Devoted to understanding the basics and fundamentals of investing

There was an excellent article in the Wall Street Journal on April 24, 2006 by Karen Hube titled, "Alphabet Soup - Financial advisors are adding more titles to their business cards. Do any of these labels really matter?"  I recommend you read the complete article.  I will extract just three items relating to a side box where Ms Hube provided some definitions and statistics about financial planners.

CFP: Certified Financial Planner
Requirements Six courses on investing, insurance, taxes and related topics: six exams; one final comprehensive exam; five years of experience in finance; 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
Number of Planners 50,000  www.cfp.net

ChFC: Chartered Financial Consultant
Requirements Eight courses on a broad range of financial -planning issues; eight exams; three years of experience in the financial field; 30 hours of continuing education every two years
Number of Consultants 41,000  www.theamericancollege.edu

PFS: Personal Financial Specialist
Requirements Must be certified public accountant and member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; at least three years' experience in estate planning, retirement planning, risk management, income tax planning or investment planning; a comprehensive financial planning exam; at least 60 hours of continuing education every three years.
Number of specialist 3,300 www.aicpa.org