Gerri A Harrison CFP EA has been in the financial services field since 1983.

I graduated with a bachelors’ degree in Accounting from Binghamton University. Currently I am working on my masters’ degree in Personal Finance through the College for Financial Planning.

To qualify as a certified financial planner (CFP), I was required to pass a series of tests involving several areas of personal finance. To maintain the CFP certification I must have a minimum of thirty continuing education credits every two years. As a member of the Financial Planning Association, I have a means of keeping up-to-date with financial trends and new legislation and the ability to network with peers.

An enrolled agent (EA) is a designation earned by passing a four part test given by the Internal Revenue Service. It gives me the right to practice before the IRS, allowing me to do audit and representation work. As an EA, I am required to have a minimum of 72 continuing education credits every three years. As a member of the National Association of Tax Preparers and the National Association of Enrolled Agents , I have access to research services, up-to-date tax information, numerous articles specializing in tax issues and networking with peer opportunities.

The area of College Financial Aid Planning has no universally accepted designation. I do attend educational seminars focusing on this issue each year. I am also a member of the National Financial Aid Practitioners Alliance.

I have taught numerous classes and seminars through my own business and through other organizations. I have also taught several classes through the Broome Community College Adult Education program. I am an active volunteer with SCORE, an organization that offers free small business consulting.

Listed above are the minimum continuing education requirements. I often have two to three times the required amounts. I am a firm believer in education and never tire of investigating new areas of personal finance. One of my favorite activities is reading a financial magazine, newsletter or a financial website. I get so excited when I find something new that will help a current client or that I can tuck away for a potential future client.