Continuing education has become very important for financial advisors as they navigate volatile markets for their clients. Like doctors, financial advisors continue to learn throughout their careers, gathering information from many different resources to better serve their clients.

Having experienced advisors host topics of interest to other advisors has become big business among the largest investment companies. The Principal and ING both have divisions that work with continuing education or coaching to help other advisors in their networks find the best possible retirement plans for plan sponsors and plan participants.

Kevin Morris, director of marketing for Principal Funds, helps his company plan continuing education seminars for advisors on topics ranging from Social Security to how advisors should approach clients about their spending habits. His most recent seminar was on Social Security and helping advisors discuss the nuances of that program as it relates to overall retirement strategy.