- 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 can earn a variety of certifications to demonstrate expertise and areas of specialization. Two well-known credentials are the chartered life underwriter (CLU) and the chartered financial consultant (ChFC). The CLU designation is geared toward life insurance specialists and focuses on insurance law, products, planning and business applications within the life insurance field. The… 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…
- How to Find a Remote Job as a CFP Financial Advisor
Earning the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation can expand your career options, including opportunities for remote work. While some firms prefer advisors to work on-site, others offer flexible arrangements that allow CFP® professionals to work virtually, either part time or full time. If you’re considering remote CFP® roles, it’s helpful to understand where to find… read more…
- Choosing Financial Advisor vs. Financial Analyst for Your Career
When considering a career path in the financial sector, two common options often come to mind: becoming a financial advisor or a financial analyst. Both roles offer unique opportunities and challenges, appealing to individuals with different skill sets and career aspirations. While financial advisors primarily focus on providing personalized financial guidance to individuals and families,… read more…
- Example of How to Build a Strong Financial Advisor Resume
Whether you’re pursuing your first position as a financial advisor or preparing for your next move, a well-crafted resume is essential in a competitive job market. If you’re creating a resume from scratch or updating one you haven’t visited in years, it helps to understand what employers look for. Reviewing a financial advisor resume example… read more…
- What Is the CFP Capstone Course?
Acquiring a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential could broaden your career horizons and help you grow your book of business. There are several requirements financial professionals must meet, including completing the CFP Capstone course. The course is designed to enhance your knowledge and skillset in preparation for working with clients and is required for all… read more…
- Pros and Cons of an Investment Manager Career
Investment management can be a demanding profession but one that may offer lucrative rewards. Financial managers earned a median annual salary of $139,790 in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Is investment management a good career path for beginners in the financial services industry? It could be for advisors who have the experience… read more…
- Popular Financial Influencers for Advisors to Follow
Financial influencers or ‘finfluencers’ have proven to be a popular, though unconventional, source of information and education for people who are interested in learning more about money. While many of the top influencers tailor their content to investors and everyday consumers who are navigating the realm of personal finance, some speak directly to the interests… read more…
- 7 Investment Books Every Advisor Should Read
Knowledge is a powerful asset and one that requires ongoing cultivation as an advisor. Devoting time to reading books about investing is one way to expand your expertise so that you can better serve your clients while becoming a savvier investor yourself. With so many books to choose from (and so little time in your… read more…
- 9 Entry-Level Jobs to Help You Break Into Wealth Management
A successful career in wealth management demands patience, perseverance and continuous learning. And, for those willing to put in the effort, the wealth management industry can offer rich rewards. Here are nine popular entry-level jobs that can help you get into and develop your experience in wealth management. Ready to grow your advisory business? SmartAdvisor… read more…
- 5 Financial Psychology Certifications for Financial Advisors
Financial psychology certifications can demonstrate expertise in the ways that psychology and personal finance intersect in a client’s attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that influence their financial decisions. These certifications can differentiate you in a competitive marketplace and potentially lead to increased income and credibility. Ready to grow your advisory business? SmartAdvisor can connect you with… read more…
- What It’s Like to Work as a Financial Planner
Entering a career in financial services can offer plenty of opportunities for advancement and high earning potential. Some professionals work as financial advisors while others choose to work as financial planners. While the titles sound the same, there are some differences in what a financial planner job entails. Add new clients and AUM at your… read more…
- Great Books for Professional Stock Traders
Stock trading is something of an art and just like painting or sculpture, it’s open to interpretation. That’s reflected in the sheer variety of investment theories and strategies advisors utilize to navigate the markets. If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge to serve your clients better, there are quite a few books for traders you… read more…
- Average Salary for Financial Paraplanners
Paraplanners are professionals who work with financial advisors and financial planners in a support capacity. A career in paraplanning can be a stepping-stone to becoming a financial advisor or planner, as it can be an opportunity to gain valuable work experience within the financial services industry. If you’re considering this type of role, you may… read more…
- Where to Find Financial Planning Jobs
Financial planning positions offer an opportunity to do work that you enjoy while potentially earning a highly competitive salary. If you’re fresh out of college or making a transition to financial services from another field, you might be wondering how to find openings that look promising. There are several possibilities for finding available financial advisor… read more…
- What Jobs Can You Get After Earning a CFP?
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation is granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). It indicates proficiency in education, examination, experience and ethical standards. CFP® professionals work in a number of capacities, from financial planners guiding individuals through key life milestones to wealth managers offering specialized services to high-net-worth clients.… read more…
- 5 Online CFP Programs
If you’re looking to become a Certified Financial Planner™, passing the CFP® exam is an important step. Preparing for the exam requires careful planning, including completing the required coursework through a CFP® Board Registered Program. With over 300 programs available, selecting the right online CFP® program will depend on factors such as your personal goals,… read more…
- What Are CFP Marks?
Becoming a Certified Financial Planner™ is something you might consider if you’d like to expand your business services and attract new clients. Incorporating CFP® marks into your marketing and promotional materials can lend credibility to your brand. However, there are strict rules that govern when and how you can use them. Are you looking to… read more…
- Differences Between 3(21) and 3(38) Fiduciary Advisors
The Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) outlines the rules for employee benefit plans, including the different types of fiduciaries associated with these plans. ERISA distinguishes between 3(21) fiduciaries, who are investment advisors, and 3(38) fiduciaries, who are investment managers. Each one plays an important, but unique, role in the administration of workplace benefit plans.… read more…
- How Much Can Financial Advisors Make at Morgan Stanley?
Financial advisors at Morgan Stanley can make from $97,000 a year on the low end to $475,000 at the top, according to various sources for data on advisor pay. These figures are for total compensation including bonuses and commissions, which can vary widely depending on the individual advisor’s clientele, experience and other factors. Earnings from… read more…
- Important Skills Every Financial Advisor Should Possess
Being a successful financial advisor requires more than just the right certifications and licensing or knowledge of financial planning. There are also certain hard and soft skills that advisors need to master in order to deliver top-tier service to their clients and grow their practices. Developing these financial advisor skills can take time but the… read more…
- A Guide to Financial Advisor Development Programs
Embarking on a career as a financial advisor requires the proper education and certification to ensure that you’re qualified to offer advice to clients. Many firms offer development programs that are designed to prepare you for your entry into the financial services industry. Joining a financial advisor development program could help you build a solid… read more…