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Financial Planning Associate Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ

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Financial Planning Associate information

See Ridgewood, NJ salary details

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$32

$68

How much do financial planning associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for financial planning associate in Ridgewood, NJ is $32.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $34.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to get an entry level job in a financial planning associate?

To secure an entry-level financial planning associate position, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Gaining relevant skills such as proficiency in financial software and obtaining certifications like the CFP designation can improve job prospects; internships or related experience are also valuable for entry-level applicants.
What job categories do people searching Financial Planning Associate jobs in Ridgewood, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Financial Planning Associate jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:
What cities near Ridgewood, NJ are hiring for Financial Planning Associate jobs? Cities near Ridgewood, NJ with the most Financial Planning Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Financial Planning Associate job openings in Ridgewood, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,265 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Financial Planning Associate

Northwestern Mutual - Park Ave

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Salary: 60,000 - 70,000

Summary:

The Planning & Insurance associate is responsible for executing the firms planning and insurance processes. This role will support and be mentored by the senior associates and directors for the Planning & Insurance department.

Responsibilities:

  • Implement firms financial planning process including PX assumptions, template, concept pages and alternate scenarios
  • Implement firms insurance planning process by generating illustrations, creating recommendations, and updating existing recommendations. Support advisors in providing illustrations, examples, and research needed to answer questions about existing insurance policies.
  • Prepare advisors for close meetings by explaining integrated planning observations PX/insurance analysis, etc. as needed and serving as a resource prior to meetings
  • Knowledge of all Northwestern Mutual insurance products including life, disability, long term care insurance, and annuities.
  • Supports Director of P&I to review Financial Planning Assumptions with firm on a semi-annual basis and outline any proposed changes in the form of a presentation
  • Supports senior associates to create new insurance sales ideas and assist with complex insurance case design
  • Assist with written briefs on all client-relevant planning ideas on suite of services document and other ideas as needed
  • Assist with detailed social security analysis for new and existing A+ clients in retirement income phase
  • Prepare senior associates for occasional client meetings and provide advisors with client-ready e-mails as needed
  • Assist senior associates with collaboration with the home offices advanced planning team and PX product development team on a regular basis
  • Research strategies and competitive products as needed

Requirements

  • A Minimum of 2 Years of relevant experience working in a Financial Planning or planning related firm
  • Currently enrolled in CFP courses or plans to attain CFP within 3 years or have obtained CFP credential
  • Bachelors degree preferred
  • A strong self-starter who willingly takes the initiative, accepts responsibility,
  • Analyzing complex data and information and summarize in a concise manner
  • Strong organizational skills and utmost attention to detail
  • Ability to think critically and solve problems
  • A strong track record of effectively leading/working with cross-functional teams, driving meaningful changes and developing others
  • Proficiency in Microsoft office applications, expert Excel skills are a plus