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Financial Planning Associate Jobs in Brainerd, MN

Northwestern Mutual

Investment Associate

Baxter, MN · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

We deliver thoughtful, personalized financial planning and investment strategies with a goal of helping clients achieve clarity and long-term financial freedom. We're seeking an Investment Associate ...

Northwestern Mutual

Investment Associate

Baxter, MN · On-site

We deliver thoughtful, personalized financial planning and investment strategies with a goal of helping clients achieve clarity and long-term financial freedom. We're seeking an Investment Associate ...

Northwestern Mutual

Investment Associate

Baxter, MN · On-site

We deliver thoughtful, personalized financial planning and investment strategies with a goal of helping clients achieve clarity and long-term financial freedom. We're seeking anInvestment ...

Northwestern Mutual

Operations Associate

Baxter, MN · On-site

$65K - $73K/yr

As we grow, we're looking for a self-disciplined, detail-oriented Operations Associate to join our team and support the administrative backbone of our financial planning practice. The Operations ...

Northwestern Mutual

Operations Associate

Baxter, MN · On-site

As we grow, we're looking for a self‑disciplined, detail‑oriented Operations Associate to join our team and support the administrative backbone of our financial planning practice. The Operations ...

Northwestern Mutual

Operations Associate

Baxter, MN · On-site

As we grow, we're looking for a selfdisciplined, detailorientedOperations Associateto join our team and support the administrative backbone of our financial planning practice. TheOperations ...

RICH'S SERVICE

Sanitation Associate -3rd Shift

Motley, MN · On-site

$20.60/hr

Competitive compensation Health & financial benefits Paid time off Parental leave Family planning support Flexible work policy Associate resource groups Volunteering & community impact opportunities ...

Ollie's

Retail Co-Store Manager

Baxter, MN · On-site

$48K - $55K/hr

... and financial oversight. Primary Responsibilities * Assist the Store Team Leader with managing ... Develop and execute talent planning to insure associate growth. * Ensure proper scheduling and ...

NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE

Mortgage Banker

Baxter, MN · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Build and maintain a referral network with real estate professionals, financial planners, and other ... Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an associate's degree in business or a combination of ...

National Bank of Commerce

Mortgage Banker

Baxter, MN · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Build and maintain a referral network with real estate professionals, financial planners, and other ... Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an associate's degree in business or a combination of ...

PetSmart

Retail Store Manager

Baxter, MN · On-site

Associate discounts * Career pathing * Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Store ... Communicates business and financial objectives to other leaders within the store. * Responsible for ...

PetSmart Careers

Retail Store Manager

Baxter, MN · On-site

$72K - $116K/yr

Associate discounts * Career pathing * Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Store ... Communicates business and financial objectives to other leaders within the store. * Responsible for ...

PetSmart

Retail Store Manager

Baxter, MN

Associate discounts * Career pathing * Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Store ... Communicates business and financial objectives to other leaders within the store. * Responsible for ...

PetSmart

Retail Store Manager

Baxter, MN

Associate discounts * Career pathing * Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Store ... Communicates business and financial objectives to other leaders within the store. * Responsible for ...

PetSmart Careers

Retail Store Manager

Baxter, MN · On-site

$72K - $116K/yr

Associate discounts * Career pathing * Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Store ... Communicates business and financial objectives to other leaders within the store. * Responsible for ...

PetSmart

Retail Store Manager

Baxter, MN

Associate discounts * Career pathing * Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Store ... Communicates business and financial objectives to other leaders within the store. * Responsible for ...

PetSmart

Retail Store Manager

Baxter, MN · On-site

$72K - $116K/yr

Associate discounts * Career pathing * Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Store ... Communicates business and financial objectives to other leaders within the store. * Responsible for ...

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All JobsFinancial Planning Associate JobsFinancial Planning Associate Jobs in Brainerd, MN

Financial Planning Associate information

See Brainerd, MN salary details

$13

$31

$66

How much do financial planning associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for financial planning associate in Brainerd, MN is $31.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a financial planning associate do?

A Financial Planning Associate supports financial advisors in creating and managing personalized financial plans for clients. They assist with data gathering, preparing financial projections, and conducting research on investment products and strategies. Their role also includes communicating with clients, maintaining records, and ensuring all regulatory requirements are met. This position is often an entry point for those aspiring to become certified financial planners in the future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a financial planning associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Financial Planning Associate, you need strong analytical abilities, knowledge of financial products, and a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field. Familiarity with financial planning software such as eMoney Advisor or MoneyGuidePro and certifications like CFP coursework are typically expected. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and clear communication help foster client trust and support collaboration within advisory teams. These skills are crucial for delivering accurate financial advice, building strong client relationships, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

How does a financial planning associate typically collaborate with senior advisors and clients?

As a Financial Planning Associate, you’ll work closely with senior advisors by assisting in the preparation of financial plans, conducting research, and gathering client information. You’ll often participate in client meetings, take notes, and help implement action items such as account openings, portfolio rebalancing, or document preparation. This collaborative environment provides valuable opportunities to learn directly from experienced professionals and build strong client relationships, which can be pivotal for advancement within the firm.

What is the difference between Financial Planning Associate vs Financial Advisor?

