After graduating from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Bill began his career as a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual in 1984. His business is located in Lafayette and Shreveport, LA.

Through the years, Bill has been committed to expanding his knowledge and expertise in the estate, financial, and investment planning processes. He has earned the following professional designations and certificates:

The Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification is one of the most recognized financial planning marks in the world. CFP® certification identifies to the public those individuals who have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism, and diligence when dealing with clients. The certification differs from an educational designation or state license in that it is based upon requirements that have been determined by extensive job analyses of actual practitioners in the field, and therefore, continue to evolve with the profession. The CFP® certification prepares the financial services professional for a career-long commitment to meeting the ever-changing financial needs of clients.

The Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designation is granted by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils and it provides financial advisors the ability to effectively advise clients in the areas of gift and estate planning. This designation ensures that advisors are experts in topics such as taxable transfers, property valuation, charitable and other deductions, contractual beneficiary designation and operation of law.

The Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designation has long been recognized as the fundamental and foremost educational credential for life insurance professionals. Since 1927, more than 94,000 individuals have earned their CLU, helping them build a successful life insurance practice by providing clients with knowledgeable and ethical advice. For financial representatives, field management, home office personnel, and others involved in providing life insurance products to the public, the CLU designation symbolizes continuing growth and commitment to professionalism.

The Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation focuses on the comprehensive financial planning process as an organized way to collect and analyze information on a client's total financial situation; to identify and establish specific financial goals; and to formulate, implement, and monitor a comprehensive plan to achieve those goals. The ChFC program provides financial services professionals with in-depth knowledge of the skills needed to perform comprehensive financial planning for their clients.

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Awards and Recognitions

Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)

Bill Cunningham is a Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Qualifying/Life Member (2005, 2014-2015) and Qualifying Member (1995-1996, 1999, 2001-2002, 2004, 2007, 2013). MDRT is the premiere association of financial professionals. MDRT status is granted for one year and members must apply each year to continue their affiliation with MDRT.

Founded in 1927, MDRT provides its members with resources to improve their technical knowledge, sales and client service while maintaining a culture of high ethical standards.

National Quality Award (NQA)

Bill Cunningham is a National Quality Award (NQA) qualifyer. He has received the award from NAIFA in 1986-1987, 1990-2005, and 2007.

NAIFA's longest-standing award, the National Quality Award recognizes NAIFA members for competence and dedication as indicated by their persistency records. Those who qualify for the NQA understand their clients' needs. The policies they sell remain in force for when their clients need them most.

National Sales Achievement Award (NSAA)

Bill Cunningham received the National Sales Achievement Award (NSAA) from NAIFA in 1986-1997.

The National Sales Achievement Award recognizes NAIFA members for sales of life and health policies. The NSAA criteria measures sales success. In fact, the NSAA can be thought of as a top producers club within NAIFA.

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Associations and Memberships

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)

Bill is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the largest financial services membership association in the United States. NAIFA advocates for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conducts of its members.

Financial Planning Association (FPA)

Bill is a member of The Financial Planning Association^® (FPA^®), the largest membership organization for CFP^® professionals in the United States. FPA members adhere to the highest standards of professional competence, ethical conduct and clear, complete disclosure to those they serve.

Society of Financial Service Professionals (SFSP)

Bill is a member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, the standard bearer for excellence in professionalism, advanced continuing education, and ethical guidance for the nation's top financial advisors.

National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC)

Bill is a member of the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, a national organization of affiliated estate planning councils and professional estate planners focused on establishing and monitoring the highest professional and educational standards. NAEPC provides public awareness of the services rendered by multi-disciplinary professionals who meet these standards and believes that the team approach to estate planning best serves the client. 

Advanced Association of Life Underwriters (AALU)

Bill is a member of the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting (AALU), a national association of advanced life insurance planners who are committed to preserving insurance through political involvement. AALU is an industry organization focused on protecting advanced life insurance planning, as well as unifying and strengthening the industry’s joint defense of life insurance.

Investment Management Consultants Association® (IMCA)

Bill is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association® (IMCA), which was established in 1985 to deliver premier investment consulting and wealth management credentials and world-class educational offerings through membership, conferences, research, and publications. IMCA sets the standards and practices for the investment management consulting profession and provides investment consultants and wealth managers with the credentials and tools required to best serve their clients.