High School

Take as many business and mathematics courses in high school as possible. Speech classes will help you hone your oral communication skills, while English classes will give you the basics necessary to write reports for your clients.

Postsecondary Training

A bachelor's degree is generally the basic requirement for a career in retirement planning. Most retirement planners and other financial advisers hold degrees in accounting, business, finance, mathematics, law, or economics, as these directly relate to the type of work that planners do. Courses in taxes, estate planning, and risk management are especially helpful. You should also be sure to take classes in communication and public speaking, as interacting with clients is the cornerstone of this business. Good computer skills are also a must. 

Other Education or Training

Keeping up with industry developments is key to success as a retirement planner. Professional associations often provide continuing education opportunities. For example, the Financial Planning Association offers continuing education (CE) classes, workshops, webinars, and seminars on communication and organizational skills, sales and marketing, and business and practice management. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors also offers CE opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Because of their diverse backgrounds, financial planners have many different educational degrees and licenses. Planners who seek specialized training can earn credentials such as chartered financial consultant (from The American College of Financial Services) or certified financial planner (Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards). Professionals who wish to specialize in retirement issues may opt to become a chartered retirement plans specialist (CRPS) or a chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC)—both of which are available from the College for Financial Planning. CRPSs advise businesses on employee retirement plans, while CRPCs work with individuals who are retired or nearing retirement age.

Certification requirements vary depending on the specialty, though all programs demand continuing education credits for yearly recertification.

Students should obtain as much experience in the field as possible by participating in summer internships, co-ops, and part-time jobs at financial planning firms or with self-employed planners.

This job will require you to be in constant contact with your customers. You will need excellent communication skills, you must be comfortable dealing with all kinds of people. The most successful planner is highly ethical and able to express and deliver a sense of expertise and professionalism to his or her clients. Other important traits include good research, time-management, and organizational skills.