Discover Best Practices With Peers Who Get It

The Directors of Financial Planning Community hosted by Kitces

At Kitces, we understand how lonely it can be for a Director of Financial Planning. It's as though you're maintaining a department on an island, navigating complex challenges with few people who truly understand your role and the unique pressures you face.

That’s why we’ve brought this community together—to provide a dedicated space where you can connect, share insights, and learn from peers navigating the same responsibilities as you.

The Directors of Financial Planning (DFP) Community hosted by Kitces.com is a hub designed to unite DFPs by providing a private space to ask questions, discuss challenges and solutions, and access practical resources. Built by DFP members, for DFP members.

Join us for $19/month and gain exclusive access to a community of your peers who are navigating the same complexities as you. Discover how they’re elevating financial planning quality, implementing impactful strategies, and driving measurable success. Through active discussion boards and monthly small group meetings, you’ll gain invaluable, actionable insights you can apply immediately.

Elevate your success as a DFP, and financial planning engagement in your firm by joining a community where you can find and share best practices with DFPs like you.

Experience the power of peer support and see what’s really possible for yourself and your firm.

What To Expect From The Directors of Financial Planning Community hosted by Kitces

Peer-Led Discussion Boards

Engage in relevant discussions where you can share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges.

Monthly Small Group Meetings

Connect on a monthly basis with a small group of fellow Directors for in-depth conversations, support, and collaboration.

Peer-Generated Resource Library

Access and contribute to a growing library of templates, process documentation, and technology recommendations curated by the community.

Exclusive Webinars and Workshops

Attend exclusive events created by and led by your peers.

Hosted on Circle

Connect with fellow DFP Community members on the easy-to-navigate platform, Circle, designed with community at its forefront.

Why Join The Directors of Financial Planning Community?

Instead of navigating your challenges alone, leverage the collective knowledge and experience of your peers. This community is designed to help you see what's truly possible by learning directly from others who have successfully addressed the same issues you face. Whether you're looking to streamline your processes, enhance your advisor training, or improve your client experience, the Directors of Financial Planning Community hosted by Kitces is here to support you.

What Others Have Said About The Directors of Financial Planning Community

"I posted a question in the Circle community about stock options and another DFP didn't hesitate to book some time to help me. It was great to have that resource and make a connection with another DFP!"

Kimberly FlynnDirector of Financial Planning, Carson Wealth Foxborough

"In each of the breakout sessions I have had at least one moment where a topic/idea/approach is discussed that could materially improve my role and/or my firm."

Devin MillerDirector of Financial Planning and Operations, DecisionPoint Financial

"I was just recently checking for posts on AI note taking apps and the thread on this was immensely helpful in our selection. It was great to hear real people's perspectives."

Chelsea MieczkowskiDirector of Financial & Tax Planning, Bamboo Wealth

"A client asked me "what finance books do you recommend for my teenage child?" And I posted it on the forum and got a ton of great book recommendations. That showed me how powerful a community this is, and how much brain power we have collectively."

Nick HolemanDirector of Financial Planning, Betterment

Complete Interest Form

Ready to connect with fellow Directors of Financial Planning?

Here's How to Join:

1. Complete Form: Start by filling out a brief form with your details. This helps us understand your background and ensure the community is a good fit for you.

2. Register and Join: After submitting the form, you’ll immediately be able to complete your registration, including entering your payment information for the $19/month membership. This gives you instant access to the Directors of Financial Planning Community.

3. Application Review: Our team will review your form shortly after submission. If we determine that your application doesn't align with the community’s goals and criteria, your membership will be canceled and your payment will be fully refunded.

Interest Form: Directors of Financial Planning (DFP) Community hosted by Kitces

First Name(Required)

Last Name(Required)

Title(Required)

City(Required)

State(Required)

Country(Required)

Firm Name(Required)

Firm Website(Required)

Email(Required)

Designations(Required)

Select all that apply

I currently lead or manage the financial planning function within an active advisory practice.(Required)

Years of Experience in Financial Planning(Required)

Number of Full-Time Employees at Your Firm(Required)

AUM or Annual Revenue for Your Firm(Required)

(Please specify AUM or Revenue in your answer)

Firm Niche

If applicable

I understand that while Kitces will provide the space for DFPs to gather and help identify peers in the industry, the content of this community will be peer-generated.(Required)

I agree to participate in forums, engage with other members, and where appropriate to share resources to enhance the collective value of the community.(Required)

I agree to respect the confidentiality of discussions within the community and will not share proprietary information outside of the group without permission.(Required)

Please share what excites you about the opportunity to join the DFP Community hosted by Kitces.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about your interest in joining the DFP Community hosted by Kitces?

