As a newer financial planner, staying current with the latest trends and methods in the profession is essential. You can take various steps to maximize your performance and knowledge of financial planning. From listening to podcasts, reading books, attending conferences, adding designations, and refreshing your knowledge of firm processes and procedures, let's explore how you can better equip yourself as a financial planner.
Listening to Podcasts
Listening to podcasts is an excellent way to stay up-to-date on the latest topics in the field of financial planning. Several great podcasts discuss various aspects of financial planning, such as practice management, retirement, and investments. Some popular podcasts include Kitces’ Nerd’s Eye View, the Perfect RIA, Ktices and Carl, and The White Coat Investor podcast. These podcasts offer insight into various topics related to financial planning that are useful for experienced planners and those just starting. Another great podcast to listen to is the New Planner Podcast. Here you can find a variety of episodes about how to successfully enter the financial planning profession, find the right firm fit for you, and succeed as a financial planner
Reading Books
Another great way to improve your knowledge is reading books specifically about financial planning, such as "Successful Hiring for Financial Planners” by Caleb Brown, “The One Page Financial Plan” by Carl Richards, or “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel. Reading books like these will give you a deeper understanding of the topic and allow you to answer questions more confidently when consulting clients. Additionally, these books are full of valuable tips that can help guide your work as a financial planner. This is also a great video that gives some popular resources to lean on as well.
Attending Conferences
Conferences provide an invaluable opportunity to network with other professionals in the field and learn from their experiences. Attending conferences such as FPA Retreat or NAPFA Fall Focus will provide valuable insights into various aspects of financial planning, such as risk management, marketing, and asset allocation strategies. Conferences also provide an excellent platform for discussing important topics such as client relationships or ethics. Here you can find more information on specific conferences to attend within FPA. This is a great way to meet new people as well as network with folks across the country. Here is a master conference list that industry guru Michael Kitces has put together, which is another great resource to use.
Adding Designations
Adding designations such as Certified Financial Planners (CFP), Enrolled Agent (EA), AIF, CLU, ChFC, CFA, CSLP will demonstrate your commitment to excellence in financial planning. These require extensive study, which can give you a better understanding of specific topics related to finance. This additional knowledge could be beneficial when consulting clients or working on complex cases requiring specialized expertise. FINRA provides an excellent list of designations if you are looking to learn more information about each and how they could be beneficial to you.
Attend Local Financial Planning Organization Meetings
Finally, attending local meetings such as FPA meetings or NAPFA events can help refresh your knowledge of firm processes and procedures while providing exposure to other professionals who can offer advice on specific challenges you may be facing you may not have encountered. Additionally, local meetings often feature guest speakers who can provide valuable insights into areas such as tax law changes or investment strategies which could help keep up with the profession’s trends and stay ahead of the competition when your firm offers marketing services.
Staying knowledgeable about trends in the field of finance is essential for success in today's competitive market environment. Listening to podcasts, reading books focused on financial planning, attending conferences, adding designations like CFPs or EAs, and attending local meetings such as FPA events can improve one’s performance and knowledge within this complex yet rewarding profession. We hope these were helpful as you continue to build your skills and develop in your career.
If you are entering the financial planning profession or seeking the perfect fit with a top-tier financial planning firm, submit your resume here or pursue our openings for entry-level planners. Keep in mind, we only recruit for salaried entry-level positions that require no product sales or business development.
We are here to help you in any way we can so you can secure your dream job!
Alexandra Staton
