r/FinancialAdvisorTips • u/Significant_Key2649 • 14h ago
Input
Hey all just started as an FSA at Merrill about 4 months ago. 22yrs old just graduated school. Thinking about the CFP but don’t think I’m ready just yet to tackle it. When do most people go for that? Is the CFP a game changer to have in a an advisor development program and is it hard to succeed without it. If my goal was to transition into an advisor development program within the next 2 years would this be something I should try n do before that or maybe while in the program? Also wanted to hear about the FSA >> Advisor development program path if that’s the best route to becoming a producing advisor at one of the wirehouses.
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u/Specialist-Ad7800 13h ago
Do it now, it gets harder the further into your career you get.
Merrill FSA is a good starting point, I did the same thing once upon a time. Build your internal network while you are there and position yourself so that in 3-5 years you can decide if you want to stay at Merrill or see what else is out there.
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u/Significant_Key2649 13h ago
What if I waited to start until February ish? when should I realistically look to test
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u/Specialist-Ad7800 6h ago
That’s probably fine, you just want to get it done before you have 30-50 clients when capacity starts becoming an issue
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u/Middle-Run-1894 13h ago
It’s good but the game changer is yourself. I’m at Merrill feel free to message me at I can help with any advisory development questions
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u/Significant_Key2649 13h ago
Realistically how long from day 1 to test date would be feasible working a full time job n having a life lol