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Matthew Couzens

CFP®, ChFC®, CRPC®, APMA®

Qualifications

AAMS® Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠

The AAMS® certification requires abiding by a code of ethics and successfully completing coursework that addresses the needs of individuals by applying investment concepts to real-world situations of asset management. Candidates must pass a certification examination covering the following topics: asset allocation, investment strategies, estate planning, investment opportunities for retirees and small business owners, and insurance products.

ADPA® Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor℠

Individuals who hold the ADPASM designation have completed a course of study encompassing wealth transfers, federal taxation, retirement planning, and planning for financial and medical end-of-life needs for domestic partners. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations.

AEP® Accredited Estate Planner®

The AEP designation is awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils to estate planners who have completed two graduate-level courses administered by The American College, meet specific professional requirements and who practice as one of the following: attorney, CPA, trust officer, CLU®, CFP® certificant or ChFC®.

AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary

The Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)® designation is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of fiduciary practices. AIF® designees must complete training and annual continuing professional education requirements and attest to a code of ethics.

APMA® Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠

Individuals who hold the APMASM designation have completed a course of study encompassing client assessment and suitability, risk/return, investment objectives, bond and equity portfolios, modern portfolio theory and investor psychology.

AWMA® Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠

The AWMA® certification requires abiding by a code of ethics and passing a certification examination covering coursework that addresses the asset management needs of individuals. The coursework provides candidates with advanced knowledge in asset management, allocation and selection, investment performance and strategies for retirees and small business owners, estate planning, income tax and benefits planning, and risk management and investment issues for high net worth clients.

BFA™ Behavioral Financial Advisor™

A Behavioral Financial Advisor™ certification trains, develops and improves competencies necessary to help financial professionals and clients make better decisions throughout the financial planning process. The course work includes topics such as self awareness, effective decision-making, effective self-management, and relationship effectiveness.

CAP® Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®

The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) provides students with the knowledge and tools needed to help clients articulate and advance their highest aspirations for self, family, and society.

CAS® Certified Annuity Specialist®

A certification indicating expertise and commitment to fixed-rate and variable annuities. Individuals with the CAS® designation offer clients expert advice regarding investment opportunities in annuities.

CASL® Chartered Advisor for Senior Living®

The CASL® credential provides advisors with in-depth training on issues impacting seniors and those planning for retirement.

CDFA®; Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®

A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® is a member of the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts who specializes in the financial issues surrounding divorce.

CEP® Certified Estate Planner™

Certified Estate Planners™ are proud to lead the way in the education and support of financial, legal and tax professionals who desire to take their practice into the comprehensive and demanding field of Estate Planning.

CEPA® Certified Exit Planning Advisor

The Certified Exit Planning Advisor Program is a five-day executive MBA-style program held by the Exit Planning Institute that trains and certifies qualified professional advisors in the field of exit planning. Exit planning is the preparation for the exit of an entrepreneur from his company to maximize the enterprise value of the company in a mergers and acquisitions transaction.

CFA® Chartered Financial Analyst®

Holders of the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation are securities analysts, money managers and investment advisors who have completed the CFA program, a graduate-level, self-study curriculum and examination program for investment professionals that covers a broad range of investment topics.

CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is recognized as a standard of excellence for personal financial planning. CFP® certification requires meeting experience and ethics requirements, successfully completing financial planning course work and passing the certification examination covering the following topics: financial planning principles, employee benefits planning, investment planning, income tax planning, and retirement and estate planning.

CFS® Certified Fund Specialist

A Certified Fund Specialist has completed advanced studies in mutual funds, including modern portfolio theory to help them understand how to analyze and construct efficient portfolios containing mutual funds and other investment vehicles. Advisors who hold this designation have advanced knowledge of mutual funds, having passed an examination covering the following areas: dollar-cost averaging, risk management, asset allocation and modern portfolio theory.

ChFC® Chartered Financial Consultant®

The Chartered Financial Consultant® designation is one of the most robust and respected credentials for financial planning professionals. To earn the Chartered Financial Consultant designation, advisors must complete experience and ethics requirements.

