Financial Planning Intern (Summer 2027)

Job Description

About Merkle Retirement Planning

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• 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.
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• We foster an environment where all team members are welcomed and valued.
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About Merkle Retirement Planning's internship program

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• 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.
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• 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.
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Location, Availability, and Hours

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• This internship is an in-office-only program at Merkle Retirement Planning headquarters located in Grimes, IA.
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• This internship will run from May 2027 to August 2027.
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• Interns must be available to work 30-32 hours per week during the summer and during normal business hours, with flexibility for occasional Merkle Retirement Planning-sponsored client events outside of normal business hours.
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Qualifications

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

Sales & Planning

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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.
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2. Attend 2-3 client meetings per week.
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3. Prepare with the financial advisor or independently before client meetings and follow up after as time allows.
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4. Take notes during meetings and dictate interactions and follow-up items in client management software.
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5. Collaborate with financial advisors to develop strategies or talk through meetings attended that week.
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6. Attend regular Planning team meeting.
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7. Attend Planning team training as schedule allows.
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8. Observe the Planning team's performance on Retiring Today TV shoot days, as the recording schedule allows.
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Client Servicing

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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.
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2. Prepare client paperwork.
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3. Scan and analyze prospective client documents.
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4. Organize and analyze client data and documents.
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5. Input data into various planning software as needed.
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6. File and process client paperwork and documents, including account applications, service requests, and forms.
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7. Attend the weekly Servicing team meeting.
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Misc.

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