In the News

Financial Advisor Versus Financial Planner: What's the Difference?

February 21, 2019 U.S. News & World Report

A rose by any other name may still be a rose, but is a financial advisor who calls himself a financial planner still a financial advisor? That's the real question.

The difference between a financial advisor and a financial planner is a subject that's been greatly debated in the financial services industry, but to little avail. Part of the problem is there's no federal regulation over the titles advisors can use….

Financial Planner vs. Financial Advisor

The services you provide to clients will often come down to the distinction between two of the most common titles in the industry: the difference between a financial advisor and financial planner. Two terms which have been so overused, "there's no real way to tell what they mean anymore," according to Kevin Keller, CEO of the CFP Board. But let's try anyway.

While the distinction may be murky for consumers, many financial professionals have a clear idea of what it means to be an advisor versus a planner. Advisors are often focused on investment management while planners take a more holistic approach to helping clients….