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      First Command Financial Services

      Engaged Employer

      First Command Financial Services reviews about "training"

      88% positive business outlook

      Ratings by category

      4.6

      Culture & values

      4.5

      Diversity & inclusion

      4.3

      Work/Life balance

      4.3

      Career opportunities

      4.2

      Senior management

      4.1

      Compensation and benefits

      Ratings by demographic groups

      Reviews by job title

      89 reviews
      5.0
      Jan 26, 2021

      Serving Those Who Serve

      Anonymous employee
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      As a long-time client of First Command, I was honored to have the opportunity to join the First Command family on our Home Office team. To be a part of a company who truly lives out our mission of serving those who serve gives me inspiration and motivation in my work each and every day. Our team is supportive and encouraging and, even while working remote, I feel incredibly connected. Coming from a military family, the culture at First Command couldn’t be a better fit and I look forward to growing my career with the company. Overall, exceptional culture, empowering management, continual professional development, rewarding long-term compensation program, strong mission and values lived out every day.

      Cons

      While onboarding and training were a challenge fully remote, I have felt nothing but genuine support from my team.

      2.0
      Aug 7, 2020

      Great Company Goals - Underappreciated Workers & Whole Life Pushers

      Anonymous employee
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      -the people working at this company truly care about helping our service members achieve their goals & changing the lives of their clients for the better -free service for military cliente -some cliente would never be able to achieve their financial goals had they not met with a financial advisor from First Command. -teach free training to soldiers to ensure soldiers understand all of their benefits and coach them to reach their financial goals.

      Cons

      -higher ups within the company discuss the high salary income and bonuses they make openly and then berate hourly workers for asking for simple office items (ie - sticky notes, birthday celebration items, staplers, sign here stickers, etc.) & also still pay administrative employees less than $10/hr. -higher ups within the company only celebrate those that make them money (ie advisors) and do not celebrate the administrative staff -from a client perspective, if you find an advisor you truly care about, but have to PCS (since they typically serve military clients), you have to change advisors and have no choice not to. Your new advisor may not ever even reach out to you. -from a client perspective, after you are sold your products, you typically have to reach out to your advisor for follow up as the advisor doesn't care after the sell is made typically. -First Command pushes whole life even after being told by clients that whole life is not desired. if you are a company based upon creating a specific financial plan for a family, that family's views & values should be respected. -after sending out anonymous surveys, responses were still not valued and no changes were made by management, why ask for feedback and make no changes? complacency should not be valued.

      avatar
      First Command Financial Services Response
      5y
      Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective. You have made an insightful observation about the people who work at this company. Our employees and Advisors truly care about helping our Nation’s military families. You see that commitment reflected in the care our Advisors provide to relocating clients. Advisors offer face-to-face coaching in the communities where our clients live and work. They serve in more than 170 offices worldwide, many near major military installations. These local financial coaches welcome new clients to the area and help existing clients PCS to their next home. Regarding whole life insurance –First Command does not focus on the sale of whole life or any specific type of financial product. Instead, our Advisors and employees study client needs, assets and any coverage already in place. If they find gaps in coverage, they will propose a solution. Term life insurance is a cost-effective option used to cover temporary needs. Permanent insurance products (like whole life) offer lifetime protection for permanent needs. That’s the same approach and care our Advisors take in addressing savings and investment needs for long-term goals including retirement. First Command encourages feedback and constructive criticism. Our Advisors and employees are invited to discuss business-related problems with their supervisors or with any members of management. A crucial element of that approach is the ongoing development of strong and effective leaders through efforts that include a structured development program. Surveys and reviews on Glassdoor and other sites provide us with additional insights. You can help us improve by sharing the specifics of your situation so that, if necessary, our company can take swift, corrective action. Please give us a call at 800-443-2104 and ask for Human Resources. Again, thank you for sharing your perspective.
      5.0
      Aug 17, 2021

      Financial Adviser

      Adviser
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      Great people, excellent training, make your business your own, great opportunity for high levels of income

      Cons

      You will either sink or swim in this industry. You have to be good in multiple areas of finance or you will never make it

      avatar
      First Command Financial Services Response
      4y
      Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience as a First Command Financial Advisor. The mission of the company is incredibly important to our Advisors. They tell us that one of the most compelling elements of this career is the opportunity to serve military personnel and their families in a meaningful way. One of our most valuable offerings is the Fast Start program, which provides intense professional development to prepare new people for success as independent Advisors. Some of the benefits of that program include paying new Advisors during the training period and offering a full array of employee benefits. Through the program, our Advisors learn how to build and grow their own business, serve new clients and provide quality, face-to-face financial coaching. Our Advisors are eligible to earn a strong income through competitive industry commissions on sales of financial products, plus additional annual and deferred compensation. We appreciate your feedback and thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
      4.0
      Aug 19, 2021

      Good initial training

      Financial advisor trainee
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      They will sponsor you to get great certification in the industry. If you have a military connection or enjoy that environment it can be a good fit.

