Here's what our students and graduates are saying about
Rattiner's Financial Planning Fast Track™ and their Instructors!

Merrill Lynch Letter of Recommendation "Click Here"

Quinn McElwee
Fort Collins, CO

"Jeff, I attended your review class in Langhorne, PA this past October and I wanted to tell you that you were dead on with everything you said. I followed exactly what you said from reading all material before your review class and the case studies. After your review class I did just like you said and completed the Keir's review question CD. The weekend before the exam I completed the simulated exam by Keir in the same format as the exam and scored around a 70%. Building up my stamina was really helpful. I stopped studying the Wednesday before the exam. When I got to the test I couldn't believe how many people were still studying and trying to cram information in. I sat for the test and was probably to confident and I knew when I left on Saturday I passed. And I just got my results and as I expected I passed. I also passed each area above the Mendoza line except I was shade below on tax planning. But what the conclusion here is you nailed everything to a tee about what to expect and your class but the icing on the cake in preparing me for the exam. I would recommend your class to anyone who wants to pass the exam on the first try, but you still need to do all the reading and practice questions to have a chance. I would gladly be a referral for you if you need it. Thank You,"

Brian Levy
Pennsylvania

"Jeff, I took your review class in October in Phoenix and just received my November, 2011 CFP exam results: I passed on my first attempt!! Your retirement & estate planning diagrams were fantastic. Thank you so much for the great job you did preparing me for the exam. After the class I knew a) how much work I needed to put in, b) what my weakest areas were and how to address them, c) what to expect on the exam, and d) have a strategy for taking the exam and work the strategy. (I did do all of the case studies first on all three parts.) I have and will recommend your class(es) to collegues. I could not imagine taking the exam without your class! Thanks again."

Wayne F. Griffith
Colorado

"One of my main concerns about taking the CFP classes in general is going back to a "classroom" setting. I've been out of any classroom atmosphere for well over 10 years and going back to it seemed terrifying. Jeff's teaching style grabs your attention and makes a dry subject very fun to learn. I've tried to take the self study CFP classes, but some of the concepts weren't sticking with me, Jeff's class changed that. He is able to "anchor" a complex point with a story or anecdote. A big factor that helped me pass my CFP test is remembering the stories Jeff mentioned in class to describe a subject or strategy. Not only did I get value from the CFP curriculum, but also the cross discussion Jeff encouraged with the other classmates. It was clear that Jeff wanted us to understand the application of what we were learning vs. just the data, which was key in passing the CFP exam. "

Laith Khalaf
Columbus, OH

"I passed and I give all the credit to you – thank you Jeff. I mean that in all sincerity."

Nicole Webb DeVries
Minneapolis, MN

"I attended Jeff's CFP exam prep class in October 2011 in Columbus OH; I sat for the CFP exam in November 2011 and passed. I attribute my success to Jeff's continued emphasis on the level of dedication and diligence it would take to pass; Jeff's prep class motivated me to take my exam preparation to a higher level and to kick into a different gear- Thanks Jeff!"

Paul S Dubendorf
New Jersey

"Hi Jeff, Just letting you know that I received my letter yesterday and that I actually passed. I had my doubts. Thank you for being the hard task master that you were. It made the difference between passing and failing. I enjoyed the classes and I think we had a great group of people. I am just glad I don't have to take your review class again. Thank you,"

Dawn L Harper, CPA
Columbus, OH

"“The Fast Track program helps you hit the ground running in your preparation for the CFP exam. Jeff is very diligent in explaining topics and relating them to real life situations, making it easier to retain the information. He keeps you engaged the entire time, and when it’s time to take the exam you are ready. I would definitely recommend the program for anyone planning on taking the exam. Thanks Jeff.”"

