Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Financial Advisor
What financial advisors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a financial advisor?
Review market news. From there, the day usually includes meet clients about goals, build financial plans, and recommend investments. Full time, with some evening and weekend meetings.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a financial advisor working full time.
- Review market news.
- Meet a couple about retirement.
- Rebalance portfolios.
- Lunch with an estate attorney.
- Build a college savings plan.
- Call prospects.
- Update client notes.
Where financial advisors work
Advisors work in offices and meet clients in person or by video.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with some evening and weekend meetings.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Meet clients about goals
- Build financial plans
- Recommend investments
- Plan for retirement
- Review insurance needs
- Rebalance portfolios
- Find new clients
Tools you’ll use every day
- Financial planning software
- Portfolio management systems
- CRM
- Custodian platforms
- Risk tolerance tools
- Video meeting tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High earning potential
- Long client relationships
- Help families
- Can run your own practice
What’s hard
- Building a client base is hard
- Sales pressure early
- Market swings stress clients
- Licensing exams
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like helping people plan
- I’m good with money
- I build trust easily
- I can handle early sales pressure
- I want to run a business someday
- I’m patient
Not sure? Take the free Financial Advisor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Act in clients’ best interests
- Protect client data
- Follow FINRA and SEC rules
- Watch for elder financial abuse