What Financial Advisors DoAdvise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.
- Interview clients to determine their current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, risk tolerance, or other information needed to develop a financial plan.
- Recommend to clients strategies in cash management, insurance coverage, investment planning, or other areas to help them achieve their financial goals.
- Manage client portfolios, keeping client plans up-to-date.
- Implement financial planning recommendations, or refer clients to someone who can assist them with plan implementation.
- Analyze financial information obtained from clients to determine strategies for meeting clients' financial objectives.
Financial Advisors Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings24,100 Annually
Median Earnings
$128,650 in California
$102,140 Nationally
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Real Talk Reel
We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.
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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Influencing or leading others
- Relating with or serving others
- Using data or completing tasks
you value
- Accomplishing things
- Having freedom
- Receiving recognition
you are skilled in
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Financial Advisors Explained
Financial AdvisorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
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