i am thinking of entering the financial services or insurance field. Which is better, and why?

Answer 1

Financial services because you have more things to sell, which also includes insurance. With insurance, all you do is selling insurance. In financial services, you can do lot more than just selling insurance, such as doing financial analysis on clients and maybe do investments as well. Every financial service company operates differently. Some focus on couple of areas and some focus on all areas.

Answer 2

The two are actually intertwined in most instances. I just graduated with concentrations in Econ and Finance, and the Financial Services field seems much more promising. It does depend alot on what the company is like. Most all financial services companies also deal with insurance, but the same can't be said vice-versa. I've found that the training programs and pay packages are more promising there as well. Most insurance jobs are solely commission, while most financial services are salaried with bonus programs. Good luck.

Answer 3

I think insurance is better but financial services are part of selling insurance. One of the great thing about insurance is you will be able to build a book of business and receive a commission on it even when you are not selling anything. Like when you are on vacation. Most folks that sell only financial services go to work every day trying to sell something. Not insurance people.You should try both.

Answer 4

I've been in insurance and financial services for nearly 35 years. After several years offering only insurance, I determined that many of my clients and prospects needed other help which I was not qualified ot offer; so, I expanded my education and my field. It is very rewarding.

Frugernity's comment that insurance is a subset is very true. Insurance is GREAT! But, after you do ONLY it for awhile, you want to be able to help your clients in so many more ways. There is nothing wrong with staying ONLY in insurance, if you wish. It is very satisfying. But, if you're the curious kind, and always looking to grow and meet new challenges, I'd recommend working toward the full set of financial services.

You'll meet and work with TONS of professionals and interesting people!

Answer 5

I would have to say, Financial services, as stated before insurance is one line of product. For me personally the thrill is in helping families that are struggling and helping them find their way to financial freedom. This also means being able to take a lot of stress off of people's shoulders if you are able to help them in a well rounded way in terms of insurance, finding ways to pay down debt faster and getting their money working harder for them


Even in respect to building your business, you are able to get paid on securities, mortgage and other related products and not just on insurance and you will be of more use to people if you are their go to person for every thing financial.

Another aspect and very important is to be able to transition from an employee mindset to a business building mindset. All financial
companies work different to some degree but most allow you to build a client base that are YOUR clients and you are able to receive a renewal income as well as getting paid on the initial transaction. I know the company that I am with there is a 6-7 figure income potential and a shot at building a winning business.
I hope this helps and you find the part of the industry that is right for you.

Answer 6

Insurance is really a subset of financial services. Other types of financial services might include banking, mortgages, investments, financial planning, etc.

Answer 7

I would go with financial. There is more room to improve your personal finances...and insurance people are always known as dirt balls.