Ifa can refer to different things depending on the context. Here are some possible meanings of Ifa:
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Ifa divination system: Ifa is a divination system and Yoruba religion that represents the teachings of the Orisha Ọrunmila. It is practiced among Yoruba communities and African diaspora in South America and the Caribbean. The system of divination used in Ifa is a code to access the scientific and metaphysical knowledge in the literary corpus, the Odu Ifa. Orunmila is identified as the Grand Priest, as he revealed the foundational divinity and prophecy to the world. Babalawos or Iyanifas are usually called Ifa priests, but really, they are scholars; the equivalent of professors in classical university systems. Ifa is practiced throughout the Americas, West Africa, and the Canary Islands, in the form of a complex religious system, and plays a critical role in the traditions of Santería, Candomblé, Palo, Umbanda, Vodou, and other Afro-American faiths, as well as in some other traditional African religions.
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Independent Financial Adviser (IFA): An IFA is a state-regulated adviser that provides impartial and independent financial advice to cover all your financial advisory needs – from protections, pensions, mortgage and investment portfolios to inheritance planning. An IFA is there to support your decision making. They are not tied to any particular financial institution, which means they aren’t ‘restricted’ in terms of the financial products and services that they can recommend. They are free to research and recommend solutions based on how well they match your needs and preferences – not based on ‘best fit’ from a limited portfolio. An IFA will typically provide advice on a product, such as which pension or investment is most suitable for you. A Financial Planner, on the other hand, will answer broader questions such as "Are your savings and investment plans going to provide the amount of money you need to do all the things you plan to do?".
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IFA loan: An IFA loan is a type of loan offered by the Iowa Financial Authority (IFA) to provide affordable mortgage and entry-cost assistance programs for both first-time homebuyers and experienced homebuyers.
It is important to note that Ifa is a term that has different meanings depending on the context, and it is essential to understand the context to know what it refers to.