How can I increase my knowledge of, and mastery of, creating financial plans for clients? Do I need to pursue something like a CFP?

In a word, no. You want to have a CFP on your Deliverables Team to write your plans for you. With all due respect to our industry, it’s not rocket science. Follow the process outlined in any of the good financial planning software products, your company almost certainly has one of these programs already. Find the person who is the most knowledgeable with it strike a deal for them to be your plan creator. When you learn more from us about building your Deliverables Team of Subject Matter Experts, you will hear me coach you that you want to be the dumbest person on your team. No matter how smart you are, and I’m sure you are a very smart guy, you want to be the dumbest member of your team.

Credential-itis is generally a work-avoidance strategy for advisors who are more comfortable studying and being with books than they are interacting and being with human beings. You left the analytical business of being a portfolio manager and you are in the people business now. You made the right choice. Helping people get their financial house in order and keep it that way forever is much more rewarding that picking stocks and building portfolios.