9 replies to this topic

[simplepeachyme]

Hey guys

Right now I'm in school working towards a BA in Health Science. I initially planned to go into the field because I really enjoy working with people and helping them stay healthy. Recently, I found a few financial planners to help me plan my future. After spending numerous hours with them, I started to do my own research on the topic. I soon started buying books and reading all about finances. As I learned about the world of finance, I became more and more fascinated and thirsty for knowledge. I've became so interested that I thought, 'hey, if you like it so much, why not consider a career in it?'

A few planners had actually thought I was in finance or in the industry since they felt I spoke with such eagerness. I don't know whether this is just a phase or not.. It started with me just learning for my own benefit, but now I'm actually considering this as my future occupation.

Also, I worry about ableism (discrimination in favour of able-bodies) in the work place. Will people be less competent with me because of my wheels? I wouldn't think so, but hey its out there, and we've ALL SEEN IT.

Best case scenario: I would love to end up helping my fellow 4x4s reach their future goals because we all know how much this life is going to cost us. Uprights are cool, but how awesome would it be if your CFP was also in a chair and understood and relate to what your life is really like and simultaneously be able to help plan your future?

On the other side, if in Health Sciences, I'd look towards working in government health policy making, health promotion and awareness. I would be able to help my fellow wheelers in that field as well.

What do you guys think? Know anyone who's a wheeling CFP?


Many thank yous!!
Simply Peachy

[Smileyblue]

Hi Simply Peachy..

Best advice I can give is to follow your heart! What do you love doing? What rings your bells? What gets you excited? This is not a matter anyone else can decide for you..

And remember "if you do what you enjoy doing, you will never have to work a day in your life.." (not sure who said it, but its a fact!)

Best of luck.. ;-)

[Tetracyclone]

Why not get a double major? You may find, along the way, some interesting paths in the field of health finance. First test your talent by taking accounting and finance courses.

[S&W Winger]

That was the last career I had...financial consultant [investments, insurance, etc.] and as long as you have the best interests of the client at heart, then all will be well...follow your heart, the money you need will follow...and work from the heart and it all flows from there...simlpy put above by Smiley: follow your heart...

Know that most positions in financial planning are really SELLING investments...your employer would be yourself, but through whatever company you are working through...it is easy to get mired in the muck...but as long as you keep your goal(s) clear...

Good luck with whatever path you choose, or whatever path chooses you...remember that it is the journey...you know this already, and are finding a very good way to help people, since many in that field do not keep thei clients' best interests at heart...you will have a big jump on others along with all the rest...

I had a blast in the field...

[edlee]

The part about doing what you enjoy, is certainly true. If you can do that AND earn a living,, that's a plus. But as most artists, musicians, and athletes will atest,,, doing what you love " don't always pay the bills".

No offense meant to Bev,, who , I'm sure, wasn't like ALL other the financial planners I have had the misfortune to meet. Of the ten I have dealt with,, all ten were more interested in what they could sell me than what i needed. Perhaps I've simply been unlucky,, but, on the other hand,, they needed to make a living, too. If you want to work in that field,,, get an accounting degree,, preferably with emphasis on tax law. That's who I eventually went to for help,,, and got it when I needed it the most.

I wish you good fortune in your education,, and your future.
ed

[S&W Winger]

I agree, ed, most are slimy because they work on straight commission, and for a company, not the people they are supposed to help...it is not social work, though most times it borders on it...there is a need for more like peachy, though idealism fades fast in the real World, an individual's true self cannot be tarnished...

Do what you Love, the money will follow or not be important in the end...

[hooplady]

Some CFP's work for a percentage of assets instead of working on commission. This can be a bit harder to explain to the client, mainly because lots of sales fees are invisible; working for a percentage means the CFP is simply being up-front about how much they will make. But the beauty of it is that the Planner makes money only when the client makes money.

I agree with Tetracyclone - why not major in both? Who knows, you may be able to distinguish yourself by advising on the financial AND physical health of your customers.

[simplepeachyme]

I think I will look more into getting a double major. At the back of my mind, I tell myself that if I go into this field, I might turn into a slimy capitalist monger and I'll be money hungry constantly. But I think subconsciously I want to go into this profession because of my past experiences with money. I grew up with family members who were horrible with finances. Can you imagine a 10 year old passing on her yard work & allowance savings on to an adult because they dug themselves so far into a hole, they couldn't afford food? Well that was me, when I was younger. So now, I have the urge to help people climb out of situations like that. I guess I should also probably look into financial counseling as well.

I thank you all for your comments and advice. I really appreciate it

[hooplady]

You can certainly become a capitalist and not become slimy. How would we ever have philanthropy if people didn't have money to share with others?

Good luck with your education. Just stay open to whatever opportunities throw themselves in your path.

[lifeisgood]

I think this is a great idea! Especially if you specialized in our needs..I mean we can't get LTC or Life Insurance..for example. SO what other alternatives?

I tried to hire someone to help me with this and well, they did not meet my expectations..at all. They did sell us life insurance policy however. ;)

I recently found mint. com which is prett darn cool actually--and free..and it helped me to budget and see where my money goes..