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Why Become a Financial Advisor

financial advisor training institute receiving career school classification
Financial Advisor Training Institute® has the specialized expertise, speed to completion, and career outcomes you need

Is Becoming a Financial Advisor Worth It?

When you want results, you hire a professional. That’s why millions of Americans entrust Financial Advisors to help them make better — and more informed — financial goals and decisions. Financial advisor careers are rewarding ways to support individuals and organizations as they plan for the future.

Recent graduates from FATI tell us pursuing Financial Advisor careers has several benefits in particular. Below are five reasons why now may be the right time to seek Financial Advisor careers.

1. A Reputation as One of the Best Business Jobs

According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 job rankings, Financial Advisor careers are the No. 4 best business job. Our industry continues to see high marks because we focus on providing meaningful, thoughtful financial advice, for the betterment of society at large.

When we ask our graduates, “Is becoming a Financial Advisor worth it?”, they tell us it’s incredibly rewarding to help their clients plan for college expenses, financial goals, fund retirements, and support their philanthropic interests.  The best part is, the more clients they help improve their financial lives, the better they do in their practice. It’s a true win-win.

2. A Career Path With Projected Growth

Over the next decade, careers in financial advising are expected to grow at a much higher rate than other jobs. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the financial advisor field is expected to see a 13% increase in available jobs during this decade*.

So, why are there so many projected openings and why become a financial advisor or certified financial planner now? Data from Moss Adams — one of the 15 largest public accounting firms in the United States — estimates a shortfall of financial advisors, in part, because of expected retirements. The average age of retail financial advisors is currently 61 years old, which means the industry expects to see a 1 to 2% decrease in headcount, each year, for the foreseeable future.

Now, when you think about, “Is being a financial advisor worth it?”, you’ll know that it’s a solid investment in your professional future.

3. A Career That Allows You to Specialize

Upon completion of the Financial Advisor Training Institute® course curriculum and passing your licensing exams, you will most likely begin your career at one of our more than 50 financial broker-dealers.

From there, your career path has unlimited potential. Whether you specialize in financial planning or investments, work for a major firm or are self-employed, serve older or first-time investors, theFATI course curriculum will prepare you for numerous options as you consider is becoming a financial advisor worth it.

Our recent graduates have careers at: Independent Firms, Wirehouse, Bank Channel, Insurance Companies, and Other Financial Channels.

4. A Career With Rewarding Results

Much like a parent seeing their child succeed, a good financial advisor enjoys seeing their clients reap the benefits of successfully planning for the future. Many of our recent graduates say that the relationships they build with their clients is another rewarding aspect of choosing this career.

No matter what career path you choose, know that your knowledge and advice will be valued by your clients.

5. A Career With Unlimited Earning Potential

Whether you work as a fee-based or commission-based financial advisor — or a combination of the two — how much you earn in this field has seemingly no limits.

In fact, according to U.S. News & World Report, financial advisors made a median salary of $89,330 in 2020 — with the top 25% making well over $150,000 a year. That’s one more benefit to consider when thinking, “Is being a financial advisor worth it?”

Are You Financial Advisor Career Training Ready? Find Out! Take the FATI “Financial Advisor Career Training Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Financial Advisor Career Training Readiness Score Now

Why Become a Financial Advisor With the Financial Advisor Training Institute®

The Financial Advisor Training Institute® is the only online Financial Advisor training course in the United States. Our accelerated course curriculum provides you with a specialized learning experience that arms you with the tools and techniques needed to pass certification exams and pursue Financial Advisor or Certified Financial Planner careers.

Our online certificate course guarantees job placement upon coursework completion and professional certification. Why become a Financial Advisor anywhere else when the Financial Advisor Training Institute® has the specialized expertise, speed to completion, and career outcomes you need.

Why Become a Financial Advisor? Hear From Our CEO:

“The Financial Advisor profession is a noble career that’s needed now more than ever. The Financial Advisor Training Institute® exists to find, train and place people who are eager to take control of their future while empowering others to build the wealth they need to sustain their dreams.”

Terry Lindner
Founder and CEO, Financial Advisor Training Institute®

Financial Advisor Course Outcomes

Strong Exam Pass Rates, Impeccable Training, a Guaranteed Job: The Financial Advisor Training Institute® Prepares You for Your Financial Advisor Career Path.

If you’re considering advanced training to pursue a financial advising career path, you want results.

The Financial Advisor Training Institute® is the only online certificate course in the United States that prepares you for entry-level financial advising jobs in nearly any sector. Our accelerated course curriculum equips you with the knowledge and know-how needed to pass certification exams and pursue financial jobs in as little as 14 weeks**.

Five Course Outcomes

But why entrust the Financial Advisor Training Institute® as you consider personal Financial Advisor or Certified Financial Planner jobs? Here are five course outcomes — including a financial advisor salary outlook — that demonstrate why you should pursue personalized training at the Financial Advisor Training Institute®.

1. An Immediate Investment in Your Future

At the Financial Advisor Training Institute®, our course gives you a strong and immediate return on your investment. Our intensive coursework covers three different topics each chapter. By the end of your nearly 300 hours of class time, you’ll have a greater understanding of:

  • Activity, contact, and prospect management
  • Annuities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), retirement plans, and mutual funds
  • Business acceleration methods
  • Financial services industry best practices
  • Financial planning processes
  • Life insurance, long-term care, and disability insurance
  • Preparation for certification exams and licenses

In as little as 3.5 months**, you’ll be well-prepared for a strong career as a Financial Advisor.

