I am interested in becoming a Certified Financial Planner - how do i go about this?
372032
You want the CFP program not the CFA.\n\nTo become a CFP, you need three things.  A certificate that you complete a PFP program, related work experience and passing the CFP exam.  \n\nYou need the certificate of PFP program to sit in the exam, but there's no requirement prior to getting related work experience.\n \nI completed my education requirement through UC Santa Cruz Extension, I believe I learn a lot from the program because the instructors are all very experienced and established CFPs.  You can also try an "accelerated" program with providers like Kaplan or on-line program.  \n \nThe CFP exam is quite difficult.  It took me about six months (of weekends) to study for the exam.  But I heard there are some people who passed the exam with just a couple months of study.  \n \nHere's a list of websites that might be helpful.\n \nhttp://unex.uci.edu/certificates/business_mgmt/finance/pfp/\nhttp://cfp.net/\nhttp://www.fpanet.org/\nhttp://www.eduselect.com/e/kaplan/financial/signup.cgi?AffiliateID=311567&mid=
838701
if you call your local social services office they can direct you to the proper office.  sometimes they do it there. but I think you have to meet financial qualifications.
221193
Check out Dave Ramseys website.  He teaches one of the best finacial planning progams I've ever seen.\n\nhttp://www.daveramsey.com/
292715
visit a financial adviser especially the trusted ones.
385890
In PA you must take two classes.  There are lots of places that offer them.  I took mine through Polley Associates and I know they offer them across the state.\n\nAfter you pass those two classes you must sit for a state exam.  Once you pass the exam you are elegible for your license.  You MUST find a Broker who is willing to let you hang your license with their company however, you can NOT practice on your own as stated by the person above.
481148
I am currently a financial advisor for a financial planning and mutual fund company so I hope I can help out some. Lets look at your questions.\n\n1. Life and health are they as difficult?\n   When I took the health and life insurance test for KS it was fairly simple. I haven't taken P&C but everyone I knew that tooke Life & Health didn't have too much of a problem with it.\n\n2. Work from library and internet?\n   Possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. I would suggest to find a good study that is specific to your state. I used a company called AD Banker for my health and life. Went to a class for life and study their book for health. Fairly easy. They taught everything you need to know. Especially the state specific law questions.\n\n3.Annuity what are they?\n  Easiest way to explain an annuity is...You know what a CD is at a bank. It's basically an account where you put a lump-sum amount of money in and let it earn interest and the interest compounds. Well and annuity is similar to that. There are some differences. First, it's only sold through Insurance companies. Which is why you are required to have a life insurance license. Second, when your interest compounds in an annuity you don't have to pay taxes on the earnings until the money is withdrawn. A cd you pay taxes on interest earned in the year it's earned. Third, annuities are the only investment vehicle that can guarantee a monthly payment for your whole life. What happens is you put money in it earns interest and then eventually you annuitize it. The insurance company then sends you a check each month until you die. Thats the basics of it. You'll learn more in depth about them when you study for your exam.\n4.Advice...\n  It's not easy. Take into consideration that while working in an insurance/financial services job you usually are self-employed and you just represent a company. Therefore you are really responsible for making your own paycheck. Most places put you on strictly commission. So if you don't sell anything this month you could go hungry. Make sure that you talk to all of your friends and family members. They will be the starting point of your business. Always, Always, Always, I cannot stress this enough, ask for referrals from people. It will make your business along with your paycheck grow. Don't stress out if you want to go into mutual funds or financial planning or anything. Such as getting your NASD series 6,7,63,65. They are somewhat difficult, but if you study and prepare they are actually really easy. Now, when you take these tests remember they are designed to trick you. Most of the time they are testing you on whether or not you know how to take tests. Read each question over twice make sure you know what it's asking. Watch out for questions that contain double negatives in them. And usually go with your first instinct. It's generally correct. Don't worry about any of the tests or understanding stuff greatly. You'll learn a lot about stuff as you go along. Good luck
52448
First, ask if he/she is a certified financial advisor.  Also, you want one that is fee only, and doesn't receive commisions on the product he endorses.  You want an unbiased opionion of the invests he/she is suggesting.
70054
a bachelor degree is preferable.\nPlus you need to get certified by taking the Praxis test in a given category (It's usually pretty pricey so that you take it seriously and try not to fail it. NOONE want's to fork over that money moer than once!)\n\nDo a search on "Praxis" \nYou'll probably have to take the Praxis II
466204
Ha-ha, fast and easy don't pay unless you are doing something illegal.  \n\nYou might try something having to do with computers, that is definitely a hot industry right now.\n\nOr become a realtor if you think you have a knack for it.  Commission can be good if you are dedicated and the certification time might not be too long.
