I’m interested in becoming a Certified Financial Planner, but I’m facing something of a “Catch 22.” In order to complete the requirements for the formal certification as a financial planner, a person has to have 3 years of financial work experience. I’m currently a full-time high school social studies teacher, and would like to make the transition to the new career as quickly as possible after I retire from teaching (in about 10 years). What can I do while I’m still a full-time teacher to get the financial work experience I need so that I can make the transition to a Certified Financial Planner without having to spend 3 years getting this experience after I retire from teaching? Thanks in advance for your time, ideas, and information.