Financial planning expertise grows at Texas A&M 

With more than $84 million in national wealth projected to transfer over the next two generations and Texas’ rapid population growth, the future is bright for financial planning students at Texas A&M University, said Kevin Keller, CEO of the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards.

Keller recently spoke to students within the Financial Planning Program, housed within the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics. He emphasized the expanding demand for holistic financial planning and praised the university for preparing students to meet this need. 

“Texas’ population continues to grow; there’s higher demand for financial planning here in this state than any other part of the country,” said Keller.

Rising demand, aging workforce

The financial planning profession is at a pivotal moment. Keller said over 65% of certified financial planners are over the age of 64, creating a critical need for new professionals to enter the field.

“So many folks are looking to move into retirement, so we’re going to need people like you to step up and lead,” Keller said addressing the students. 

The U.S. Department of Labor projects demand for financial planners will grow 17% over the next two years.

The department’s financial planning degree program is addressing this need through curriculum covering a variety of topics including savings and investments, income tax planning, retirement income planning, debt management, estate planning, risk management, client communication and more.

“Our goal is to develop professionals who are not only technically proficient but also capable of building deep, trust-based relationships with clients,” said Nathan Harness, Ph.D., director of the program. “This is a profession where character, communication and commitment matter just as much as credentials.”

Giving back, building the future

Keller also shared a lesson in giving back. He praised Bill Carter ’69 of Carter Financial Management and his wife, Fran, for establishing a $5 million planned gift that helped launch the university’s certified financial planning degree program in the College.

“I know there are many traditions at Texas A&M and one is giving back to the university,” Keller said. “When you become successful, I want you to remember your time here and how you benefited from those before you. Bill Carter is an Aggie philanthropist to emulate.”

Keller said the students’ path to entering the professional landscape of certified planning is bountiful.

“Your work will help shape the future,” he said. “It’s incredibly powerful work and honorable work. It’s incredibly rewarding.”