Rating: 
Summary: Best book on the market, detailed, thorough and complete.
Review: Anyone who is interested in the career of a financial planner should consider Nancy Langdon's book the most complete resource. She covers every aspect of the career--the good and the bad. This book isn't what you'd expect, it tells the truth.What I like most about the book is the "sensitive financial planning" ethic and how financial planners differ from brokers. This book sees the career of financial planning exactly as it is...you will be able to assess financial institutions for what they really are rather than relying on just their marketing tactics when deciding on which company is best for you. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in financial planning--no other book comes close!
Rating: 
Summary: I haven't read the book... BUT
Review: I hope everyone notices that all the reviews seem to be written on September 9th... WHAT A COINCIDENCE!
Do you really want to take business advice from someone who is trying to deceive you by writing up false reviews on their own book?
Hey, maybe it's just me.
Rating:
Summary: Trustworthy Resource
Review: I would rate this book as one of the most honest, trustworthy books available on the topic. The author spends countless hours staying in touch with those in the profession, both newcomers and seasoned professionals, to present a straightforward assessment of what works and what doesn't. Unlike other authors, her motivation isn't to "sell" anything else. This book is simply an extension of the much-needed service and mentoring she provides to the financial planning industry. While I probably have all or most of the books on this topic, this is the first and only one I read cover-to-cover as soon as I received it. The author has a lot of credibility.
Rating:
Summary: Very useful
Review: If this book had been around when I began my career change in 1994 it would have saved me two years of trial and error. The author provides a balanced view of the different paths to becoming a financial planner.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: It's what got me started on my new career. I thought the book was very useful, relevant and understandable with crucial advice for the beginning financial planner. This book should be required reading for all who are entertaining the thought of becoming a CFP. This book comes with my highest recommendation!
Rating: 
Summary: Overpriced, Underinformed
Review: There are much better choices out there, this is basic information that is way over priced.
As a previous reader noted, all of the positive reviews were written on Sept. 9, 2003. For that reason alone I would not purchase this book. Buyer Beware!
Rating:
Summary: Good starter
Review: This book is a great overview of financial planning as a profession. It discusses the many facets and approaches to the business while maintaining an evenhanded approach throughout. It focuses the reader on one of the most important points when considering financial planning as a career, "what does financial planning mean to you, and do you want to spend your life doing that?"
Rating: 
Summary: A good start
Review: This book is great for those looking to get into the financial planning industry and have no idea how or where to start. From where to take classes to pass the CFP Exam, to where to start your financial planning career or how to start your own practice, this book lays the foundation for you.
My complaint though is that the author only focuses on the CFP certification and doesn't really discuss related certifications that you may encounter. While the CFP is considered the cream of the crop, it would have been helpful to look into other certifications like RFC (Registered Financial Consultant) or even RP (Registered Paraplanner). But overall, this is a good book.
Rating:
Summary: Must read if you are a beginner to the field
Review: This book provides a fantastic 'jumping-off' point to the world of Financial Planning. Nancy Langdon Jones not only discusses the "how-to's" of getting started in Financial Planning but also (and even more importantly) the "why's". Chock-full of insights from Nancy and many other contributors regarding the paths they each took to become a financial planner. It runs the gamut from education to business start-up to marketing to regulatory information.
If you are looking for a dry, data-filled text book - look somewhere else! If you want real-life information from people who have been there - this is the book for you.
I can honestly say that this book was a major factor in my decision to enter the field.
Rating:
Summary: Good Information at a Basic Level
Review: This book provides a large amount of information at a faily basic level. The information provided was useful. The book gives a broad overview of the industry and provides guidance for those considering a career in financial planning. Use this book as a starting point if you are considering a financial planning career.
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