575958
I have 22 years or so experience in the brokerage industry and was a Branch Manager for 12 of those years.\n\nYou really can't take the Series 7 without sponsorship BUT it is possible to get sponsorship by convincing a brokerage firm such as Edward D. Jones that you can agressively pursue new business. The Series 7 really doesn't amount to much. It is secondary to convincing someone that you can sell. Once you have done that, you can get a CD with sample test questions. Once you have reviewed that, then you should be able to pass the test fairly easily since you are an engineer used to studying. None of the math is anywhere near as complex as what you are used to. Here is another route you might consider. If you want to just help people manage their money without selling them anything except your expertise, you can be a Registered Investment Advisor.\n\nThis would involve passing a Series 65 test which is comparable in difficulty to the Series 7. As a stockbroker there can be an inherent conflict of interest since you are getting a commission from the sale of shares. As an investment advisor, you charge a fixed percentage fee for the quantity of assets under your management. Under this arrangement your concern is not generating commissions but rather making the clients assets grow so that your fee as a percentage of those assets grows more and more. Obviously you can operate ethically or unethically as either a stockbroker or investment advisor. To me the  role of investment advisor is more aligned with the interests of the customers.\n\nThe beauty of being an Investment Advisor is that you can set up your own firm fairly inexpensively. In my state the fees were just a few hundred dollars. You can register in other states other than your own if you want. You are truly an enterepreneur. You can use a discount broker, buy what the customer would be buying if he was using a stock broker, have the customer pay you your fee (either an hourly fee or percentage of assets fee) and the customer will still pay less than what he would through most if not all  regular retail stockbrokers .You can't charge commissions because then you would be a broker dealer which requires a different license. Some transactions through a discount broker are as low as 3 dollars.If you would like to gather more information e-mail me at joespillman@hotmail.com
430378
If new at this try going to your bank see who they would recommend as a financial planner so that your investments have a chance of paying off. If you do not know much about Stocks or mutual funds I highly recommend you going to someone who does. Most times Investment professionals do not charge for a consult they make there money in commissions.
532907
Contact your local real estate board or real estate association. They will info on the required courses you need to take and pass in order to obtain a license.\n\nhttp://www.newsrealestatesite.com/archives/04042006/how-to-become-a-real-estate-agent
290782
Financial Planners come in two varieties. Those that charge a fee for their advice, and those that don't, but earn commissions on any investments or financial products that become part of the plan. There are some that do both.\n\nUnless you have a significant estate that would require alot of additional planning, a fee based plan should run around $750 to $2,500.
278822
You should look into becoming a Financial Analyst or Personal Financial Advisor.\n\nClick here for complete information on these careers, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor's "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007":\n\nhttp://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos259.htm
127544
Life insurance - seek out a Financial Planner who specializes in insurance and estate planning. DO NOT go to a captive agent (who will sell you whatever his company has to offer) or to anyone who uses a "multiple of salary" approach to determining your need for coverage. Online insurance sites are going to quote only term life for you, which may very well be the right thing, but it may not. The bottom line is to avoid anyone who is going to make their product fit your situation in order to make a sale.\n\nWills - be careful with DIY kits/software. Wills and trusts are usually controlled by state laws which can and do vary from state to state. DIY kits tend to use generic language which might cause propblems in some states. A worthwhile attorney will meet with you free of charge initially and will tell you how much your wills and trusts might cost to set up. If you must go DIY, make sure the software is very up to date and state specific.\n\nIf you happen to be near Philadelphia, PA check out my website, www.acanthusassociates.com and let me know if I can help you.
931180
You can go to http://www.financial-planner-courses.com   It is a college, where you can get your certificate online...to become a financial planner, stockbroker, and other certificates available.  \n\nhttp://www.empirestockbroker.com....this is another schooling\n\nHope that this helps.
979807
How to become a mortgage broker is the easy part. I'm guessing you want to sell as a rep for a mortgage brokerage, not actually starting up your own brokerage. That being the case, you don't need any licenses like a realtor or insurance rep, just a great work ethic and an open mind. So actually,  "Anyone" that wants to start as a mortgage broker rep can walk in a brokerage and start selling the same day. There are MANY companies online that will alow you to broker for them and run the 1003 (loan apps) and deals through them. I would suggest getting some experience and training from a brick and morter company before trying this because they don't give you much training or support- you just pay them a flat fee. To be successful, you do need to know the lingo and walk the walk. Also, You can sell in any state that your brokerage is licensed in, so virtually you can sell anywhere in the US. Usually, if you have no industry experience, then a strong sales background is looked for when sales managers interview you. This is a 100% sales position. Be ready to make about 100-120 calls a day and don't look for a paycheck for a few months.  Along with a strong sales background, you need to also become a super networker  amoung your peers. Pick up a book or two about networking- I suggest "Networking with Millionaires" by Dr. Thomas Stanley. This career move takes time to see results,  however over time you can pick up momentum and really become a success. I hope this  helps. On a side note- If you are wanting to invest in real estate I would recomend being a real estate agent for a few years and leting you license run out. This way you get experience in the investing area and when you sell your properties you are released from the disclosure laws and don't have to list your property as "Owner-Agent". \n\n It sounds to me that you may fair better working part time as a realtor and working a day job until you pick up the experience you need for investing. The mortgage brokering is an entirely different bear. I had owned my own mortgage brokerage for several years and then left that to become a realtor. I now own my own investment company.\n\n I would be happy to answer anymore questions you may have in the real estate industry.