Professional Development

March 5, 2026Financial 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…

February 9, 2026The Certified Financial Planner™ 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. The… read more…

March 20, 2026Becoming a Certified Financial Planner™ can open doors throughout your financial planning career, but first you need to complete the educational requirements. All candidates must finish coursework through a CFP® Board Registered Program before taking the certification exam. Today’s aspiring CFP® professionals have a range of options, with many programs offered online to fit around… read more…

February 26, 2026Financial planners help clients manage their money to reach financial goals. While certain professionals may need a financial planning license, others do not. Whether you’ll need a license to work as a financial planner depends largely on the services you offer your clients. Let’s examine how to evaluate this question for yourself. Are you looking… read more…

February 9, 2026Becoming 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…

January 30, 2026The 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…

March 4, 2025Financial 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…

March 18, 2026Being a successful financial advisor requires more than just the right certifications, 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 return… read more…

March 5, 2026Embarking on a career as a financial advisor requires the proper education and certification to help ensure 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…

March 4, 2025Achieving your goals as a financial advisor may be easier when you have someone to guide you along the path. That’s where financial advisor coaching comes in. A coach can help you to fine-tune your strategy for growth and become a better advisor. Considering the potential benefits and return on investment can help you decide… read more…

January 14, 2026Over the next decade, the job outlook for financial advisors looks extremely promising, with abundant opportunities nationwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of financial advisors will expand much faster than the average occupation. Growth is concentrated in cities with strong financial services sectors, but jobs can be found almost anywhere. An aging… read more…

February 9, 2026Earning the Certified Financial Planner™ credential is a multi-step process that combines education, exam preparation and hands-on experience in financial planning. For many aspiring CFP® professionals, the timeline spans roughly one to two years, though individual circumstances can shorten or extend that range. Factors such as prior education, existing industry experience and the pace at… read more…

October 29, 2025Becoming an independent financial advisor can give you freedom and flexibility to serve the type of clients you’re most equipped to help. By 2027, independent and hybrid RIAs are expected to control nearly one-third of asset market share, growing at a faster rate than any other advisor channel, according to Cerulli Associates.1 Choosing independence opens up… read more…

December 11, 2025Financial advisors often credit their successful careers to the insights and experience gained during internships, underscoring the significance of such opportunities. A financial advisor internship is a valuable stepping stone into the finance industry, a chance to apply classroom knowledge in real-world situations. Here’s a breakdown of what these internships entail, the types of companies… read more…

January 30, 2026Staying up to date on the latest industry trends and news is important as an advisor and it’s helpful to have a go-to list of sources for information. That might include reading financial advisor magazines, listening to podcasts, or keeping up with top bloggers in the advisory space. If you’re looking for some new financial… read more…

March 3, 2025Starting a hedge fund requires more than just an impressive track record of consistently beating the market. There are registration and regulatory requirements that you’re expected to meet to ensure your fund is operating legally. You’ll also need sufficient capital and a strong support team to help pull it all together. If you’re interested in… read more…

January 9, 2026The financial services world moves fast, and staying informed can mean the difference between keeping up and falling behind. For financial advisors, access to reliable, insightful publications is not just helpful, it is essential. The right magazine can provide market analysis, regulatory updates, practice management tips and professional development opportunities all in one place. Whether… read more…

February 10, 2026Certified Financial Planners™ are subject to continuing education requirements in order to maintain their certification. Specifically, they’re required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, which includes two hours of study in the area of ethics. The total number of CE hours required will increase to 40 in 2027. CFP® professionals can… read more…

January 28, 2026Becoming a CFP® professional is a major career milestone, but the cost of education and certification can feel like a barrier for many aspiring financial planners. CFP® scholarships are designed to ease that burden, yet they’re often overlooked or misunderstood. Knowing how these scholarships work and how to apply can open the door to financial… read more…

March 1, 2025If you work in financial planning or want to pursue a career in the field, you may wonder about the value of getting a Ph.D. in financial planning. Earning this diploma can open up unparalleled opportunities for employment in teaching, research and consulting. However, it also requires a significant investment of time and money. And,… read more…

January 14, 2026Attending wealth management and investment conferences can be a great opportunity to network and get up to speed on the latest industry trends and news. If you have limited time in your schedule, you may need to pick and choose which ones you attend. Knowing which financial advisor conferences are on the horizon can help… read more…

February 10, 2026Obtaining the Certified Financial Planner™ credential can enhance your expertise and credibility as an advisor. To become certified by the CFP Board, you’ll need to complete education, exam, ethics and experience requirements. In doing so, you demonstrate that you have the necessary training to offer financial planning services to clients. When you’re ready to satisfy… read more…

January 9, 2026Successful financial advisors recognize the importance of maintaining a steady stream of new clients to keep their businesses running smoothly. Developing sales skills is essential for bringing in new business and encouraging clients to entrust you with their financial goals. If you are not a natural salesperson or you simply want to elevate your game,… read more…

February 5, 2026You might consider becoming a registered investment advisor (RIA) if you’re interested in helping investors manage their assets. Earning a college degree in finance or a related field is usually the first step, but there are other a number of criteria to meet before you or your company can officially be considered a registered investment… read more…

January 28, 2026A career in financial planning can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding if you’re spending a significant amount of time each day prospecting, networking or meeting with clients. You might be asking this question: can I be a… read more…