ChSNC® Chartered Special Needs Consultant®

Offered by the American College advisors who hold the Chartered Special Needs Consultant go through a rigorous program that is designed to help advisors manage the emotional and financial complexities of planning for families that have children with special needs.

CIMA® Certified Investment Management Analyst®

The Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation identifies professionals with years of experience and hard-earned, in-depth management capabilities who have completed extensive course work and passed a rigorous exam. CIMA® certification requires meeting experience and ethics requirements, successfully completing financial planning course work and passing the certification examination covering the following areas: asset allocation, due diligence, risk measurement, investment policy and performance measurement.

CKA® Certified Kingdom Advisor®

The Certified Kingdom Advisor® designation is issued by Kingdom Advisors. That is designed to offer advisors growth in three areas: delivery of biblically wise financial advice, wisdom in practice management, and equipping in personal and spiritual growth.

CLTC® Certified Long Term Care®

The Certified in Long-Term Care program is the long-term care insurance industry’s only independent professional designation. The Certified in Long-Term Care course is focused on the field of long-term care planning and provides legal, accounting, insurance and financial service professionals the critical tools necessary to address the subject matter with their middle-age clients.

CLU® Chartered Life Underwriter®

The Chartered Life Underwriter Designation® is the highest level designation available in the life insurance profession, and is obtained by completing retirement planning course work that focuses on the financial planning needs of clients like you. Chartered Life Underwriters have completed advanced courses and exams in regard to insurance, investments, taxation, employee benefits, estate planning, accounting, management and economics.

CMFC® Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor℠

The Chartered Mutual Fund CounselorSM program was developed in conjunction with the Investment Company Institute and is the only mutual fund designation recognized in the financial services industry. The program provides a thorough knowledge of mutual funds and their various uses as investment vehicles.

CPA  Certified Public Accountant

The Certified Public Accountant designation is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to accountants who pass the AICPA’s Uniform CPA Examination and satisfy the work experience and statutory and licensing requirements of the state(s) in which they practice.

CPWA® Certified Private Wealth Advisor®

An advanced credential created specifically for wealth managers who work with high-net-worth individuals, focusing on the life cycle of wealth: accumulation, preservation, and distribution. Candidates who earn the certification understand how to develop specific strategies to minimize taxes, monetize and protect assets, maximize growth, and transfer wealth.

CRC® Certified Retirement Counselor®

The Certified Retirement Counselor® program helps financial professionals raise retirement readiness of clients by delivering curriculum that promotes a mastery of both retirement accumulation and distribution planning.

CRPC® Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠

The Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM certification is obtained by completing retirement planning course work that focuses on the pre- and post-retirement needs of clients like you. By completing coursework focused on key retirement issues such as asset management and estate planning, a Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM is trained to help clients assess retirement preparedness and confidently address their pre- and post-retirement financial needs.

CRPS® Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist℠

Chartered Retirement Plans Specialists have completed a course of study encompassing design, installation, maintenance and administration of retirement plans. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations.

CSPGCM Certified Specialist in Planned GivingCM

The Certified Specialist in Planned GivingCM program is designed to teach the body of knowledge required for planned giving professionals and others who may be called upon to participate in the planned giving process.

CTFA Certified Trust and Financial Advisor

Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) is a professional designation offered by the American Bankers Association (ABA). This mark provides training and knowledge in taxes, investments, financial planning, trusts and estates.

FPQP™ Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™

The Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ is offered by the College of Financial Planning. It is the industry-benchmark for entry-level financial planning credentials to learn basic, practical knowledge that can be used to assist planners and advisors.

LUTCF Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow

The Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow certification coursework provides advisors with a better understanding of a variety of insurance products and addresses the protection planning needs of individuals. Candidates are required to meet ethics standards and pass a certification examination covering the following areas: retirement planning, investing, estate planning, annuities, business insurance, employee benefits, life insurance and disability income insurance.

MAAA Member of the American Academy of Actuaries

An MAAA is a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. To many employers, clients, and government leaders, the MAAA designation denotes professionalism and credibility.

