1. Defining Excellence:

CIFA defines THE standard of excellence for the investment community. Affiliated Firms qualify for membership by passing through a prudent peer approval process of defined objective and shared subjective criteria. Therefore, membership clearly differentiates these firms from the rapidly increasing number of broadly defined and often controversial "financial advisors". All CIFA members are the principals of professional firms that have distinguished themselves as the country's leading financial advisors to the affluent community.

1. True Value:

Members share a unified philosophy that emphasizes client-centered practice by providing fee-only services to eliminate all conflicts of interest. Effectiveness comes from offering innovative solutions to clients' needs, from adding value to clients' investment portfolios, and from consistently exceeding their expectations for service and performance.

The membership will consistently and continually benchmark themselves within the organization and against the industry standards to ensure the highest quality of performance. Formal measures to assess client satisfaction and service objectives, which include Integrity, Intelligence, Intimacy, Interaction and Immediacy and to assist each member in delivering a positive client experience have been developed.

1. Resources

CIFA provides its Member Firms with access to superior service and marketing support from within the industry. The Organization also provides practiced management support concerning strategic planning, research, technology, marketing and public relations to enable members to focus on client services rather than business operations. Diversity among the service providers such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity and Waterhouse Securities will be sought to gain an enhanced perspective of the industry for the benefit of both members and their clients