Kevin Keller, CEO of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards in Washington, D.C., believes a good practitioner combines analytical skills with the ability to communicate. "I think it's that balance between the left brain and the right brain that makes for successful financial planners," he says.

Advisors who have come from careers in other disciplines often have analytical and communications skills honed by their experiences in those seemingly disconnected occupations. For many, it's the second, third or even fourth tries at finding their place in the job world.

Keller notes that CFP Board surveys indicate high levels of job satisfaction among planning professionals. That's confirmed by a 96% to 97% retention rate among practitioners holding CFP® designations. Read more >

    Financial Planning
    Joseph Lisanti
    October 1, 2012