Financial Planners   CFP vs. Registered Rep 

As just a life and annuity agent, I feel I do just as good of a job in protecting my client's income and assets without having to sell stocks or mutual funds. I also do not have a CFP or RIA, is this important to have?

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) must meet strict education requirements, pass an examination, and prove a level of expertise and standard of ethics. It proves an agents expertise in creating financial plans and can increase the agents credibility.

A Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) is registered with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) or the state they are licensed in order to accept a fee for investment advise. This applies mostly for those who are managing portfolios in the stock market, many stockbrokers become RIAs.

I think between the two of them if you were to focus on one achievement I would drive myself toward the CFP. Becoming a CFP requires a lot of education and experience. This can be key in gaining the confidence of new clients. Although you aren't required to have either or both, it can benefit you personally by being able to prove to clients that you have what it takes to protect their financial future.