Financial Planning Career Information
Explore a financial planning career.
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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.
Financial planners 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.
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 | | - 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* | $25,000 - $40,000 | $47,000 - $71,000 | $67,000 - $105,000 |
| 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
|
* Depends on company size, specific job, and location
Sources: SalaryExpert.com, Salary.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wois.org, Monster.com

Northeastern University - College of Business Administration
Northeastern offers its AACSB-accredited MBA program in a 100% online format. They are a world leader in practice-based education focused on expanding students' managerial skills and knowledge base.
Walden University - School of Management
Walden University has unique and flexible online delivery models, world-class faculty and customizable programs which are all geared to help adult learners achieve their career goals.
American InterContinental University Online
AIU Online offers convenient, flexible alternatives that enable you to fit a career-focused education into your current lifestyle. This is the perfect format for students looking to pursue opportunities in a competitive job market.