"Senior" Designations
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Was having a discussion with a colleague about the crackdown on these. Have any designations folded? Is Larry Klein still pushing his marketing degree? CSA?
CSA not pushed by Klein.
Note: CSA is on "APPROVED" list of acceptable designations with many B/D's. Klien's crap isn't.There is only one "senior" designation that I would consider -- CASL from The American College. I *might* even consider CRPC from the College for Financial Planning.
CSA has had a lot of bad press lately. CSFP, CRFA and others are just pure junk.Mr. Advisor-
I agree that Klein's stuff is garbage and that CSA is much more respectable. Was wondering if Klein was still trying to sell his worthless CRFA "credential" or if it had been closed down due to all the charges against Klein.[quote=Reg-Guy]Mr. Advisor-
I agree that Klein's stuff is garbage and that CSA is much more respectable.[/quote] Actually I've been seeing more B/D's not allowing the CSA credential either - unless you are an investment advisor (series 65/66). Too much stuff out there with CSA's passing themselves as advisors, but they only had an insurance license. http://www.society-csa.com/ [quote]The CSA designation alone does not imply expertise in financial, health or social matters.[/quote] I suggest that the CSA would make excellent CE, but I wouldn't put those letters after my name. Remember: Birds of a feather...The CSA bar is too low for me to think it’s anything other than another junk designation. Get a CFP and forget the rest…you don’t need an alphabet soup after your name and obscure designations don’t impress most folks of any level of sophistication.
I disagree with you. There is a guy down the street that has a CSA. He goes to the nursing home and does their taxes and sells them annuities. He videotapes all his seminars so they don't forget any pearls of wisdom that comes out of his mouth. What a guy.....The CSA bar is too low for me to think it’s anything other than another junk designation. Get a CFP and forget the rest…you don’t need an alphabet soup after your name and obscure designations don’t impress most folks of any level of sophistication.
I had the CSA. Knew little about it and took the course with a friend/colleague with his recommendation. I did not renew in 2005. It is a JOKE, period. Do not waste your time with it.
Nog, that guy sounds like a real threat to your business…
The guy in my market that carries the designation couldn't tie his shoes in the dark. I told my wife it stands for Can't Sell Anything, although in Nog's market, apparently it means Can Sell Annuities!Okay, you guys win! The CSA is as worthless and bogus a degree as anything Larry Klein ever scammed up. Man oh man- selling to nursing homes…
My original mention was whether Klein was ever closed down given his fake bankruptcy, SEC fines, lost license, etc. Wonder what low-lifes are doing the lecturing for Klein's courses now?Further proof that the CSA is a piece of crap designation…received this morning from LPL…
"Due to industry-wide regulatory concerns, certain designations which indicate special certification or training in advising or servicing senior investors must be eliminated from all marketing materials. Regulators are specifically concerned that the use of these designations conveys a certain expertise in matters dealing with seniors that may not exist and may be misleading. At this time, only the CSA® designation is impacted." Not that anyone was still arguing, but I rest my case.The kicker are all the idiots who proudly display that they are a CSA and act like that is some sort of honor. I am a CSA but don't tell anyone I am anymore. 2008 will be my last year as one.
I am 7 63 & 65 & Insurance Licensed. It has been my experience that the guys who aggressively promote themselves as CSA's on thei biz card and seminar invitations do so because they really have nothing else to brag about.Mr Advisor,
I know that CSA isn't a worthwhile designation and getting one doesn't mean much. However, I did hear that there is some very good knowledge that comes with the CSA (not necessarily investment related). Is this accurate?I think the guy who runs the CSA also has a legal history like Larry Klein of the CRFA- although Klein was specifically fined for scamming elderly clients. I think one of Klein’s victims was BLIND! Is he still running his company?
anonymous-i took the csa course in 2004. quit using it in 2006. you learn a few useful things, but really nothing one could not “hear” in AARP magazine or by reading articles on the net. anything i found useful was in the healthcare field portion of the class.