Also known as a financial advisor, consultant, or planner, a financial agent works with his or her clients to help them become as financially successful as possible. To do this, the agent must first meet with the clients, analyze their current financial state, and take note of any potential problems. With this information, the agent can then develop a professional and objective plan that will help improve his or her clients' financial situation. He or she also offers recommendations for the future and notifies the clients of any potential investment opportunities.
Most financial agents have both a bachelor's and master's degree in business, finance, or accounting. Aside from the education, a successful financial advisor must also have exceptional mathematical abilities as well as excellent interpersonal skills. Most regions also regulate the licensing of financial advisors, and may even require testing and continuing education.
A financial agent can represent individuals as well as businesses. Typically, an individual client meets with his or her financial advisor twice a year to discuss any lifestyle changes that may have occurred, such as a change in career, retirement, divorce, or marriage. Business clients, on the other hand, often require a more prominent presence, as they are required to make more financial decisions than the average individual. As a result, many financial agents work exclusively for a particular company or bank, helping them manage everything from yearly budgets to mergers, stocks, and acquisitions.
Regardless of whether a financial agent represents individuals, businesses, or both, he or she is responsible for providing sound professional advice to the clients. He or she not only helps clients achieve long-term goals, but also helps them figure out low-risk ways to increase wealth and identify areas that need improvement. In addition, he or she may also provide assistance with issues such as insurance, estate planning, and tax preparation.
Ultimately, a financial agent should help clients make the best decisions for their needs and prevent them from making mistakes. From recommending investment opportunities to examining their clients' tax situation, the agent's primary goal is to help his or her clients get the most out of their financial situation. Whether it's providing help for one area of their lives—such as college and retirement planning—or just helping them budget their money, a financial agent is responsible for creating a personalized plan that addresses each of his or her client's specific needs and helps them meet their goals quickly and with as little risk as possible.