Do you call them insurance agents, financial consultants, financial advisors or financial planners?

Or is it the insurance industry, financial planning industry, financial consulting industry or wealth management industry?

In the past, it was much easier. It was just insurance agents and insurance industry. When I was in the insurance industry from 1994 to 2002, the insurance job is not something people looked up to. It was worse prior to 1994. People would run in the opposite direction when they saw an agent coming! Yes, ok. I was exaggerating. But I believe you guys get the drift; especially those of you who’re born in my generation.

Back then, to be an agent, all that was needed was 3 ‘O’ levels. You’d get all sort of people becoming insurance agents. From the doorman to the chairman; you name it, you’ll have it! As time passes, the bar has been raised. More and more fresh graduates are treating the financial planning career as a viable profession. Some are even very proud that they’re in this industry!

Now, do you call them insurance agents, financial consultants, financial advisors or financial planners? I’ll find out tomorrow when I meet up with two insurance managers. Eh…. or should I call them financial planning managers? Now I’m confused…