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BookTrib’s Bites: A Potpourri of Intriguing Reads

(NewsUSA) - (NewsUSA)

A Pastor's Pit"A Pastor's Pit"
by Judge Roy Sparkman

Religious liberty is under attack in the United States. Faced with legal challenges for the mere action of preaching from the Bible, Pastor Preston and his supporters confront a terrifying truth: the U.S. Constitution is no defense against a biased district attorney obsessed with sending him to prison.

A "Pastor's Pit" exposes the threat to the religious liberty that people of all faiths take for granted, as well as the crucial role that U.S. Supreme Court appointments and presidential elections play in maintaining the rights of all citizens. How can a pastor be indicted and tried for the "crime" of preaching from the Bible? Will the courts send him to prison or uphold his constitutional freedoms? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2NHapnh.

Irina"Irina"
by Philip Warren

A masterfully detailed historical novel of culture, religion, history and politics of the times intertwined with a deeply moving portrayal of tragedy, hope and perseverance. This is Irina's journey from Polish serving girl to French businesswoman. Her determination and curiosity will make you cheer, and her harrowing escape from those who would thwart her progress will have you holding your breath.

Poznan, Poland 1378. Irina is dying. Despite her storied life, one loss is not accounted for: her only son. In a world dominated by men, Irina finds that she can thrive, having everything she could want but the answer to one question. A rich, wonderful saga. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3hQ859Y.

On the Way to Casa Lotus"On the Way to Casa Lotus"
by Lorena Junco Margain

This is a memoir of family, art, injury and forgiveness. The author -- a passionate art collector and devoted wife and mother -- is already shaken after abruptly fleeing Mexico and relocating in the USA with her family. Then, she learns she has a tumor, which simple surgery can mend. But to err is human -- even for surgeons. Rather than improve after surgery, her condition worsens.

Deeply compassionate, wise and poetic, the memoir lays bare some of the most poignant contradictions of the human condition, blurring the distinctions between guilt and neglectfulness, anger and sorrow, humility and shame, gratitude and despair. The book plants a seed of hope that loss and pain can serve a higher purpose. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3vYcbRf.

Indecent Exposure"Indecent Exposure"
by Viola Trivette 

Meera and Aaron have been pitted against each other since law school in their fight for a higher class rank and their ever-growing gap in political views. Apart from constant class bickering, Meera avoids Aaron after an awkward moment in an empty classroom their first year. However, as graduation approaches, she starts to regret all those nights she spent alone in the library and finally agrees to go out with her roommate where she bumps into Aaron at a noisy club.

Although both characters are undeniably drawn to one another, they refuse to admit what's between them. What ensues is a game of back-and-forth as they each try to force the other to concede. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3he4Xok.

NOTE: BookTrib's Bites is presented by BookTrib.com

 

 

Planning Your Financial Future with A Professional You Can Trust

(NewsUSA) - (NewsUSA) - Financial planning can be complex, so when you seek guidance in planning your financial future, it's essential to work with someone you can trust.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional makes a commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, which means acting in their clients' best interests at all times when providing financial advice. You should want a financial adviser who makes this commitment directly to you. Therefore, whomever you choose as your financial professional, including a CFP® professional, you should consider getting a written engagement that requires them to have a fiduciary obligation to you.

Professional standards are important to protect consumers. CFP Board's Code and Standards sets forth the commitment that all CFP® professionals make to CFP Board. This includes duties to maintain the confidentiality and protect the privacy of client information.

In addition, CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to disclose any conflicts of interest that might affect the professional relationship and compromise the CFP® professional's ability to act in their clients' best interests.

Approximately one year ago, CFP Board updated its Code and Standards to mandate that all CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to act as fiduciaries for their clients when providing financial advice.

"Simply put, someone acting as a fiduciary should deliver financial advice that is clear, specific, objective and thorough," says Dan Candura, a CFP Board Emeritus® member and Founder of Candura Group, LLC.

Professionals who follow CFP Board's Code and Standards commit to fulfilling three key duties as part of their fiduciary duty:

- Duty of Loyalty. This means putting their clients' interests first.

"Your interests should be placed above the interest of the CFP® professional and the CFP® professional's firm," according to CFP Board's website.

- Duty of Care. This means being careful, acting with prudence and diligence in making recommendations to clients.

