Does hiring a financial advisor with a CFP® mark really matter?

A CFP® or CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PROFESSIONAL is a fiduciary which means they make decisions with your best interests in mind.

How do you find a competent advisor you can trust?

Finding an expert financial advisor can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know who to trust. You want to feel safe and secure with your financial advisor! At Goodwin Investment Advisory we care about you!

competent-advisor

Are you overwhelmed and uncertain?

We understand your concerns as it is difficult to know how to find an advisor who puts your goals and interests first. Sometimes simply asking for help is the best thing you can do. But, finding the right advisor can feel daunting.

  • Anxious about the future and your retirement?

  • Do you feel safe when it comes to your financial future?

  • Are you uncertain about how to best manage your wealth?

  • Do you lack peace of mind when it comes to your money, or current financial plan?

  • What are you currently doing to prepare yourself for retirement?

Let us help you gain clarity and peace of mind. What does it mean to be a CFP®?

Our lead advisors are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PROFESSIONALS, CFP®, which means: they must operate from a specific code of ethics and in the clients best interest at all times, meet the ongoing education requirement, complete 6,000 hours of professional experience, and pass a certification exam.

Get on a call

commitment to ethical standards

Our CFP® Professionals commit to the CFP Board to uphold high ethical standards outlined in the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.

Get on a call

education requirement

The education requirement enables our advisors to provide competent and knowledgeable financial advice.

Get on a call

professional experience

Each of our fully credentialed CFP® advisors have over 6,000 hours of professional experience in financial planning.

Get on a call

certification exam

Passing the exam demonstrates that each advisor has attained the knowledge and competency necessary to provide comprehensive personal financial planning advice.

Did you know – it is estimated that only 34% of advisors in the USA are CFP® professionals as of December 31st, 2024!

advisors-2025

Making a decision to trust someone to manage your wealth is not easy, but our team is here to help!

“Making no choice, is actually making a choice.” Every choice takes us to or away from some goal. Choosing to do nothing with your hard earned money might allow you to keep what you have now, but our team can help you invest your wealth with a risk profile that is specified by you.

What is the benefit to you, knowing that your advisor is a CFP® professional?

Our advisors adhere to the CFP BOARD code of ethics and standards, and we strive at all times to provide:

  • Competent, professional care

  • An advisor that acts in your best interest

  • Honesty, integrity and diligence

  • Objective judgement that helps you to reach your goals

  • Confidentiality and privacy

  • Compliance with applicable laws

hiring a CFP®

How our team of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PROFESSIONALS can help guide you.

Get on a call

create a retirement plan that brings you confidence and peace of mind.

You are asking, “Can I retire?” and you are looking for a plan that brings you confidence and peace of mind in how your wealth is managed. We would love to hear your story and work together to create a plan to reach your dreams.

Get on a call

feel secure in your financial plan

How can you accomplish your financial goals at a pace that aligns with your risk level and phase of life? You might be asking, “Will my money last, and will you adjust my plan when necessary?” With a plan tuned to your dreams we can help you feel secure with the answers to these questions.

how to hire us

Get on a call

STEP 1

schedule your intro call

A GIA consultant will listen to your story and answer any questions you have during this free 15-minute intro call.

Meet with an advisor

STEP 2

meet with a CFP® Professional

Together with your CFP® professional, we will assess your financial situation, discuss your goals, and share how we could craft a tailored investment strategy that aligns with your aspirations and risk tolerance.

Join our client family

STEP 3

achieve financial clarity

Join our firm for unparalleled customer service, get your personalized strategy, and access to all of our services. Enjoy the peace of mind and security that comes from having clarity about your financial future.

5 star google rating badge

* latest 10 reviews as of 10/2026

Looking forward to doing business

Tara was incredibly professional and knowledgeable during our introductory meeting. She answered all our questions and we were very impressed with the range of assistance that Goodwin Investment offers. Looking forward to doing business.

David Rensel

non-client

We are thankful for his expert guidance

My family unanimously recommends Ray Brown as our financial and investment professional. Ray is very thorough, understandable, and accessible. We are thankful for his expert guidance.

Hal Matthews

client

Would definitely recommend

Solid organization with experienced staff. Wonderful onboarding process! Family friendly, and comprehensive in their product offerings. Would definitely recommend to others looking for full financial planning beyond portfolio investment mgmt (tax and retirement planning, estate planning, SSN options, Roth, etc).

