What we do
The Zoo is Open Daily!
We wondered if a data entry business could sustain itself by hiring current and recently graduated students from college CFP educational programs, giving them a learning environment, and having them provide outsourced financial planning data entry and light paraplanning services to independent planning firms.
The answer is YES! We have experienced planners, proficient in each of the most popular financial planning software programs. They are teaching students and new planners how to understand the information they are receiving, enter the data points into the software, identify any information gaps, and provide a list of basic red flags/opportunities for the advisor to consider.
Our intention is to simultaneously help new financial planners entering the industry, financial planning firm owners growing beyond their capacity, and the American public as a whole through increased access to knowledgeable financial advice.
How does it work?
The Details
The new planners (Zoo Crew) work virtually on their own schedule after initial training, and commit to 10 hours per week minimum. The Zoo Crew are paid more than typical college student jobs can command. We provide access to the various software programs and a secure computing environment. This work allows new planners to learn multiple planning software programs, gain valuable technical and industry experience, and build their resume, better positioning them to join an RIA at graduation.
The experienced planners (Zookeepers) review the client information and case planning with the Zoo Crew, expanding their knowledge. They also act as mentors to the Crew, answering questions about the industry, business models, planning opportunities, etc.
what's the why?
Grow the Profession
Firm owners who want to utilize our services for data entry or data migration to streamline their business. They will be giving back to the profession by providing opportunities for students to work on real client situations all while being supervised by an experienced financial planner who verifies and signs off on all work completed.
If we can increase the number of new planners who have deep data input and software skills as well as a foundational planning understanding, firms will hire more freely, allowing them to serve more clients. We estimate that each new planner trained will help at least fifty additional households seeking financial planning services. This is an exponential benefit and something that will continue moving the profession forward.
