- One Page Financial Advisor Business Plan Template
Creating a business plan gives you a blueprint to follow as you grow your advisory practice. You may need to tweak your plan as time goes by and your business evolves. For simplicity’s sake, you might opt for a one-page business plan that you can easily adjust. An example template can make it easier to… read more…
- Pros and Cons of a Career in Wealth Management
Like most careers, wealth management has a number of pros and cons to consider for anyone interested in entering the field. Wealth managers often enjoy a high level of autonomy, high-earnings potential and have the chance to build lasting relationships with clients. But the career demands a deep understanding of financial markets, products and regulatory… read more…
- What Does a Financial Manager Do?
Financial managers play an important role in steering the financial health of organizations by focusing on strategic planning and goal-setting. Their primary focuses include profitability, managing risks and optimizing financial performance. By analyzing financial data and trends, financial managers develop strategies that align with organizational objectives, and focus on long-term stability and growth. Understanding what… read more…
- How to Become a Fiduciary Advisor
Becoming a fiduciary financial advisor means adhering to a legal and ethical standard that requires always acting in a client’s best interest. Unlike some other finance professionals, fiduciary advisors must provide unbiased recommendations, avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential financial incentives. To attain fiduciary status, professionals often pursue designations such as the Certified… read more…
- Qualifications That Every Financial Advisor May Need
Becoming a financial advisor is a chance to positively impact the lives of the clients you work with. In addition to being emotionally rewarding, it can be a lucrative career path as well, particularly if you opt for an independent business model. But what financial advisor qualifications are required to start or build a practice?… read more…
- Newsletters Every Financial Advisor Should Consider Following
The financial services industry is constantly evolving due to regulatory changes, technological advancements and shifting market conditions. To provide the best service to their clients, successful advisors recognize the importance of staying informed on the latest news and trends. Subscribing to financial advisor newsletters is an effective way to stay updated and ahead of industry… read more…
- How to Volunteer as a Pro Bono Financial Advisor
Volunteering as a pro bono financial advisor is an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families who can benefit from your expertise. Numerous organizations exist that help match financial advisors with people who need guidance with managing their money. Doing pro bono work can also be an opportunity for… read more…
- Requirements to Register as an Investment Advisor
If you’re a financial professional looking to help individuals manage their investments or provide financial advice, you’ll likely need to become an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) at a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm. This requires registering with the right regulatory authorities, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities agencies, depending on… read more…
- Working for Wirehouse Firms vs. Independent RIAs
Pursuing a career in financial services affords opportunities to explore different paths. Some advisors choose to join wirehouse firms, while others prefer an independent RIA model. Comparing the advantages and disadvantages can be helpful if you’re planning out your next professional move. Ready to grow your client base? SmartAsset AMP helps you connect with qualified… read more…
- CFP® Accelerated Path: Everything Advisors Should Know
Certified Financial Planner™ must meet education, experience, ethics and exam requirements to obtain certification. Financial professionals with a degree and at least three years of experience may choose the CFP® accelerated path to expedite the process. Following the accelerated plan allows you to bypass much of the coursework required to earn a CFP® mark, though… read more…
- Understanding How Broker Protocol Impacts Financial Advisors
Moving to another firm or leaving your company behind to start an advisory business can be the beginning of a new phase in your career. If your current employer is a broker-dealer operating under Broker Protocol standards, there are certain compliance requirements you’ll need to meet as you move through this transition. The Broker Protocol… read more…
- What Is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC)?
