The Certified Financial Planner Board is responsible not only for overseeing the exams that validate the skill of financial planners, but also for drafting the guidelines which regulate the profession. The requirements set by the board ensure that Certified Financial Planners possess the education, professionalism, reliability, ethics, and objectivity that the public should expect in a financial planner.

Established in 1994 as part of the International Board of Standards and Practices for Certified Financial Planners, Inc, (IBCFP), the CFP Board is charged with maintaining the standards for CFP certificants. The CFP Board has worked as an independent certifying body in order to institute certification guidelines that exceed educational requirements, and include official guidelines for financial planning standards, ethics, responsibility, and work experience. The CFP Board was created to act in the public interest by confirming the integrity of CFP certificants in regards to these standards.
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Popularity Index: 100%

Continuing education providers such as A Plus Online can help you advance your career by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary to complete and maintain the certification requirements for a successful career in finance. Certified Financial Planner education requirements stipulate that candidates successfully complete pre-certification courses, have work experience and pass examinations in order to be considered for certification.

The continuing education process begins with the courses themselves. Beginning in 2007, as a prerequisite for candidacy in a financial planner certification program, a bachelor’s degree will be required. A degree or credentials as an insurance underwriter is one of several that can fulfill the educational background requirements. Students are permitted to enroll in a program while simultaneously pursuing their degree, but must complete it in order to be considered certified.
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Popularity Index: 42%

Chartered Financial Consultants, or ChFCs, must complete pre-certification requirements in a variety of areas related to insurance, finance, and investing. In addition, these requirements include educational prerequisites, work experience in the field, and continuing education courses. Continuing education courses that have been reviewed and approved for credit for Certified Financial Planners by the CFP Board can also be used to meet ChFC requirements for an equal amount of hours. ChFC courses are designed to keep licensees in line with the official standards drafted by the board.

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Popularity Index: 40%

Window blinds have come a long way since traditional white aluminum mini blinds stole the decorating scene in the late ’70s and early ’80s. In fact, in 1981, mini blinds occupied 70 to 80 percent of the entire window covering market in America. In the mid ’80s, larger slats (also called louvers) became popular, causing many sets of blinds to look more like shutters. But do you really know when blinds first came on the market? When you see the answer, you’ll be surprised.

The first window blinds were made out of Nile reeds in Egypt, thousands of years ago.

The first window blinds were made out of Nile reeds in Egypt, thousands of years ago. Ancient Egyptians wove reeds together and used them as mats, rugs, and blinds–a true multi-purpose invention! Similarly, the Chinese have used bamboo blinds for centuries. The desire for natural-looking blinds has never truly faded–wood and faux wood blinds are widely available today.
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Popularity Index: 43%

Wood blinds are the classic window covering of choice for discriminating decorators. Their style is so adaptable that they can easily be used for a rustic, romantic, or even a modern feel. At Decorating Depot, we offer wood blinds with slats from one to three inches, as well as faux wood blinds for designers on a budget. Designers love wood blinds because they add texture to a room. Texture is one of the most important (but most often overlooked) aspects of design. Texture, however, is what gives a room its depth, and wood blinds are an easy way to begin layering both texture and color.

Wood blinds work best for rooms that are going to be entirely neutral in color. It is very possible to create a soft, elegant room using only creams, beiges, browns, and other neutrals. The texture and grain of wood offers a striking contrast to smooth silks and satins, for example.

No matter which shade of wood you choose, consider draping that window with shantung. Shantung is a form of silk, with a tight weave and subtle bumps called “slubs.” Less glossy than finished silk, shantung is a perfect complement to wood blinds of any color. It drapes beautifully with full, wide cones and its medium weight means you won’t have to install heavy-duty drapery rods in your wall.

When hanging your wood blinds, consider hanging them above the top of your window. This will enlarge the window visually. To make a window appear wider, install your wood blinds outside the window casings. This strategy works especially well when you aren’t planning on using a complementary window dressing. The wood itself is often dressing enough. While this approach wouldn’t be flattering with aluminum blinds or with honeycomb shades, it’s perfect for the warmth of wood.

Popularity Index: 35%

Choosing the right window shades can be an intimidating process for those who don’t have design experience. Designers have tricks they use to camouflage things like corner walls between windows, small windows, or even unattractive windows. Without hiring an expensive designer, however, you can use the same strategies to create your own customized, high quality window treatments. At Decorating Depot, we have some tips to get you started.

The first step is to use the color wheel. The first instinct of many is to choose entirely neutral window shades, hoping they will blend into the wall color (how many times have you seen cream-colored pleated shades topped with a beige or taupe cotton sateen valance)? Instead, select a neutral window shade and complement it with drapes or sashes that are on the opposite of the color wheel. As an example, let’s start with pleated shades.

Pleated window shades are available in fabrics that offer different levels of concealment, from sheer to fully private. Brands like Graber have developed patented designs that keep pleats uniformly spaced, so no unsightly sags or folds mar your window treatment. If you choose a soft, yellow-based cream for your shade, violet and red-violet are its opposites on the color wheel. Try an eggplant color infused with deep red tones for your curtain. By contrast, if you choose a soft blue-green shade, red and red-orange are its opposites–try a deep cranberry for maximum contrast.

After you’ve chosen the colors for your window shades and complementary treatments, decide how you want to highlight (or hide!) your windows. Many modern tract home designs offer plenty of windows, but they are usually short and narrow. Decorating around these windows is simple. Choose a fully opaque window shade (to avoid unattractive views of unfinished side yards or neighbor’s walls)–roller blinds, mini blinds, or honeycomb shades work well here. Next, choose light colored panels that are at least 10 inches longer than your window. Mount them about five inches above your window, and let them drop to the floor below. The elongated window treatment will give your narrow windows the illusion of height. Additional height can be added with ring tops and finials.

