Financial Planning and Wealth Management Fundamentals
1h 19mBeginner2026-02-25
Authors

Corporate Finance Institute (CFI)
Course details
Dive into the fundamentals of financial planning and wealth management, focusing on industry standards and career paths. Uncover details about essential roles such as financial planners, investment advisors, and portfolio managers, and learn the core skills required for each. Discover how major institutions like JPMorgan Chase scale their wealth management services and how you can leverage these strategies in your career. Explore compensation structures, job risks, and the day-to-day responsibilities that make these careers attractive. Gain insights into what sets wealth management apart from financial planning, focusing on bespoke strategies for high-net-worth individuals. This course suits F&A professionals, individuals contemplating a career switch, and anyone interested in the financial advisory sector. By the end of this course, you’ll be prepared to pursue a thriving career in financial planning and wealth management, aligning your personal strengths with current industry needs.
Learning objectives
Apply a comprehensive understanding of where the financial planning and wealth management industry is today, where it’s going, and how to pursue a successful career in it.
Identify the key career paths from a holistic, region-agnostic point of view.
Explain what each role’s unique day-to-day responsibilities are, along with the core skills of an exceptional advisor.
Learning objectives
Apply a comprehensive understanding of where the financial planning and wealth management industry is today, where it’s going, and how to pursue a successful career in it.
Identify the key career paths from a holistic, region-agnostic point of view.
Explain what each role’s unique day-to-day responsibilities are, along with the core skills of an exceptional advisor.
Concepts
Introduction
- Introduction
Industry Overview
- Growth - Past, present, and future
- Industry overview - Institutions and organizations
- What's in it for you
Business Insights
- Wealth management vs. asset management
- What is wealth management
- Wealth management vs. financial planning
- How wealth management differs
- Top industry players
Career Paths
- Career paths and skill set
- Financial planning - Role and skills
- Financial planning - Compensation structure
- Financial planning - Continued
- Wealth management roles
- Investment advisors
- Portfolio managers
- Compensation for wealth managers
- Sink-or-swim compensation
Considerations for Both Career Paths
- Job risks and fit, part 1
- Job risks and fit, part 2
- Commonalities to consider across the board
What Advisors Do and What Makes the Career Path Attractive
- Advisor's day-to-day activities
- What makes the career path attractive
Getting Recruited
- Where do FPs and WMs work
- Support staff and independent practitioners
Conclusion
- Summary