BrokerCheck - Find a broker, investment or financial advisor
👔 Financial Professional vs. Financial Advisor: What’s the Difference?
I was today years old when I found out that in the US, anyone can call themselves a "financial advisor," as the term is not federally regulated.
Not all financial titles mean the same thing. Here’s what’s behind the curtain:
Financial Professional (Series 6 & 63)
- Can sell certain investment products (like mutual funds, variable annuities, insurance products).
- Often tied to a specific company’s offerings.
- Like the guy at Home Depot who points you to aisle 12 when you ask about hammers. 🛠️
- He knows the product, he can sell it to you… but he’s not building your house.
Financial Advisor (Series 7 & 66)
- Licensed to provide broader investment advice and manage portfolios.
- Can access a wider range of investments (individual stocks, ETFs, bonds, etc.).
- Like the contractor who looks at your blueprint, chooses the right tools, and builds the whole house with you. 🏡
- It’s not about selling you a hammer—it’s about making sure the whole house stands strong.
👉 Translation: A “financial professional” can sell you a tool. A “financial advisor” can build you the whole toolbox and help you use it.
When your retirement and life savings are on the line, make sure you know who you’re talking to.
https://brokercheck.finra.org/ is a free tool created by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to research the background and experience of financial advisers and firms.
See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
BrokerCheck is a trusted tool that shows you employment history, certifications, licenses, and any violations for brokers and investment advisors.
