Certified Financial Group
by Kevin Fritz
As one of Central Florida’s oldest and largest financial planning firms, Certified Financial Group* has been serving clients throughout the area and beyond for five decades.
“Our distinction is that we are independent,” says Joseph Bert, CFP®, AIF®, founder, and patriarch of the Altamonte Springs-based firm. “We march to the sound of our own drum.”
Another factor that makes Certified Financial Group unique is that it boasts 17 financial planners under one roof – and they are all Certified Financial Planner® professionals. Among them is Joseph’s son Aaron Bert, CFP®, AIF®, and a 17-year veteran of the firm.
Managing nearly $3 billion for its clients across 29 states, the company primarily caters to individuals – providing retirement, investment, financial, social security, and estate planning services. Certified Financial Group also works with corporations, government entities, and nonprofits, providing retirement plan management via turnkey solutions for recordkeeping, third-party administration, and investment advice.
“Our goal is to get our clients to their retirement years,” says Joe.
Launched in Sweetwater Square in 1976, Certified Financial Group moved to Douglas Avenue 20 years ago, where its popular workshops educate up to 35 people a week in the company’s Learning Center.
Leading the way in additional community outreach is Joe, himself. For 34 years, he has hosted On the Money, a financial call-in radio program airing on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. on WDBO 580 AM and 107.3 FM. He also shares his financial expertise as a regular contributor to FOX television news programs.
Joe attributes his company’s success and longevity to the employees and the positive word of mouth passed on by the firm’s client base. Certified Financial Group is now serving its third generation of clients.
“You are only as good as the people you are working with,” he says. “And you can’t be in business this long without a good reputation.”
In fact, the firm’s asset management practices have earned the coveted CEFEX (Centre for Fiduciary Excellence) certification, assuring its clients that the company is meeting the highest standards of fiduciary excellence in its investment management, governance, and operational processes.
“We strive to help our clients gain financial security and peace of mind,” adds Joe. “And we are always working on getting better at what we do.”
* Financial planning and investment management offered for a fee through Certified Advisory Corp, a registered investment advisor.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification mark Certified Financial Planner® and CFP®.
Employee Benefits Consulting, Recordkeeping, and Third-party Administration offered through Certified Benefits Corp.