The Financial Planner Experience

Every CFP® professional who participates in the Financial Planning for Cancer program can eliminate financial stress and empower cancer patients to overcome the financial barriers of their diagnosis. We equip them with the tools and resources to be successful.

Implementing a seamless process

In order to create a fulfilling, accessible program for financial planners, we worked with FFP and FPA to develop a simple yet informative onboarding process to prepare CFP® professionals for the program. This includes:

• Training program: Created in partnership with FFP and FPA, these online modules include a general Pro Bono Financial Planning Volunteer training and Financial Planning for Cancer training. They detail the volunteer program, list out responsibilities and expectations, and prepare planners to work with clients who are facing cancer.

• Family Reach overview: Planners have a phone call with our Financial Planning for Cancer Program Manager to learn about the support Family Reach offers and further connect them to the organization’s mission and services.

This pro-bono commitment is designed to be a short-term engagement with patients and their families. The goal is for the financial planners to equip clients with the tools and knowledge they need to feel confident managing their own finances moving forward.

Craig Cohn, CFP®, California

As part of the program’s growth, we launched The Financial Planning for Cancer Salesforce Community with three goals in mind:

1. Create a shared space where the program’s CFP® professionals can network, collaborate, exchange resources, and offer advice through forum discussions.

2. Offer one, easy-to-access location for financial planners to access their client information, submit monthly reports, and refer to Family Reach resources and training.

3. Enhance the connection between CFP® professionals and the Family Reach mission and community.

Taking it from the planners:

“These patients are facing medical issues, they aren’t necessarily thinking about their financial issues. If I can take that off the table for them and give them some guidance, I think that’s tremendously important.”

“I called to simply get to know her and hear her story in her words. I did that so she would feel comfortable with me, as well as for her to know that I care.”

“What was really eye-opening for me was how pervasive cancer can be...and how it touches every aspect of their lives.”

“My message to other financial advisors is: Get involved. You have a skillset that can really be used by people in the worst of times - and there’s nothing like helping someone out in the worst of times. It is so rewarding.”