I still say Big Easy Flood is Put Trader with a new screen name.

[quote=Soothsayer]I still say Big Easy Flood is Put Trader with a new screen name.[/quote]

Who is Put Trader, and why does he cause so much speculation?

[quote=Soothsayer]I still say Big Easy Flood is Put Trader with a new screen name.

Who is Put Trader, and why does he cause so much speculation?[/quote]

...Oh please, Put...we know who you are...

[quote=Soothsayer]I still say Big Easy Flood is Put Trader with a new screen name.[/quote]

You know, when BEF replied to my first post, and he was accused o using "Puts Writing Style", I had second thoughts.  After all he was nice enough in his first reply.  Reading his second response, there is a little more of the Put Trader flavor there.   Hmmmmm....

Regardless thanks for all of the advice guys. 

BH

That’s not to say that he’s not worth reading…you just have to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff…

[quote=lawsucks][quote=lostintexas]

Especially ironic given there are other designations that are more intensive, CHFC encompassing all the CFP and doubling it!  

[/quote]

 I am studying for the CFP right now, and have looked at the ChFC as well. 

[/quote]

Do you guys think I would be better prepared by trying to get this done before entering the industry or waiting till my feet are wet?

On another note, My initial post asked about potential earnings as a Newbie in the different firms.  I don't see a lot of replies regarding that question.  Is it safe to assume that the potential earnings will compare to the statistics that EJ posts for their newbies? 

you are correct sir, and expect to starve for 3 years, as well as probably fail. It’s virtually imposibble to start from scratch these days.

I think you may have more time to work on your CFP before you start, only in that it can take many hours a week to build a book.  Most newbies are in practice for a few years before even trying to take on school.

It may help you get a job too and definitely will make it easier to impress new clients because they assume the designation means you're knowledgeable.  That's way better than clearly being "the rookie."

Just an opinion.  Many do succeed without it.

I would begin studying for the CFP before you join any firm, if you have time.  You will learn so much that will help you in understanding the financial planning business as a whole instead of the narrow view you will receive in the training your broker dealer will offer to you which will be mostly focused on investment products and selling.

Since your expressed desire is to be a financial planner, you will probably love the courses.  I did.

[quote=babbling looney]

I would begin studying for the CFP before you join any firm, if you have time.  You will learn so much that will help you in understanding the financial planning business as a whole instead of the narrow view you will receive in the training your broker dealer will offer to you which will be mostly focused on investment products and selling.

Since your expressed desire is to be a financial planner, you will probably love the courses.  I did.

[/quote]

Thanks for all of the advice guys.  BL it looks like I will need the three years in the field prior to taking the exam.  Does it sound reasonable to take the courses now and to finish them prior to retiring from the navy.  Then when I have my three years of experience in the field, I brush up a bit and take the exam?

Thanks Bh.

Dont bother with CFP until your three years out.

Would you study for a big exam three months ahead and take it… let

alone three years.

[quote=EDJIR2005]Dont bother with CFP until your three years out.
Would you study for a big exam three months ahead and take it.... let
alone three years. [/quote]

and you've been in financial services industry how many months??

There’s no reason not to start right away if you have the time and energy.  You can always pass the test and satisfy the experience requirement later.  That way, as soon as you have three years in, you can get licensed.

over a yr. Not long and by no means have I made it, but i also realize that

i shouldnt be spending time on something that i cant achieve for a while

yet. I should focus on surviving and making it.

I agree with Indyone.  Go ahead and study while you are not trying to break into the business.  It takes about 2 1/2 years to finish the study materials if you do home study.  You will learn a lot, get a good overview of financial planning and it will help you in deciding if you truly want to get into the biz. 

Two downsides to studying early and taking your time.

1. Tax laws change and you have to relearn some modules to keep up.  Of course once you have the designation there is continuing education to keep up too.

2. I was disappointed that I couldn't really use my skills in the Jones environment. But I was soooooo smart.  And it is a help in being able to guide clients in areas that we are not able to, due to broker dealer constraints. 

[quote=Bubblehead]

Thanks for all of the advice guys.  BL it looks like I will need the three years in the field prior to taking the exam.  Does it sound reasonable to take the courses now and to finish them prior to retiring from the navy.  Then when I have my three years of experience in the field, I brush up a bit and take the exam?

Thanks Bh.

[/quote]

You won't be able to use the designation until you have three years of experience, but you don't have two wait until you have the experience to take the exam.  You have a five year window after taking the exam to get meet the experience requirement.

http://cfp-board.org/become/work.asp

[quote=lawsucks][quote=Bubblehead]

Thanks for all of the advice guys.  BL it looks like I will need the three years in the field prior to taking the exam.  Does it sound reasonable to take the courses now and to finish them prior to retiring from the navy.  Then when I have my three years of experience in the field, I brush up a bit and take the exam?

Thanks Bh.

[/quote]

You won't be able to use the designation until you have three years of experience, but you don't have two wait until you have the experience to take the exam.  You have a five year window after taking the exam to get meet the experience requirement.

http://cfp-board.org/become/work.asp

[/quote]

Ls,

I read the link.  What you say makes sense.  I will start looking into the feasibility of completing these courses before I leave the service.

Bh

Besides, you can always use the information you learn. 

[quote=lostintexas]Besides, you can always use the information you learn.  [/quote] My thoughts exactly.

[quote=Bubblehead]

Are there respectable firms out there that have programs tailored for someone of my background?

Let’s presume I do pursue finance.  I am tired of this engineering thing after all, and really do like the idea of Financial Advising.  Where should I start?  I think my eventual goal is to be an independent in a small city or suburb.  What is the best approach to getting there?  If not Edward Jones, then where? Thanks,

Bh