Financial Advisor Certification

How do I know which are truly qualified?

I wouldn't rule out someone who has no certifications if they have plenty of experience to back themselves up because actually working in the field, you learn a lot of real time and actual scenario's. A certification simply means you had to study it, but it's completely different from actually having hands-on experience.

However, any degree (AA or BA or higher) would be good, as long as they didn't study English or something Art and it wasn't studying business and or finance and economics.

Good luck!

2008-09-19 03:25:50 by laxi2

Are you interested in learning more about financial planning? CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals are trusted advisers who work with clients ...

Is a bachelor degree necessary or not?
I know that a license is not necessary, but for those who want to sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds a certification is necessary; so what can a personal financial advisor do without a license?

Anyone can call themselves a personal financial adviser, but unless they are certified by a nationally recognized organization, such as the "Financial Planning Association," their advice is not worth anything. Savvy clients understand that, so you better get your certification.

But, no, you do not need a degree in financial planning...just the certification

2007-11-10 13:39:55 by Claudio F

Price: $5.95 $5.95

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.I want to represent athletes and high net worth individuals. I also have 1 year of customer service and sales experience.

Series 7, 63 and a whole bunch of others depending on the types of services and advice you are going to offer.

2009-08-12 15:00:30 by Kris

Price: $5.95 $5.95

I am considering entering a financial advisor training program at one of these large banks. I was told that the washout rate for new FA's after 2-3 years was pretty high (over 60%), since you have to be able to attract a fair number of clients to make it and many new FA's fail to do so. My question is, if I fail as an FA (which, given the odds, seems likely) is it possible or easy for me to take whatever I learned as an FA and whatever certifications I may have achieved and transition into some other position in the financial industry, other than being an FA somewhere else.

Yes, you could transition easily but you will have the same problems AND this type of business is built on recurring commissions and loyalty and referrals. Even if you feel you are good at it, it takes a while to make decent money, you will need a good support group to help you through. It is a sales job.

2007-07-27 13:01:19 by Gerald F

Other than the certifications, I mean what would impress an institution like Raymond James of Merrill Lynch to pay for your training. I have a bachelor's degree from an excellent university and majored in Economics.

Companies look at the whole package. In terms of your degree, you need to have plenty of mathematical, computer, analytical skills, which you presumably were exposed to during your undergrad. Also a background in accounting, investments, estate planning and risk management can greatly work in your favor. In terms of your personal traits, you need to confident, be comfortable working independently and most importantly have great communication skills.

In all honesty if you want to get into Merrill Lynch you should definitely get some prior experience, work for a broker-dealer, this will not just add to your resume but will also help you do well on your licensing exams.

Good Luck!

2007-07-10 10:29:27 by Tyrone