      Cons

      Long script memorization process. Limited to the military, and eventually all commission.

      avatar
      First Command Financial Services Response
      4y
      Thank you for taking the time to share your experience as a Financial Advisor. At First Command, we regard our focus on the military as one of our biggest strengths. We are committed to supporting the lifelong financial security of our Nation’s military families. The mission of the company is incredibly important to our Advisors. They tell us that one of the most compelling elements of this career is the opportunity to serve military personnel and their families in a meaningful way. Four out of five First Command Financial Advisors come from the ranks of veterans and military spouses. For these Advisors, the career is about serving those who serve through quality, face-to-face financial coaching. Our Advisors go through an extensive training program designed to equip them to succeed as independent contractors. Some of the benefits of that program include paying new Advisors during the training period and offering a full array of employee benefits. They are eligible to earn a strong income through competitive industry commissions on sales of financial products, plus additional annual and deferred compensation. We appreciate your feedback and thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
      2.0
      Nov 29, 2021

      Below market pay, merit bonus does not keep up with cost of living

      Product management
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      The work is fine and generally I am left to be self sufficient. They have paid for additional certifications.

      Cons

      Little to no diversity efforts. Poor culture leads to poor office interactions. People are called "hood rats" or told "bye Felicia" and HR does not take these things seriously Base pay is below market rates. Return to office is mandatory 2 days a week. "Merit" increase was only 3%, less than inflation. No 401k matching. The esop contributions are on a very long 6 year vesting schedule. Poor training leaves you unprepared do deal with issues that may arise, even 3 years into the job. Often there is 1 person who knows the answer to, or has access to fix and issue, and if that person is out of office, you must wait for their return for a resolution.

      avatar
      First Command Financial Services Response
      4y
      We are committed to creating and sustaining a culture that inspires our employees and makes them feel appreciated and part of the First Command family. Encouraging feedback and constructive criticism is part of that commitment. Your comment on compensation is an important one. We focus on providing our employees with extensive training and opportunities for professional growth, and we reward them through an attractive compensation and benefits program. We offer competitive pay determined by third-party studies of employers in our market area, which is supplemented with a generous benefits package. In addition, as an employee-owned company, First Command offers an Employee Stock Ownership Program to qualified employees. This valuable retirement benefit is funded entirely by company contributions. At First Command, we recognize and appreciate the value of a diverse workforce, and we foster an inclusive environment where feedback is encouraged. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience.
      5.0
      Feb 18, 2021

      Great place to work for!

      Financial advisor
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      You are your own boss. Freedom to innovate your business to your liking. Great atmosphere to work in. No cap on income. Freedom to spend time with family. Great training. Tremendous support

      Cons

      It can be tough starting out, but you are given an hourly wage for 3 months and salary for 9 months to get you started. Something a lot of companies won’t do.

      avatar
      First Command Financial Services Response
      5y
      Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. First Command seeks to attract and retain talented people by providing employees and Advisors with opportunities to enhance their professional knowledge and develop leadership skills. As you note, our Advisors do face some challenges in growing their business, but they also enjoy many opportunities. One of our most valuable offerings is the Fast Start program, which provides intense professional development to prepare new people for success as independent Advisors. Some of the benefits of that program include paying new Advisors during the training period and offering a full array of employee benefits. Through the program, our Advisors learn how to build and grow their own business, serve new clients and provide quality, face-to-face financial coaching. They learn how to coach our clients to become financially disciplined and confident in their pursuit of financial security. We appreciate your feedback and thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
      3.0
      Mar 27, 2021

      Good company overall but inflexible business model during COVID

      Financial advisor
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      Sponsored test prep and FINRA SIE/Series 7/66 exams Good training program Improving lives of military families Lots of good people throughout the company

