What You'll Learn

  • How Can I Avoid Getting in Trouble with SEC and Other Regulatory Agencies When Dispensing Financial Advice to Tax Clients?

  • What Financial Planning Credential Is the Best and Easiest to Get, and Which Test Would I Need to Pass to Get the Credential?

  • What Less Work, Less Risk Options Exist for Adding Financial Services to My Tax Business?

After completing this course, you should be able to:

  • Recognize the limitations of the CPA exclusion with regard to personal financial planning (PFP) and when registration as an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) may be required by the SEC

  • Define the role of a fiduciary and explain the significance of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 and Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)

  • Identify opportunities to add appropriate financial planning services to your current client offerings

Meet Your Instructor

Ed founded ClientFirst Wealth Management, LLC. in 2007, after more than 23 years in the wealth management industry. Prior to launching ClientFirst, he spent 6 years as a Portfolio Manager and independent Branch Manager with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., 6 years as a Vice President and Portfolio Manager with Merrill Lynch, and over 11 years as a financial advisor and fixed income Portfolio Manager with Stephens, Inc. Designated as a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Consultant, Ed holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from The Citadel and earned his MBA from the University of Arkansas. He has had articles published in numerous publications, including Barron's magazine. In 2020, Ed was recognized by Arkansas Money & Politics Magazine as one of "2020's Best Financial Advisors". Also in 2020, ClientFirst made Investors.com's 2020 Top Financial Advisors Firms List. Ed is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) as well as the Financial Planning Assosication (FPA). At ClientFirst, Ed is president and senior portfolio manager.

Edward Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®

ClientFirst Wealth Management, LLC

Additional Course Details

  • Education Provider: Pronto Tax School, Inc.
  • Instructional Delivery Method: QAS Self-Study Program.
  • Recommended CPE Credit: 2 hours
  • NASBA Field of Study: Financial Planning
  • Program Knowledge Level: Basic.
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Advance Preparation: None.
  • Refund / Cancellation Policy: Refund available within 14 days, unless first section of course completed.
  • Complaint Resolution Policy: click here to contact our support team anytime, we resolve any issues amicably and working as a teammate with our valued Members.



Pronto Tax School, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. Boards of Accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.