Ross Hoewischer
Columbus, OH

"“The CFP fast track course was essential in helping me prepare for the CFP exam. While the classes and trial tests were intense, Jeff has a great ability to present the subject matter in a clear and entertaining way. I felt that I was well schooled in each of the topics by the end of the six month class. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking to take the CFP examination.“"

Del Duffy
Columbus, OH
November 2011 Exam

"Jeff Rattiner’s CFP® Review Course is exceptional. I completed my CFP® education requirements a full 2 years before I sat for the exam. Knowing I needed a “brush-up”, I attended Jeff’s Review Course. Jeff not only effectively summarized and solidified everything I had previously learned, but he also cleared all of the clutter and focused me on what was most important. Jeff taught me how to effectively read exam questions, focus on relevant information and data, and efficiently move through the exam. I followed his direction and passed the Board Exam the first time. I highly recommend Jeff’s course."

Ryan Beasley

"Jeff, just wanted to let you know that I passed the CFP exam! I really appreciate all of the great prep work you did for me in the boot camp course, it definitely prepared me for the exam. There were only 4-5 questions on the entire exam that I was not able to reason through or make a good guess; other than that, I had seen some form of every question they asked. Thanks again for all of your assistance and I will definitely recommend you to everyone that is considering taking the test. Best Regards,"

Tom Bugbee

"Jeff’s class took an enormous amount of information and brought it down into a manageable amount, focusing on what was most important. I passed first try. From my first class with Jeff to finished exam was 7 months. Very efficient."

Eric M. Jensen
Colorado

"Jeff Rattiner's Fast Track program helped me pass the CFP@ exam. Without his class, I am sure I would have not been able to pass the exam. Jeff makes the class fun and enjoyable while making sure the material is covered. His insight on what you do and do not need to know on the test is invaluable. The class and review gave me confidence that I could pass the exam when I sat to take it. I strong recommend."

Jeff Kirkeby
Phoenix, AZ
November 2011 Exam

"Hey Jeff, I was in your October CFP prep course in Denver and just found out I passed the Nov exam. Wanted to say thanks and that I thought you did a great job. That thing was awful, glad I never have to take it again. Thanks again,"

Andrew P. Thomas, CPA
Denver, CO

"Jeff, thanks for the class. I passed the exam and think your class was a big help"

Thomas J. Murray, MBA

"Schwab had a huge success rate this year.  I believe we had 16 people from Schwab who took the March Board, 15 passed.  Jeff did a great review class for us and we appreciate it!"

Katherine Garrus, AAMS
Denver, CO
March 2010 Exam

"Just wanted to report that I was successful with the November exam after taking your course...I thought the course was great and am not sure how I could have done this effectively otherwise, given the typical 8-5 type of job hours that I keep.  Stretching the coursework out over a longer period would be detrimental to retaining the volume of material."

Chris Means
Dublin, OH
November 2009 Exam

"I passed the CFP® exam -- received the results today.  Thank you for all of your help.  I wanted to choke Jeff a few times, but it worked!!!  Jeff knows what it takes to get us through.  He pushed me hard and didn't let up and got all of us in shape...I am so grateful for taking your course and for passing the exam."

Marciel Comacho
Los Gatos, CA
November 2009 Exam

Jeff's (review) course was intense and incredibly valuable for me.  The information he delivered was practical and understandable.  He is responsible for me passing on the first try.  This is a 'don't miss' opportunity to prepare yourself for this tough test."

Steve Martin
Ft. Collins, CO
November 2009 Exam

"My career stretches 32 years in the financial services and my registrations are full and all encompassing. With all those courses and all those tests, I was never as prepared as for the CFP® Comprehensive Exam the Mother Of All Exams. You, your staff, and your course had me perfectly prepared. Not one subject, not one case study, not even one question did I feel unprepared to address. MY HATS OFF TO YOU AND YOUR TEAM!! The classroom experience, course materials, and especially your directions and test instructions were of immense help and value. Thanks for everything. I could not have passed without you."

Pete Ray,
Addison, TX

"Jeff has created a superb fast-track for the educational requirements for the CFP® designation. He is an outstanding presenter and has designed a very effective program. Hope that you find a seat available in this program. If you do the work, you won't be disappointed."

Vince Rossi, CFP®, CLU, CIMA, AEP, CAP, CTFA
Scottsdale, AZ

"Jeff Rattiner has figured out what it takes for students to learn the material to pass the CFP® exam and prepare to serve clients well, and he's structured Fast Track™ so a high proportion of students will actually do what it takes. Fast Track™ is definitely a demanding program, but what Jeff said the first day of class is correct - if you put in the time and effort, you'll learn the material and pass - because he knows the subject matter, his teaching style is engaging, his materials are good, and he has built the program to encourage students to work hard. Personally, I wouldn't go through this process any other way."

