What is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC^®)?

If you are thinking about retirement, you may have noticed some advisors list the credential CRPC® after their name. Understanding what that credential means can help you decide whether working with a retirement-focused professional aligns with your needs.

What Is a CRPC®?

CRPC® stands for Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. It is a professional designation earned through the College for Financial Planning and focuses on retirement planning. Advisors who hold this credential complete coursework, pass an exam, adhere to a code of ethics, and complete ongoing continuing education.

What is covered in CRPC® training?

The CRPC® program gives financial advisors a foundation in the key areas of retirement planning so they can better guide clients through each stage of the transition including:

• Retirement income planning
• Withdrawal considerations and required minimum distributions
• Understanding Social Security benefits
• Managing healthcare and Medicare
• Handling taxes in retirement
• Estate planning

When to Turn to a CRPC® for Guidance

People consider working with a CRPC® when their focus shifts from “How much am I saving?” to “How will this support me in retirement?”

Common examples include:

1. Nearing Retirement

A CRPC® can help you build a retirement income plan that brings together savings, Social Security, pensions, and other income sources. They can also help you determine safe withdrawal amounts, reduce taxes where possible, and structure income.

2. Already in Retirement

If you are already retired, a CRPC® can help you manage your income, refine withdrawal strategies, adjust investments, and update plans as life or financial goals change. This may also include a review of estate planning needs.

3. Healthcare Costs

A CRPC® can explain Medicare options, evaluate long term care considerations, and help you plan for rising healthcare costs using available income and assets.

Ready to Talk Through Your Retirement Questions?

At StackStone Wealth, we take a team-based approach to retirement planning. We help clients assess retirement readiness, organize accounts, and evaluate planning choices. We serve clients from offices in Dubuque, Iowa; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Rockford, Illinois; Marquette, Michigan; and Massachusetts. We also meet virtually.

For more information, give us a call at 563.556.7132.