Personal Financial Advisors

Advise 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.

Median Annual Wage: $81,060

Education: Bachelor's degree (57%); Post-baccalaureate certificate (21%); Professional degree (11%)

Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)

Related Job Titles: Account Executive; Analyst; Portfolio Manager; Financial Advisor; Financial Planner; Registered Representative; Investment Advisor; Financial Consultant; Financial Counselor; Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Personal Financial Advisors.

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  • Answer clients' questions about the purposes and details of financial plans and strategies.
  • Recommend to clients strategies in cash management, insurance coverage, investment planning, or other areas to help them achieve their financial goals.
  • Analyze financial information obtained from clients to determine strategies for meeting clients' financial objectives.
  • Implement financial planning recommendations or refer clients to someone who can assist them with plan implementation.
  • Review clients' accounts and plans regularly to determine whether life changes, economic changes, environmental concerns, or financial performance indicate a need for plan reassessment.
  • Manage client portfolios, keeping client plans up-to-date.
  • Contact clients periodically to determine any changes in their financial status.
  • Prepare or interpret for clients information such as investment performance reports, financial document summaries, or income projections.
  • Recruit and maintain client bases.
  • Explain to clients the personal financial advisor's responsibilities and the types of services to be provided.
  • Investigate available investment opportunities to determine compatibility with client financial plans.
  • Guide clients in the gathering of information, such as bank account records, income tax returns, life and disability insurance records, pension plans, or wills.
  • Monitor financial market trends to ensure that client plans are responsive.
  • Recommend financial products, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or insurance.
  • Meet with clients' other advisors, such as attorneys, accountants, trust officers, or investment bankers, to fully understand clients' financial goals and circumstances.
  • Devise debt liquidation plans that include payoff priorities and timelines.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Personal Financial Advisors.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Personal Financial Advisors.

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