AspectFinancial Planning AssociateFinancial Advisor
CertificationsTypically requires a Series 7, Series 66, or CFP courseworkOften holds CFP certification, Series 7, Series 66, or other licenses
Work EnvironmentSupports financial advisors, works in financial firms or banksProvides personalized financial advice to clients, works independently or in firms
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssists in preparing financial plans, research, client supportCreates financial plans, recommends investments, manages client portfolios

Financial Planning Associates typically support Financial Advisors by handling research and client support, often requiring similar certifications. Financial Advisors directly serve clients with personalized financial strategies. While Associates focus on preparation and support, Advisors engage in client-facing advice and portfolio management.

Is a Financial Planning Associate an entry-level job?

A Financial Planning Associate is typically considered an entry-level position in the financial services industry. It often requires basic knowledge of financial concepts, strong communication skills, and may involve on-the-job training or certifications such as the CFP designation in the future.

What job categories do people searching Financial Planning Associate jobs in Brainerd, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Financial Planning Associate jobs in Brainerd, MN are:

What cities near Brainerd, MN are hiring for Financial Planning Associate jobs?

Cities near Brainerd, MN with the most Financial Planning Associate job openings:

Financial Planning Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Financial Planning Associate job openings in Brainerd, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,047 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Investment Associate

Northwestern Mutual

Baxter, MN • On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Northwestern Mutual rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

166th of 311 rated insurance

Job description

Cowell Financial is an established, comprehensive financial advisory firm located in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area. We deliver thoughtful, personalized financial planning and investment strategies with a goal of helping clients achieve clarity and long-term financial freedom. We're seeking an Investment Associate who is passionate about financial planning, enjoys analytical work, and wants to grow their career in a collaborative, client-first environment.
The Investment Associate will play a central role in implementing Cowell Financial's planning and wealth philosophies, participating in investment committee meetings, managing investment operations, and delivering high-quality portfolio analysis and client-focused recommendations. This role blends technical investment work with client-service responsibilities and offers strong opportunities for professional development and advancement.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Investment strategy & portfolio management
    • Implement and uphold Cowell Financial's planning and wealth management philosophies across client accounts
    • Participate actively in investment committee meetings and help translate committee decisions into client actions
    • Perform asset allocation, asset location, and time-weighted asset allocation analysis
    • Implement proactive rebalancing, tax-loss/gain harvesting, Roth conversions, charitable giving strategies, and strategic distribution planning
    • Prepare and execute retirement distribution plans, RMDs, cash reserve strategies, and other retirement-focused initiatives
  • Expense management & product oversight
    • Monitor share classes (A, B, C, institutional), annuities, advisory pricing, LOI/breakpoints and CDSC
    • Maintain awareness of and optimize expenses across client portfolios, including whole-family aggregated advisory pricing and SIMPLE IRA breakpoints
    • Maintain entity tax-type and SIMPLE IRA eligibility requirements
  • Retirement & qualified plan support
    • Provide general 401(k) allocation observations per service models and client need
    • Assist with in-service distributions, reminders for automatic rebalancing of employer plans, and coordination with TPAs
    • Maintain up-to-date Plan Highlights documentation and ensure retirement account deposits ahead of tax filing deadlines
  • Trading & investment operations
    • Place trades, log checks/orders, execute ACHs and wires, and manage account operational tasks across advisory, brokerage, variable annuities, SMAs and Private Client Services
    • Monitor annual advisory account review requirements, items for attention/alerts and other operational exceptions
  • Client service, compliance & communication
    • Analyze client financial situations and portfolios to develop and implement comprehensive recommendations aligned with client goals
    • Emphasize confidentiality, compliance and exceptional client service in all interactions
    • Work independently and collaboratively, delegate where appropriate, and manage multiple complex assignments efficiently and accurately
  • Research, learning & industry engagement
    • Maintain up-to-date investment industry and Northwestern Mutual knowledge
    • Participate actively in firm learning opportunities: meetings, schools, conferences, webinars and professional designation programs

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • SIE, Series 7, and 66 licensed, or equivalent
  • CFA designation or desire to acquire
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word
  • Excellent quantitative skills (time value of money, financial calculator, portfolio analytics)
  • Strong analytic, research, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities to deadlines
  • Effective active listening and communication skills
  • Commitment to client-first ethics, confidentiality and compliance
  • Passion for investments and a demonstrated thirst for ongoing professional development

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Long-term disability income plan
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k) with match
  • Professional designation program
  • Paid holidays & paid time off

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI. Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC), Milwaukee, WI, (long-term care insurance) a subsidiary of NM. Investment brokerage services are offered through Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, (NMIS) a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment advisor, and member FINRA and SIPC. Investment advisory and trust services are offered through Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and a federal savings bank.
Members of Cowell Financial use Cowell Financial as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Cowell Financial is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency, or federal savings bank. To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at cowellfinancial.com.

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About Northwestern Mutual

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for over 160 years through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution. With more than $290 billion in assets, $30 billion in revenues and more than $1.9 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.6 million clients. People are the power behind Northwestern Mutual, and diversity makes us better. We are committed to reflecting and serving the marketplace. We do so by attracting and improving the engagement of those who bring their outstanding perspectives, ideas, and beliefs.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

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