Comprehensive Coverage Completely Up--to--date! A detailed road map for getting started as an independent financial consultant Each year, thousands of people from all walks of life leave the security of their nine--to--five jobs to pursue careers as independent financial consultants. For a great many of them, the experience is financially and personally rewarding beyond their expectations. If you, too, are thinking about taking the big leap into becoming a financial consultant, but you aren't sure how to go about it, this book is for you. How can I be sure that financial consulting is right for my personality? What kinds of training and skills do I need to succeed, and how do I get them? What special licenses or certification are required? How do I find clients and build lasting relationships with them? With the help of first--person accounts from successful financial consultants from across the country, expert Edward J. Stone provides complete answers to these and all your questions concerning: Acquiring and honing key skills, including the all--important "people" skills Organizing and structuring your business Indispensable software tools Services you can offer clients and why you should specialize Marketing your services, targeting clients, and building a solid core clientele Why you should become certified and how to go about it Profiling clients and drawing up formal financial plans Dealing with state and federal regulations Contracts and key legal considerations Surviving in a down market