I never imagined myself completely retired. The best part of this practice has been being in the meetings with clients, working on their financial matters. I never tired of this. What changed? Beyond the simple answer of "I did", the reality is two things changed: health and relevance.
First Quarter 2021|Jim Williams| Just this last month, the CFP Board announced, based on a Practice Analysis Study (which describes what planners are actually doing in their practices), the addition of a new Principal Knowledge Topic: The Psychology of Financial Planning. As a Principal Knowledge Topic, the Psychology of Financial Planning will be included in the Body of Knowledge required of CFP Professionals. The topic will be included in examination starting in 2022. This topic has grown up from the roots of the financial planning profession and it is good news and none too soon.
Fourth Quarter 2020|Jim Williams| A year ago, I wrote about the then-current state of the evolution in the company and the progress of the transition here. This will be more about my personal transition and my immediate plans.
Third Quarter 2020|Jim Williams| Looking back at the year 2020, and forward to year end, we can be sure that this is one for the history books. By almost any measure, 2020 has been a year to test one's resolve as an investor. In times of market turmoil, investor resolve is clearly the difference between success and failure.
Fourth Quarter 2019|Jim Williams| It has been two years since the change of control of the J. F. Williams Co., Inc. In December of 2017, Matt and I completed a transaction which resulted in Matt owning the majority interest in the firm. In the two years, as well as before, we have maintained a stability of firm values and character while making significant progress in improving systems and processes.
Third Quarter 2019|Jim Williams| This month, a fairly comprehensive rewrite of the Certified Financial Board of Standards Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct went into effect. Some of the changes in the new Code and Standards are stylistic and some of the changes are more substantial. We think they are a positive for the Financial Planning profession and the changes raise the value of the CFP® mark for the public.