purchase or sale of a financial product.
The advisor does not receive a fee or other compensation from another party based on the referral of a client or the client's business.
Following the NAPFA Fiduciary Oath means I shall:
- Always act in good faith and with candor.
- Be proactive in disclosing any conflicts of interest that may impact a client.
- Not accept any referral fees or compensation contingent upon the purchase or sale of a financial product.