Setting Financial Goals
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The Internet is full of resources and tools that provide information that can help you learn more about financial planning. Improve your financial literacy through the following resources:

The sites listed below contain information created and maintained by institutions or organizations independent of CFP Board. In consequence, CFP Board does not control the content of these sites, nor does CFP Board make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information contained therein. Use of any information from these sites is voluntary, and reliance on such information should only be made after an independent review of its accuracy. Reference to specific commercial products or services in these sites does not constitute or imply endorsement by CFP Board.

"It's Your Turn" eNewsletter
CFP Board's electronic newsletter for consumers includes articles that will help you learn more about financial planning. Get tips that can help you get the most out of your financial plan and ideas and activities that you can discuss and try with the help of your financial planner. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive valuable information, tools and resources direct to your inbox.

Read the latest "It's Your Turn" eNewsletter

Brochures
CFP Board has developed brochures that provide information about financial planning and guidance for those seeking a competent and ethical financial planning professional. From "What You Should Know About Financial Planning" to "Why You Should Choose a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner" to "Your Rights as a Financial Planning Client," these brochures are available for download below in pdf format.
 
CFP Board is happy to provide individuals one free complimentary Financial Planning Resource Kit, which contains educational brochures such as "What You Should Know About Financial Planning," "10 Questions to ask When Choosing a Financial Planner" and "Your Rights as a Financial Planning Client." To request that a Financial Planning Resource Kit be mailed to you, complete a request form.

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Several financial agencies have put together information and advice to help you spot fraud and illegal schemes. They want to help you protect your hard-earned assets. Some of the agencies also provide instructions on how to file a complaint. CFP Board provides a summary of recent financial alerts so you can be better prepared to know if a deal is too good to be true.
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Many federal and state governmental agencies that regulate financial services also have a focus on consumer protection and education. The agencies below provide information that can help you improve your financial literacy.

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FEDERAL

Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC)
FCIC serves as a clearinghouse of resources that provide information about federal government agencies and everyday consumer issues. Those seeking purchasing tips, advice on resolving a consumer problem, or information on credit, travel and other specific topics can order or download the annually updated "Free Consumer Action Handbook." Also available is a free quarterly "Consumer Information Catalog" with lists of publications on a wealth of topics, including many free publications on money and consumer issues.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
FTC focuses on issues that affect the economic lives of Americans and works to prevent anti-competitive commercial practices. FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection works to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices, and its Web site includes free publications on topics such as identity theft, privacy issues and tips to avoid falling for scams and rip-offs.
FirstGov for Consumers
First Gov is an online resource for government information and services regarding money, health, safety and other topics. Available under each category is an "In the Spotlight" link, which directs readers to new education and consumer awareness campaigns, as well as other topics of importance.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
SEC works to protect investors by regulating securities markets. SEC's Investor Information Web site provides a variety of services to help consumers invest wisely and avoid fraud. An "Investors Tips" section helps consumers make wise investments and avoid fraud. The "Check Out Financial Professionals" link allows investors to compare brokers and investment advisors.
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STATE

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
NAIC is an organization of chief insurance regulators from all U.S. states and territories that collaborate to develop uniform policies related to the regulation of the insurance industry by each state and territory. NAIC's Web site includes a State Insurance Department Web Sites directory that provides links to the insurance department of each state and territory. NAIC's "Insure U" program helps educate and test consumers at different life stages about the principal types of insurance and how to avoid fraudulent insurance practices.
North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA)
NASAA is an international association of securities regulation agencies from states and territories in North America. NASAA's Web site includes a Senior Investor Resource Center and Investing Online Resource Center, both dedicated to protecting investors and educating the public about investment fraud.
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SELF-REGULATORY ORGANIZATION

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
FINRA was created in July 2007 as the result of a merger between NASD and the member regulation, enforcement and arbitration functions of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). While it has taken on a new name, FINRA is still the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business in the U.S., and it continues its dedication to investor protection and market integrity through effective and efficient regulation and complementary compliance and technology-based services. FINRA's BrokerCheck allows consumers to find information about the professional background, registration/license statuses and conduct of firms and brokers registered with FINRA. The Investor Information section of FINRA's Web site also provides a wealth of resources to help keep investors educated about the investment decisions they make, including investor alerts, research tools and calculators.
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Many of the organizations listed above have financial education programs geared toward children and their parents. Read about financial education resources for children.

