The Certified Financial Planner certification (CFP®) is a formal recognition of expertise in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and retirement. The Financial Enhancement Group is honored to announce that Daren Hardesty, Senior Advisor, has completed his formal financial planning education and passed the CFP® Board exam. The CFP® exam consists of 170 questions that test your ability to apply financial planning knowledge to real-life situations. Candidates could spend between 250 and 300 hours studying for the CFP® exam. The CFP® exam ensures you are highly qualified to develop a holistic plan for your client's finances.
We asked Daren how his life and knowledge has changed over the last three years and what the CFP means to him. “I had my mind set on becoming a CFP® as soon as I committed to leaving teaching and starting as an Advisor. I wasn’t sure how long it would take, but I knew it was a goal that would help FEG and the families I serve. I have been blessed to work directly with Joe Clark (CFP®, Managing Partner & Senior Advisor) since I started at FEG. His mentorship, education, and encouragement from the other Advisors and teammates at FEG have been incredible. The amount of information my brain has taken in the last three years is scary. Between the education Aaron Rheaume (CKA®, Partner & Director of Financial Planning) and the planning team regularly provided at FEG and the CFP® coursework that I had to complete, my head was pushed further than it had been in a long time. I am glad that the CFP® certification process is over, but I still plan to continue learning and helping younger Advisors at FEG for many years to come.” Daren went on to say, “Achieving the CFP® designation was a big goal that I set for myself. It was right in the sweet spot of being both very difficult yet still achievable. There were many late nights studying, followed by long days serving families at FEG. It was a marathon, but I kept moving forward. Like any time you set a goal and achieve it, you realize that reaching the goal is not what you are most proud of – it is the work you put in without giving up when it got difficult.”
Daren graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University and taught math at Knightstown High School. He was also the varsity baseball coach before joining the Financial Enhancement Group team in January 2020. Daren enjoys restoring baseball gloves and spending time with his family & friends. When asked why FEG was the right place for him and his family, Daren stated, “FEG took a chance on me three years ago, and I am thankful every day that I was given the opportunity. I was happy as a teacher and coach for many years so taking the leap to start a new career in a new industry came with a lot of anxiety and stress on my family. Looking back, my wife and I agree that it was the best decision we could have made. FEG has blessed my family, and I hope to be a part of this great company for many years to come.”
We are proud of Daren’s dedication to the FEG families he serves, our team, and the industry. As a father of three, a loving husband, and beginning a new career just before a worldwide Pandemic, Daren has demonstrated excellent focus and adaptability. On behalf of your FEG family, job well done, Daren! We are proud of you and honored to serve alongside your promising career.
Financial Enhancement Group is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through World Equity Group, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services can be provided by Financial Enhancement Group (FEG) or World Equity Group. FEG and World Equity Group are separately owned and operated.
