Financial Planning courses

[Mr.HappySilp]

Just want to know if anyone is into Financial Planning right now? How's the job market these days. Planning to get into Financial Planning but want to make sure I know what I am getting myself into.

Also is it to get a CFP Certification? Or rather is it a must to get it?

[Carl Johnson]

Canaccord closing 16 wealth management branches - The Globe and Mail

this is pretty much going on across the industry but not as severe as with Canaccord. i say stay away.

[kluk]

the FP designation is a good one to go for since you have the option to choose the retirement planning route and everyone retires some point in their lives so the industry is not bad at all in that regards.

FP can branch off into many things like tax, investment, etc so it depends what you have a genuine interest for.

I work for a bank and I know they've cleaned up a lot of the under-performing FP's but the market is still out there.

In banking, you will never be finished with courses. If the FP route turns out shitty, you can do a CIM/do branch banking etc. Loads of opportunities given that you're a hard worker and good with people.

[CT10]

CFP is more internationally recognized, however if you only plan on working in Canada, a PFP (from CSI) would do the job. Most planners that I've talked to think the PFP is easier.

You can start off by being a FP in a branch environment, but they're unlikely to hire you right away. You'd have to start off working as a FSR/FSM/AM (same role but different titles between the banks), and once you can prove you can sell financial products they'd move you up to an FP.

Like mentioned above, an FP can then branch off into different things, like tax planning, estates, investments, etc.

[Mr.HappySilp]

Thanks guys! So basically it is more or less just sales I am guessing?