For example, if you receive a sudden windfall of money that you want to delay investing, a CFP® professional who abides by a commitment to CFP Board will review the reasonable options and consider factors such as risks and interest rates in making the best recommendation.

- Duty to Follow Client Instructions. This means complying with all objectives, policies, restrictions, and other terms on which you have agreed, and "all reasonable and lawful directions of you, the client," according to CFP Board.

"Meeting these three duties enables CFP® professionals to honor their commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, in the client's best interest. Certainly, that is what every client deserves," Candura says.

To learn more about how CFP Board's Code and Standards for CFP® professionals help protect consumers, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.

 

Instead of Moving, Consider Improving Your Home

(NewsUSA) - (NewsUSA) -Right now, moving may be a little challenging as property value has gone up tremendously and the number of homes on the market is low. The next best option is to remodel and expand your home office, home gym, or add a patio for outdoor gatherings.

If you own your home and have a mortgage, a cash-out refinancing option may be an easy way to have the money to tackle your home improvement project. Since interest rates are still quite low now may be a good time to tap into your home's equity. Many homeowners may not realize that cash-out refinancing can help fund these projects. A cash-out refinance is not a second mortgage. It is borrowing against the equity in your home or money you have already paid towards your mortgage. A cash-out refinance will require that you refinance your home most likely at a lower rate. The new loan amount will be slightly more than the remaining balance of your home because it will include the amount of cash you take out for you or your family.

Cash-out refinancing is beneficial because it can increase monthly cash flow and allow you to make good use of the funds you take out, according to Freedom Mortgage, one of the nation's full-service mortgage lending company and a leader in FHA and VA loans according to Inside Mortgage Finance, 2020.

The benefits of cash-out refinancing aren't limited to home improvements. Funds from a cash-out refinancing also can be used to pay for a college education or to consolidate high-interest debts at a lower interest rate. Homeowners can typically borrow up to 80% of the value of their homes without paying the private mortgage insurance (PMI) required by some lending situations. That means if you have more than 20% equity in your home, you can use that equity to get cash now.

To help homeowners explore their options and determine how much cash they can obtain, Freedom Mortgage offers a free cash-out refinancing calculator that enables the user to determine what makes sense and the amount of their new monthly payment.

For more information, visit https://www.freedommortgage.com/cash-out-refinance.

 

Beware of Self-Treatments & Bizarre Vagina Trends

(NewsUSA) - By Maria Sophocles, MD  For NewsUSA

(NewsUSA) - The pandemic created a major shift in the way people consume - and, more importantly, trust - information, especially as it relates to vaginal health. In fact, a new survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of RepHresh of 2,000 American women age 24-34 reveals that two in five women named Google as their go-to source of information over a physician when experiencing discomfort or vaginal health symptoms.

Many women are also turning to social media for health advice. For example, on TikTok, hashtags relating to the words "sex education" have over 70 million views. A now infamous TikTok video, providing a tutorial on how to relieve constipation through "vaginal splinting" has racked up over 3 million views and the latest popular #icecubechallenge claims to tighten the vagina and curb bacterial overgrowth.

While these trending DIY/at-home medical hacks can be entertaining, many of these practices are not only ineffective at controlling the natural balance of good and bad bacteria, but can be dangerous and cause more harm than good. Melting an ice cube in the vagina can elevate the natural pH balance and trigger a bacterial infection as the pH of water (7.5-8) is higher than the normal vaginal pH (3.5-4.5). And, while vaginal splinting is a scientific method used by medical professionals, experts caution trying it at home as it poses a risk of bacterial spread if not done properly.

The RepHresh survey found that over half (51%) thought a vagina should have a neutral pH, and only 12% correctly identified "moderately acidic" as the ideal pH balance. In addition, the top three most Googled phrases and questions respondents needed answers about included "vaginal discharge" (44%), "do I have a yeast infection?" (39%) and "vaginal odor" (37%).

With an uptick in misinformation, most women frequently misdiagnose their vaginal symptoms. That's why it's more critical than ever that women turn to trusted health care professionals for advice, proper diagnosis and remedies for the actual problem.

