While both a financial planner and a financial advisor help consumers manage their money, there are a few key differences between the two. On one hand, a financial planner is a type of financial advisor. Further, financial planners help people meet their long-term money goals. Usually, planners have a specialty in taxes, investments, estate planning and/or retirement. Plus, they have designations and certifications, such as: Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant (CFC), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). On the other hand, the tasks of a financial advisor are broader than those of a financial planner. In fact, an advisor does everything that a planner does rather than only choosing a few. But because of their wide range of services, they must have a Series 65 license. And most advisors have additional credentials as well.