What Is Financial Planning?

Financial planning is considered the process of determining how an individual can meet goals through the proper management of financial resources. Financial planners assist people with their financial planning needs, including the areas of Investment Planning, Insurance Planning, Tax Planning, Retirement Planning, and Estate Planning.

Financial Planning Career Paths

A career in financial planning can be very rewarding. If you are a person who likes to help people and earn substantial income, then financial planning would be an excellent career choice. Opportunities are expanding in banking, brokerages, accounting firms, insurance agencies and legal arenas where financial planning services are provided.

Financial Planning At The University of Hawai‘i

The UH Shidler College of Business is currently the only business school in the State of Hawai‘i to introduce an undergraduate degree program in financial planning. The curriculum is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and students completing the FSP track are eligible to sit for the CFP^® Certification Examination. The necessary knowledge requirements include: financial planning fundamentals, investments, insurance, estate planning, retirement and employee benefits, and taxes. Development and enhancement of written and oral communication skills, are integrated into the curriculum. Shidler College of Business offers the Certified Financial Planner Certification and Chartered Financial Analyst Designation.

Competitive Internship Opportunities

It is strongly recommended that students apply for an internship in the field of financial planning. This provides a unique opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to a real-world setting. Students in the FSP track will be placed with some of the top firms in the industry and UHM Financial Literacy Program. While gaining experience, students are able to get a head start on their careers.

The faculty advisors for this track are Dr. Rosita Chang, CFP®, and Judith Mills Wong, CFP®.

Courses