Certified personal finance counselors (CFPCs) are professionals trained to assist individuals in making informed money decisions, aiming to foster financial stability and growth. Advisors and other professionals working in the finance industry may pursue this credential to offer advice on budgeting, debt management, saving and basic investment concepts. Here’s a closer look at the CPFC… read more…
- Sample Questions From the CFP® Exam
The CFP® exam is designed to assess whether candidates for the Certified Financial Planner™ credential can apply their knowledge of financial planning in real-world scenarios. Covering topics such as retirement, taxes, insurance, investments and estate planning, the test evaluates both technical expertise and the ability to integrate multiple areas of planning. Rather than focusing on… read more…
- Course and Certification Options for Financial Planners
Professional certifications can give you a competitive edge as you grow your advisory business. There are a variety of credentials you might obtain, each of which has specific education and exam requirements. Deciding which financial planner course to take can depend largely on your career path and specialty. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform can help you… read more…
- 7 Books That Can Help Prepare You to Take the CFP® Exam
To work as a certified financial planner, you’ll first need to complete the CFP® exam. Taking a CFP® exam prep can help you ready yourself, but you may also benefit from reading books about financial planning. If you’re looking for some CFP® books to add to your reading list, here are a few to consider.… read more…
- When Can You Take the Series 65 Exam?
The Series 65 exam or Uniform Investment Adviser Examination is required if you plan to register with state securities agencies as an investment advisor representation. Series 65 exam dates are offered by appointment; this is also how exams for other FINRA licenses work. If you’re planning to obtain a Series 65 license, you’ll need to… read more…
- What Is a Financial Solutions Advisor?
A financial solutions advisor helps clients, often affluent or high-net-worth investors, build their investment portfolios. These advisors work in a bank or wealth management setting as part of a larger financial services team, though some financial solutions advisors work independently. If you’re interested in this career path, knowing more about how this type of role… read more…
- What Are Breakaway Advisors?
A breakaway advisor is a financial professional who leaves a traditional wirehouse or broker-dealer for an independent advisory practice. Every year, advisors leave or “break away” from large brokerage firms whose businesses may be built around selling financial products and services for commissions. These advisors then join or establish their own registered investment advisor (RIA)… read more…
- What Is a Credit Risk Certification (CRC)?
The credit risk certification (CRC) is a professional credential that is offered by the Risk Management Association (RMA). Financial advisors obtain this certification to demonstrate their proficiency in assessing and managing credit risk. This certification may be of interest to you if you want to work more with businesses or business owners. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing… read more…
- How to Get an Entry Level Financial Planning Job
Financial planning can open the door to a wide range of jobs, including financial advisor, investment analyst, wealth manager, retirement planner and tax advisor, among others. If you’re just starting out, here a round up of entry level financial planning jobs. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform can help you add new clients at your desired pace. Sign… read more…
- 7 Personal Finance Influencers to Follow If You’re an Advisor
Personal finance influencers are becoming increasingly popular on social media as people seek out straightforward, practical financial advice. While many influencers cater to a consumer-facing audience, some offer tips and strategies that are directed toward financial services professionals. Getting to know some of the most impactful personal finance influencers can be a terrific way to… read more…
- How to Find a Financial Planning Certificate Program
The distinction between financial advisors can sometimes hinge on the depth of their knowledge and the trust they inspire. Financial planning certifications are not merely a form of professional validation – they may be a testament to an advisor’s commitment, expertise and adherence to ethical standards. Professionals who pursue these certifications, especially the certified financial… read more…
- How Much You Could Make If You Earn a CRPC
Getting a chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) designation can increase a financial advisor’s earning potential without the need to invest a lot of time, energy and money. People with this financial professional certification report earning an average of 9% more after qualifying for the designation, according to the organization that provides training for CRPC applicants.… read more…
- CLU vs. ChFC for Financial Advisors
Financial professionals have a range of certifications to show their skill and specialties. Among these, the chartered life underwriter (CLU) is a certification program for life insurance specialists. It covers law, products, planning and business within the life insurance industry. The chartered financial consultant (ChFC), on the other hand, is a certification program for financial planners. It… read more…
- Where to Find Financial Planner Courses Online
A Certified Financial Planner™ must meet continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their certification. If you’re interested in completing financial planner courses online there are plenty of options to choose from. When comparing financial planning classes, it’s helpful to consider the format, the time commitment required, and what you’ll pay. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform can… read more…