Financial Planning Intern

About Merkle Retirement Planning

• At Merkle Retirement Planning, we are dedicated to guiding our clients through retirement. We are a small but mighty team of passionate individuals who work together to achieve our goals. We believe that collaboration and communication are critical to success.
• We foster an environment where all team members are welcomed and valued.

About Merkle Retirement Planning's internship program

• The Merkle Retirement Planning Internship Program provides exposure to the financial planning industry—specifically retirement planning—while blending sales processes with client servicing support. This combination ensures interns receive a well-rounded education on various aspects of the business. Interns are integral to our team’s success and have access to resources and mentors throughout the internship program.
• Through the internship program, interns can interact with clients in the office and at Merkle Retirement Planning-sponsored client events. Interns will gain exposure to various planning software platforms and build upon their professional skills.

Location, Availability, and Hours

• This internship is an in-office-only program at Merkle Retirement Planning headquarters located in Grimes, IA.
• This internship will run from May 2025 to August 2025.
• Interns must be able to work 30-32 hours per week during normal business hours, with flexibility for occasional Merkle Retirement Planning-sponsored client events outside of normal business hours.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance, financial planning & counseling, business, or a related field is preferred.
• Excellent customer service skills and etiquette.
• Demonstrates an elevated level of professionalism and enthusiasm to learn.
• Reports to the office punctually and dressed appropriately.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong analytical skills.
• An interest in financial literacy, planning software, and financial tools.
• Proficient with related computer applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

Responsibilities

Sales & Planning

1. Work under the mentorship of members of the Planning team to learn and understand fundamental financial planning concepts, such as income planning, investment strategy, health care, long-term tax strategies, and estate plan review.
2. Attend 2-3 client meetings per week.
3. Prepare with the financial advisor or independently before client meetings and follow up after as time allows.
4. Take notes during meetings and dictate interactions and follow-up items in client management software.
5. Attend one-on-one check-ins with members of the Planning team.
6. Collaborate with financial advisors to develop strategies or talk through meetings attended that week.
7. Attend the weekly Planning team meeting.
8. Attend Planning team training as schedule allows.
9. Observe the Planning team's performance on Retiring Today TV shoot days, as the recording schedule allows.

Client Servicing

1. Work with the Client Servicing team to support and maintain client portfolios, prepare for visits, process documents, and facilitate unique projects as the team needs.
2. Prepare client paperwork.
3. Scan and analyze prospective client documents.
4. Organize and analyze client data and documents.
5. Mail handling, including scanning and filing.
6. Input data into various planning software as needed.
7. File and process client paperwork and documents, including account applications, service requests, and forms.
8. Observe and assist with Social Security and Medicare elections, 401(k) rollovers, and various paperwork meetings.
9. Attend the weekly Servicing team meeting.

Misc.

1. Attend Merkle Retirement Planning-sponsored events – as schedule allows.