Financial Consultants are one of the fastest growing industries today. More and more people are requiring the services of a finance consultant to get out of debt, and/or prepare for educational and retirement expenses. The knowledge these consultants have creates an income potential for everyone involved.
Becoming a financial consultant takes time and money. It is not a get-rich-quick business, but it does lead to an unlimited income potential. Before you do anything else, you need to decide if you are committed to making the time to become a finance consultant. If you decide you are, then delve deeper and learn more.
Financial consultants are also called investment consultants, because they help you plan financially through investments. The best thing to do when you decide to become an investment consultant is to contact one of the many financial planning organizations such as the Financial Planning Association.
You will need to become a member of many of these financial consultant associations. You are also required to take class and an exam, before you can provide financial consultant services. Each association has its own credentialing system. While it is not necessary to have all the certifications, it is best to have several for professionalism and credibility.
Until you receive certification, you should get the requirements from the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as your State regulatory Authority for financial consultants. It is also required that you register with these agencies as well as the NASD and obtain licenses from them.
Once you are certified and licensed you are ready to open your investment consultant company. However, a few things need to be done before seeking clients. You will need to decide how you will be compensated for your services, and if you will specialize in a type of planning, such as estate planning, or generalize. You will also want to begin networking with other local people in the industry, such as accountants and lawyers.
Financial consultants have four compensation methods to choose from. When deciding on the compensation method for you, decide if you want to obtain more licenses and certifications. In almost any event, you will need to partner with insurance companies and at least on e securities broker/dealer.
You can offer your investment consultant services on a commission-only basis, fee-only basis, fee plus commission basis, or fee-offset basis. Of these three methods, only the fee-only method does not require parternering with insurance companies and securities broker/dealers, or obtaining extra licenses. A fee-only consultant creates a financial plan for the client, but the client is responsible for implementation of the plan. A fee-only consultant usually has a per hour fee or project fee.
Each of these methods of compensation has a good and bad side. You must consider the type of financial consultant business you want, and then choose the method that is appropriate for you. You can always change methods, but that can be tricky.
If you decide to go with on of the methods, other than fee-only, you will need to find your partners. It is best to partner with as many insurance companies and broker/dealers as possible. This will give your better tools and more options to work with for your clients.
While you are talking to companies, you should also talk with lawyers, and accountants in the field. They cannot only refer clients to you, but may be willing to work on projects with you for your clients. This is part of the networking you will need to do to succeed.
You need to invest for insurance for your investment consultant company as well. It protects you and your clients. This is a necessary part of the business. Should the unimaginable happen, you will be protected.
Clients will probably not fall in front of you when you first start. To gain experience and clients, offer your finance consultant services for a small fee, or even free, to friends and family. Ask them if you can use them as references. This will not just help your business, but it may help them too.
Once you have become a financial consultant, you will need to retain your certifications with continuing education in financial planning. Loot at web sites and books, they will keep you informed of industry trends, as will industry magazines. Stay affiliated with organizations at the national, State and local level. Your business is reliant on personal ability and honesty. Stay focused on this and you are bound to succeed.
? Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
Randy has dozens of home based business articles such as start a mattress cleaning service, start a mattress cleaning service and start a mattress cleaning service.
best cleaning company Highland Park ..The temporary staffing industry continues to expand, with yearly double-digit... Read More
How far away is the person you need to meet?We... Read More
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, since... Read More
Do you sometimes find yourself just going "through the motions"... Read More
Does your small business have a banking and credit card... Read More
You are probably hard at work promoting your business (and... Read More
What is the Big Race all about when it comes... Read More
It is estimated that 78% of all small business start-ups... Read More
It has been discussed allowing Franchising companies to electronically disclose... Read More
The Federal Trade Commission which governs the franchise industry thru... Read More
Today is a Red Letter Day! It's special because today... Read More
Concrete Roof Tile Business: During the 2004 summer season, storms... Read More
If you're starting your own business or currently work for... Read More
Most small business owners are faced with so many responsibilities... Read More
Becoming a contractor or sub-contractor for the U.S. government can... Read More
One of the critical success factors for service-related businesses is... Read More
I believe the number one reason why a business will... Read More
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a... Read More
Some of the greatest words of wisdom for any man... Read More
(Although this article is geared towards small business owners, the... Read More
Starting and growing a small business can be a daunting... Read More
If you're serious about wanting to start a business, the... Read More
A solopreneur I know disappears from my radar screen for... Read More
The FTC- Mighty Federal Trade Commission has unilaterally decided to... Read More
-- The One Pager Shortcut Series --An effective and compelling... Read More
high-end home cleaning Winnetka ..There is significant competition in auto detailing and car washing.... Read More
What is the best time to expand a mobile car... Read More
Are you tired yet of all the books out there... Read More
Most small business owners seek advisors who can help them... Read More
Here is an interesting case study of a company, which... Read More
If you are a franchisee of a large franchise system;... Read More
And is having a logo really that important?My answer to... Read More
Competition in the business world is often viewed as a... Read More
Here are some important points to take note of if... Read More
By outsourcing to skilled professionals you'll be able to grow... Read More
Most small businesses incorporated in 2005 will fail by the... Read More
Manufactured and Mobile Home owners know that the weather this... Read More
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PRICINGIn case you hadn't noticed, people can... Read More
Why Alliances FailWhen do you know an alliance is falling... Read More
When is it a good thing to say no to... Read More
Are you a small business owner who wants to expand... Read More
Do you know what your genius work is? It's the... Read More
The employer / employee relations environment has been constantly evolving... Read More
Back when I owned an inventory-based business, one of my... Read More
How do window cleaning franchise businesses start? It is a... Read More
"I don't know the key to success, but the key... Read More
If you are a small business and qualify to participate... Read More
It appears the mini-blimp indoor theme and concept is making... Read More
One major issue not being addressed right now in the... Read More
Remember the training programs, seminars, and workshops you had to... Read More
Small Business |