What Is an Investment Counselor?

Do you have questions about what an investment counselor is? Do you need to know the difference between an investment consultant and an investment adviser? Do you want to learn more about what a financial advisor does when they call themselves "investment counsel?" If so, then this article is for you! Learn everything that there is to know about these professionals in order to find out if it's right for your needs!

ZipRecruiter has defined the job of an investment counselor to include recommend investments of stocks, bonds, funds, real estate, or other assets for

clients. (1)

Investment Counsel

An investment counselor is a professional that provides financial advice to both the public and private sectors. They usually specialize in investments, insurance, or retirement planning. They can offer advice on a variety of financial management matters. They may offer investment counsel to small or large businesses or guide them in the management of their business as it relates to benefits for employees. Helpful calculators for loans, credit, securities and and advice to go along with the information is a key factor in their counsel. 

"As an investment counselor, your responsibilities are to recommend investments of stocks, bonds, funds, real estate or other assets for clients..."  ~ZipRecruiter

Investment Advisor

Investment counselor and investment adviser are not interchangeable terms. An investment counselor is a financial advisor that provides advice to both public and private sectors, while an investment adviser only offers individualized guidance for investments on behalf of their clients. Investment advisors are often confused with investment counselors. They are not the same, but they do share many similarities. An investment advisor provides personalized advice on how to invest while an investment counsellor is responsible for researching different types of investments and advising clients which type best suits their needs and risk tolerance level.

There's no exact term relating to the profession; however, they may be referred to as financial consultants or wealth managers as well. 

Investment advisers are professionals who offer personalized guidance to individuals on how to invest money for personal finance goals like education funding or saving for retirement. Their expertise typically covers stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Investment advisers help individual people secure their best financial future with estate planning, advice and services that meet their personal needs. 

Financial Advisor Jobs

Investment counsellor jobs are available with major corporations, or some choose to own and operate their own local business. The job of an investment counsellor is bespoke for all involved. Working as an investment counselor, you are responsible for recommending investments of stocks, bonds and other assets to clients. You assist them in creating a detailed financial plan that is tailored specifically to their needs and risk tolerance level. As the client’s trusted advisor, it may be your responsibility to research different types of options such as funds or real estate with the goal being finding which type best suits each individual investor's specific goals. It's important for the advice given by investment council to be geared toward terms their investors are comfortable with. 

Directing the Best Financial Decisions for Investors

The first thing an investor should do is determine what type of risk they're willing to take on and share this information with the investment counsel so that he or she can create a financial plan based off those restrictions. An advisor will always have regular check-ins or management meetings to discuss accounts with their clients and make sure they're on the same page with the advice and direction. 

• Investment Counselors help investors manage their finances and plan for the future. 
• They work with clients to determine what type of risk they're willing to take on in order to create a financial plan optimized around those restrictions. 
•  An investment counselor will have regular checkups with his or her client, discussing accounts and making sure that the investment fits their needs and expectations. 

"CFP® professionals meet rigorous education, training and ethical standards..."

Advisors Certifications across the Globe

There are three main financial certifications that candidates can earn. Each certification is a little different, but each requires only one exam and some educational standards in order to be attained.

The first of these certs is the certified financial planner (CFP) which focuses primarily on retirement planning for investors with high incomes or significant assets under management by their own accountants.  The cfp.net certification website touts that “CFP® professionals meet rigorous education, training and ethical standards…” (2) so it’s no doubt that they’re a valuable asset to your overall financial plan when you choose to hire a professional! 

The second option would be the chartered financial analyst (CFA). This certificate prepares those who want to work as investment analysts at an institutional firm like Morgan Stanley or Goldman Sachs where they will make recommendations about what stocks should move higher based off research data collected from companies such as Apple Inc., Amazon, etcetera...

Finally there's PFS - personal finance specialist-which provides knowledge to individuals who need budgeting advice and help with managing personal finances. For example, a PFS might be able to advise someone who has an emergency fund and retirement account but needs help with student loans.

Our primary fiduciary adviser, Greg Womack, is skilled at providing both investment advice as well as counselling the public sector in the financial advisory arena. He is an accomplished in the management of client accounts with advice and services that area second to none. Compare other local Oklahoma City or Edmond firms and see! Management of assets for clients is taken on as if it were our own. Our clients know that our terms are fair and our securities are based on real experience.

Visit our home page to log some quality time time learning about the different services that could help fund your future. Whether you're a budding student investor, or are seeking advice on your long held invested mutual funds, Womack Investment Advisers, Inc. is here to lead our clients with the best funds management available. Give us a call today to get started with our investment counsel.

References:

(1)  https://www.ziprecruiter.com/e/What-Is-the-Job-of-an-Investment-Counselor

(2)  https://www.cfp.net

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