Here are a few important things women might not know, but need to know to maintain good vaginal health:

1. Vaginal odor is completely normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Refrain from using unnecessary scented products, including wipes and washes that claim to eliminate odor with fruity or flowery fragrances, as this will not solve the root cause of the issue, which is an unbalanced pH. Do look for clinically-backed and doctor-recommended products for vaginal health, such as over-the-counter RepHresh Gel, which rebalances pH to a healthy range, eliminates odor, and lasts up to three days.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections can present similar symptoms, such as unusual vaginal discharge and discomfort, so when women run to the drug store and buy an OTC yeast medication such as Monistat, they are not addressing the root cause of the problem. Two out of three times it is BV, which must be treated with an antibiotic from their health care provider. But, antibiotics can kill the good and bad bacteria and cause a yeast infection, so make sure to take a vaginal probiotic once a day such as RepHresh Pro-B as it contains 2 strains of vaginal lactobacilli to keep the vaginal flora in balance and eat foods high in probiotics like a healthy no-sugar-added Greek yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or miso.

3. High sugar and alcohol intake can elevate pH imbalances and contribute to an overgrowth of yeast. Maintain a healthy moderation of sugary drinks and junk food as excess amounts not only impact vaginal health, but overall weight gain and wellness.

4. Vaginal discharge is a completely normal function in which the vagina naturally removes old cells to keep the environment healthy and clean. Some women have more discharge, while others might experience very little, and it can change in color and thickness depending on the ovulation cycle. However, discharge accompanied with itching, burning, fishy odor, swelling, unusual color, or pelvic pain should be brought to a doctor's attention as it can be a bacterial infection or STI and must be treated appropriately.

Before trying something new, consult with your healthcare provider especially when things seem off to ensure the safety and efficacy of the method or product you are considering. And, don't miss your annual OB/GYN visit.

Maria Sophocles, MD, OB/GYN is the Medical Director of Women's Healthcare of Princeton in Princeton, NJ.

BookTrib’s Bites: A Potpourri of Intriguing Reads

(NewsUSA) - (NewsUSA)

A Pastor's Pit"A Pastor's Pit"
by Judge Roy Sparkman

Religious liberty is under attack in the United States. Faced with legal challenges for the mere action of preaching from the Bible, Pastor Preston and his supporters confront a terrifying truth: the U.S. Constitution is no defense against a biased district attorney obsessed with sending him to prison.

A "Pastor's Pit" exposes the threat to the religious liberty that people of all faiths take for granted, as well as the crucial role that U.S. Supreme Court appointments and presidential elections play in maintaining the rights of all citizens. How can a pastor be indicted and tried for the "crime" of preaching from the Bible? Will the courts send him to prison or uphold his constitutional freedoms? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2NHapnh.

Irina"Irina"
by Philip Warren

A masterfully detailed historical novel of culture, religion, history and politics of the times intertwined with a deeply moving portrayal of tragedy, hope and perseverance. This is Irina's journey from Polish serving girl to French businesswoman. Her determination and curiosity will make you cheer, and her harrowing escape from those who would thwart her progress will have you holding your breath.

Poznan, Poland 1378. Irina is dying. Despite her storied life, one loss is not accounted for: her only son. In a world dominated by men, Irina finds that she can thrive, having everything she could want but the answer to one question. A rich, wonderful saga. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3hQ859Y.

On the Way to Casa Lotus"On the Way to Casa Lotus"
by Lorena Junco Margain

This is a memoir of family, art, injury and forgiveness. The author -- a passionate art collector and devoted wife and mother -- is already shaken after abruptly fleeing Mexico and relocating in the USA with her family. Then, she learns she has a tumor, which simple surgery can mend. But to err is human -- even for surgeons. Rather than improve after surgery, her condition worsens.

Deeply compassionate, wise and poetic, the memoir lays bare some of the most poignant contradictions of the human condition, blurring the distinctions between guilt and neglectfulness, anger and sorrow, humility and shame, gratitude and despair. The book plants a seed of hope that loss and pain can serve a higher purpose. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3vYcbRf.

Indecent Exposure"Indecent Exposure"
by Viola Trivette 

Meera and Aaron have been pitted against each other since law school in their fight for a higher class rank and their ever-growing gap in political views. Apart from constant class bickering, Meera avoids Aaron after an awkward moment in an empty classroom their first year. However, as graduation approaches, she starts to regret all those nights she spent alone in the library and finally agrees to go out with her roommate where she bumps into Aaron at a noisy club.

