Sunday, 20 May 2012

Online Financial Advisor Courses, Classes and Training Information

Financial planning courses can be completed from home through online schooling. These courses may prepare students for exams or count as continuing education credits. Most financial analysts and advisors have completed a bachelor's or master's degree program in finance.

Overview of Online Financial Advisor Courses

Financial advisors assess a client's financial situation and draw up plans to assist in meeting the client's financial goals. Online financial advisor courses are available as part of certificate programs as well as undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Standalone courses are also available for continuing education credits. Online courses explain financial strategies for common issues such as tax, retirement and investment planning.

Course Requirements

Online courses and training programs require a computer with Internet, audio and video capabilities. Most coursework is taught through text and prerecorded lectures. Students may need to purchase a financial calculator. Some courses may host class discussion through webinars or virtual classrooms using a microphone and speakers. Students will also need a working e-mail account for correspondence and assignments.

List of Online Courses

Introduction to Financial Planning Course

This introductory course establishes key concepts and considerations in financial planning. Study covers topics such as budgeting, business foundations and legal issues. Discussion of business foundations include ethics, regulations and economics. Classwork on legal issues addresses business law, property titles and settlements in relation to financial advising.

Insurance Planning Course

Risk management in relation to financial planning is the main topic of this course. Several different types of insurance are discussed, from individual to corporate needs. The class explains the financial advisor's role in this process and the potential liability issues. Students learn how to analyze insurance needs and recommend policies and companies best fitting their client.

Investment Planning Course

The main focus of this course is portfolio-building through a combination of different investment types. Students learn how investment vehicles operate and how to accurately analyze rates of return. Investment types covered in this course include securities, stocks and bonds. Topics like market analysis, economic formulas and models are also discussed.

Tax Planning Course

Tax planning courses teach students how to understand and manage state and federal tax systems and how they affect an individual or business. Because almost all individuals and companies pay taxes in one form or another, knowledge of tax planning is important to all financial advisors. Students are provided with comprehensive information on taxes as they apply to various investments, insurance and securities in order to provide effective tax management techniques for their clients.

Retirement Planning Course

In this type of course, students learn how to evaluate and assess retirement needs and plans. It covers topics like IRAs and tax-deferred retirement plans. Employee benefits, including Social Security, Medicare and stock options are another area of focus. The course also covers regulatory and tax issues affecting retirement plans.

Estate Planning Course

Estate planning courses address the management of property and wealth within generations of families. The course looks at federal and state estate tax regulations as well as the implications of taxes on gifts, trusts and charitable donations. Another section of the course targets non-tax related aspects of estate planning such as wills, powers of attorney and probate procedures.

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