25 years of excellence
About Boston Institute of Finance
- 32,000 graduates |
- Industry-Leading CFP® Education and Exam Prep |
- Flexible, Online Formats
BIF's Mission Statement
Boston Institute of Finance provides the best value in CFP® Education and Exam prep through high-quality instruction, proactive support, and comprehensive yet straightforward materials. We are dedicated to ensuring the financial service professionals achieve their career goals and are prepared to better serve their clients and their profession.
About BIF
Boston Institute of Finance was founded in 2001 to provide the best educational experience to CFP® candidates. We were the first to offer a CFP Board-approved education program in a 100% online format, providing a pathway to CFP® certification for more candidates.
BIF continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students in the following ways:
- Rebuilding our Learning Platform for a more streamlined experience to better meet students’ needs.
- Creating The BIF Review, an industry-leading CFP® Exam prep course built using a Progressive Training Method to maximize knowledge retention so students are ready to pass the exam
- Entering a strategic partnership with Securities Training Corporation to provide CFP® CE and additional financial services licensing opportunities to support the lifecycle of a CFP® professional’s career
Why Choose CFP® Certification?
Earning a CFP® certification or having CFP® professionals on staff can be a key differentiator for individual financial professionals and firms who want to improve the quality of their service and gain a competitive advantage. Research conducted by Aite Group provides the following insights:
- CFP® provides a competitive edge, with 83% of professionals reporting a competitive advantage.
- 73% of CFP® professionals surveyed believe earning the certification has had a positive impact on client trust and confidence
- Practices with CFP® professionals generate 40% more revenue than firms without
- Practices with CFP® professionals attract 53% more high net worth clients than firms without
As individuals’ and businesses’ finances grow more complex, you, or your firm need to be better prepared to meet your clients’ needs which have evolved beyond standard investment planning. Now, today’s financial planner should have advanced knowledge of budgeting, retirement planning, tax strategies, and insurance needs to create a holistic financial landscape for your clients.
Earning a CFP® certification, or having CFP® professionals in your firm proves the knowledge, skills, and expertise prospective clients depend on.
About BIF's Instructor Team aka the BIF Crew
Tiffany Guy, CFP®
BIF/ CFP® Sr Curriculum Manager and Instructor, BIF Bites Podcast Host
Tiffany Guy, CFP® is BIF’s Senior Curriculum Manager and has over 20 years in financial services, specializing in wealth management and advisor training. She holds an MBA in Finance from Jack Welch Management Institute and a BA in History from UNC Chapel Hill. In addition to being passionate about helping clients reach their financial goals, she’s dedicated to helping advisors achieve long-term success through education and building a supportive team culture at BIF. Outside of work, Tiffany is an apiarist, maintaining backyard beehives for pollination and honey. Dedicated to helping clients and advisors achieve long-term success through education and financial planning.
Tiffany’s role at BIF
- Senior Curriculum Manager
- Instructor, Introduction to Financial Planning
Education
- BA, history: UNC, Chapel Hill
- MBA, finance: Jack Welch Management Institute
What’s your favorite thing about BIF?
The culture! What a wonderful place full of people who support, help, and lift each other up and where new ideas are welcomed and thought out to see how they can be incorporated. Everyone has been extremely welcoming and friendly.
What would you tell someone undecided about getting their CFP®?
As a financial advisor and as a coach to financial advisors, my CFP® designation was the most valuable of all my securities licenses and designations. It helped answer so many questions around how to help this client or help this advisor help their clients. It truly sets you apart from your peers who don't have the marks both from a knowledge base and from a trust level from your clients.
Being a woman who holds her CFP® marks also set me apart, as there is a plethora of women who want to work with a female advisor, especially one who is a CFP® professional.
BIF fun fact
I'm an apiarist! I have 2 beehives in my backyard to help pollinate my many gardens and produce delicious honey that I share with my friends and neighbors.
Jerry Mee, CFP®, CRC®
BIF CFP® Instructor and BIF Bites Podcast Host
Jerry Mee, CFP®, CRC®, is the Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator at BIF and host of the BIF Bites Podcast. He graduated from Clark University with a double major in international relations and jazz guitar, then entered the world of finance at Fidelity Investments’ international trades desk in 2012 before moving on to a small boutique firm. In 2018, he moved from client services to financial education when he switched to teaching full-time with BIF.
Recognized as Kitces 2026 Top Financial Education Podcast Host, Jerry is passionate about teaching, especially supporting students through their CFP® journey. He resides in New Hampshire and enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time outdoors with his wife and dog.
Jerry’s role at BIF
- Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator
- Instructor, Insurance Planning & Risk Management
- Instructor, Financial Planning Capstone
- Instructor, The BIF Review
- Host, BIF Bites Podcast
- BA, international relations: Clark University
- BA, jazz guitar: Clark University
Education
Awards and recognition
Kitces 2026 Top Financial Education Podcast Host
What’s your favorite thing about BIF?
By far the students! I have met some amazing people over the years, many of my former students still reach out to talk years after they have received their CFP® marks. I have met with local students to celebrate with them passing, and I have consoled many students through the worst of their pre-test jitters. The students are what makes this job so rewarding.
What would you tell someone undecided about getting their CFP® marks?
Much like having a child, no one is ever truly ready for the CFP® Exam. It is a ton of work and a huge time commitment. But also like having a child, it is one of the most rewarding and definitive accomplishments of your life. Don't wait, take the plunge now, and you will be glad you did.
Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA®
BIF CFP® Program Director and Instructor
Brendan began his career as financial advisor in 2004. He is currently a Senior Vice President and Rhode Island Complex Manager with Janney Montgomery Scott where he focuses on investment management and financial planning for his clients.
Brendan is a former member of CFP® Board's National Council on Education and a past president of the Board of Directors of the Financial Planning Association of Rhode Island where he chaired the Education Committee.
Brendan and his wife Susan live in Warwick, Rhode Island with their children.
Brendan’s role at BIF
- Program Director
- Instructor, Investment Planning
- Host of BIF Monthly Info Session Webinars
Eric Scruggs, CFP®, EA
BIF CFP® Instructor
Eric Scruggs, CFP®, EA® is a BIF instructor with over a decade of financial planning experience. He graduated from The College of William & Mary, then went on to earn his MBA from University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. In 2023, Eric launched his own firm, Hark Financial Planning, focusing on working with attorneys and executives. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and dog.
Eric’s role at BIF
- Instructor, Tax Planning
- BA: The College of William & Mary
- MBA: UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
- FPA
- NAPFA
- XYPN
- AGC
Education
Professional Organizations
What’s your favorite thing about BIF?
Getting to nerd out on financial planning topics with people who are actually willing to listen.
What would you tell someone undecided about getting their CFP® marks?
Getting the education that comes with the CFP® marks will benefit you no matter what career journey you take. If nothing else, it will help you decide if you like financial planning and give you a great foundation for whatever is next.
BIF Fun Fact
I have had 2 appendectomies.
Austin Frazier, CFP®
BIF CFP® Instructor
Austin Frazier, CFP®, is a BIF Instructor and a CFP® Professional with Capital Strategies Group, LLC. He has a bachelor’s degree in personal financial planning from Utah Valley University and is actively pursuing a master’s degree in personal financial planning from the College for Financial Planning. Prior to BIF and Capital Strategies Group, Austin started his career as a financial advisor with The Vanguard Group, advising over 200 clients.
While spending two years serving a mission for his church, Austin discovered his passion for teaching and positively impacting others, which inspired him to pursue a career in financial planning. He knows first-hand that true happiness is experienced when helping others.
Austin’s role at BIF
- Instructor, Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits
- BS, personal financial planning: Utah Valley University
- Actively pursuing MS, personal financial planning: College for Financial Planning
Education:
What’s your favorite thing about BIF?
Their commitment to educating the rising generation of CFP® Professionals, and desire to constantly improve their educational content to give students the best chance at passing the CFP® exam.
What would you tell someone on the fence about getting their CFP® marks?
Knowledge is power. The world has need of trained individuals. This designation will set you apart from the crowd and give you the tools and training you need to make better financial decision in your personal life, and forever change the lives of the clients you work with.
BIF Fun Fact
I have five kids under 10, and they are the greatest joy in my life. When I’m not working, I love taking my family out to the lake where we enjoy riding our two jet skis.
Josh Rosenberg, CPA, CFP®, CFA®
BIF CFP® Instructor
Josh Rosenberg, CPA, CFP®, CFA® is an instructor for BIF and is the Executive Director, Grants and Contracts at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has over 20 years of experience working for R1 universities in the field of research administration. In his current role with Georgia Tech, Josh leads the institute’s central post award, cost accounting, and research compliance functions.
Josh has a BBA from Emory University and his MBA from University of Chicago.
Josh’s role at BIF
- BBA: Emory University
- MBA: University of Chicago
- CFA Institute
- Illinois CPA Society
Education
Professional Organizations
What’s your favorite thing about BIF?
The class interactions with students are the absolute best!
What would you tell someone undecided about getting their CFP® marks?
It is a tremendous professional and personal accomplishment, and it will open so many doors for you.
BIF Fun Fact
The CFP® was the very first professional certification I received after completing my undergraduate education. And that was over 25 years ago!
Kaylee Benting
BIF Curriculum Specialist and BIF Bites Podcast Host
Kaylee Benting is BIF’s Curriculum Specialist. Before joining The BIF Crew, Kaylee earned a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and worked as an educator with students ranging from kindergarten through graduating college.
Now, Kaylee has transitioned into finance education and is currently pursuing both her master’s degree in finance and tax planning and is pursuing the CFP® credential.
Kaylee’s role at BIF
- Instructor, Capstone
- Curriculum Specialist
- BS, liberal studies: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
- Actively pursuing MS, finance & tax planning: San Diego State University
- President’s Diversity Award, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Education
Awards and recognition
What’s your favorite thing about BIF?
My favorite thing about BIF is seeing our students grow throughout the review program, especially in our live JAM sessions. In the early weeks, students go from a “There's no way I'm going to pass this exam,” to “I feel ready and well-equipped to pass this exam.” It’s amazing to see all the learning and growth alongside students.
What would you tell someone undecided about getting their CFP®?
If you’re on the fence about getting your CFP®, consider the role you want to play in people’s financial lives. The designation requires commitment, but it pushes you to develop the technical knowledge, discipline, and empathy needed to guide clients through complex and deeply personal financial decisions.
BIF fun fact
I have a French Bulldog named Maui! Based in Southern California, I enjoy roller skating, playing beach volleyball, and visiting farmer’s markets.
CFP® Education Demo
Try BIF’s CFP® Education Free for 30 Days
See firsthand how we’ve helped 32,000 CFP® candidates meet their coursework requirements with our industry-leading CFP® Education program with a free 30-day demo.