MPAS℠ Master Planner Advanced Studies℠

Individuals who hold the Master Planner Advanced Studies℠ designation have earned a Master of Science degree with a major in personal financial planning. The program covers personal financial planning and investment-related content. Individuals must complete all coursework and graduation requirements for the Master of Science degree.

PFS Personal Financial Specialist

The PFS designation program addresses many areas of the financial planning process including estate planning, retirement strategy, investment selection, education planning, and risk management.

REBC® Registered Employee Benefit Consultant®

The Registered Employee Benefit Consultant® program focuses on providing the student with the knowledge necessary to become a professional in the sale and service of employee benefits plans.

RFC® Registered Financial Consultant

Certificants are qualified to help clients understand the various options and nuances of financial services, capable of developing a customized plan services that fit their unique set of circumstances.

RHU® Registered Health Underwriter®

The Registered Health Underwriter® designation is the undisputed professional credential for persons involved in the sale and service of disability income and health insurance.

RICP® Retirement Income Certified Professional®

The Retirement Income Certified ProfessionalSM designation is obtained by completing retirement planning course work that focuses on creating an effective retirement income plan for clients who are nearing or are in retirement. By completing coursework focused on key retirement issues such as income gaps, taxation, asset management, and estate planning, a Retirement Income Certified ProfessionalSM is trained to help clients assess retirement preparedness and confidently address their income needs throughout retirement.

Private Wealth Advisor
Chief Executive Officer of
COUZENS, DOMINGOS, ALLEN & ASSOCIATES
A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

An Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisor

  • phone 860.430.1919
  • mail Matthew.C.Couzens@ampf.com
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Insights

News & Featured Insights

Social Security survivor benefits
Social security: 5 key questions
When should you collect Social Security?
Where is the U.S. economy headed next?
Emerging from the pandemic
The post-pandemic health care sector
Resources during market uncertainty

View more Insights
1 2 3 4

All(65)
  • All (65)
  • Markets & Economy (21)
  • Retirement (19)
  • Personal Finance & Investing (23)
  • Insurance & Estate (2)
  • Education & Career (2)
  • Tax (8)
Insurance & Estate

Life insurance later in life: The benefits may surprise you

Your 50s and 60s are a good time to revisit your life insurance strategy with your advisor. View solutions
Education & Career

Get an "A" in college savings: 529 plan features

529 plans may be a tax-advantaged way to save for post-secondary education. Learn about 529s and find out how you can use one to finance educational expenses. Read More
Personal Finance & Investing

3 tips for short-term investing

How to plant the seeds for returns when you don’t have the luxury of time. Read More
Personal Finance & Investing

How to balance saving for retirement and college

More parents are willing to delay retirement to pay for college. Learn how to keep retirement front and center while balancing other priorities. Start today
Retirement

5 ways to boost your retirement savings

Consider five strategies to stay on track and bring your retirement dreams to life. Save more
Markets & Economy

Have markets distanced themselves from the economy?

Here's what to watch as states reopen, economic data weakens and markets anticipate the future. Read More
Markets & Economy

Focusing on the road to economic recovery

When will the economy begin to rebound and how long will a full recovery take? Get insights
Markets & Economy

Stock market performance in presidential election years

History shows patterns in prices and volatility. How should investors factor in uncertainty from the pandemic? Read more
1 2 3 4

Market perspectives

  • Before the Bell - July 02
  • After the Close - June 26
  • Weekly Markets Commentary - June 29
  • Perspectives from Columbia Threadneedle - June 09
  • Economic Perspectives - May 29

Market data

Connect with me

phone 860.430.1919
email Matthew.C.Couzens@ampf.com
place Office Locations

Matthew Couzens is licensed and registered to conduct business in CT.

Based on licenses and registrations I hold, I may also conduct business in AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA.

CA Insurance #2072206

  • Unless otherwise noted, all content, including any article appearing within News & Insights, was authored by the corporate communications department of Ameriprise Financial, and is the property of Ameriprise Financial. Individual advisors have been granted permission to post content on this site, but are not the authors of said content except where specifically stated.
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  • Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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