Sunday, June 6, 2010

What does AAR stand for in relation to financial planning or leadership?

I have a test tomorrow on leadership and financial planning and one of the questions is "What does AAR stand for", so if you could tell me then that would be awesome
Pretty sure it's Alternative Reproductive Resources, good luck on the test!

Is a financial planning position good for a college student majoring in accounting?

I'm planning to become a CPA. Currently, I'm in college (1.5yrs left) and work part-time as an accounts payable. Recently I was asked to come work at a CPA firm as an assistant in financial planning. The pay and hours are really good compared to my current job. However, I'm not sure if learning the new things in the financial planning position will stress me out. It's all very new to me. Even though I'm not a brainiac, I am a very hard worker. But is that enough? I just don't want this job to take away too much time away from school. I'll be taking very difficult accounting courses. I was wondering if I should stay at my current job OR take the new job and learn new things. Will this work experience look better on my resume? If i dont take this job, then will there be lots of other opportunities like this after I graduate? Will this get my foot in the door of the CPA world even though I won't be doing any accounting work? EVERY bit of suggestions would be greatly appreciated
You have 1.5 years left. I would ask the company that asked you to take the new position what the chances are if you do take the job then can you become a CPA for the company after graduation? If it's a better position and the same amount of hours, the stress level may be a bit higher, but the experience of moving from Accounts payable to Financial Planning Assistant may be a good choice. First it will demonstrate that you excelled at your first job to be noticed and offered the job as the Assistant. Then, it does show that you have a solid background in Accounts and Financial Planning. Right now you're building a resume and learning how to conduct yourself in the adult world. If the pay is better and the hours are the same, I'd take the new job and learn from it. If you don't like it, you can always look for another Accounts Payable position and return to that field. Furthermore, ask the new company if they will allow you some time for shorter hours during slow seasons so you can concentrate on your studies. If they realize you are balancing school along with their work and showing great promise, you'll probably make a good impression. Negotiate some terms, know what you can do and cannot do based on the hours you may need for the advanced accounting courses--give your two weeks at your old job if you choose to take it (Leave in good standing as you may need them as a reference) and move forward. It sounds like a fantastic chance, just know what you want and be clear. If the job meshes with your goals, then go for it.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

What software do you recommend for Financial planning?

What formula should be used to ascertain if your investments will hold out and how much to budget for Financial?

There are many on-line calculators that can help you with this. In the August 2007 issue of Kiplinger's recommends that you use one that is based on a Monte Carlo simulator. They reviewed 5 different ones. I've used the ones at Financial Engines and MoneyChimp and found them very helpful. As the name implies a Monte Carlo simulator, does not give you a fixed answer but rather it gives your odds of success and, in the case of MoneyChimp, shows a graph of the number of years into Financial your IRA/401/etc should last. MoneyChimp also explains, in more detail than most of us would want to know, why a Monte Carlo simulator is required and how it works. These details are likely only useful to those with higher mathematical interest.

Where do I start to learn about investments and Financial planning?
Is there a good website with explanations on terms such as mutual fund, bonds, equities...that also explains how to get started? I need help understanding person finance and investments. Any useful advice appreciated. Personal finance, I meant!

I always like wikipedia they usually have good tips and are known by many to be the cheapest* method. *They basically charge a $7 flat rate to buy and sell with no annual rates or commision profits. I have used them for years with no problems.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

What is the best financial planning software?

what is the best financial planning software i can use to guide me through a project for my financial planning course? something intermediate.
Right now, "How to survive the Great Depression"

What is easier to get into in Australia - Accounting or Financial Planning?
Also what is a better and more financially rewarding career? I'm looking at a career change, however it looks like I really need a uni degree for accounting and then start out on relitavly low wages. i was hoping I was wrong about that? Would financial planning be a quicker career to get into and start making decent money?

Like mutual funds and financial planning for other people, but I hate cold calling. Any job ideas?
I am series 7, 6, 63 licensed and have worked as a registered representative and an internal wholesaler. I have decided that I do not like wholesaling, but really like financial planning and mutual funds. I love sitting down with people and educating them about their finances. The only problem is that I do not like phone work at all. Cold calling is very difficult for me and not something that I wish to do. I also like managing other people and having leadership type roles.
Sounds like you have all the qualities to be a successful counselor in financial matters, but not the personality of a salesperson. Have you ever thought about teaching at a local community college, or working for a credit counseling place? as you probably know, sales is king in financial services.