Andy Goddard

client

Friendly, professional, and knowledgeable

Friendly, professional, and knowledgeable.

Kimsey Hamrick

client

I really look forward to the opportunity to work with Goodwin

I spoke with Ms. Bruce this morning for my initial introduction. She was great, easy to speak with, empathetic to my situations. Thanks to her I really look forward to the opportunity to work with Goodwin. ,👍

Jeffrey Hilburg

non-client

Your guidance has made a meaningful difference

I have had a fantastic experience working with Ray Brown and this wealth management firm. Ray has been an exceptional financial advisor, helping me develop a solid plan for my retirement in the coming years.

He is always courteous, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. Whenever I send him an email, he typically replies within a day and takes the time to answer all of my questions thoroughly.

Since I began working with Ray a year ago, I have been very pleased with my investment results. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a trusted financial advisor. Thank you, Ray, for your outstanding support and dedication. Your guidance has made a meaningful difference.

Gary Mahoski

client

Highly recommend!!

Joe and the team at Goodwin are the BEST! We have trusted them for over 10 years now. Highly recommend!!

Jennifer Knighton

client

Justin is a fantastic financial planner

Justin is a fantastic financial planner and we have the utmost trust in his ability to help us implement our retirement plan.

Steve Seibert

client

With each visit I am more informed, and more comfortable

Joe Beckford has been my financial advisor for sometime now and with each visit I am more informed, and more comfortable. Now that I am retired. Joe and I will be spending a little more time with each other so he can continue to help me through this next chapter.
Thank you, Joe.

Kim Leahy

client

I have to express how happy I am with Goodwin Investment Advisory

It is my first time using an investment company. I was very nervous and intimidated. I also do not usually write reviews but I have to express how happy I am with Goodwin Investment Advisory. I have had such a positive experience.

Herman was my first initial contact at GIA and he was very professional and easy to talk to. Herman advised me I would be assigned to Ray Brown as my financial advisor. Ray is wonderful. He is not intimidating and always makes me feel comfortable to ask any questions. He is so knowledgeable and positive. I am so thankful my sister recommended GIA to me. Thank you to the team at Goodwin Investment Advisory.

suzan hassel

client

Goodwin Investment Advisory, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. SEC registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. GIA did not provide any cash or non-cash compensation in return for these reviews, testimonials, and endorsements by existing clients and other individuals. We are also unaware of any material conflicts of interest on the part of the person(s) giving the testimonial or endorsement resulting from the person’s relationship with Goodwin Investment Advisory, which could result in an incentive to recommend the adviser. Some existing clients may be extended family members of employees or business partners; they have not been paid or otherwise compensated for the testimonial. Opinions and comments given by GIA clients or other individuals may not represent any other person’s experience with the firm.

5-star-google-badge-250
Badge_Workleap
fidelity-2023-24

Disclosure: Goodwin Investment Advisory, LLC is an SEC registered Investment Adviser. The Google ratings, client satisfaction ratings and reference on The Ramsey Show were given by current clients, and were not compensated with cash, or non-cash compensation. There are no material conflicts of interest on the part of the person(s) giving the ratings and references resulting from the person’s relationship with Goodwin Investment Advisory, therefore has no incentive to recommend the adviser. Please click here for further information.

You might be wondering, “Is it really worth it to hire a CFP®?”

Let go of your worry and anxiety and allow us to support you and reduce your financial uncertainties. Making the decision to trust our team of advisors can bring you the confidence that you have been longing for. That your money is invested judiciously and will be available for you when need it. You will also be guided to set goals and have someone to help you strategically grow your wealth.

couple-50s-smiling-trekking-outdoors

a free book or guide just for you

Feeling stressed about your financial future or want to learn ways to confidently meet your retirement goals?

How to create sustainable income for life? What goals do you need to plan for and check-off your list this year? How to find your right-fit advisor? How to plan for your happy retirement?

exponential-wealth-2000

How to create sustainable income for life

A guide to stewarding your inheritance

A Guide to Stewarding Your Inheritance

Retirement Income Guide

Retirement Income Guide

tim-book-7secrets

The 7 Secrets of Happy Millionaires

tax-wise-book

The Tax-Wise Wealth Blueprint

Goodwin Investment Advisory cannot guarantee results, and past performance does not ensure future results. Our team is committed to provide service excellence, but market volatility and other external and human factors can result in an undesirable experience. Please contact your advisor if you have any questions or concerns.