Although both characters are undeniably drawn to one another, they refuse to admit what's between them. What ensues is a game of back-and-forth as they each try to force the other to concede. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3he4Xok.

NOTE: BookTrib's Bites is presented by BookTrib.com

 

 

Planning Your Financial Future with A Professional You Can Trust

(NewsUSA) - (NewsUSA) - Financial planning can be complex, so when you seek guidance in planning your financial future, it's essential to work with someone you can trust.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional makes a commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, which means acting in their clients' best interests at all times when providing financial advice. You should want a financial adviser who makes this commitment directly to you. Therefore, whomever you choose as your financial professional, including a CFP® professional, you should consider getting a written engagement that requires them to have a fiduciary obligation to you.

Professional standards are important to protect consumers. CFP Board's Code and Standards sets forth the commitment that all CFP® professionals make to CFP Board. This includes duties to maintain the confidentiality and protect the privacy of client information.

In addition, CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to disclose any conflicts of interest that might affect the professional relationship and compromise the CFP® professional's ability to act in their clients' best interests.

Approximately one year ago, CFP Board updated its Code and Standards to mandate that all CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to act as fiduciaries for their clients when providing financial advice.

"Simply put, someone acting as a fiduciary should deliver financial advice that is clear, specific, objective and thorough," says Dan Candura, a CFP Board Emeritus® member and Founder of Candura Group, LLC.

Professionals who follow CFP Board's Code and Standards commit to fulfilling three key duties as part of their fiduciary duty:

- Duty of Loyalty. This means putting their clients' interests first.

"Your interests should be placed above the interest of the CFP® professional and the CFP® professional's firm," according to CFP Board's website.

- Duty of Care. This means being careful, acting with prudence and diligence in making recommendations to clients.

For example, if you receive a sudden windfall of money that you want to delay investing, a CFP® professional who abides by a commitment to CFP Board will review the reasonable options and consider factors such as risks and interest rates in making the best recommendation.

- Duty to Follow Client Instructions. This means complying with all objectives, policies, restrictions, and other terms on which you have agreed, and "all reasonable and lawful directions of you, the client," according to CFP Board.

"Meeting these three duties enables CFP® professionals to honor their commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, in the client's best interest. Certainly, that is what every client deserves," Candura says.

To learn more about how CFP Board's Code and Standards for CFP® professionals help protect consumers, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.

 

Instead of Moving, Consider Improving Your Home

(NewsUSA) - (NewsUSA) -Right now, moving may be a little challenging as property value has gone up tremendously and the number of homes on the market is low. The next best option is to remodel and expand your home office, home gym, or add a patio for outdoor gatherings.

If you own your home and have a mortgage, a cash-out refinancing option may be an easy way to have the money to tackle your home improvement project. Since interest rates are still quite low now may be a good time to tap into your home's equity. Many homeowners may not realize that cash-out refinancing can help fund these projects. A cash-out refinance is not a second mortgage. It is borrowing against the equity in your home or money you have already paid towards your mortgage. A cash-out refinance will require that you refinance your home most likely at a lower rate. The new loan amount will be slightly more than the remaining balance of your home because it will include the amount of cash you take out for you or your family.

Cash-out refinancing is beneficial because it can increase monthly cash flow and allow you to make good use of the funds you take out, according to Freedom Mortgage, one of the nation's full-service mortgage lending company and a leader in FHA and VA loans according to Inside Mortgage Finance, 2020.

The benefits of cash-out refinancing aren't limited to home improvements. Funds from a cash-out refinancing also can be used to pay for a college education or to consolidate high-interest debts at a lower interest rate. Homeowners can typically borrow up to 80% of the value of their homes without paying the private mortgage insurance (PMI) required by some lending situations. That means if you have more than 20% equity in your home, you can use that equity to get cash now.

To help homeowners explore their options and determine how much cash they can obtain, Freedom Mortgage offers a free cash-out refinancing calculator that enables the user to determine what makes sense and the amount of their new monthly payment.

For more information, visit https://www.freedommortgage.com/cash-out-refinance.

