A Financial Consultant is a licensed professional who advises people on financial decisions and manages investments. Usually, he or she holds a CFP or ChFC certification and completes continuing education courses on the latest business practices and theories. The job also involves communicating with other professionals. Depending on the state, a Financial Consultant can also sell insurance, mutual funds, and stocks.
The role of a Financial Consultant is varied, but the primary duty of an advisor is to advise the consumer. As the profession developed, pressure on financial advisors to follow fiduciary standards increased. Unfortunately, there was not enough regulation and coordination for this service, which resulted in an industry that often gave biased advice and sold products without considering the needs of consumers.
While many Financial Consultants start out by working for a mortgage lender or a tax firm, many become self-employed. This allows for greater earning potential and more flexibility in working hours. However, aspiring Financial Consultants should be aware of the rigors of this profession. It is important to note that this profession requires long hours at workstations, so the career is not for the faint-hearted.
Before hiring a Financial Consultant, make sure that their fees and costs are within your budget. You can either use online search engines to find financial advisors or ask for recommendations from other people. You can also conduct your own research on the Internet and prepare a list of questions for your potential advisers. Then, meet with these potential candidates in person.