      Cons

      Have to sell a lot of whole life insurance to be successful at first Inflexible business model cannot allow for disruptions due to COVID-19 restrictions Very small percent of those starting will be successful

      avatar
      First Command Financial Services Response
      5y
      Thank you for sharing some of the benefits of pursuing a career as a First Command Financial Advisor. First Command’s military-focused hiring strategy dates to our company’s founding in 1958, and it has given us a strong retention rate for new Advisors. We have been recognized as a 2021 Military Friendly Employer and are proud to rank among the nation’s top employers of military vets and spouses. Like all careers, this one has its share of challenges. We strive to provide our Advisors with the resources and expertise to meet those challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult period for many. During this time, we have supported our Advisors with resources to allow ongoing business growth and continued servicing of existing clients. We quickly enabled digital engagement tools, and we continue to encourage our Advisors to reach out to their leadership team for marketing ideas and support. Our most successful Advisors tell us that one of the most compelling elements of this career is the opportunity to serve military personnel and their families in a meaningful way. Our Advisors go through an extensive training program designed to equip them to succeed as independent contractors. Advisors learn how to build and grow their own business, serve new clients and provide quality, face-to-face financial coaching. They learn how to coach our clients to become financially disciplined and confident in their pursuit of financial security. Regarding your comments on whole life insurance – our company does not focus on the sale of any specific type of financial product. Our Advisors offer products and services in the context of financial coaching through a comprehensive financial plan. First Command seeks Advisors who believe in this approach and always put our clients first. In this way, we maintain a culture that reflects the highest ethical standards and best practices of the financial services industry. We appreciate your feedback and thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
      5.0
      Sep 20, 2019

      This Is My Family

      Financial advisor
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      I feel so proud knowing that what I do everyday makes a difference in others lives. The training has improved every year that I've been here and I never get tired of receiving hand written appreciation cards from some of the top executives.

      Cons

      More digital improvements are needed.

      2.0
      Dec 2, 2019

      Constant Change; Hope you like whole life - better sell a lot of it.

      Advisor
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      Flexibility of schedule, unlimited earning potential, good people.

      Cons

      You're on the hook - pay for your office space, pay for your assistant, pay the home office each month for their "help", pay to go to regional training if you want to or not. Severely lacking in digital. Out of touch from a product perspective. If you don't have a second source of income, good luck making it.

      avatar
      First Command Financial Services Response
      6y
      Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. We appreciate that you have noted some of the key advantages of pursuing a career as a First Command Financial Advisor, including the opportunity to work with good people. Your observation aligns with the feedback we get from our most successful Advisors. They tell us that one of the most compelling elements of this career is the opportunity to serve military families in a meaningful way. Four out of five First Command Financial Advisors come from the ranks of veterans and military spouses. For these Advisors, the career is about serving those who serve. It is about staying connected to the military community in a way that adds value to the lives of service members and their families by helping them pursue their financial objectives and goals.As you note, our Advisors have flexibility of schedule and unlimited earning potential. That's because they are independent contractors. We seek individuals with internal drive, entrepreneurial mindsets and a desire for professional growth. We provide new Advisors with an extensive training program designed to equip them to succeed as independent contractors. Advisors learn how to build and grow their own business, serve new clients, and provide quality, face-to-face financial coaching. We have found that those who are primarily motivated to sell products do not typically enjoy long-term success. We do not focus on the sale of whole life insurance (or any specific type of financial product). Rather, we coach our clients to become financially disciplined and confident in their pursuit of financial security by addressing the spectrum of financial issues they face. We always put our clients first. We are committed to a culture that reflects the highest ethical standards and best practices of the financial services industry. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your experiences.
      4.0
      Sep 4, 2020

      Initial year with First Command

      Financial advisor
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business Outlook

      Pros

      Great training program; pay for licensing; supportive at all levels

      Cons

      like any Financial Advisor position which leads to an independent contractor, you must meet gates to continue; opportunities stiffled due to Covid-19, just like many other businesses

      avatar
      First Command Financial Services Response
      5y
      Thank you for sharing some of the pros of a career as a First Command Financial Advisor. As you note, one of our most valuable offerings is our training program. We provide intense professional development to prepare new people for success. Advisors learn how to build and grow their own business, serve new clients, and provide quality, face-to-face coaching. Our most successful Advisors tell us that one of the most compelling elements of this career is the opportunity to serve military personnel and their families in a meaningful way. Four out of five First Command Financial Advisors come from the ranks of veterans and military spouses. For these Advisors, the career is about serving military families by helping them pursue their financial objectives and goals. The result is a culture that reflects the highest ethical standards and best practices of the financial services industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope you’ve experienced the added resources provided to our Advisors to enable ongoing business growth and continued servicing of existing clients. We quickly enabled digital engagement tools, and we are encouraging our Advisors to reach out to their leadership team for marketing ideas and support. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your experiences.
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