04/23/2026
I am thrilled to announce that I have earned my CFP® designation — a milestone that means more than just a certificate on the wall.
I’m not sure that I can find the words to sum up exactly what the process looked like. It required hundreds of hours of intense preparation: late nights with my nose buried in a textbook, early mornings reviewing practice questions, and weekends devoted to tax strategies, retirement planning, and ethics scenarios. There were moments of doubt, exhaustion, and lots of temptations to step away. But every time I felt overwhelmed, I reminded myself why I started — it wasn’t about passing a test; it was about working to become the advisor my clients and future clients deserve.
One of my mentors once shared that in order to pass this exam, I first needed to understand my “why.” While I was motivated to excel, to build my reputation as a capable advisor, and to deepen my knowledge of financial planning, I eventually discovered that my purpose ran much deeper. At its core, my “why” was rooted in a personal commitment: I needed to master this for myself so that I knew I could show up fully for the individuals who placed their trust in me. I recognized that I had a responsibility to become a reliable, knowledgeable resource for my community. Financial decisions touch people’s lives in profoundly personal ways—often during their most vulnerable moments. I wanted to develop the confidence and competence to guide those conversations with care, clarity, and integrity.
Today, holding this piece of paper in my hands feels like something truly meaningful. It is my promise — to my current clients, to future clients, and to myself — that I will continue to show up with integrity, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment. If you are considering your own financial future, know that I am here, fully equipped and deeply motivated, to walk that path with you. Here’s to growth and building brighter futures together.
-Canyon Elkins, CFP®