Marjorie Burnett
Washington, DC

"Gregg and I just want to thank you for the excellent Kier Review Course you instructed at The Ohio State University in the spring. I am happy to inform you that we both passed the March exam and wanted you to know that your course was extremely helpful in guiding our focus. Once again I thank you and wish you the best!"

Mike Ballou, Financial Advisor
Cincinnati, Ohio

"I am currently taking the CFP® Fast Track™ program - it is awesome!! I started in February and I should be done (if all goes well) with my CFP® in November. It is a lot of work but well worth it. And, I HIGHLY recommend that you take this program in Denver with Jeff Rattiner - he is great and really knows his stuff."

Jim Bennett
Bellevue WA

"Rattiner's Financial Planning Fast Track™® program is thorough, comprehensive and its intensity is unmatched in preparing one to sit for the CFP® exam. Jeff Rattiner's passion and commitment for the program, and also for preparing individuals to sit for the exam, is both inspiring and contagious. He is a motivational and gifted teacher. I owe my passing my CFP® exam on my first attempt to Mr. Rattiner and to the Rattiner Financial Planning Fast Track™® program."

Natalie Nelson, MBA, CDFA, CFP®
Boulder, CO

"I attended your review class in Oakbrook, IL in February and passed the CFP® in March. I wanted to thank you very much for the class and the instructions. They proved to be very, very helpful in preparing me for what what would be the hardest test I've ever taken in my life. I was convinced I had failed when I walked out, but obviously the combination of Keir and your class must have gotten me up the curve far enough to pass."

Tim Clifford
Chicago, IL

"Great job on the Keir CFP® review class. I passed the exam on the first try. I know I wouldn't have been able to do it without your class. What I learned most was how unprepared I was to take this test on the first day of your review. It was very motivational. You also clearly explained what a person needs to know to pass. I will admit that I felt like I didn't pass at the end of the test itself but I surely would have failed without the review course."

Jim Ringer
Chicago, IL

"You are THE MAN!!! I passed. Thank you so much for all of the encouragement and words of wisdom. I especially appreciate you taking on a "self study transplant' like myself. I hope to hear the rest of the class that adopted me was successful. I am anxious to hear from everyone. You have my highest endorsement for your course and your teaching style in general. I am so grateful that I became aware of the opportunity to get "The Ratt Stuff'. If I can be of help to anyone else out there struggling along please send them my way. Your suggestions made all the difference". It just about killed me".but it is over. Now on with the show. Congrats to all and all the best in the New Year. Thanks again Jeff."

Matt Bragg
Moberly, Missouri

"I found the course, when I took it the first time, EXTREMELY informative and complete in its documentation. Having taken the CFP® test two times (once before the course and once after), the information and knowledge gained through the course was more helpful than any previous course or class. Mr. Rattiner is extremely knowledgeable and knows his stuff. I can and do highly recommend this approach to passing the CFP® test and to build the applicant's knowledge of financial planning."

Paul Ketcham
Denver, CO

"I'm a big believer that the instructor makes the class. Jeff Rattiner's teaching style is the best I've ever experienced. His mix of group work, discipline, real life examples and humor helped me digest and retain the information as well as really look forward to class each month. After dragging myself through self-studying for both the ChFC and CLU -- I had no idea that learning this information could be so much fun. Taking Jeff's class helped me not only pass the exam, but retain the information to help me every day in my job."

Alana Stone, CFP®, ChFC
New York, NY

"I would like to thank Jeff Rattiner for his course for preparing for the CFP®. As a mutual fund wholesaler I did not have the personal experiences to draw on for the course work. However, through Jeff's "real world' approach of explaining real life planning situations I was able to navigate the material as if I had been in personal financial planning since the start of my career. I would recommend that any wholesaler planning to take the CFP® prepare through Jeff Rattiner."

Steven Zito, RFC
Denver CO

"It has been a pleasure being a participant in the fulfillment of your life calling. You have done much more than teach and train, you have inspired and motivated me by your example to dream, reach, and think outside the box."

