Getting Started as a Financial Planner

I read many business books and when I find one worthwhile I type a summary a page or two long and file it categorically. Not only was this book worthy of a writeup for my personal files but I couldn't get my "summary" under 7 pages. I am a CPA and MBA who was considering starting a personal financial planning practice at some point in the future. That point in the future will probably be much sooner than anticipated after reading this book. It is very insightful and has been instrumental in the business plan I have been working on for a PFP practice.

When I started out as an independent financial planner almost 8 years ago there was little on the market in terms of well written, content-rich references on financial planning. I recently came across Jeffrey Rattiner's "getting started" book for financial planners. First, I wish I had this book 8 years ago. It would have saved me time and mistakes when I got started. The second point to make is that Rattiner's book, especially the sections on managing client relationships and marketing, is thorough and practical. For example, as Rattiner points out there are important psychological issues at play (denial,guilt,avoidance, etc.) between planner and client that affect the relationship.These issues need to be recognized and managed to forge a productive, long-term association. The section on marketing is also right on target. While Rattiner's advice largely focuses on the new planner, I found his range of marketing strategies to be a good reminder of the broad approach the financial planner needs to take to get the best ROI on marketing spending. Overall, Rattiner is very successful in presenting the various challenges and solutions the new(and experienced)planner needs to address. "Getting Started as a Financial Planner" is money well spent.

Jeff's book is a great resource for the new CFP or planner. He does an outstanding job of outlining the "building blocks" of a financial planning practice. His explanations are clear and concise and the illustrations and exhibits helped to take concept into an actual practice situation. Great instructive book! It will remain on my bookshelf in my office for some years as a resource and guide.

Anyone reviewer who doesn't see the incredible value in this book doesn't know much about running a business. I have read every book available on building and managing a financial planning practice. Rattiner gives the best advice so far on developing a business plan and marketing plan for a financial planning practice.There are a plethora of books on the craft of financial planning. Finally, a seroius book that treats this business as something other than a second income career.

I find the book Getting Started as a Financial Planner by Jeffrey Rattiner as a very valuable source of information for anyone who wants to enter the financial planning career. Rattiner gives an excellent overview of financial planning. He delineates the dos and the donts of the business and provides important tips and insights regarding how to develop a business infrastructure, how to market the practice and how to communicate with the client. He informs the reader about legal issues involved in the practice and about resources and the training needed to become a financial professional. I like the easy style of Mr. Rattiner's writing, the in-depth nature of his chapters and the use of examples and worksheets throughout his book.