Our Designations:

RIA, MBA, CFA, CLU, PFS, CPA, what exactly do these designations mean?  Here is an explanation for each of the designations someone at ARS Wealth Advisors holds, and what all went into obtaining it.

RIA - Registered Investment Advisor:  This designation applies to ARS Wealth Advisors as a firm.  As a SEC Registered Investment Advisor, we are legally bound by a fiduciary standard when serving clients.  In simple terms this means that our clients’ interests always come first – ahead of our own, our employees, and those of our firm.  

CFA - Chartered Financial Analyst:  An international professional designation offered through the CFA Institute to financial analysts who pass a series of three 6 hour examinations.  Recipients must also have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have 48 months of professional work experience.  CFA charter holders are also obligated to adhere to a strict code of ethics governing their professional conduct.  

CLU - Chartered Life Underwriter:  Recipient has completed an educational program through American College, passed 8 examinations covering the application of life and health insurance in filing needs for survivor income, estate planning, business continuation and employee benefits among other topics.  Recipient has also met experience and ethical standards and achieves continuing education requirements.  

CPA - Certified Public Accountant:  Recipient is appointed as a CPA; after passing all four parts of the Uniform CPA Examination,  having satisfied state work experience requirement of at least one year under the supervision of a CPA, and having met educational requirements.  Recipient must also complete continuing education requirements.  

MBA - Master of Business Administration:  A postgraduate degree that is awarded to students who have completed an in depth study of business principles and practice.  Typical MBA programs cover both business theory as well as application of business and management principles.  The core courses of an MBA program are designed to introduce students to various areas of business such as accounting, finance, operations management, and marketing.  

PFS -  Personal Financial Specialist: Awarded to a CPA who has additionally completed additional study pertaining to financial planning.   Recipients must have previous financial planning experience, already be a CPA, and must pass an exam.  Recipients must also complete continuing educational requirements.