By Colleen Watson

As the New Year comes closer we start to reflect on our job and set new career goals. More challenging and rewarding work is a typical wish. This year do something about your career path and make a move into a more lucrative and growing financial opportunity.

Wayne Gretzky, the greatest goal scorer in the game of hockey said, "I do not skate to where the puck is...I skate to where the puck is going to be." So what careers are growing in the financial markets?

America is aging and so is the average American. Long term planning becomes a necessity when the end is closer than our beginning. Everyone is concerned about the longevity of the Social Security fund and is looking for new ways to pay for their Golden Years.

It therefore follows, that the fastest growing career in finance, is the field of Securities, Communities, and Financial Sales Agents. The perjected growth is 28% by 2010. This is also one on the highest paying careers with the top Minnesota earners making in excess of $150,000 annually. Over 10,000 new hires will be made due to growth and net replacement. (Source: America's Career

Financial planners buy and sell securities in investment and trading firms. Or they call upon businesses or individuals to sell financial services. They offer counseling on such things as loans, taxes, and securities.

Entering this field requires talent and planning. You should have a college degree with knowledge of economics and accounting principals. But you also need to have sales and marketing skills and or experience. This is a field that needs you to be able to use both sides of your brain. You must be able to analysis systems accurately and then persuade others to accept your advice.

If financial planning is not your cup of tea you might consider being an Accountant or an Auditor. It is estimated that there will be 20,900 new Accountant and Auditor openings in Minnesota by 2010. The salaries are good also starting at $31,800 for fresh graduates and moving up to $75,000 for top-level personnel.

Other growing careers are Credit Analysts, Budget Analysts, Loan Councilors, Tax Preparers, Economists and Bill Collectors. Most of these careers require education, training and experience. So maybe it is time to go back to school and pick up some practical training.

A woman said to me that she was 46 years old and she would be 50 by the time she got done with school. I asked how old she would be in 4 years if she didn't go to school.

If additional schooling is not an option, you should look at being a tax planner or a bill collector. Tax preparers require a small amount of training that can be complete in a few weeks. This is flexible work and can be done on a part-time basis. Earnings vary from $17,000 to $66,000 annually.

Bill and Account Collectors can be ready to start their career with on the job training. Annually they earn between $19,200 and $44,400, but they can make more if they have bonus pay for reaching individual and team objectives. While may people turn their nose up at the idea of being a bill collector, those that succeed make a good living.

Think about the New Year and where you would like your career to be next year at this time. You can have anything you want if you are willing to pay the price. What are you willing to do to get ahead in the financial world?