Financial Advisor

• Financial advisors provide expert information and advice for individuals as well as assist consumers with tax and insurance decisions. Some advisors provide insight on the best ways to reach savings goals for retirement and education, while others give advice regarding estate planning. Financial advisors often consult one-on-one with their customers and work to understand the personal financial goals of clients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for financial advisors is $69,050 as of 2008. However, starting salaries for new advisors are often lower than this median. The middle 50 percent of all financial advisors earn between $46,390 and $119,290 per year.
  
  

Stock Broker

• Stock brokers sell financial securities and publicly traded investments, including mutual funds, stocks and bonds. Brokers consult with individuals and provide information on the wide variety of available stocks. When a client decides which stock to buy, brokers complete the purchase through the stock exchange and assist the customer in tracking and managing the stock portfolio. The BLS reports that the average yearly salary for a stock broker is $85,580. Many stock brokers work on commission, which means that actual earnings vary depending on their sales ability and number of clients. According to Salary.com, the bottom 25 percent of stock brokers earn $53,252 or less.
  
  

Financial Manager

• The job of a financial manager is to help companies and organizations reach their financial goals. Typically, financial managers are involved in creating financial reports and developing strategies to deal with cash and other company assets effectively. Financial managers also handle credit issues and monitor the amount of credit extended to customers. The median wage of financial advisors is $99,330 as of 2008, according to the BLS. The middle 50 percent of managers make between $72,030 and $135,070.
  
  

Insurance Agent

• Insurance agents sell financial protection packages to individuals, businesses and organizations. Common types of insurance include life, health and long-term care coverage. Each type of insurance is designed to protect customers from drastic financial loss in the case of an accident. Insurance agents work with clients to understand how much coverage is needed and provide packages to fit each requirement. According to the BLS, the median yearly wage for insurance agents is $45,430. The lowest 10 percent of earners in this profession make only $26,120 or less, while the top 10 percent receive $113,930 or more annually.