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Financial Planner

 

 

 

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What is a Financial Planner?

A Financial Planner is a highly skilled, professional individual who will sit down with their clients, review all options, and together plan a personal financial package that will benefit the client. 

This package/plan will cover a wide variety of financial objectives which will prepare the client for all aspects of their adult life: 

For example: 

  • childrens’ education
  • retirement savings
  • medical coverage
  • holiday savings
  • investments etc.

Financial planning is serious business and therefore, Financial Planners must meet stringent international competency, ethical and professional practice standards.

What does a Financial Planner do?

  • attends client meetings and discussions
  • holds telephone consultations
  • understands the client’s needs and requirements
  • creates personal budgets and financial plans for clients
  • advises clients on various ways of controlling their expenditures
  • sets saving goals
  • puts into place plans and strategies for accumulating wealth
  • creates working relationships with financial professionals and financial companies
  • keeps up to date with financial products, tax laws and client requirements
  • networks and markets for new clients
  • researches and improves the financial situations of existing clients
  • teaches and advises clients on financial matters and products

Are you . . . ?

  • interested in a career in finance?
  • analytical?
  • a problem solver?
  • mathematical?
  • strategic?
  • a good listener?
  • patient?
  • willing to teach clients about financial products?
  • a people’s person?
  • a sales person?
  • positive?
  • professional?
  • trustworthy and serious?

How do I become a Financial Planner? 

You will need a qualification and to do this, you will probably need a good matric mathematics mark. 

  • FINANCIAL PLANNING INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA: (FPI)

http://www.fpi.co.za/Default.aspx?TabId=3272     

The FPI offers 3 Professional Competency Examinations:

  • CFP®  professional (on NQF level 7/8 qualification)
  • AFP™ professional (on NQF level 6 qualification)
  • RFP™ professional (on NQF level 5 qualification)

  • INSETA:  (Insurance Sector Education & Training Authority)

Here is their list of accredited training providers: 

http://www.inseta.org.za/accredited_providers/default.asp?thepage=accredited_providers.asp

 

There are two routes of study to becoming a Financial Planner:

  • DIPLOMA:  The Certificate/Diploma route through various accredited colleges, academies and institutions. 
  • DEGREE:  One can usually do a BComm at most universities with subjects like Finance and Accounting.  Economics is not compulsory but highly recommended.

On both accounts, the individual still needs to pass Professional Competency Examinations before practising.

  

TRAINING:

  • CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
  • Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
  • To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Auditor or Real Estate Agent

Is becoming a Financial Planner the right career choice for me?

 


Maths Required Qualification Required