Samuel F. Slabaugh, Sr.
Delmar, DE

"Group interaction to strengthen concepts & challenge thoughts was GREAT!"

Beth Andrews
Goodlettsville, TN

"I think the class brings together the needed information in a concise, to the point program!"

Gregg Cummings CFP®
St. Paul, MN

"Jeff's ability to relate the class material to his own real world practice is especially helpful to those of us whose careers are in transition. Class is very well organized and the staff is responsive to the details of making it run smoothly!"

L. Owen Kelly
Nashville, TN

"Jeff's the best instructor I've ever had!"

Irene Kramer
Atlanta, GA

"This is the best professional designation program I've ever attended. I really appreciate the combination of hard work studying along with real life examples to use in my practice."

Antoinette Laferriere
Portland, OR

"Great Instructor, made a very complex subject clear!"

Hector May, CLU, CHFC, FSA
New City, NY

"I think the class was super and exceeded my expectations."

Tracy Redmon,
MBA Louisville, KY

"The group homework is a terrific opportunity for learning and more importantly, it does wonders to reinforce the classroom concepts!"

Jackson Rhoades, CFP®
Mountain Home, AR

"Very Good Class! Jeff is a great teacher. I enjoyed learning from him!"

Jennifer Shields
St. Paul, MN

"(Jeff Rattiner's) knowledge & delivery is remarkable."

Mary Wier, CFP®
Birmingham, AL

"The class was simply awesome; I have never had such effective teaching techniques in any class ever. I have already suggested the class to 3 other planners I know to get signed up as soon as they can!"

Peter J. Zaayer
Walnut Creek, CA

"I have been in the Insurance and Financial services business since 1986. I had ordered the books to self study twice in hopes of earning my CLU. My plan was to then get my CFP®. I have the order forms to prove that my first purchase was in 1992. I read about Jeff's program in the Financial Planning magazine. The 6 month time frame, and the fact that I had to pay for the whole class up front is what enticed me. I knew once I started I could not quit. The classes were very well structured, and very powerful. I learned quickly that I had to read every day for about 45 minutes in preparation for the class. The best part of the program was my class. You will spend about 40-45 hours per month with your classmates. That time has proven to be invaluable to me. The bottom line is this. If you have the desire to earn your CFP® designation, and are willing to be disciplined about studying, this program will not let you down."

Brett Nicklaus, CFP®
Dixon, IL

"Rattiner's class was exactly what I needed to learn the material, and feel confident about my test preparation. Thank you."

Cecil Goettsch, CFP®
Des Moines, IA

"Although I am not confident about my results, I have no doubt that there is no better way to learn the material and prepare for the test than Rattiner's FastTrack program. I learned and retained more than I ever did through self-study. Like my buddy Bob (French), I feel more prepared to work in the financial planning field."

Hank Peck, CFP®
Tucson, AZ

"I am so pleased I did this, I cannot tell you how much of what you have taught I've been able to use these past 8 months. Thank you!"

Matt Rapp

"Add my name to the list that passed. I believe the Fast Track™ Process was responsible for my having passed the test, with a lot of effort on my part. Thanks for the help!"

Dana M. Luter, CFP®
Denver, CO

"I wanted to thank you all for your hard work and effort. The class forced upon me the discipline I needed (but dreaded) to pass the exam. The classes were fun and the people were great. I would strongly recommend this class to anyone considering it. Keep these classes going - they help the industry's credibility and quality. Thanks again,"

Mike Cole, CFP®
Lincoln, NE

"I want to thank you again for helping me to accomplish my goal of CFP® certification from start to finish in less than a year. I learned about the Fast Track™ program at the end of 2001. My 2002 New Year's resolution was to get the CFP® within the year. I enrolled in your program and began classes in April of '02, passed the courses necessary to sit for the exam and passed the CFP® exam in Nov. of "02. I could not have done it without your help and the help of your excellent staff. There was not one question on the CFP® test that hadn't been addressed in one form or the other through your class lecture, your written notes, the review or the Keir material. You know what it takes to be successful on the exam and you know how to equip people with the skills to pass the test. You truly helped me become 'certifiable' in 2002 and I appreciate it. Thanks to you and your staff and the instructors."

