Resources for CFPCM Professionals Working With Clients During COVID-19
If you’re a CFP professional looking for guidance on how best to support your clients and navigate the markets during this uncertain time, we invite you to explore the following resources provided by FPSB Ltd.’s global network of CFP certification bodies and partner organizations. Please check back often, as we will continue to update this page as other resources become available and the situation evolves.
FPSB Ltd. Guidance Practice Note and Webinar Series (CPD eligible)
Learn how to engage with and support clients who are feeling stressed and/or vulnerable due to COVID-19 in FPSB Ltd.’s Guidance Practice Note on Advising Vulnerable Clients.
FPSB Ltd.’s webinar series covers a variety of topics that will benefit your financial planning practice, but there are some that are particularly relevant to today’s environment:
- Digital Transformation in Financial Planning
- Putting Principles into Practice: Client First
- Essential Habits of Trusted Advisors
Guidance on Navigating and Adapting Your Work During COVID-19
- Mental Health and Working From Home (courtesy of Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment)
- “Start a Conversation” Mental Health Portal (courtesy of Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment)
- FPA Practice Management Blog (courtesy of the Financial Planning Association, this resource updates financial planners weekly with new practice management content in areas ranging from marketing to operations)
Universal Messages to Share With Your Clients
- Stay in your seat. Decisions made based on fear can be ones you regret later.
- If you’ve lost your job or need to rethink your goals, let your CFP professional provide an objective point of view, help you brainstorm options, or be your guide and coach.
- Take a long-term view. Instead of focusing on the headlines, refocus on your financial and life goals.
- You can’t control the markets, but you can control yourself. Now might be a good time to revisit your budget, determine what expenditures matter most, maybe take advantage of government programs to refinance your mortgage. Do things that make you feel positive, instead of stressing about what you can’t control.
- Doing nothing is an acceptable strategy. For example, if you’re worried that you might not be able to retire on your original timeline, know that you don’t have to make that decision now, while there’s so much uncertainty. It’s ok to leave everything where it is until cooler heads prevail.
- Your CFP professional is here for you; don’t be afraid to lean on your advisor for help — that’s what he or she is there for. Talk with your financial planner; there may be opportunities you can take advantage of during market upheaval.
Resources You Can Share With Clients, Prospects and Other Audiences
- Get On Top of Your Finances Post COVID-19 (courtesy of Financial Planning Association of Australia)
- Short-Term and Long-Term Planning During a Crisis (courtesy of FP Canada)
- How to Protect Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic (courtesy of Financial Planning Association of Australia)
- Cash Management During a Pandemic (courtesy of FP Canada)
- Navigating a Pandemic: Your Financial Questions Answered (courtesy of FP Canada)
- Where to Seek Advise During the COVID-19 Crisis (courtesy of FPA Australia)
National Sources of COVID-19 News and Information
- Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Indian Council of Medical Research
- Press Trust of India
- India COVID-19 Tracker (A Crowdsourced Initiative)