Financial Planner

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Work Tasks

FINANCIAL PLANNERS develop and implement financial plans for individuals, businesses, and organizations, using their knowledge of investments, tax laws, and insurance. They address issues such as retirement and estate planning, funding for college, and investment options. Planners develop a comprehensive financial plan that identifies problem areas, makes recommendations for improvement, and selects investments that are compatible with the client's goals, attitude toward risks, and expectation or need for return on the investment. Financial planners maintain contact with the client to revise the plan based on the modified needs of the client.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $72,000 average per year ($34.50 per hour)
• A large occupation (304,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (4.1% per year)

Entry Requirements

A college education is strongly preferred for FINANCIAL PLANNERS. A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, business, mathematics, or law provides good preparation. Courses in investments, taxes, estate planning, and risk management also are helpful. Many financial planners enter the field after working in a related occupation, such as accountant, auditor, insurance sales agent, lawyer, or as a financial services sales agent. A license is not required to work as a financial planner, but planners who sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, insurance, or real estate may need licenses to perform these services.