Financial Planning Intern (Summer 2027)

Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC; Grimes (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC, a small team in Grimes, IA, invites applications for its summer internship program in 2027. Interns gain exposure to the financial planning industry, work alongside planning and client-servicing staff, and interact with clients at events.

The role blends sales processes with service support and mentors guide interns through planning software and daily tasks. This in-office internship runs May–August 2027, requires 30–32 hours per week with some after-hours

Qualifications

• Junior or senior pursuing a bachelor's degree in finance, financial planning & counseling, business, or related field.
• Excellent customer service and etiquette.
• Professionalism, eagerness to learn, punctuality, and strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Learn foundational financial planning concepts under mentorship.
• Attend 2–3 client meetings per week.
• Prepare for meetings with the advisor and follow up as time allows.
• Take notes and enter follow-up items in client management software.
• Collaborate with planners to develop strategies.
• Attend weekly Planning team meetings and training.
• Support client servicing and manage documents as needed.
• Assist with client paperwork and data organization.

Skills

Customer service

Professionalism

Written and verbal communication

Analytical skills

Ability to work independently

Interest in financial literacy

Education

Pursuing bachelor's degree in finance, financial planning, or business

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

• 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 2027 to August 2027.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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

• 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.
• Attend 2-3 client meetings per week.
• Prepare with the financial advisor or independently before client meetings and follow up after as time allows.
• Take notes during meetings and dictate interactions and follow-up items in client management software.
• Collaborate with financial advisors to develop strategies or talk through meetings attended that week.
• Attend regular Planning team meeting.
• Attend Planning team training as schedule allows.
• Observe the Planning team’s performance on Retiring Today TV shoot days, as the recording schedule allows.
• 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.
• Prepare client paperwork.
• Scan and analyze prospective client documents.
• Organize and analyze client data and documents.
• Input data into various planning software as needed.
• File and process client paperwork and documents, including account applications, service requests, and forms.
• Attend the weekly Servicing team meeting.

Misc.

• Attend Merkle Retirement Planning-sponsored events - as schedule allows.