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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 wealth of knowledge in the field, it's evident that the realm of financial planning is multifaceted and requires a nuanced understanding of various designations and certifications. My expertise is underscored by years of practical experience, continuous education, and a deep commitment to staying abreast of industry trends. Let's delve into the comprehensive breakdown of the different types of financial planners mentioned in the article:
-
Certified Financial Planner (CFP):
- CFPs stand out as highly qualified professionals in the financial planning landscape. They undergo a rigorous certification process that encompasses education, experience, continuing education, and adherence to a code of conduct.
- Their fiduciary responsibility legally binds them to prioritize clients' best interests, instilling confidence in their ability to provide comprehensive financial planning services.
- CFPs assess current financial situations, including debt and assets, and assist in crafting plans for major financial goals such as retirement.
-
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA):
- CFAs are notable choices, possessing extensive education and experience in financial planning.
- Licensed through the CFA Institute, CFAs must pass three challenging financial exams, showcasing their commitment to expertise.
- It's essential to note that, unlike CFPs, CFAs are not obligated to complete continuing education after certification.
-
Personal Financial Specialist (PFS):
- PFS represents a viable option and is a professional who is already a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
- PFS candidates must have 3,000 hours or two years of full-time experience in financial planning, pass an exam, and fulfill a 60-hour continuing education requirement every three years.
-
Other Types of Financial Planners:
- The article mentions various financial professionals who may not explicitly use the term "planner," such as registered representatives/stockbrokers and investment advisors.
- Stockbrokers may not be the safest option due to potential conflicts of interest arising from commissions.
- Investment advisors, akin to stockbrokers, are registered with regulatory bodies like the SEC and may be more aligned with your interests.
-
Choosing a Financial Planner:
- The importance of scrutinizing qualifications is highlighted. Individuals without recognized credentials like CFP or CFA may lack essential training in financial planning.
- Considerations for services needed, such as tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning, investments, and insurance preparation, play a crucial role in selecting a financial planner.
-
Cost Considerations:
- Financial planners typically charge fees for their services. Clients should inquire about compensation structures, which may include fee-only arrangements (hourly or project-based) or charging a percentage of assets under management.
- The article emphasizes the need for individuals to assess their specific needs and compare different advisors' offerings to make informed decisions.
In conclusion, my expertise allows me to affirm that understanding the nuances of these various financial planning designations and considerations is paramount for making well-informed choices in securing one's financial future.
