Financial Planning Course
Our convenient home study courses in financial planning, can provide you a training in the financial planning field. Our approach is down to earth, yet geared to the professional level. Step by step, we can show you what financial planning experts already know. In addtion our programs, depending on that which you select, offering the following instruction in:
- Financial Management.
- Accounting.
- Principles of Management.
- Business Law and Business Communication.
Start a career in the growing field of finance as a financial planning specialist or financial manager.
For more information on financial planning courses and home study degrees click on a school name below:
As a personal financial planner, you would be responsible for helping your clients meet their financial goals. You may assist with tax planning strategies, investment options, retirement savings, insurance decisions, estate planning and more. Your clients will typically be people of higher income levels who want to ensure that they are managing their money well.
During your first appointment with a prospective client, you will conduct an interview to learn more about his or her financial goals. In subsequent meetings, you will help the client analyze how well the financial choices you made together are working. If changes need to be made, you will advice the client of other options. Your client will depend on you to research investment decisions on his or her behalf. As a financial planner, you may also choose to specialize in one particular area. Some common career choices are retirement planning, risk management and tax preparation.
Educational Requirements Needed to Become a Financial Planner
Most people who desire to become a financial planner first earn a degree in finance, which is then followed with formal certification as a financial planner. A finance degree can prepare you for numerous other career options, such as an investment banker, loan officer or credit analyst. Almost all positions in the field of finance as a whole require at least a bachelor's degree, although there are associate degree options available. You may be able to get an entry-level banking or accounting job with an associate's degree, but you would not qualify to work as a financial planner.
In a bachelor's degree program for finance majors, you can expect to complete coursework in mathematics, accounting, statistical analysis, personal financial management, business ethics and related subjects. Since you will be called upon to choose from several different financial options for your clients, it is important that you learn critical thinking skills during your college career. If you want to go into management, you should plan on earning at least a master's degree. A doctoral degree is appropriate for those who want to devote time to financial research and teaching.
Once you have completed your formal degree program, you may choose to take the Certified Financial Planner exam to further distinguish yourself from the competition. This exam covers such topics as risk management, insurance planning, retirement and estate planning, investment planning and more. The exam tests you on how you might react in actual financial planning situations. It is heavy on real-world application and light on theory.
Career Outlook and Typical Pay for Financial Planners
The field of financial planning is expected to enjoy a 32 percent annual increase until 2020, according to data released in 2010 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This percentage is much higher than the national average for all types of occupations combined. The biggest factor influencing the anticipated demand for financial planners is the aging baby boom population. As Americans born between 1946 and 1964 get closer to retirement, they will require the assistance of personal financial planners to help them transition smoothly to their next stage of life.
In May of 2010, the average annual salary reported for all financial planners was almost $65,000. This figure represents all levels of experience and education. Financial planners at the bottom end of the pay scale earned approximately $32,000, while the highest wage earners earned in excess of $165,000 a year. It should be noted that financial planners who work for financial service firms typically receive bonuses based on performance, but that information was not factored into salary averages.
References:
http://businessmajors.about.com/od/degreeoptions/a/FinanceDegree.htm
http://www.cfp.net/become/education.asp
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.html
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