Book excerpt: According to the U.S. Office of Statistics, financial planning is one of the fastest-growing careers in America today. Over 200,000 financial presently work in the marketplace, and the growth rate continues in the double digits. Of those financial planners, over 40 percent are self-employed or outside affiliates with financial institutions. Certified financial planners usually come from financial backgrounds, including accountants, bankers, MBAs, or brokers. But what do you need to become a CFPr and how can you make it a successful career path? The Complete Idiot's Guide to Success as a Personal Financial Planner has it all.