2. We Help You Get Into the Field Through Sponsorship

No matter which career channel you choose, sponsorship is an important part of the process. In fact, you’ll need a sponsor to be able to take some of your certification and licensure exams. At the Financial Advisor Training Institute®, you don’t have to worry about sponsorship. As a 501(c)3 public charity, the Financial Advisor Training Institute® has relationships with more than 50 broker-dealers. When you join our course, we’ll connect you with a financial broker or dealer. They’ll not only sponsor you, but they’ll also offer you a job when you complete our course and pass your professional certification exams. You’ll be on your way toward a rewarding personal Financial Advisor or Certified Financial Planner career sooner than you think.

3. Preparation To Meet and Exceed Industry Standards

Our course prepares you to pass various certification and licensure exams. In fact, we pay for you to take the first sitting of any financial exam. At the Financial Advisor Training Institute®, our results are stronger than national averages. Here are a few examples.

  • Life and health insurance licensure exams: Financial Advisor Training Institute® graduates also have a 95% first-time pass rate on life and health insurance exams.
  • Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam: Approximately 74% of first-time participants pass this entry-level Financial Advisor exam, according to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Meanwhile, 90% of Financial Advisor Training Institute® graduates pass on the first attempt.
  • Series 7 licensure exam: To sell bonds, futures, individual stocks, options, and packaged securities, you need to pass the Series 7 licensure exam. Financial Advisor Training Institute® graduates have a first-time pass rate of 85%, which is higher than the average first-attempt pass rate of 71%, according to FINRA.
  • Series 66 licensure exam: While pass rates vary by state, Financial Advisor Training Institute® graduates have an 88% first-time pass rate on the Series 66 licensure exam. Successfully passing this exam will mean you can register as a financial advisor in your home state.

4. Guaranteed Personal Financial Advisor Career

Once you complete our course curriculum for Financial Advisors and pass certification and licensure exams, we guarantee that all our graduates gain personal Financial Advisor jobs with one of our more than 50 financial brokers and dealers.

At the Financial Advisor Training Institute®, you don’t have to worry about sponsorship. As a 501(c)3 public charity, the Financial Advisor Training Institute® has relationships with more than 50 broker-dealers. When you join our course, we’ll connect you with a financial broker or dealer. They’ll not only sponsor you, but they’ll also offer you a job when you complete our course and pass your professional certification exams. You’ll be on your way toward a rewarding personal Financial Advisor career sooner than you think.

5. A Strong Financial Advisor Earnings Outlook

Completing the Financial Advisor Training Institute® course guarantees Financial Advisor jobs for all our graduates and unlimited earning potential.

  • In fact, an entry-level Financial Advisor’s income was $89,330 in 2020, according to U.S. News & World Report. For the top 25% in the field, a Financial Advisor’s earnings was more than $150,000 a year. Whether you work under a commission-based or fee-based structure — or a combination of the two — you’ll be entering a field that rewards you for your work and specialized expertise with a favorable Financial Advisor compensation package.

Is a Rewarding Career as a Financial Advisor Right For You? Get More Info…

If you’re interested in learning more about a career as a Financial Advisor and exploring whether the Financial Advisor Training Institute® is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

For immediate questions, call 313-637-6643.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why become a Financial Advisor, and what are the key benefits of this career?

Becoming a Financial Advisor can be a rewarding career choice for several reasons:

  • Helping Others: Financial Advisors have the opportunity to help people make informed decisions about their money, which can significantly impact their lives.
  • Career Growth: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the financial advising field is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations*.
  • Job Security: People will always need help managing their money, which can provide a certain level of job security for Financial Advisors.

What education is required to be a Financial Advisor?

The educational requirements to become a Financial Advisor can vary by employer and specific role, but typically include the following steps:

  • Training Course: Most Financial Advisors have completed some form of financial advising course, similar to the one offered at FATI.
  • Licenses: Depending on the services a Financial Advisor offers, they may need to be licensed. For example, Advisors who buy or sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or insurance may need licenses to perform these activities. These licenses often require the advisor to pass exams, such as the Series 7 and Series 66 or 65 exams.
  • Continuing Education: Financial Advisors often need to complete continuing education courses to keep their licenses and certifications. These courses can help advisors stay up-to-date with changes in laws and regulations.

How long does it take to become a Financial Advisor?

The Financial Advisor Training Institute®’s Financial Advisor training course can be completed in 14 weeks**, although you do have up to one year to complete the full course, including the certifications and licenses needed. Rest assured, your pace will be supported.

What are the job opportunities for a Certified Financial Planner?

A Certified Financial Planner has a wide range of job opportunities available in various sectors of the financial industry. Some potential job titles include:

  • Financial Planner
  • Investment Advisor
  • Wealth Manager
  • Financial Consultant
  • Personal Banker

How do I start a career as a Financial Advisor?

Starting a career as a Financial Advisor involves several steps, including successfully completing Financial Advisor classes, earning necessary certifications or licenses, and gaining relevant experience. You will then be able to build your client base as a professional Financial Advisor.

Can I be a Financial Advisor without a degree?

Yes, it’s possible to be a Financial Advisor without earning a degree. By completing FATI’s Financial Advisor Course and obtaining the necessary certifications and licenses, you will be fully prepared to pursue a career as a Financial Advisor.

*https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm#tab-6

**Course length when completed in normal time.