Credentials and Achievements

The sample of professional achievements below provides a cross-section of some of the significant accomplishments attained by Partners of First Financial Strategies, LLC. It is indicative of the high level of industry commitment, creative thinking, peer recognition and community service from which clients of the firm benefit.

*The Income for Life Model: Phil Lubinski created and trademarked this nationally recognized retirement income distribution strategy and computer software used by thousands of Financial Advisors. This common sense asset allocation tool strategically creates inflation adjusted income by matching investment products with a series of time phases throughout retirement.

*Catholic Archdiocese Planned Giving Council: Phil Lubinski served as consultant in matters of advanced estate planning and chaired the greater Denver Educational Endowment Fund.

The Financial Advisors of First Financial Strategies, LLC have earned a variety of industry credentials to deepen their collective knowledge to better enable them to provide the highest quality of advice and service to clients. In addition to classroom study, practical experience and examinations, many of the designations below require ongoing annual continuing education each year to maintain the right to use the designation.

This is in addition to the annual continuing education and testing requirements to renew securities and insurance licenses and to meet the registered representative guidelines of our broker-dealer, Securities America.

CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER)

This designation is offered by the College for Financial Planning. Professionals with a CFP® designation will have broad knowledge of all aspects of financial planning. A CFP® must have two years of experience working with clients, undergo coursework and pass rigorous exams to get the designation. Continuing education requirements must also be met to keep designation in good standing.

ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant)
This designation is offered through The American College. Similar to CFP®’s, the Chartered Financial consultant must also complete multiple examinations and coursework and has a broad knowledge of all aspects of financial planning. A ChFC® can sit for the CFP® exam with no additional coursework required.

CFS® (Certified Fund Specialist)
This designation is offered by the Institute of Business and Finance (IBF) to financial services professionals who successfully complete its course and pass the comprehensive exam. This designation focuses on mutual funds.

AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary)

Prerequisites and requirements to obtain this designation include: (1) Completion of the AIF® program, which is offered in various distinct training formats: candidates may complete a 2-day Classroom-based Program, a Web-based Program, Custom or Capstone programs; (2) Candidates for the AIF® designation also are required to take a 50-question multiple choice exam and must receive a passing score of 70% or better; (3) Additionally, candidates must sign and agree to abide by a Code of Ethics.