Best of ORL Winner Spotlight: Certified Financial Group

Joseph Bert, CFP®, Chairman & CEO and Aaron Bert, CFP®, President

With roots dating back to 1976 when our founder began as a sole practitioner, Certified Financial Group has evolved over nearly five decades into a trusted financial planning firm with deep ties to Central Florida. We have proudly served families, business owners, and individuals throughout this region with the personalized care, attention, and expertise they deserve. We’re honored to have been voted as one of the Best Financial Advisors of Orlando for the third year in a row.

What truly sets us apart is what we call the Certified Difference®. Every advisor on our team holds the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designations. These credentials reflect our dedication to rigorous training, high ethical standards, and an unwavering commitment to prioritizing our clients’ interests. You can rest assured knowing your financial future is being guided by professionals who meet the highest standards in the industry.

We are also proud to hold the prestigious CEFEX® (Centre for Fiduciary Excellence) certification, earned by fewer than 2% of advisory firms worldwide. This independent, rigorous audit affirms that our policies, procedures, and practices meet the highest fiduciary standards, meaning we are legally and ethically bound to act solely in our clients’ best interests. Unlike brokers who follow only a “suitability” standard, CEFEX®-certified fiduciaries demonstrate loyalty, care, and transparency in every recommendation. This certification is a powerful reflection of the trust and confidence our clients can place in us.

Our approach goes beyond numbers and spreadsheets. We believe financial planning is about understanding your individual goals, dreams, and life story. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, navigating investment decisions, or planning your estate, our team creates tailored strategies designed to help provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

As part of our commitment to you, we offer a free initial consultation to anyone who wants to explore their financial future. This no-obligation session gives you the opportunity to meet with a CFP® professional, ask questions, and gain insights specific to your situation. It’s just one way we ensure that high-quality financial guidance is accessible to everyone.

We also strive to ensure that we are giving back to the amazing community we call home. Community service has been at the heart of Certified Financial Group since the beginning. Our firm and associates proudly give back, supporting a wide range of causes and organizations that make a difference in Central Florida and beyond. These include the Arthritis Foundation, American Diabetes Association, ALS Association, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Ronald McDonald House, Nathaniel’s Hope, Tunnels to Towers, and many more. From healthcare and education to the arts, veterans’ services, and youth programs, we are committed to helping our community thrive.

From our early beginnings to today, our mission has remained the same: to help you get to and through retirement. At Certified Financial Group, we are more than advisors. We are trusted partners dedicated to guiding you through life’s financial decisions, every step of the way.

To learn more or schedule your no-obligation consultation, visit FinancialGroup.com or call 407-869-9800. Let’s start Planning Tomorrow…Today!®

Disclosures: Financial planning and investment management offered for a fee through Certified Advisory Corp, a registered investment advisor. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification mark Certified Financial Planner® and CFP®.