Alliance for Investor Education (AIE)
AIE works to provide the best available investor information from the most notable sources. Their Web site includes an "Investor Education This Week" section and a "New Info For Investors" section.
American Alliance of Individual Investors (AAII)
AAII is a membership organization that focuses on providing individual investors with educational information and advice on the basics of investing, financial planning & retirement, mutual funds, stock market investing and other investment topics. The "Free Content" section allows registered users to access featured articles and publications with information on investing basics. Registration is free.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
AARP is a membership organization dedicated to fostering positive social change to enhance the quality of life of people age 50 or older. Whether or not you're an AARP member, their Web site has information to help you stay current on wide range of topics, including money and work.
AnnualCreditReport.com
AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit reports. This Web site serves as a credit management tool that allows consumers to review the information in their credit report, understand how it is used and learn how to detect errors and possible instances of identity theft. It provides quick, on-the-spot, no-hassle credit reports from up to three companies.
Consumer Federation of America (CFA)
CFA is an advocacy, research, education and service organization working to give consumers a voice in matters and decisions that affect their lives. Their Web site provides a wealth of information in areas of Communications, Energy, Finance, Food & Agriculture, Health & Safety and Housing, among others. Perhaps a useful resource is the "Consumer Information" section, which takes viewers to topics of interest that directly concern consumers.
Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB)
CBBB operates under the belief that both voluntary self-regulation and consumer education are key factors in justly resolving most commercial problems. The "Consumer and Business Tips" section of its Web site contains helpful suggestions for handling business transactions, and its "Check Out an Organization" function allows consumers to access company or charity reports before deciding whether that organization is one worth buying from or donating to.
Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI)
EBRI uses unbiased research and education to contribute to, encourage and improve the development of reliable employee benefit programs and sensible public policy. The "What's New in Employee Benefits" section of EBRI's Web site helps consumers keep current on the latest employee benefit programs, including employee-sponsored insurance coverage and retirement savings plans.
Institute of Consumer Financial Education (ICFE)
ICFE works to educate people about the importance of increasing savings and using money and credit wisely in order to achieve economic strength and financial health. ICFE makes available to consumers a number of financial education resources and links, including many designed to teach children good money habits.
Jump$tart Coalition
Jump$tart Coalition works to ensure that basic personal financial literacy is taught at the K-12 educational level. In addition to the Guest Speaker and Teacher Training Programs that exist to improve the personal financial management skills of educators, parents, students and others, Jump$tart Coalition also has a quarterly newsletter, the "Jump$tart Update", to help educators find the latest personal finance education tools, concepts and sample lesson plans.
National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators (NACAA)
NACAA is a membership organization of consumer agencies from around the country. The "Consumer Info" section of the NACAA Web site provides many resources for about issues affecting consumers, including filing complaints, avoiding identity theft, and locating product recall information.
National Center on Women and Aging (NCWA)
NCWA addresses issues of special concern to women, including community education, security, health and dignity of women as they age. NCWA's Web site includes a "Women & Assets: A National Initiative" publication with information about efforts to advance the long-term economic well-being of women through asset building and a "Tips, Tools & Tactics: The Best Resources for Women's Financial Planning" publication with financial planning tools and resources that can help women develop plans for their financial lives.
National Consumers League (NCL)
NCL works to protect consumers and workers across the nation and provides education on a wide range of issues including health, fraud, finance, labor and privacy, among others. NCL's Web site offers free publications covering a wide variety of topics, including tips for avoiding "phishing" scams and check fraud.
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
NCOA focuses on improving the quality of life of elder persons by helping them stay healthy and independent and productive members of society. NCOA's "Use your Home to Stay at HomeT" program provides information on how reverse mortgages can be an option for some seniors who wish to remain in their own homes even when chronic health issues affect their finances.
National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)
NEFE's mission is to help all Americans acquire the information and gain the skills necessary to take control of their personal finances. The "Multimedia Access" section of their Web site contains a variety of resources including "The Wealth Care Kit," "Simple Steps to Raising a Money-Smart Child" and a "Guidebook to Help Late Savers Prepare for Retirement." NEFE's Smart About Money campaign features a Web site with tips and tools for reaching all your financial goals.
Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER)
WISER helps women acquire the information and skills necessary to achieve greater financial security now and during retirement. The WISER Web site provides information on topics regarding retirement plans, social security, saving and investing, divorce, widowhood, health care and caregiving.
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