Personal Financial Advisors By: Colin Richardson and Chloe’ Williams

What Do Personal Financial Advisors Do? Personal Financial Advisors help you manage your assets. They give you advice on what to do with your money. They create a retirement plan for you.

Work Environment They work in the finance and insurance industry. PFA’s are sometimes self-employed. They work full time and might meet clients on the weekends.

How to Become an Accountant or Auditor? You need a bachelor’s degree. They enter an on-the-job training period. If you buy or sell stocks, bonds, or insurance policies, or who provide specific investment advice, you need multiple licenses. Certifications enhance the popularity and the reputation of the PFA.

Job Outlook Pay The annual pay was $86,160 in May 2015. Low 10% earned less than $39,300 annually. High 10% earned $187,200 annually. The PFA occupation is expected to grow 30% from 2014 to 2024. This is faster than others. Projected Employment Number: 323,200

How does Accounting Relates to this Occupation? Accountants, like PFA’s, prepare your financial records. Both require a bachelor’s degree. Both work full time all year long. Accounting is based around multiple people.

Important Ideas Not all Financial Advisors are “pros.” An investment advisor may not be a financial planner. Make sure the PFA has a clean track record with no trace of fraud. Make sure they are acting in your best interest. Check their references.

Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Personal Financial Advisors, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm Gee, Judy, and Sharon Epperson. "10 Things You Should Know About Your Financial Adviser." CNBC. N.p., 26 Sept. 2012. Web. 22 Aug. 2016.