Chuck Dickson, CFP®
Kenosha, WI

"I recently received my passing CFP® certification results and wanted to thank your (Financial Planning) magazine for publishing the article on Jeff Rattiner's FrastTrack Program in the December 2001 issue. If it were not for that article and my enrolling in his FastTrack program, I would still be muddling through my own attempts at trying to pass the exam. Since Jeff's program is designed to accomplish the CFP® requirements in less than a year, it gave me the motivation to tackle the work with renewed energy. The FastTrack format provided me with focus, discipline, teamwork, and enormous support from Jeff who wanted all of us to be successful. Thank you so much for the article on this program. I appreciate the work of your magazine and hope others seek out the resources and team support that Rattiner's FastTrack program provided for me. It is all that is necessary to pass the CFP® Certificate Exam!"

K.L. Curtis, CFP®
Denver, CO

"Thanks for your hard work and dedication. I couldn't have done it without the Fast Track™ program."

John Kloecker
Atlanta, GA

"I can't thank you enough for the experience of the last 9 months. You are a remarkable teacher, and the blending of theory and practice in your classes was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of them ( actually, I fear that was fairly obvious), even when I was in a fog about whatever you were trying to sneak into our heads. I miss the program already, to tell you the truth."

Susan Murphy, CPA
Denver, CO

"I passed! This course, Financial Planning Fast Track™, is the only way to prepare to become a CFP®. I started studying in July 2002 and now in April of 2003 I passed the comprehensive exam. That's 10-months when most take 3-years or more. Not only was it the most efficient use of my time, 6-long weekends, but I also met people in the profession that take this career as seriously as I do. Kudos to all at JR Financial Group, Inc."

Jon Bettis
Carlsbad, CA

"I thought the CFP® certification examination was very difficult, but I passed on my first attempt - primarily because I was well prepared. Maybe some people can know everything about all 89 tested topics. But for those of us who can't, it is essential that you approach the test with the right strategy. I attended Jeff Rattiner's review class and he did a great job of reinforcing key concepts and helping me focus my attention and study time on the critical areas. I enjoyed his sense of humor and I highly recommend his educational offerings." Thanks again! John Engler "Listen! If you do exactly what Jeff tells you then you will pass the exam and be a CFP®, it's that simple!"

Mark L. Ragusa
Woodlands, TX

"I am pleased to report that I passed the CFP® exam. Thanks so much for all of your help. Obviously, we couldn't have done it without your course."

Jeff Waters
Short Hills, NJ

"Rattiner's Financial Planning Fast Track™ Program was a perfect fit for my busy schedule. Jeff Rattiner did an awesome job summarizing the material and coaching the class through the management of the test. Specifically, Jeff takes the vast amount of complex material and breaks it down so you can process the material effectively during the test. Before starting the Fast Track™ Program I wasted my time, energy and money on an online program. With Jeff's approach, I remained focused, disciplined and used my valuable time efficiently. I also learned from other members in the class and developed several rewarding life friendships."

Mark Phalen
Leawood, KS

"Thank you so much for keeping my preparation for the CFP entertaining and fun, and for being the hard ass needed to motivate! I had a great time taking your class, and really appreciated your comments at the end of our review about our class being one of your all time favorites. I wish everyone would have sat for it and passed, but I don't think the fact that neither occurred is a reflection on you at all. You gave us all the tools we needed to get the job done, the rest is up to us."

California rules!!
Chris Ballard

"I passed the July CFP exam, and I am so grateful for all of your help!"

Mark Nicholson

"I can't thank you enough Jeff!!! I passed the CFP exam! I appreciate your help in getting me through this. I have other friends that also took it for the 3rd time in July, but went with another review course and unfortunately they are not as excited as I am right now! Thank you so much! You got me thru! Your big picture view was exactly what I needed to tie all my loose ends together. I couldn't be happier right now. The amazing thing is...the stuff you taught me, I am still applying in my every conversations with clients too. You really made things easy to understand and easy to memorize. I appreciate your help!!!!"

Katrina Lessard