FAQs

How do I know if my application has been accepted?

Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed to ensure that it aligns with the community’s goals and criteria. Some applications are approved instantly, and you’ll be redirected to a page where you can purchase your membership. Others may take a few days to be approved. In these cases, you will receive an email notification from [email protected] within 5-7 business days confirming whether your application has been accepted, along with the next steps to officially join the community.

Is there a cost to join the community?

Yes, there is a $19/month membership fee to join the community. This fee helps cover the cost of maintaining the platform and ensuring a high-quality experience for all members.

What is the time commitment for participating in the community?

Members should expect to dedicate approximately 5-7 hours per month to community activities. This includes participating in discussions, attending monthly virtual events, and contributing to the development of the resource library. The time commitment may vary depending on your level of involvement in community-led initiatives.

What is the goal for the Directors of Financial Planning community?

Our goal is to bridge the gap in peer-to-peer support by fostering collaboration, sparking innovation, and empowering you with the resources and network you need to thrive. In this community, you’re not just joining a group; you’re becoming part of a trusted network of relatable peers that’s built to help you become even more successful.

Who is eligible to join the Directors of Financial Planning community?

This community is exclusively for professionals who hold the title of Director of Financial Planning or a closely related role. We aim to create a space where individuals facing similar challenges can connect, collaborate, and share insights. If your application is accepted, you’ll be part of a select group of peers committed to mutual growth and success.

What kinds of activities and resources will the community offer?

The community will feature a mix of discussion forums, monthly virtual events, and a shared resource library. As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from these resources, with the content and activities tailored to the specific needs and interests of the community.

How is this community different from other professional networks?

Unlike broader professional networks, this community is specifically designed for Directors of Financial Planning. It’s a peer-driven environment where every member is both a contributor and a beneficiary. The focus is on collaboration and practical solutions, with content and discussions directly relevant to your role.

Will there be opportunities for leadership within the community?

Yes, we are actively seeking members who are interested in taking on leadership roles, such as serving on the Advisory Board or leading specific initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of the community and contribute to its long-term success. You can volunteer to be an Advisory Board Member here.

I’m concerned about sharing my firm’s strategies and trade secrets with potential competitors. How does the community address this?

We understand the concerns around sharing insights with peers who might be considered competitors. The community is built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect, encouraging an environment where members can share experiences without fear of compromising their competitive edge. Additionally, the community is made up of members from a wide range of geographic areas, which helps minimize the likelihood of direct competition. While some DFPs may have virtual-based firms, the majority are spread out across different regions, making it easier to share strategies and best practices without the risk of impacting your local market.

Will I have opportunities to connect with peers from firms that are similar in size and scope to mine?

Yes, we recognize that the challenges and opportunities faced by DFPs can vary significantly based on firm size. To ensure that you’re connecting with peers who can truly relate to your experiences, we will organize the community in a way that allows you to easily connect with others that have a similar firm size and other relevant factors. Whether you’re at a small, mid-sized, or large firm, you’ll find peers who understand your specific context and can offer valuable insights.

What’s the difference between the DFP Community and Kitces Premier Membership?

The DFP Community is designed for leadership, strategy, and connection among Directors of Financial Planning, while our Kitces Premier Membership focuses on delivering top-notch financial planning education for individual advisors. If you’re a DFP looking for peer-to-peer support and leadership development, the DFP Community is tailored specifically for you!

Do we have to pay to join the community?

Yes, there is a small cost ($19/month) to be a part of the community. We’re intentionally building this from the start to be self-sustaining with no sponsorship involvement so it can stay purely focused on the DFP community itself. But that does mean there’s a cost associated, so that we can staff appropriately to support it for the long term as it grows without ever needing to open the door to sponsors who have their own interests.

What should I tell my compliance department if they have questions about my participation in the DFP Community?

The DFP Community hosted by Kitces is non-investment-related activity. Your participation in this community is akin to paying to participate in a private study group. It is purely industry/peer-facing, it is not consumer-facing (consumers will be actively barred from access), and no business development activity will be permitted. The DFP Community is not a tax-exempt membership association (Kitces is a for-profit LLC entity).

Can my DFP Community membership be cancelled at any time?

Yes. If you no longer wish to remain in the community, you can email [email protected] and your cancellation will be processed. Your subscription will be set to expire at the end of your current billing cycle. You’ll be able to access all the membership content until then.