Now that your financial planning journey has officially begun, it’s time to explore the benefits of attaining certifications, available job search platforms, developing a niche, and connecting with a like-minded community. The Prepare phase provides the resources worth exploring early in your career.
Prepare now.
Explore certifications.
- CFP Board’s Overview of the CFP Certification Process (Video)
- CFP Board’s Presentation on the CFP Exam Experience (Webinar)
- CFP Board’s Evidence on Why To Get Certified (Web Page)
- Kitces List of Post-CFP Designations (Article)
- FINRA’s A-Z of Professional Designations (Web Page)
- Carson’s Wealth Designations for Financial Advisors: A Complete Guide (Article)
- RIA Launch’s Academy Visualization of Industry Designations (Video)
- Investments & Wealth Institute’s Top Financial Advisor Certifications (Web Page)
- U.S. News Money 10 Best Financial Certifications (Article)
- Financial Management Association’s Summary of Finance Certifications (Article)
Learn about potential CFP® study options and available scholarships.
- CFP Board’s Mentorship Program For Aspiring Candidates (Web Page)
- Kitces Viewpoint on how to choose the best CFP Exam Review (Article)
- CFP Board’s Overview of Exam Review Courses (Web Page)
- New Planner Recruiting’s Take on CFP Exam Prep Providers (Video)
- Smart Asset’s List of Best 5 CFP Exam Prep Courses (Article)
- CFP Board’s Inventory of Scholarships and Financial Aid (Web Page)
- CFP Board’s Sponsored Scholarship Programs (Web Page)
- College for Financial Planning’s Diversity Scholarships for CFP Certification (Web Page)
- XYPN CFP Exam Scholarship Program (Web Page)
- Envestnet’s CFP Scholarship Program (Web Page)
- New Planner Recruiting’s CFP Scholarship Program (Web Page)
How to think about developing a niche.
- Kitces View On How To Find Your Niche As A Financial Advisor (Article)
- Kitces Standpoint on the 6 Types of Niches for Financial Advisors To Differentiate Themselves (Article)
- Kristen Luke’s Guide to Standing out through Niche Marketing (Book)
- Carl Richard’s Summary of Why A Niche Is Essential for Success in Financial Advising (Video)
- Carson Wealth’s Explanation of How To Find Your Ideal Client (Article)
- Susan Friedmann’s Philosophy on the Riches In Niches (Book)
- XYPN’S Coaching on How to Find Your Niche as an Independent Financial Advisor (Article)
- Advisorist’s Niche Secrets for Financial Advisors (Video)
- Indigo Marketing Agency’s Podcast on Embracing A Specialized Niche (Podcast)
- Asset Mark’s Guide on How Advisors Can Stand Out In a Crowded Market (Article)
Connect to FPA NexGen on LinkedIn and FPA Activate on Facebook.
- Follow FPA NexGen on LinkedIn (Web Page)
- Follow FPA on LinkedIn (Web Page)
- Connect with other FPA Members on Facebook (Web Page)
Connect through FPA locally and nationally.
Discover the advantages of externships and internships.
- Hannah Moore’s Externship Program (Web Page)
- Indeed’s 10 Benefits of Doing An Internship (Video)
- CFP Board’s Deep Dive on Internships (Web Page)
- Kaplan’s Guidance on How to Find and Secure A Financial Advisor Internship (Article)
Explore tools to maximize job searches.
- CFP Board’s Platform on Available Jobs (Web Page)
- SimplyParaPlanner’s Job Database (Web Page)
- NewPlannerRecruiting’s Job Opportunities Forum (Web Page)
- NAPFA’s Job Board (Web Page)
- FPA Job Board (Web Page)
Access recommended reading lists for new planners.
- Kitces Summer Reading List of Best Books for Financial Advisors 2023 Edition (Article)
- Kitces Archive on Recommended Reading for Financial Planners (Web Page)
- BlueMind’s Recommended Books for Financial Advisors (Web Page)
- Dunham’s Bookshelf of Top Books for Financial Advisors (Article)
- The AdvisorCoach’s Top 10 Best Books for Financial Advisors (Web Page)