A. You can start as a financial planner on a part time basis, but don't expect to make anything big at all for some years. Her is a typical path that might work -
1. Study for a CFP board certification
If you do this on a part time basis, you probably need 18 months and spend non-trivial amount of money to get your CFP certification. This is a must to start with.
2. Pass the Series 65 exam
Most states will accept the CFP marks in lieu of the Series 65 exam, but if you just start out, you won't have your CFP mark because you couldn't meet the 3-year experience requirement, so just spend a few weeks or months to study and pass the Series 65 exam.
3. Search for a full time position, or start your own part time firm
You can start your own firm by registering it with the state and start from scratch your own RIA firm. The first year cost should be less than $10,000, but don't expect any income yet, because while the cost barrier is low, advising people about their life savings is a sacred duty and education and experience are important to gain people's trust and do it well.
So a more realistic way is to start full time at another firm, most likely start from an entry level job, and prepare for a pay cut if you current work.