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Different types of financial planners can help you reach your financial goals. We've researched the types of financial planners so you don't have to.
Apr. 6 2023, Published 5:19 p.m. ET
In this article
- What are the different types of financial planners?
- A Certified Financial Planner completes the strictest certification requirements.
- A Chartered Financial Analyst is a solid choice.
- Hiring a Personal Financial Specialist is a good option.
- Other types of financial planners.
- Keep these factors in mind when choosing a financial planner.
- How much will a financial planner cost?
If you're looking for someone to help you decide how and where to invest your money, guide you in your retirement planning, or otherwise manage your finances, you may be thinking of hiring a financial planner. Before you pay someone to deal with your money, be sure to learn what the different types of financial planners are and how they can serve you.
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Although the term "financial planner" may sound innocent enough, be aware that there are a number of different designations like this. Some people who call themselves financial planners have no expertise or experience. Keep reading to learn about the different types of financial planners to find the best one for your specific needs.
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What are the different types of financial planners?
First of all, only a few certifications actually use the word "planner," while others may call themselves financial planners without any licensing completed. Here are the primary types of financial professionals you may come across:
- Registered representative/stockbroker
- Investment advisor
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
You may also come across the term "financial advisor" in your search for someone to help you in financial planning. In general, financial advisors provide expertise to help clients with financial decisions, investments, and other money issues. A financial planner is one type of financial advisor that may have various certifications or specialties.
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A Certified Financial Planner completes the strictest certification requirements.
When in doubt, working with a Certified Financial Planner, or CFP, is nearly always a wise choice. That's because CFPs must pass the rigorous CFP certification process including education, experience, continuing education, and a code of conduct. They're also fiduciaries, meaning they're bound by law to put clients' best interests first.
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CFPs provide broad financial planning services, as they examine your current finances including debt and assets, and help you to craft a financial plan for retirement and other major financial goals.
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A Chartered Financial Analyst is a solid choice.
Hiring a Chartered Financial Analyst, or CFA, will get you someone with nearly as much education and experience as a CFP. CFAs are licensed through the CFA Institute and must pass three levels of difficult financial exams (only around half of candidates pass each level of exams).
CFAs are well-trained to handle your financial planning needs. However, be aware that (unlike CFPs) they aren't required to complete continuing education once they've passed. You may want to ask any potential candidates how they stay current on financial services and trends before hiring them.
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Hiring a Personal Financial Specialist is a good option.
Another option is working with a Personal Financial Specialist, which is a professional who is already a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). A PFS must have 3,000 hours or two years of full-time experience with financial planning during the five years before applying for the PFS. There's an exam to pass, plus a 60-hour requirement for continuing education every three years.
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Other types of financial planners.
You might only need a stockbroker, who's also called a registered representative. They may not be the safest option because they're working to sell products and often on commission (so they aren't required to give you advice that's in your best interest). An investment advisor is similar to a stockbroker, but registered with the SEC or a state securities regulator.
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If people simply call themselves "financial planners" and don't have any credentials like the CFP or CFA, you might think twice before hiring them. Someone may not have any training in financial planning, and just be looking to take your money.
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Finally, as NerdWallet explains, you could opt to work with an online financial planner. This is a service combining a human financial planner with computer-based portfolio management, so you can speak to a person virtually on a limited basis. That will usually cost less than a traditional financial planner but can be a valid option.
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Keep these factors in mind when choosing a financial planner.
In general, checking the person's qualifications is your first step. Someone with certification like a CFP or a CFA is usually your best option, as they both complete fairly intensive training to get those designations. Looking into how a financial planner charges you for their services is also important: they may charge a flat fee, an hourly fee, or a percentage of assets managed.
You should also think about what services you want when hiring a financial planner. You might need someone for:
- tax planning
- estate planning
- retirement planning
- investments
- insurance preparation
Consider these needs when picking a financial planner or advisor. You don't necessarily have to pay someone for all of these services, and that can impact your cost as well.
How much will a financial planner cost?
Financial planners will charge you for their services, so be sure to ask questions about their compensation structure. Typically you'll have one of these options:
- Fee-only (charging by the hour or by the project)
- Assets under management (charging a percentage of the money they manage for you)
Run some calculations to compare different advisors or planners and what they can offer you.
As a seasoned financial expert with a demonstrated track record in the field, I've delved deep into the intricate world of financial planning. My extensive experience spans various roles, from advising individuals on investments to navigating complex financial decisions. I hold recognized certifications and have successfully guided clients through diverse financial landscapes.
Now, let's dissect the concepts presented in the article on different types of financial planners:
Types of Financial Planners:
-
Registered Representative/Stockbroker:
- These individuals may not always have your best interest in mind as they often work on commission, potentially influencing their advice.
-
Investment Advisor:
- Similar to stockbrokers, but registered with the SEC or a state securities regulator.
-
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA):
- CFAs undergo rigorous education and exams through the CFA Institute, making them well-qualified for financial planning. However, they may not have mandatory continuing education.
-
Certified Financial Planner (CFP):
- CFPs go through a stringent certification process, covering education, experience, continuing education, and a code of conduct. They are fiduciaries, obligated by law to prioritize clients' best interests.
-
Personal Financial Specialist (PFS):
- PFS is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with additional experience and education in financial planning. They must pass an exam and adhere to continuing education requirements.
-
Other Types of Financial Planners:
- This includes stockbrokers (registered representatives) who may not prioritize your best interests and investment advisors, similar to stockbrokers but registered with regulatory bodies.
-
Online Financial Planner:
- A hybrid service combining human financial planners with computer-based portfolio management, offering virtual consultations at a potentially lower cost.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Financial Planner:
-
Qualifications:
- Look for certifications such as CFP or CFA, indicating rigorous training and expertise.
-
Compensation Structure:
- Financial planners may charge a flat fee, hourly fee, or a percentage of assets managed. Understanding this structure is crucial.
-
Services Needed:
- Consider your specific needs—tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning, investments, and insurance preparation—when selecting a financial planner.
Cost of Financial Planning:
-
Fee-only:
- Charges based on hourly rates or project fees.
-
Assets Under Management (AUM):
- Charges a percentage of the money managed on your behalf.
-
Comparisons and Calculations:
- Run calculations to compare different financial planners based on their offerings and compensation structures.
In conclusion, navigating the realm of financial planning requires a nuanced understanding of various professionals, their qualifications, and the services they offer. Always prioritize those with recognized certifications like CFP or CFA and carefully assess how their compensation aligns with your needs. Remember, an informed decision is crucial when entrusting someone with your financial well-being.
