The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards has announced a new scholarship to empower woman seeking CFP certification, reports InvestmentNews.
The Peggy Ruhlin Wealth Is Women’s Work CFP® Exam Scholarship awards $625 toward the early registration rate of the July 2024 CFP® exam.
Peggy Ruhlin, a certified financial planner, created the scholarship as a way to help women who aspire to enter the financial planning profession.
Ruhlin faced her own challenges on her way to a successful career in the industry. She was a single mother who was trying to balance her parental responsibilities with her work as an accountant. When she became a financial planner, Ruhlin said it not only provided her with a better work-life balance but also with greater career satisfaction. She earned her CFP® marks in 1986 and co-founded Budros, Ruhlin & Roe, a prominent wealth management firm in Columbus, Ohio.
The scholarship she has launched in conjunction with the CFP Board has given her an opportunity to help other women seeking CFP certification.
“I understand firsthand the challenges women may face as they navigate their careers. My financial planning career allowed me to thrive both personally and professionally,” said Ruhlin. “It’s an honor to partner with CFP Board in establishing this scholarship to empower women on their journey to CFP® certification, ensuring that more women have the opportunity to shape the future of financial planning.”
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be U.S. residents under the age of 40 who identify as women and are not registered for the July 2024 CFP® exam prior to being notified of the award. The scholarship application window will remain open until March 19, 2024, with awardees notified of the decision by March 26, 2024. The scholarship will be available every exam cycle, awarding 50 scholarships per year through 2027.
“This new scholarship reinforces our shared commitment to expanding diversity in financial planning,” said CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE. “By supporting women pursuing CFP® certification, we are cultivating a more inclusive financial planning profession and improving access to competent, ethical financial advice for everyone.”
The CFP Board conducted a study in 2021 that found 64% of women CFPs strongly recommended the value of the certification to female advisors, compared to 52% of men.
Lewitas Hyman PC represents advisors, brokers and other financial professional in all matters involving the CFP Board, including CFP Board investigations. Headquartered in Chicago, our securities attorneys represent clients nationwide. For more information relating to CFP Board investigations and discipline or other matters, contact Lewitas Hyman at (888) 655-6002 or through our online contact form for a free consultation
