At Javelin Marketing, we provide a range of services and tools to assist financial advisors recruit quality clients at the lowest cost.

Financial advising as a discipline arose in the late 1960s and early 1970s as investing transitioned from an activity largely for businesses and high-net-worth individuals to become a key aspect of every American's retirement plan. Prior to the advent of financial advising as a career, investors received financial "advice" from business colleagues or their stockbrokers. Fewer types of investment vehicles were available, and the tax implications of any given investment were straightforward.

This situation changed in the late 1960s, however. The first academic program in financial planning launched in 1969, with the first students graduating in 1973. The 1970s saw some of the most tumultuous financial markets in recent decades, increasing investor interest in obtaining professional financial advice. Changes in the tax code and retirement rules also led to an increased interest in financial planning. The introduction of individual retirement accounts in 1975, and of the 401(k) in 1981, gave both individuals and businesses an incentive to maximize their investments and to develop individualized investment plans. Financial advisors synthesized the new investing landscape and provided their clients with personalized roadmaps to achieve financial goals. Recognizing the need for regulation, certifications began appearing in the early 1970s.

The best-known and oldest financial advising accreditation is the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) standard, which is recognized worldwide. A number of institutions arose to provide educational services for this certification and others, including the American College and the Registered Financial Planners Institute. In recent years, financial advising has increasingly emphasized trust and personal relationships with clients.

The full-service model of years past has given way to a scenario in which boutique firms provide personalized service for individuals, taking into account taxation, retirement planning, business goals, and a wide range of additional financial considerations. Ups and downs in the market have taught investors to take a cautious approach to any advice, and financial advisors today must therefore make a greater effort to understand the unique circumstances of each client.




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