Chartered Trust And Estate Planner

Bad news: everyone dies. Now that we've set a bummer mood, on to some finance stuff...smart (and usually wealthy) people plan ahead for their eventual demises. By planning, they make sure their estates are transferred to their heirs trouble-free, with the least amount of taxes owed and the most amount of assets remaining. To help them do this, these smart and/or wealthy people use Chartered Trust and Estate Planners.

A Chartered Trust and Estate Planner has expertise and experience in all aspects of trusts and estate planning. The certification is issued by the Global Academy of Finance and Management, formerly known as the American Academy of Financial Management. In order to be considered for the certification, you have to have at least three years’ experience with trusts and estate planning, have a graduate or undergraduate degree in finance, tax, accounting and law, or obtain a Certified Public Accounting credential, an MBA or a Master’s degree.

If you don’t have the right Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, don't fear...you can take five courses designated by the Global Academy and then pass an exam. Since many aspects of trusts and estate planning change quickly (such as taxes), you will need to complete 15 hours of continuing education each year.