[quote=anonymous]

Newregrep, how do your planning abilities beat plugging numbers into a software program?  Unless there is something special about your knowledge set, you simply don't bring much value to the table over someone who has some data entry skills.

You can do planning at an insurance company and get paid for it.   It can even be the focus of your practice.  However, if you make $1,000,000 in planning fees, you'll still be terminated if you can't do enough insurance business to maintain your contract. 

Keep in mind that financial plans are unimportant.  Getting people to take action on financial plans is how you help people.

[/quote]

Anon, I 100% agree with you and really appreciate the advice.  I guess I'm feeling desparate and jumping ship..but I gave some thought this weekend, and I must be patient and wait for the right opportunity.  I'm not seeking a high paying job as that would be unreasonable and not realistic.  I'm looking for a para planner position which would be an entry level position to financial planning.

I'm confident in my sales ability, and I'm not just out for the dollar.  I'm passionate about money management, and knowing that I can make a difference in someone's life is really rewarding.  Perhaps, I pursue this profession for selfish reasons...but I believe in the practice 100%. 

[quote=Roxie]

With no disrespect RR, you are aware that there are big income differences between being an advisor and a planner?  Not saying one is right or wrong, just different.

[/quote]

Ok, I'll bite... I have what I think... But tell us/me, what is the income difference, on average, or based on your comment.  I'm at a crossroads too and am very curious.

I didnt read this entire thread only the last few posts, so maybe i am off here, if so, forgive me i dont mean to hijack the thread.....

Anon... your post "Keep in mind that financial plans are unimportant.  Getting people to take action on financial plans is how you help people." is a good one, very true - i also believe that most people dont really want a financial plan, but they all want what a financial plan can do for them.

As far as the comment about insurance people and planning, it goes for a Registered Rep as well - most of the time, the financial plan is a marketing tool.

I believe in doing plans for people before investing their money and i tell them so, i admit its marketing, although i believe it - with a caveat that everyone defines a plan differently, it doesnt have to be a 50 page book. I have been toying with the idea of charging for a plan, at least with new clients, or maybe at least charging for a plan if i am doing it prior to getting an ACAT signed. Don't even know how to go about it, go about marketing it, what to charge for it, etc. I'll look to my B/D for some help. I know i can do it

I didnt read this entire thread only the last few posts, so maybe i am off here, if so, forgive me i dont mean to hijack the thread.....

Anon... your post "Keep in mind that financial plans are unimportant.  Getting people to take action on financial plans is how you help people." is a good one, very true - i also believe that most people dont really want a financial plan, but they all want what a financial plan can do for them.

As far as the comment about insurance people and planning, it goes for a Registered Rep as well - most of the time, the financial plan is a marketing tool.

I believe in doing plans for people before investing their money and i tell them so, i admit its marketing, although i believe it - with a caveat that everyone defines a plan differently, it doesnt have to be a 50 page book. I have been toying with the idea of charging for a plan, at least with new clients, or maybe at least charging for a plan if i am doing it prior to getting an ACAT signed. Don't even know how to go about it, go about marketing it, what to charge for it, etc. I'll look to my B/D for some help. I know i can do it

this thread has kind of discouraged me from pursuing my cfp...i'm starting to feel it's completely useless.  I thought atleast estate and tax planning was mandatory for everyone.  i really love the material and the technical analysis behind it, as well as being able to present it to my clients. 

[quote=newregrep]

this thread has kind of discouraged me from pursuing my cfp...i'm starting to feel it's completely useless.  I thought atleast estate and tax planning was mandatory for everyone.  i really love the material and the technical analysis behind it, as well as being able to present it to my clients. 

[/quote]

Actually your comment indicates you should pursue it.  Having your CFP by itself will not make you much money, but if it makes you more knowledgeable and helps you get more sales that will make you more money.  That was why I said earlier planning by itself will not make you much, but using it for sales will.  Sportsbobfreak is saying it well.