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Career Information | Financial Planning

A financial planner helps people manage their money by gathering information about their short- and long-term financial goals and developing and implementing a plan of action for meeting those goals.

Imagine a career where you help people achieve their financial goals faster. By evaluating factors such as lifestyle and tolerance for risk, you will be able to recommend products such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds to help your clients maximize their assets. In addition to mapping out a financial plan for your clients, you will monitor their progress and make adjustments as necessary as they work toward their goals.

Did you know?

In September 2000, Jobs Rated Almanac named financial planning the "Number One Job in America" in its annual survey.

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards reports that females are more likely to use a financial planner than are males.

U. S. News and World Report listed the position of financial planner as one of the twenty hottest professions for the future.

Financial Planning is a growing industry!

Look at the facts according to the US Department of Labor's national statistics:

  • Average income: $57,710
  • 298,000 available jobs in 2002
  • Annual openings: 13,000
  • 34% growth rate
  • 5.4% are self-employed
  • 7.7% work part-time
  1. How long will it take me to get started?
  2. Will I be able to find a job?
  3. How much will I work each week?
  4. How much money can I make?
  5. How far can I go?
  6. Where can I get more information?

  1. How long will it take me to get started?
    When starting out, you will benefit from taking several weeks to several months of specialized financial planning courses to prepare you for this career.

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  2. Will I be able to find a job?
    The demand for financial planners will continue to grow as our population ages and begins to think about retirement. In addition to providing advice on retirement planning and investment options, more and more individuals are relying on their financial planner for advice on college savings and tax planning or for investment products such as stocks and bonds.

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  3. How much will I work each week?
    A career in financial planning will allow you some flexibility in determining your work hours. As a full-time financial planner, you will work 40 to 50 hours or more per week and your schedule will often include evening and weekend hours based on the needs of your clients. The more you work, the more successful you will be.

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  4. How much money can I make?
    Financial planning will offer you control over your income and nearly unlimited earning potential. As a financial planner, you may choose to charge a fee for your consulting services and you will earn a commission for each investment product you sell to your clients. In addition to your fees and commissions, you may also be eligible to earn a bonus.

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  5. How far can I go?
    How far you take your career is up to you. As a financial planner, you will experience variety and opportunity for advancement. In addition to advising your clients on how to best manage their money, you also may obtain special licenses to sell them insurance, stocks, bonds or other financial products. You also may further your education and career success by obtaining a prestigious designation credential.

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  6. Where can I get more information?
    There are many resources available to assist you in your decision to become a financial planner. For a personal touch, we recommend calling 1-888-HONDROS to speak with one of our career specialists, or you can visit one of these Web sites.

    National Association of Personal Financial Advisors 
    Bureau of Labor and Statistics

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