SU Alumna Becomes Perdue School's First CFP Professional

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University alumna Kimberly (Riddleberger) Magaha is the first graduate of the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business’s financial planning track to become a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional. “Finance was an area of strength for me and I’ve always wanted to help people, so financial planning as a career seemed like a perfect fit,” she said. “Some people are timid when it comes to their financial lives, so being able to help them understand and to offer trustworthy advice is very satisfying.”

To become certified, Magaha (’03) successfully completed five courses in SU’s financial planning track, registered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Established in fall 2002, the SU program includes classes on investments, insurance, taxes, estate planning and retirement planning.

In addition to the coursework, the certification also requires three years experience in the financial planning field, as well as completion of a 10-hour, two-day CFP Certification Exam. “I was thrilled to pass the first time,” she said. “The pass rate for first time test takers is only 62-63 percent and of course I walked out feeling like I failed. It was a large hurdle to overcome.”

Dr. Tylor Claggett, Department of Economics and Finance faculty, said Magaha was a hard-working student who strove for perfection. “She always asked questions to clarify her knowledge of the subject and worked to get the most out of everything,” he said. “Her attention to detail will make her an excellent financial planner.”

While a student at SU, Magaha served for two years as president of Financial Management Association student chapter, which she helped change into a thriving organization, said Dr. Kashi Khazeh, Department of Economics and Finance faculty. “She seeks routes that are intellectually challenging,” he said. As a graduating senior, Magaha received the Outstanding Senior in Finance Award as well as the Khazeh Family Distinguished Senior Award in Finance.

As an advisor for Strategic Wealth Management Group, LLC in Salisbury, Magaha is now accepting her own clients, whom she guides on asset management, as well as financial planning. “I’m looking forward to growing old with my clients,” she said.  For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.