Hi All,
I am thinking of doing Certificate in Financial Planning which is a first step for CFP designation. I am looking for doing it online /in Humber college. I have got a non- finance back ground. i am looking for starting my indepemdent practice as financial planner.
My question are
a) is doing CFP certificate is going to help in my goals?
b) is it tough to do the course online?
c0 Is there any other /better course requirement for starting Financial Advisior practice?
All inputs are welcome

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Driller the thriller

There is a huge difference between a FP or FA or IA.

FP - Financial planner - have looked the CSI website? They too have the Route to the CFP exam. CSI is supposed to be the financial industry's standard.
Check this https://www.csi.ca/student/en_ca/courses/financial/cfp/index.xhtml

The advantage with CSI is that you can complete the courses on line.

To become a FP your best bet initially is to be associated with large FI like banks or mutual fund cos. This is required because you have a non finance background.

CFP certification is good but not very paying and considering the pressures a large FI would put onto you to get business you are after a few years better off on your own. On this website I know Pramod Chopra is a FP and maybe you can take more advise from him.

Keep us posted as this is a topic of interest to me also.

Quote:

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Originally posted by desi_driller

Hi All,
I am thinking of doing Certificate in Financial Planning which is a first step for CFP designation. I am looking for doing it online /in Humber college. I have got a non- finance back ground. i am looking for starting my indepemdent practice as financial planner.
My question are
a) is doing CFP certificate is going to help in my goals?
b) is it tough to do the course online?
c0 Is there any other /better course requirement for starting Financial Advisior practice?
All inputs are welcome

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Iceberg,
Thanks for info. I am looking for venturing out of my own. Problem is that , large FI also ask for some type of certificate before they associates you with them.I talked with CSI ( yes, you can do all course online ). Can you also please give some info on FA/IA.

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Driller the thriller

CFP is a a great designation to strive for. Its gruelling even if you have done LLQP, CSC, PHP it is still a challenge. It puts off a lot of people, but it is worth it. Then you top it up with a CLU. But the rewards are worth it. But you have to this bug for numbers and lots of analysis. You have to be a peoples person. If you just want to enter banks CSC should be good enough. Earning depend on where you go and talent. Like Iceberg said for a non finance guy you may want to look at FI to start with and graduate to brokerage once you know the ropes and the network.
I did LLQP thru' IFIC online so I find them comfortable and flexible. I find CSI and Advocis expensive, though they are great if you can afford them. You have to be tenacious or don't go there.

Best of luck buddy.