 

BookTrib’s Bites: A Potpourri of Intriguing Reads

(NewsUSA) - (NewsUSA)

A Pastor's Pit"A Pastor's Pit"
by Judge Roy Sparkman

Religious liberty is under attack in the United States. Faced with legal challenges for the mere action of preaching from the Bible, Pastor Preston and his supporters confront a terrifying truth: the U.S. Constitution is no defense against a biased district attorney obsessed with sending him to prison.

A "Pastor's Pit" exposes the threat to the religious liberty that people of all faiths take for granted, as well as the crucial role that U.S. Supreme Court appointments and presidential elections play in maintaining the rights of all citizens. How can a pastor be indicted and tried for the "crime" of preaching from the Bible? Will the courts send him to prison or uphold his constitutional freedoms? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2NHapnh.

Irina"Irina"
by Philip Warren

A masterfully detailed historical novel of culture, religion, history and politics of the times intertwined with a deeply moving portrayal of tragedy, hope and perseverance. This is Irina's journey from Polish serving girl to French businesswoman. Her determination and curiosity will make you cheer, and her harrowing escape from those who would thwart her progress will have you holding your breath.

Poznan, Poland 1378. Irina is dying. Despite her storied life, one loss is not accounted for: her only son. In a world dominated by men, Irina finds that she can thrive, having everything she could want but the answer to one question. A rich, wonderful saga. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3hQ859Y.

On the Way to Casa Lotus"On the Way to Casa Lotus"
by Lorena Junco Margain

This is a memoir of family, art, injury and forgiveness. The author -- a passionate art collector and devoted wife and mother -- is already shaken after abruptly fleeing Mexico and relocating in the USA with her family. Then, she learns she has a tumor, which simple surgery can mend. But to err is human -- even for surgeons. Rather than improve after surgery, her condition worsens.

Deeply compassionate, wise and poetic, the memoir lays bare some of the most poignant contradictions of the human condition, blurring the distinctions between guilt and neglectfulness, anger and sorrow, humility and shame, gratitude and despair. The book plants a seed of hope that loss and pain can serve a higher purpose. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3vYcbRf.

Indecent Exposure"Indecent Exposure"
by Viola Trivette 

Meera and Aaron have been pitted against each other since law school in their fight for a higher class rank and their ever-growing gap in political views. Apart from constant class bickering, Meera avoids Aaron after an awkward moment in an empty classroom their first year. However, as graduation approaches, she starts to regret all those nights she spent alone in the library and finally agrees to go out with her roommate where she bumps into Aaron at a noisy club.

Although both characters are undeniably drawn to one another, they refuse to admit what's between them. What ensues is a game of back-and-forth as they each try to force the other to concede. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3he4Xok.

NOTE: BookTrib's Bites is presented by BookTrib.com

 

 

Beware of Self-Treatments & Bizarre Vagina Trends

(NewsUSA) - By Maria Sophocles, MD  For NewsUSA

(NewsUSA) - The pandemic created a major shift in the way people consume - and, more importantly, trust - information, especially as it relates to vaginal health. In fact, a new survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of RepHresh of 2,000 American women age 24-34 reveals that two in five women named Google as their go-to source of information over a physician when experiencing discomfort or vaginal health symptoms.

Many women are also turning to social media for health advice. For example, on TikTok, hashtags relating to the words "sex education" have over 70 million views. A now infamous TikTok video, providing a tutorial on how to relieve constipation through "vaginal splinting" has racked up over 3 million views and the latest popular #icecubechallenge claims to tighten the vagina and curb bacterial overgrowth.

While these trending DIY/at-home medical hacks can be entertaining, many of these practices are not only ineffective at controlling the natural balance of good and bad bacteria, but can be dangerous and cause more harm than good. Melting an ice cube in the vagina can elevate the natural pH balance and trigger a bacterial infection as the pH of water (7.5-8) is higher than the normal vaginal pH (3.5-4.5). And, while vaginal splinting is a scientific method used by medical professionals, experts caution trying it at home as it poses a risk of bacterial spread if not done properly.

The RepHresh survey found that over half (51%) thought a vagina should have a neutral pH, and only 12% correctly identified "moderately acidic" as the ideal pH balance. In addition, the top three most Googled phrases and questions respondents needed answers about included "vaginal discharge" (44%), "do I have a yeast infection?" (39%) and "vaginal odor" (37%).

