Mark Spirk, CFS Wealth Advisor at UFCU, Receives CFP^® Certification

Austin, TEXAS, February 12, 2018 — University Federal Credit Union, Austin’s largest locally-owned financial institution, is pleased to announce that Mark Spirk, MBA, CFP^®, Wealth Advisor registered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS)^* at UFCU has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in accordance with CFP Board certification and renewal requirements.

Spirk, who has worked in financial services for 23 years, has worked at UFCU since 2008 and is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive financial plans for clients. He holds a Texas resident insurance license and securities licenses 7, 24, 63, and 65, and currently works with clients in 16 states, including Texas. As a CFP^® professional, he now offers an even greater depth of knowledge across financial planning services to his clients.

Spirk was recognized in 2016 and 2017 as a Five Star Wealth Manager award winner^** (announced in Texas Monthly magazine) and holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree from The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In 2017, he was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of KOOP Community Radio in Austin.

About CFP^®
CFP^® professionals have completed extensive training and experience requirements and are held to rigorous ethical standards. They understand the complexities of the changing financial climate and know how to make recommendations that are in your best interest.

CFP^® professionals must also pass the comprehensive CFP^® Certification Exam, which tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge to real-life situations. The exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management, and insurance. The comprehensive exam helps to ensure that a CFP^® professional is highly qualified to develop a plan for your finances. In 2017, the overall pass rate was 64 percent, and the pass rate for first-time exam takers was approximately 69 percent.

To help ensure that CFP^® professionals remain well versed in comprehensive financial planning once they have attained CFP^® certification, they are required to complete 30 credit hours of continuing education (CE) accepted by the CFP Board every two years, including two hours of CFP Board-approved Ethics CE.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP^®, Certified Financial Planner™ and federally registered CFP^® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. For more about the CFP Board, visit www.CFP.net.

About UFCU
Exceeding $2 billion in assets, UFCU serves over 234,000 Members in Central Texas and Galveston County. UFCU provides a variety of products, services, and education programs to meet your needs through every phase of your life. To learn more about UFCU products and services, including low rate auto loans, visit UFCU.org.

* Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. ("CFS"), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. UFCU has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.

** Five Star Professional is an independent third party research firm. The five star award is not indicative of an individual's performance. Inclusion on the five star list should not be construed as an endorsement by Five Star Professional or the magazine. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com for additional details about the Five Star Wealth Manager award.