The events of the past year in the financial markets have, hopefully instilled in the minds of lawmakers that the average individual is not qualified to manage their retirement dollars. At its worst, the stock market was down approximately 60% from its high. I don't know what was more shocking, the depth of the fall, or the speed. Individual investors watched as their wealth evaporated and retirement plans were forever changed.

IRVINE, Calif. (May 28, 2008) – The University of California, Irvine Extension announces plans to offer a new online elective course as part of its Personal Financial Planning Certificate Program, a Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.-registered program, designed to help students obtain the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) designation. Held online beginning June 30 through Sept. 12.