FPA of New Jersey Committees
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Advocacy
The Advocacy Committee tracks legislative and regulatory issues and other developments relevant to financial planners. We work on developing and maintaining a relationship with legislators and regulators through our advocacy efforts. We also spend time discussing and considering best practices on issues that financial planners face every day. We seek to inform and promote discussion on issues such as cybersecurity and eldercare through our writings in FPA publications. We look to highlight the steps all financial planners need to address in order for financial planning to be recognized as a profession. The Legal Recognition of Financial Planners Through Title Protection
Diversity & Inclusion
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee is dedicated to supporting the FPA in its efforts to provide knowledge, advocacy, community, and leadership to all those who need support and deliver professional financial planning, but with a focus on bringing a diverse community into the membership as well as maintaining a welcoming culture for that community. FPA to raise awareness and promote an environment that embraces diverse communities of consumers and professionals. In so doing, FPA strives to increase opportunities and access for the broadest spectrum, so that all may join, collaborate, and thrive with an inclusive financial planning community. The goal is for the membership of FPA of New Jersey to match or exceed the diversity of the New Jersey population as set by the US Census Bureau, and ensure there is an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month, honoring contributions made by women in America. It was initially started as “Women’s History Week” to coincide with International Women’s Day. Celebrated on March 8th, International Women’s Day recognizes the contributions of women in social, economic, cultural, and political arenas. International Women’s Day dates back to 1911, but it wasn’t until 1969 when women’s right advocate, Laura X, organized a march in California that led to a series of events ultimately landing on the month-long celebration we now know as Women’s History Month. It took until 1987 for Congress to pass a law designating March as Women’s History Month largely due to the efforts by the National Women’s History Project, now called National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), a non-profit organization that promotes education in multicultural women’s history and highlighting women’s contributions in history.
Some financial historical milestones for women are gaining the right to open a bank account in the 1960s. The 1974 Equal Credit Opportunity Act allowed women the ability to apply for credit in their own name. Janet Yellen was the first women named to head the Federal Reserve in 2014.
Every year, the NWHA organizes Women’s History Month around a theme. In 2024, we are celebrating “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion”. The theme recognizes women from all backgrounds that have been working tirelessly to overcome and take down systemic inequities to create a more inclusive and just society.
Here at FPA NJ, we strive to achieve an inclusive and just membership base and committee, and are committed to provide opportunities for our women members of all backgrounds to participate.
Education
is responsible for creating and presenting a robust program of educational content for our members. We try to present 9 or 10 programs a year which include webinars, seminars, and educational breakfasts. The committee also organizes the new FPANJ Mastermind where financial planners can discuss topics and we can all learn from our peers. Our committee has a monthly zoom planning meeting and one in-person strategic planning meeting per year. Our committee members usually offer to help organize at least one program per year either alone or as part of a team. Although we have historically been one of the largest FPANJ committees, we are always looking for new volunteers and new ideas!
Major Conferences
We will help fulfill the FPA of New Jersey's mission by creating conferences that provide competent, committed, and ethical members, provide educational enrichment and networking opportunities, assist members in achieving professional growth and personal fulfillment, and provide support to other FPA of New Jersey committees to better help the financial service community as a whole. We are excited to welcome you to our spring and fall forums!
Member Services
The Membership Committee's goal is to have the FPA of New Jersey members realize and experience the values of being a member of FPA. Enhance FPA of Oklahoma's membership value, understand and respond to member needs by providing extraordinary benefits and activities and the connections that enhance their practice and service to their clients.
NexGen
The next generation (NexGen) is comprised of new and aspiring financial planners who come from a variety of life experiences and backgrounds. FPA of New Jersey gives them a professional home from which they can thrive. Those entering the financial planning profession today do so in different ways. Some are students exploring financial planning as their potential vocation, while others are career-changers. Some are recent graduates preparing to take the CFP® examination, while others are joining firms at the ground level. The “next generation” is no longer defined by age but rather by where you are in your career. Our NexGen Group is an inclusive community of members of all backgrounds – no matter how they arrived in the profession. The community is ultra-collaborative, so if you have a passion for connecting with your peers, learning how you can be a better financial planner, and sharing insights, than consider joining our NexGen Committee!
Pro Bono
The Pro Bono Committee is a community dedicated to providing financial education and tax preparation help to New Jerseyans who would otherwise struggle to obtain it. This is a great place to be if you are a seasoned volunteer seeking for camaraderie and new opportunities, a novice volunteer looking to deepen your engagement and expertise, or a total beginner who could benefit from guidance on getting started. Learn about upcoming activities!
Public Relations
The Public Relations Committee is dedicated to communicating the value of the FPA of New Jersey and financial planning to the public, media, and financial planning community.
Strategic Partners
The Partnership Committee strives to inform partners and potential partners about the benefits of FPA of New Jersey and to nurture mutually beneficial relationships between FPA and its partners. The Partnership Committee’s objective is to encourage partners to engage with the FPA community and utilize its various benefits to maximize their partnership dollars and maintain their commitment.
Women's Group
This committee is dedicated to supporting and promoting women in the financial planning profession by offering networking, mentorship, and educational opportunities for women in finance.