A member of the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts who specializes in the financial issues surrounding divorce. The role of the CDFA includes acting as an advisor to one party's divorce lawyer, or as a mediator for both parties. A CDFA uses his or her knowledge of tax law, asset distribution, and short- and long-term financial planning to achieve an equitable settlement. |||To become a CDFA, a person must have two years of financial planning or legal experience. After attaining the proper work experience, candidates are required to complete a four-step modular program and exam designed by the IDFA. The program is a self-study system, covering financial and tax issues, with case studies of divorce settlements.
A professional designation awarded by the Center for Financial Certifications to debt settlement professionals who pass a certification exam. Successful applicants earn the right to use the CCDS designation with their names, which can improve job opportunities, professional reputation and pay. Every two years, CCDS professionals must complete 20 hours of continuing education and pay a fee to retain the designation. |||CCDS applicants study debt settlement and personal finance management (including budgeting, evaluating debt loads, setting and achieving financial goals, planning to eliminate/avoid debt, investing, retirement and insurance). Also, applicants must develop communication, counseling and negotiation skills to negotiate on behalf of their clients. CCDS professionals should also be familiar with consumer protection laws.
A certification indicating expertise and commitment to fixed-rate and variable annuities. Individuals with the CAS designation offer clients expert advice in regards to investment opportunities in annuities. |||The CAS designation is issued by the Institute of Business & Finance through a six-module, 60-hour course and requires 15 hours per year of continuing education for the first five years following certification. The course includes an open-book case study as well as a final exam administered by the NASD.
A document declaring in which country a commodity or good was manufactured. The certificate of origin contains information regarding the product's destination and country of export and is required by many treaty agreements before being accepted into another nation. |||Trade restrictions, tariffs, embargoes and duties can all be affected by the certificate of origin. Because some nations limit or ban imports from certain countries, all incoming goods would be required to have a CO. To encourage imports from specific nations, governments may lower the duty on goods if accompanied by a CO from those countries.
An organization started to debate and research European Union affairs. It is a collaboration of the most intelligent individuals and groups with an interest in the EU. One of its main goals is to resolve some of the major issues currently facing the EU through a series of debates, as well as extensive research. |||CEPS is constantly researching subjects such as economic and social welfare policies, energy, climate change and sustainable development, EU neighborhood foreign and security policies, financial markets and institutions, justice and home affairs and many more.
A mandatory benefit account set up to provide Singaporeans with a healthy retirement plan. The Central Provident Fund (CPF) was first introduced in 1948 by the Progressive Party to help ensure that Singaporeans would save up for retirement. Many people disagreed with the idea but it was believed that making this fund compulsory would give security and assurance to retirees. |||Rates of contribution vary depending on the employee's age. For example, members that are 35 years old or younger must contribute approximately 33% of total wages to the fund. This breaks down to the employees contributing 20% of their wages and their employers contribute the remaining 13%. The purpose of the fund was to ensure that those entering retirement had the healthcare and support that they needed. The funds are then managed and invested to obtain an adequate return.
A designation given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to those who pass an exam and meet work experience requirements. |||For the most part, the accounting industry is self-regulated. The CPA is a designation meant to help ensure that professional standards for the industry are enforced. Other countries have certifications equivalent to the CPA. For example, in Canada, accountants similar to the CPA are called Chartered Accountants (CA).
A designation by the Institute for Investment Management Consultants to associate members who pass an exam and meet financial services work-experience requirements. |||This designation is sometimes pronounced "sims."