- What Is a Financial Counselor and How Can You Hire One?
A financial counselor is a professional who helps individuals and families manage their personal finances by offering guidance on budgeting, debt repayment and financial goal-setting. Unlike financial advisors who may focus on investments and wealth management, financial counselors typically work with clients to improve their financial stability and address immediate concerns like credit issues or… read more…
- The Average Success for the Series 65 Test and How to Pass
If you’d like to become an investment advisor representative (IAR), you’ll need to first pass the Series 65 exam. The Series 65 exam is a North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) exam that’s administered by FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Neither FINRA nor the NASAA publish official figures for the average success rate Series… read more…
- What Is a 3(38) Fiduciary?
Most tax-advantaged retirement accounts are defined by ERISA, the “Employee Retirement Income Security Act.” This statute outlines how programs like 401(k)s work, including the laws around how those accounts operate, and defines three main types of financial advisors. These are… read more…
- What Is a 3(21) Fiduciary?
When you open a 401(k) retirement plan, it typically comes with a series of advisors who help your business manage that account. Specifically there are three main types of 401(k) advisors, or “fiduciaries,” charged with managing your investments: 3(16), 3(21)… read more…
- CFP vs. CMA: Designations for Financial Advisors
You can identify the specialization of a financial advisor through the certifications that they hold. When looking for a financial professional, understanding the key differences between a CFP and a CMA can help you figure out which is best suited… read more…
- CFP vs. Series 7: Differences and When You Need Each
The CFP® and Series 7 are two designations you might see in the finance industry that are held by financial advisors. However, the CFP and Series 7 are used for different purposes. A series 7 allows you to sell investment products and securities, while a CFP establishes expertise in financial planning. I fyou need help… read more…
- AAMS vs. CFP Designations for Financial Advisors
With all of the financial advisor certifications, it’s hard to know which ones may fit your needs. For example, you might be seeking a financial advisor with more experience building a financial plan. In this case, working with a CFP might be… read more…
- CMA vs. CFA Designations for Financial Advisors
When searching for a financial advisor, you’ll come across numerous designations and licenses. It can be hard to understand what they mean and how they’re different. The CMA and CFA are two common fiduciary designations for financial advisors. Let’s compare… read more…
- CIMA vs. CFP Designations for Financial Advisors
Financial advisors can hold a range of certifications and licenses. Two such designations are CIMA (certified investment management analyst) and CFP (certified financial planner). The CIMA is intended for those who help people manage their investments, while the CFP is a much broader certification covering all aspects of personal finance. However, a CFP may also specialize… read more…
- RICP vs. CFP®: Comparing Designations for Financial Advisors
Professional designations can shed light on what an advisor does, and the types of clients they work with. The Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) and Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) are two popular certifications for financial advisors. There are several ways in which they differ in terms of training and professional focus. Being aware of those… read more…
- AIF vs. CFP® Designations for Financial Advisors
Financial planning can be complex, but the benefits of a well-thought-out plan are invaluable. Fortunately, the financial industry offers a wide array of professionals and certifications to help individuals and businesses define and achieve their goals. Among the most recognized credentials in financial planning are the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary… read more…
- How to Become a Financial Advisor in California
Becoming a financial advisor in California can be a rewarding career path for those who enjoy helping others reach their financial goals. With one of the largest and most dynamic economies in the country, California offers countless opportunities for advisors, from managing investments in Silicon Valley to guiding retirees along the coast. But breaking into… read more…
- How to Become a Financial Advisor Without a Degree
Becoming a financial advisor without a degree is possible, as the field offers multiple pathways that don’t always require formal education. While many financial advisors hold degrees in fields like finance or economics, it’s not a strict requirement. Some advisors succeed by earning certifications, gaining relevant work experience, and building skills in client relations and… read more…
- How to Become a Financial Advisor in Texas
Becoming a financial advisor can be a lucrative career where you help people reach their financial goals. In order to become a financial advisor, there are specific steps that you must take in order to begin this career. Each state… read more…
- How to Become a Financial Advisor in Florida
If you’re looking for a career path that allows you to help people grow their wealth and navigate difficult life decisions, becoming a financial advisor could be a fit for you. Additionally, working as a financial advisor could be well within reach if you want a career change. Financial advisors in Florida must satisfy examination… read more…
- What Certifications Do Financial Advisors Need?
Financial advisors are professionals who work with clients to help them with their finances and investments. Advisors may work with clients holistically to develop broad financial plans, or they can help with a narrower focus, such as estate planning or retirement. Advisors often have certifications that indicate a certain level of expertise or area of… read more…
- How to Find a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
With so many online resources to choose from, finding a financial advisor has become easier. However, there’s a lot to sift through when it comes to picking one. Every financial advisor tends to have different types of certifications, such as certified… read more…
- What Is a Certified Financial Therapist (CFT-I)?
Few of us would claim to be perfect with our money. We may save less than we planned, overspend on occasion or forgo the monthly budget on vacation. However, there are some financial habits that are much more serious, such as compulsive spending or money-related anxiety. A certified financial therapist, or CFT-I, may be able to… read more…
- Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC)
Individuals who have the designation of chartered special needs consultant (ChSNC) are the only financial advisors who have been specifically equipped and vetted to advise you on the financial and estate planning needs of special needs clients. Since 25% of adults in the U.S. have a disability, it’s very likely that you or one of… read more…
- What Is a Certified Pension Consultant (CPC)?
Earning the certified pension consultant (CPC) designation demonstrates that an employee benefits professional has mastered the ability to plan, set up, manage and maintain company-sponsored retirement plans. CPC holders may work as insurance agents, financial planners, pension actuaries or company… read more…
- What Is a Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL)?
As people get older, they may face a multitude of challenges relating to many spheres of life including work, health and relationships. In addition, starting in middle age and lasting through retirement, aging citizens wrestle with how best to manage,… read more…
- What Is an Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA)?
Managing an investment portfolio calls for mastery of a challenging set of skills including understanding portfolio theory, allocating assets between debt and equity, decoding mutual fund investment policies, managing taxes and planning for retirement. The accredited portfolio management advisor (APMA) credential signifies that a financial professional has received graduate-level training in these skills and others.… read more…
- What Is a Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP)?
There is more to financial advising than passing out stock tips. Well-rounded financial advisors go beyond selecting securities and asset classes to take into account all the factors that can affect the client’s objectives. They can help clients plan for retirement, manage their estates, provide for children’s educational needs, save for a home purchase and… read more…
- What Is a Certified Personal Risk Manager (CPRM)?
The Certified Personal Risk Manager (CPRM) program was created for professionals who offer insurance and risk management services to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Candidates develop their risk management expertise, learn technical information about creating comprehensive risk management and insurance programs, and cultivate… read more…
- What Is a Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA)?
Deciding how and especially when to claim Social Security benefits can be one of the most financially significant moves a person makes. Yet the rules used to calculate how much a beneficiary can receive from Social Security are complicated, making… read more…