Ballast is proud to announce that Trent Lakes, Investments and Planning Strategist, has officially earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, one of the most rigorous and respected credentials in the financial services industry.
The CFP® designation requires meeting what the CFP Board calls the “Four E’s:” Education, Exam, Experience, and Ethics. Before a candidate can even sit for the exam, they must complete a CFP Board-registered education program covering the full spectrum of financial planning. The test covers everything from tax planning and retirement income to estate planning, risk management, and investment strategy.
Additionally, candidates must log 6,000 hours of professional financial planning experience. After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2022 with degrees in Accounting, Finance, and Management, Trent joined the Ballast team and has acquired years of hands-on experience with financial management, portfolio trading, and client relations. Finally, every candidate must complete a background check and sign the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, a formal commitment to act as a fiduciary and put clients’ interests first.
“We are proud of Trent for his recent accomplishment of earning the CFP® certification,” said John Boardman, Ballast Founder and CEO. “This designation represents an important step in his ongoing dedication to serving clients with diligence and care. Trent is our sixth CFP® professional at Ballast, further strengthening the depth of our advisory team.”
Trent plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in building and supporting the financial plans that help clients reach their goals. His CFP® certification deepens that capability and signals his continued commitment to the highest standard of financial planning practice.
At Ballast, financial planning is at the core of everything. Ballast holds itself to the highest standards of intellectual rigor and professional excellence, ensuring that every recommendation is grounded in a comprehensive planning framework. The team brings a diverse set of advanced credentials, including JD, LL.M., MBA, MS, CPWA®, CIMA®, and CEPA®, reflecting our commitment to expertise across disciplines.
Contact
Visit ballastplan.com, call 859.226.0625 or e-mail info@ballastplan.com.
About Ballast
Ballast, an employee-owned financial planning and investment management firm based in Lexington, KY, specializes in providing tailored services to high-income earners, high-net-worth clients, and individuals/businesses with complex financial situations. Our team of fiduciaries proactively anticipates and solves your needs by taking the time to understand your goals, passions, and what truly matters to you and your legacy. Ballast is built for financial security, by financial experts. You work hard every day. Let us take on some of the work for you.
Disclosure
Ballast, Inc. is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration with the SEC does not indicate that the adviser has achieved a particular level of skill or ability, nor is it an endorsement by the SEC. All investment strategies have the potential for profit and loss. Ballast, Inc. is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Any specific strategy or market/economic commentary may or may not be appropriate for your individual situation, may not have discussed all material implications of implementing said strategy, and may be reliant on data provided by outside resources. Prior to implementing any strategy or investment decision discussed in a Ballast commentary, please consult with the appropriate professionals to confirm the thoroughness of the strategy presented and the appropriateness of said strategy for your individual situation.