Financial planners are charged with maximizing the return on their clients asset while minimizing the risk of negative returns. Financial planners must obtain various licenses, and require specialized education in order to legally operate. Most financial planners initially work for a large financial company or bank, and then once they have accumulated enough experience, will go work for a smaller firm, or work independently with their own clients. Depending on your needs, and the value of your portfolio, it may be a better fit to work with a company the employs many financial planners.