You will definitely need some education. At the bare minimum, you can find a firm that will sponsor you to take the Series 7 exam (go to NASD.com and search the examinations) and then the Series 63 and 65 (or 66 – combines the two).

I would strongly suggest a college degree. If you want to deal with wealthy clients, they will look for credentials. Being realistic, do you think they would trust you if you are less educated than they are?

Dealing with people is a good asset to have but you must have substance behind your people skills. Best of all, you are young and have plenty of time to obtain the proper education and licenses.

Good luck!

Ron, ChFC

Probably the best thing you can do is call up a few advisors around you and ask if you can take them to lunch or bring in a sandwich so you can pick their brain for an hour or so. Some will hang up on you, but that’s OK – you don’t want to be like them anyway. Successful advisors enjoy sharing insight about the career with newbies. Attend an industry conference and network a bit. Whatever you do, don’t fall for one of the companies that hire 1000 to keep 5. Be objective and check the out – there’s plenty of info on the net. You can also get subscriptions to magazines such as Financial Advisor and Wealth Manager. Get as much knowledge of the industry as possible from people who have been there. You won’t regret it. Good luck.

Working for a bank is not required, however the experience would help. Each financial adviser is limited to the products and services they have access to offer to their clients.
So with that being said I would recommend that you contact the best financial advisers in the world {by my opinion only}. “Northwestern Mutual Financial Network”. Here is their website and I would suggest that you call their local office in your area and make an appointment to go and learn what the business is all about. You will be required to get your “Life Insurance Licenses” & your “Series Licenses” for recommending and placing orders for stocks & bonds & other securities.
It’s a great occupation, and you can make some really good money but your main motivation should be because you want to help others. I hope this info. helps

education education education – go to school, get certified. Rule number one, go to school (College) and talk to a Counselor. Ask them what to do, based on your inspirations and they will guide you to step one.

Step two – work for a firm willing to educate you and train you. That plus school is your ticket to your goal.

My first job was fine because the second I got in, I spent two weeks in training. I have added 20 years to my experience plus numerous certificates on software upgrades etc has taken me up the ladder slowly but surely.

Good luck!

In Texas to become a CFA you must have a U.S. Bachelor’s or equivalent degree be in the final year of your degree program or have 4 years qualified professional work experience. You must also meet the requirements of the professional conduct admission criteria, and be approved by the board.
There are also exams you must pass
there is a web site that outlines in more detail the information you are looking for

U must have a bank support
alby

It’s kind of a tricky thing. The best source is always a referral but you need to find out why that person is making the referral. Do they think their financial advisor is good for the same reasons you are looking for one. You can do some research online but it is mostly regulatory information and sales propaganda that you will find. Our site, when launched, should give you an additional resource as it will be based on ratings and reviews from other people like you.

My name is Brian. I am a professional investor. I live here in Newport Beach,CA. I am a mentor. I love to help people!!! I work and advise friends of mine on investments and transactions when they need me. I do this for the love of helping my friends become financially aware and free. I am 41 and do not work outside of my house and have lots of spare time. I am not a solicitor of any product. I don’t agree with most professional advise from licensed advisers as often they are only trying to sell a product. I concentrate on selected high yield, low risk and lucrative investing and if you are interested, shoot me a mail. Good luck to you and yours!!!! Brian R.

If you work for a company that has a 401k plan you can start with your benefit administrator. Most Fortune 500 companies use Fidelity. You can call and ask to speak with a Financial Advisor.

Check around and interview several before selecting one that seems to truly understand what your long term goals are. Other firms you can try:
Edward Jones & LPL Financial are pretty well known.

You can also check your local “Best of” publication that will list the best Financial Advisors in your metro city. (Example, Best of Los Angeles, Best of Dallas..etc)

Ask for referrals from people you respect and seem to be doing well with their investments. Do your research and ask the right questions:http://www.cfp.net/learn/knowledgebase.asp?id=6

Ask family, friends and your accountant. You also should ask people who are already retired. Who do they use and how highly do you recommend them. Go to the library and borrow a book on preparing for retirement. Make a list of questions so you can properly interview anyone recommended. Do not hurry and ensure you are comfortable with this person. A good advisor draws up a plan based on your needs, expectations, current financial condition and future. Many people unrealistically believe they will need less money when retired, not true. If the advisor starts pushing products at you immediately, RUN.