Become a CeFT®
Advanced Certification in Life Transitions.
Learn a universal, repeatable process and tools for managing the human dynamics of financial change.
We’re the Financial Transitionist Institute.
Our friends call us "FTI".
If you are a financial advisor who works with
individuals and families, you're in the right place!
For 25 years, we’ve pioneered financial transitions planning training for advisors. If you want to support clients through moments like retirement, divorce, or loss—with structure, confidence, and care—the Certified Financial Transitionist® (CeFT®) designation was built for you.
This 12-month virtual program gives you the tools to navigate the human side of change and connects you with a community of advisors who share your commitment to deeper, more meaningful client relationships.
What Our Members Say
When looking for tools and processes to help clients with the personal side of money, I could think of no better training opportunity than that which is offered through the Financial Transitionist Institute. An important added benefit is the community and fellowship aspects of the training, too.
- Moira Somers, PhD, C.Psych
Author of ‘Advice that Sticks’
The CeFT training that not only I, but my colleagues at Omega have received helps us work more collaboratively together while bringing in the 21st-century planners' communication and relationship skills that clients are looking for and now the CFP Board recognizes are needed for the future
- Lisa A.K. Kirchenbauer, CFP®, RLP®, CeFT®
Founder & President of Omega Wealth Management
Like many advisors, I did not get the human side of training in becoming a CFP or CDFA, yet the skillset is critical for advisors to work with clients in difficult situations. The CeFT training is perfect to fill in the gap and made me more confident, empathetic and effective in working with divorcees.
CeFT training provided me with a solid understanding of when someone is navigating a major life transition. Recognizing they are working with an advisor who is experienced and trained to help divorcees, my clients feel validated and relieved, they gain more clarity about what to do and what to expect, and they can trust me as their thinking partner and voice of reasoning.
- Linda Cao CFP®, CeFT®
President of Silver Oak Wealth Advisors
Divorce planning is hard and important work. My CeFT training makes divorce planning easier and more productive for my clients and for me.
The CeFT training is valuable/invaluable when it comes to clients understanding their numbers, their options and making the decisions they need to make to get beyond their divorce to start their next life chapter.
- Carol Khouri, Wingate Wealth Advisors, CFP®, CDFA™ , CeFT®
The SMI training has given me greater insight to my clients’ transitions and allowed me to be more present as we move through life together.
- Roger A. Shake, CFP®, RLP®, CeFT®
The training had added the most needed ingredient in the financial planning process.
- Norm Politziner CFP®
President of NJP Associates
SMI training changed my client conversations. It provided me with confidence to address topics outside of technical financial planning and gave me tools how to carry the conversation. Being a (long-time) member makes sure I keep these skills sharp and continuously refreshed.
- Anja Luesink, CFP®, RLP®, CeFT®
Our divorcing clients say we make things so easy! There is so much less overwhelm, they feel taken care of, the trust created is such a bond. I speak their language and use so many one-pagers, not volumes of financial reports! I can say that this training has helped me be more confident, efficient, and human.
- Kristina George CFP®, CDFA™ CeFT®
Northstar Financial Planning
Have any Questions?
📧 Email [email protected]