Financial Planning Career Information

Explore a financial planning career.

What Do Financial Planners Do?

For the many people who cringe at the thought of wading through the concepts and consequences that often define financial matters, a financial planner is a much needed guide.

Those in financial planning careers work with individuals to set the plans that will allow them to achieve financial goals such as buying a home, sending kids to college and having a comfortable retirement.

Some financial planners may be employed to consult with businesses who are looking for advice about investment decisions. These specialists gather financial data, analyze it and make recommendations that affect future security and stability, so it is imperative that they stay abreast of the most current financial news, laws and regulations revisions.

More so than other finance careers, financial planning requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills; it is crucial that practitioners can understand their clients' needs and convey complicated tax, insurance, investment and estate-planning advice.

Many in the field start out in large firms and eventually move into private practice, which affords a greater deal of independence. To begin working towards a career in financial planning, find finance bachelor's, MBA, or master's degree programs.

Financial Planner Career Path

	Entry Level	Mid Level	Senior Level
Types of Roles	Assistant financial planner	Financial planner, certified financial planner	Director of financial planning, entrepreneur
Experience	0 - 3 years	4 - 8 years	10+ years
Getting There	Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting Strong analytical skills Technology skills and experience (specifically in Microsoft Excel and NaviPlan)	All entry-level requirements Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and/or Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) certification Excellent interpersonal skills	All mid-level requirements MBA degree and/or National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) trading licenses Ability to form strong client relationships
Salary*	$35,000 - $40,000	$50,000 - $71,000	$67,000 - $145,000
Description	Use computers and software to enter and analyze financial data Support senior financial planners	Interview clients to determine financial status and goals Manage client relationships Clearly communicate complex financial concepts	Develop and deliver financial planning seminars to clients and prospective clients Coordinate legal, tax, investment, estate and insurances perspectives Prepare and monitor comprehensive financial plans