Can you become a financial advisor if you'r a felon? Can you become a financial advisor if you'r a felon?

The law says no. The reality is that the oversight is lacking. I have a friend with a series 7 who has a felony. He has problems getting a job in the industry but there are companies that will hire him.

The ironic thing is that unless you file bankruptcy you can be a Financial Advisor with all manor of financial and legal problems. The occupation Financial Advisor is just a sales job.

Will bankruptcy disqualify a person to become Financial Advisor or to file form U4?

If someone filed for Bankruptcy can they still file form u4 and eligible to be financial advisor or get license series 7 & 66

Unless you work for yourself having the proper license and other requirements will not get you past the front door in the outside world with a BK showing up in your credit checks.

Nothing personal that is just a fact.

Good luck

I want to become a financial advisor. How can I break into the field?

I have a bachelor's degree from Indiana University in Journalism. I have been working in customer service for manufacturing companies for the past year and a half. Should I go back to school for my MBA? Should I take an online course to become a CFP? Or should I look for an internship at a financial services company?

You don't even need a university degree at all to be a Financial Advisor, let alone an MBA. (Also hard to do an MBA if you don't have a BBA...can't do a Masters of Physics unless you ..y'know, took Physics)

Most Financial Advisor firms are hiring constantly, they usually do get you to train with them first at no pay and then send you out on your own.

It's a totally commision based business, and you train and work for them initially for free, so they'll pretty much hire anyone who doesn't seem like a total waste of time.

After that you've got to develop your own business, they'll give you a start on how, but its really up to you. Prepare for the idea of working a few years before building enough clients to make a profit.

The companies usually have active recruiters looking for a sales force, call the company you're interested in and ask them about it. You could also visit any job fair, I garauntee there will be no less than 5 Advisor companies present recruiting Agents.

I don't think it's a very good job, the vast majority do quit with losses in the first 2 years, but those who do become successful can make some money, but it's very work intensive and hours and inital investment are large.

'Breaking into the field' is kind of like saying you'd like to 'Break into door to door vacuum sales'..Just go tell them you want to, and unless you're retarded, you're in...in some cases, even if you are.

PS though, Do NOT work for WFG. They'll bind your hands with crazy compliance. Work for something with a big enough name that it can help you market yourself, Primerica, Investor's Group...something more like that.

Good luck if that's what you decide to do.

I want to change careers to become a financial advisor or stock broker, How can I get my foot in the door?

I have an M.A, degree and have been a social worker for 15 years. I have experience in making my own investment decisions and a strong interest in changing to this field.

Apply to a graduate business school and get a finance degree.
That would open the doors for sure. If not you can still take the CFA exam or the series 7 exam you need to be a stock broker.

Is it possible to become a financial advisor through online universities?

I'm considering studying for a career as a financial advisor, but at this point in life (age 26), and the fact that I am busy with a job in sales, I don't think I'll have the time to attend a university. Is it possible to mainly study for this by getting a finance degree through an online university, and if so, which would be recommended?

Yes. You can study online for any and all licenses that are required to become a Financial Advisor.

There is much less education than most people imagine necessary to become a FA (Financial Advisor)...a degree in Finance or related field of study is NOT necessary. (Common misconception) Passing a Series 7 test (avg 30-33% failure rate) is the main criteria...and typically, depending on your state laws, a couple other "easier" tests. Essentially, unless you pursue "extra" education you will simply be exchanging one sales job for another.

Please pursue additional education and knowledge to better help your clients through every venue possible. I suggest "The American College" (available online) which is the originating source of the CFP designation along with many other "valid" credentials recognized by EVERY financial institution. Keep in mind that you must NOW have a Bachelor's Degree in "any" field in order to finally receive the CFP designation...if you haven't finished one yet...you can take the CFP courses while also completing your degree.

There are also "training" programs available through various firms...but they are essentially "sales training" programs and the educational aspects end where the "studying for the licenses you need" ends.

F.Y.I....I also made the career change around 26 years of age...and love what I do...but then again, I watch FOMC meetings in reruns for the "kicks and giggles" entertainment value of them....they truly are fascinating if you understand the intracacies of what is being discussed.

Series 7 study materials "most used" by Wall Street firms (like the one I started with) are available at:
www.dearborn.com
www.kaplan.com
www.amercoll.edu (The American College for extras!)

I have no college degree but have strong skills in dealing 1 on 1 with clients. Ive never worked for a bank or a financial firm. I am currently the Service Manager at Ethan Allen Home Interiors and speak and sit with clients on a daily basis. I would like to learn how to become an Advisor and get into a good firm and work my way up the ladder. Are there any training classes or anything I can do to work towards that? I am 23 years old and living in Clearwater, Fl. Can anybody help me?

Education education education - go to school, get certified. Rule number one, go to school (College) and talk to a Counselor. Ask them what to do, based on your inspirations and they will guide you to step one.

Step two - work for a firm willing to educate you and train you. That plus school is your ticket to your goal.

My first job was fine because the second I got in, I spent two weeks in training. I have added 20 years to my experience plus numerous certificates on software upgrades etc has taken me up the ladder slowly but surely.

Good luck!

And what the pay. I am no studying account and i want to become a financial advisor please help me thanks . And what the pay. I am no studying account and i want to become a financial advisor please help me thanks .

Depends on the kind of financial advisor you want to be the path could be really different.

If you want to be an independent, you will have to setup and register your own company. Pass either Series 65 or 66 exams. Register yourself as an investment adviser with your firm. Follow all compliance and regulations as far as paper work, accounting, audit etc. You may wish to start working on CFP certification to broaden your skills and increase your credibility.

You could also work for a true financial advisory firm (i.e. a fee only financial advising). You will still have to pass Series 65. The company will take care of your registration. You may still have to take Series 6 depending on your responsibility and scope of contact with clients.

If you want to be a financial advisor for an investment firm like Fidelity, Merrill Lynch etc. This role is a glorified sells position. You will need to pass Series 6 and 7 in order to sale stock, mutual fund and insurance (depending on the company's product). You will need to pass Series 66 to be eligible to register as both Investment advisor and Security Agent.

For more information, consult http://www.nasaa.org/home/index.cfm

Best wishes.

What are the minimum requirements to become a financial advisor?

Other than the certifications, I mean what would impress an institution like Raymond James of Merrill Lynch to pay for your training. I have a bachelor's degree from an excellent university and majored in Economics.

Companies look at the whole package. In terms of your degree, you need to have plenty of mathematical, computer, analytical skills, which you presumably were exposed to during your undergrad. Also a background in accounting, investments, estate planning and risk management can greatly work in your favor. In terms of your personal traits, you need to confident, be comfortable working independently and most importantly have great communication skills.

In all honesty if you want to get into Merrill Lynch you should definitely get some prior experience, work for a broker-dealer, this will not just add to your resume but will also help you do well on your licensing exams.

Good Luck!