Popularity Index: 34%

When choosing new blinds, many homeowners aren’t sure which material to start with. The available options are many, so how should you go about choosing the style of blind that’s right for your space? Decorating Depot can help you get started.

Most people like the look and feel of wood blinds, but for some, these blinds are cost-prohibitive. They also aren’t appropriate for rooms that may be damp, as the wood can warp over time. For the look of wood without the cost, consider faux wood blinds or composite blinds. They are generally made of vinyl, and are sometimes combined with actual wood as well. Major brands like Hunter Douglas, Graber, Century, and Comfortex all have entries in the faux wood category. These blinds offer good UV protection, blocking 75 to 90% of the sun’s harmful rays. One of the drawbacks of faux wood are the limited color choices; however, standard colors like cherry, natural, and white are usually readily available.

Wider color selections are available in fabric shades, like horizontal sheers and cellular shades, as well as traditional aluminum blinds. Fabric sheers offer a softer look, filtering light without harsh lines, and offer even better UV protection than faux wood blinds (up to 95% coverage). Fabric is much easier to shape and maneuver than wood slats, so horizontal sheers work well for arches, bay windows, and French doors. Cellular shades can also offer a bit of extra insulation due to the fabric pockets that help insulate your windows from heat and cold.

For all-around versatility, aluminum horizontals are a safe bet. The color choices are comprehensive, and most come with a form of anti-static finish that helps keep your blinds dust-free. You can also find additional textures available in aluminum blinds, as well as added privacy features and remote control features. Made from heavy-duty six or eight gauge aluminum, these blinds are great for rooms that see heavy use, such as game rooms or family dens.

Popularity Index: 31%

In addition to beauty, woven wood shades provide another important benefit. As with other types of wood blinds and shades, they are energy efficient. Since window treatments are an investment, you will want to ensure energy efficiency in your home decor, as well as beauty and comfort.

There are several factors to consider in determining the most energy-efficient blind or shade. The R value is the rating that indicates the effectiveness of a blind or shade at insulating energy. You want a window covering to prevent the flow of warmth or cool air to the outside. The higher the R value, the better the insulation ability. In addition to R value, you should also consider the shading coefficient. This is the difference between the amount of heat lost from a window with a covering versus a window without a window covering.

You should also consider the UV transmittance. This is the amount of ultra violet rays and solar energy passed through the window covering versus the amount of solar energy absorbed by the covering. Lastly, you should consider how much light and noise are passed through the window covering.

Woven wood shades are highly efficient when evaluated with these energy factors. They are also aesthetically pleasing and a gorgeous addition to any room. With woven wood shades, you can transform any room into both a peaceful haven and an energy-efficient cost saver. Decorating Depot has an extensive selection of woven wood blinds by the top-selling brand of Prestige.

Popularity Index: 30%

Decorating a nursery or a child’s room can be an absolute joy. It is a chance to create a safe haven for your child, and a place to inspire imagination and whimsical fun. You will want to also make it as safe and comfortable as possible. If you have chosen a particular theme or color scheme for the room, the window treatment can play a vital role in the decor, as well as provide privacy and protection from sunlight. Short fabric blinds provide a soft feel to a room, while offering privacy and sun blockage. You can opt for a blackout option as well. Mini blinds are also a good option, although they will not block out as much light.

Safety is also a concern, so be sure to consider the following factors. Avoid long drapes that can entangle a small child. You will also want to avoid long cords. Several blinds have a new breakaway option that will protect a child from pulling the hardware down, or becoming entangled in the cords. As children learn to crawl and walk, they will pull up on about anything they can.

Make sure the window treatments are not placed near the changing table or the crib. Roller shades are a great option for kids’ rooms and nurseries as well. You can add a cornice box to cover the hardware of the blinds, and decorate it with elements of your color scheme or theme.

The window treatments in your child’s room can really make a difference in the room’s theme. The valance or fabrics can be highlighted with ribbons and borders. If you use a particular fabric in the window treatment, use it several other places throughout the room to make the experience complete. Decorating Depot offers plenty of window treatment options that will make your child’s room or nursery a warm and comfortable place to grow.

Popularity Index: 34%

Creating a very elegant look, Silhouette Shades suspend a fabric vane between two fabric facings. Created and designed by Hunter Douglas, Silhouette Shades are a gorgeous and stately addition to any room. It is a distinct decorating choice, and can transform a room into a luxurious retreat.

Silhouette Shades are one of the more expensive window treatments available, and aren’t offered online. If you want the soft elegance of these shades but need to be mindful of your budget, too, Decorating Depot offers a striking alternative.

You can choose from a room-darkening or a light-filtering blind. Both options layer a soft fabric slat between a sheer fabric overlay. The result is a warm glow that replicates just what you’d get from Silhouette Shades. This is a perfect option for highlighting wider windows because the fabric width can accommodate just about any window while remaining light and easily maneuverable.

The Shangri-la two-inch light filtering shade will bring this type of beauty to any room. Featuring a continuous loop system and two-inch vanes, this shade comes in 20 colors. We also offer soft sheer matching verticals. You have the additional option of a motorized version and a remote control. Contact Decorating Depot for guidelines on measuring the inside mount of the window. You will love the luxury of this type of shade and the soft, natural beauty it brings to a room.

Popularity Index: 32%