A Plan to Solidify FPA’s Future as Your Partner in Planning
Yogi Berra once famously said, "If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else." While it is essential for any organization to develop strategic plans, set clear objectives, and identify potential pathways to reach desired outcomes, it is the art of strategic planning where real value is derived. Just as Yogi amusingly pointed out the consequence of not having a destination in mind, the strategic planning process emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and direction and, critically, actively shaping our future to ensure we end up where we genuinely desire to be.
With Yogi's wise words in mind, I am pleased to share an update regarding FPA's recently adopted Strategic Plan, meticulously developed over the past 18 months by the FPA Board of Directors and our dedicated professional staff. This Strategic Plan positions FPA as a pioneer in shaping the future of the financial planning profession and as your valued partner in planning.
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, marked by dynamic changes and heightened competition, it has become increasingly vital for FPA to solidify its enduring relevance and impact both within our Membership and across all constituencies of our profession. Our Strategic Plan outlines essential programs, initiatives, benefits, and services that FPA considers crucial to its Members. It also underscores our commitment to optimizing financial and professional staff resources while maximizing revenue potential across the Association.
The FPA Strategic Plan is not just a document; it is a dynamic roadmap that will guide us on a journey of incremental success over the next three years, culminating in the realization of our bold vision for the Association by 2034:
By 2034, FPA will be the leading Membership organization and trade association for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioners and allied professionals by focusing on driving maximum value through delivering unmatched Practice Support, Learning, Advocacy, and Networking for practitioners and partners of all backgrounds.
At its core, our Plan is a testament to our unwavering dedication to becoming indispensable partners in our Members' journey to master the practice and business of financial planning. Our Strategic Plan revolves around four strategic goals, each designed to address critical aspects of our Association's value proposition and mission to make FPA genuinely indispensable to our Members, partners, and profession:
- Practice Support: Meeting the evolving needs of modern financial planning practitioners and their businesses.
- Learning: Serving as the educational epicenter of financial planner knowledge.
- Advocacy: Securing the legal recognition of financial planners and advancing financial literacy and wellness.
- Networking: Delivering unparalleled connectivity as the hub for financial planners of all backgrounds.
These goals are accompanied by priority and secondary objectives that will serve as the foundation for our actions and initiatives in the coming years. Furthermore, our Strategic Plan is anchored by six "foundational intentions," which will guide our work and underpin our journey toward success:
- Embrace Inclusivity: Ensuring that our initiatives, programs, and services reflect our Members' diverse needs and backgrounds across all business models.
- Partner Integration: Leveraging partnerships to harness complementary strengths and expertise, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Diversify Revenue: Reducing financial risks while enhancing financial stability and flexibility.
- Maximize Resources: Optimizing financial and professional staff resources to deliver high-quality services and amplify our impact.
- Foster Chapter Collaboration: Amplifying the impact of our programs, driving shared revenue, and creating a unified experience for Members across all chapters.
- Maintain Mission: Ensuring that all our efforts contribute cohesively to supporting and advancing financial planners.
I am incredibly excited about the journey ahead and the potential for FPA. As we embark on this ambitious endeavor, I am grateful for your unwavering support and dedication to FPA and our profession. Together, we will reach new heights and redefine the future of financial planning with FPA and its Members leading the way.
In case you missed it.
- I hope you are planning to attend FPA Retreat 2024, which will be held at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona, from May 6-9. This is a unique event that has been a cornerstone program of our Association for many years. Be sure to register by April 8 for what will surely be an unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss.
- I’m excited to share that registration is now open for FPA Annual Conference in 2024! This event is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from industry experts, and build a strong community. By attending, you will meet some of the brightest minds in the profession and explore new strategies to take your business to the next level. You can register now with early bird pricing and join us in Columbus from September 18-20.
- Take part in the annual Trends in Investing Survey for the June issue of the Journal of Financial Planning. This survey, which takes no more than seven minutes to complete, provides valuable insights into the latest industry-shaping trends that affect both financial planners and their clients.
- Our all-new FPA Connect platform is now live and ready to help you connect with other Members from around the world. With a sleek homepage featuring an activity feed and an improved community library, it's never been easier to stay up-to-date with the latest discussions and news.
- I am thrilled to share with you the FPA Political Action Committee's (FPA PAC) Year-End Report for 2023. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our Members nationwide, which has made FPA PAC's work over the past year possible. In the report, you will learn about FPA PAC’s focus, how it supports the financial planning profession, a new policy on PAC contributions to political campaigns, and more.
Thank you for the privilege of your Membership.
Sincerely,
