Karen Schaeffer Honored with 2026 P. Kemp Fain, Jr., Award

Karen Schaeffer, a seasoned Certified Financial Planner and Managing Partner at Schaeffer Financial, LLC, has been honored with the 2026 P. Kemp Fain, Jr., Award by the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

This prestigious accolade recognizes Schaeffer's significant contributions to the financial planning sector over her four-decade career. Her work primarily focuses on advising professional women, foreign service officers, and federal employees. Throughout her career, Schaeffer has shaped educational programs for financial professionals, sharing her expertise with global institutions like The World Bank, and the U.S. Treasury. The award itself commemorates the legacy of P. Kemp Fain, Jr. and celebrates excellence in various facets of the financial planning field.

Career Highlights and Impact

Schaeffer's extensive service includes notable positions on the FPA Board of Directors and the merger of major financial planning associations, leading to the formation of the FPA in 2000. Her leadership extends to chair roles at the Financial Planning Standards Board and the CFP Board of Standards. She has been acknowledged previously with honors such as the InvestmentNews Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Additionally, Schaeffer has co-authored influential publications and frequently appears in esteemed media outlets like the Washington Post.

Award Ceremony Details

The P. Kemp Fain, Jr., Award will be formally presented to Schaeffer at the FPA SUMMIT 2026, which will take place from November 9-11 at the Gaylord National Resort in the Washington, D.C. area. This annual event gathers professionals from across the sector to discuss pivotal industry insights and advancements.