So you want to be a Personal Financial

So you want to be a… Personal Financial Advisor

Personal Financial Advisor Advise clients on financial plans utilizing knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. • Salary – In 2008, the California average annual wage was $41, 557 for entry level workers, and $117, 482 for experienced workers. • Education – Requires a four-year bachelor's degree. – Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-thejob training, and/or vocational training.

So what exactly does a Personal Financial Advisor do? • Conduct seminars and workshops on financial planning topics such as retirement planning, estate planning, and the evaluation of severance packages. • Meet with clients' other advisors, including attorneys, accountants, trust officers, and investment bankers, to fully understand clients' financial goals and circumstances. • Guide clients in the gathering of information such as bank account records, income tax returns, life and disability insurance records, pension plan information, and wills. • Interview clients to determine their current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, risk tolerance, and other information needed to develop a financial plan.

Outlook for the Future • During 2009, there were approximately 20, 640 people employed in this field in CA. • It is estimated that in 2016 there will be 23, 700 employed in CA. This represents an increase of 440 new positions each year (2. 10%).

Similar Occupations • Bill and Account Collectors • Tax Preparers • Financial Analysts • Credit Analysts • Assessors • Cost Estimators • Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage • Insurance Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators • Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

What will I need to know? • Classes you will need to take for this career: • Finance, General • Financial Planning • Insurance • Investments and Securities • Knowledge you will need to gain for this career: • Customer and Personal Service • Sales and Marketing • Economics and Accounting • Mathematics

So how do I become a Personal Financial Advisor? • In middle school: – Pass all tests, benchmark exams, CST. – Complete homework and class work. – Earn passing grades. • In high school: – Take 4 years of math – Take courses in accounting, statistics, etc. – Look into banking and ROP courses offered in this field. • In college: – Speak to your college’s counselor about what courses you should take for this career path.

Questions? Speak to your school counselor • Mrs. Scribner – Students whose last names begin with A-L • Mrs. Jantz – Students whose last names begin with M-Z