I am a Financial Advisor at a local finance group.
How would you describe what you do?
We work with individuals and business’ to create and or maintain wealth and financial independence
What does a typical work week look like?
This job doesn’t have a typical schedule, I am at the office everyday from 8-5. Some days I have to be here at 6:45 and don’t leave until 7. You have to be very flexible in this business, because clients can’t always meet you between 8-5.
How did you get started in this career?
I got started my senior year of college and enjoyed it, so I decided to pursue a full time career in this field.
What do you like about what you do?
The best part of my job is getting to meet new people and hear their life stories. It is amazing to me the many different ways my clients have built their wealth.
What do you dislike?
The overreaching regulations and compliance due to a few unethical and unscrupulous individuals.
How do you make money or how are you compensated as a financial advisor?
I am compensated by a percentage of the assets that I manage. I get 1% of the total assets I manage.
How much money do you make as a financial advisor?
The money I make can vary from year to year. You start out making $0, but the sky is the limit. Young advisors are doing very well to make $50,000 in the first few years. I’making about $60,000 right now.
What education or skills are needed to do this?
You need a college degree and your Series 7 and Series 66. These allow you to buy individual stocks, mutual funds, bonds, REITS.
What is most rewarding about what you do?
The most rewarding part of this industry is when you get a referral from a current client. It means they truly appreciate what you have done for them.
What is most challenging about what you do?
It is a tough industry and it has its ups and downs. It takes perseverance and a lot of TIME to build a book of business.
How much time off do you get or take?
Two Weeks on average.
What is a common misconception about what you do?
That is it easy to make a ton of money being a financial advisor.
What are your goals and dreams for the future in this career?
My goals are to keep growing my business by staying on the cutting edge of the financial industry.
What else would you like people to know about what you do?
I would like to people to know that it is a very rewarding job, but it is not a walk in the park.
Great insight— I appreciate the honesty. I bet he or she puts in a lot of work to make that $60k a year. That comes out to managing $6,000,000 in wealth— no small task I’m sure!