With an uptick in misinformation, most women frequently misdiagnose their vaginal symptoms. That's why it's more critical than ever that women turn to trusted health care professionals for advice, proper diagnosis and remedies for the actual problem.

Here are a few important things women might not know, but need to know to maintain good vaginal health:

1. Vaginal odor is completely normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Refrain from using unnecessary scented products, including wipes and washes that claim to eliminate odor with fruity or flowery fragrances, as this will not solve the root cause of the issue, which is an unbalanced pH. Do look for clinically-backed and doctor-recommended products for vaginal health, such as over-the-counter RepHresh Gel, which rebalances pH to a healthy range, eliminates odor, and lasts up to three days.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections can present similar symptoms, such as unusual vaginal discharge and discomfort, so when women run to the drug store and buy an OTC yeast medication such as Monistat, they are not addressing the root cause of the problem. Two out of three times it is BV, which must be treated with an antibiotic from their health care provider. But, antibiotics can kill the good and bad bacteria and cause a yeast infection, so make sure to take a vaginal probiotic once a day such as RepHresh Pro-B as it contains 2 strains of vaginal lactobacilli to keep the vaginal flora in balance and eat foods high in probiotics like a healthy no-sugar-added Greek yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or miso.

3. High sugar and alcohol intake can elevate pH imbalances and contribute to an overgrowth of yeast. Maintain a healthy moderation of sugary drinks and junk food as excess amounts not only impact vaginal health, but overall weight gain and wellness.

4. Vaginal discharge is a completely normal function in which the vagina naturally removes old cells to keep the environment healthy and clean. Some women have more discharge, while others might experience very little, and it can change in color and thickness depending on the ovulation cycle. However, discharge accompanied with itching, burning, fishy odor, swelling, unusual color, or pelvic pain should be brought to a doctor's attention as it can be a bacterial infection or STI and must be treated appropriately.

Before trying something new, consult with your healthcare provider especially when things seem off to ensure the safety and efficacy of the method or product you are considering. And, don't miss your annual OB/GYN visit.

Maria Sophocles, MD, OB/GYN is the Medical Director of Women's Healthcare of Princeton in Princeton, NJ.

Planning Your Financial Future with A Professional You Can Trust

(NewsUSA) - (NewsUSA) - Financial planning can be complex, so when you seek guidance in planning your financial future, it's essential to work with someone you can trust.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional makes a commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, which means acting in their clients' best interests at all times when providing financial advice. You should want a financial adviser who makes this commitment directly to you. Therefore, whomever you choose as your financial professional, including a CFP® professional, you should consider getting a written engagement that requires them to have a fiduciary obligation to you.

Professional standards are important to protect consumers. CFP Board's Code and Standards sets forth the commitment that all CFP® professionals make to CFP Board. This includes duties to maintain the confidentiality and protect the privacy of client information.

In addition, CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to disclose any conflicts of interest that might affect the professional relationship and compromise the CFP® professional's ability to act in their clients' best interests.

Approximately one year ago, CFP Board updated its Code and Standards to mandate that all CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to act as fiduciaries for their clients when providing financial advice.

"Simply put, someone acting as a fiduciary should deliver financial advice that is clear, specific, objective and thorough," says Dan Candura, a CFP Board Emeritus® member and Founder of Candura Group, LLC.

Professionals who follow CFP Board's Code and Standards commit to fulfilling three key duties as part of their fiduciary duty:

- Duty of Loyalty. This means putting their clients' interests first.

"Your interests should be placed above the interest of the CFP® professional and the CFP® professional's firm," according to CFP Board's website.

- Duty of Care. This means being careful, acting with prudence and diligence in making recommendations to clients.

For example, if you receive a sudden windfall of money that you want to delay investing, a CFP® professional who abides by a commitment to CFP Board will review the reasonable options and consider factors such as risks and interest rates in making the best recommendation.

- Duty to Follow Client Instructions. This means complying with all objectives, policies, restrictions, and other terms on which you have agreed, and "all reasonable and lawful directions of you, the client," according to CFP Board.

"Meeting these three duties enables CFP® professionals to honor their commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, in the client's best interest. Certainly, that is what every client deserves," Candura says.

To learn more about how CFP Board's Code and Standards for CFP® professionals help protect consumers, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.

 

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