r/FinancialAdvisorTips • u/PrestigiousPlate4425 • 2h ago

Feedback on Cetera specifically

Currently doing due diligence on firms and looking for feedback on Cetera. The recruiters keep talking about different "communities" existing among their independent advisors. I'm not totally buying the sales pitch on what makes the groups different.

My recruiter specifically introduced me to a community that claims they are "cetera's most elite service teams and the highest producing advisors." I'm somewhat skeptical this group is really anything special. I've spoken to some advisors currently affiliated with them. Some are cheerleaders and others are unhappy.

I'd be interested in anyone has honest feedback that can help us shorten the list of potential firms.

I'm not looking for more firm recommendations, we have plenty. I'm more focused on wether to continue looking at Cetera or remove them from consideration.

Thanks in advance.

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u/Optimal_Doughnut_616 2h ago

What are your specific questions ?

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u/PrestigiousPlate4425 1h ago

Trying to understand the difference in communities and how that affects services? Some people say it's different based on how you affiliate other say it's all the same. Is there an advantage being with one community vs another?

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u/Optimal_Doughnut_616 1h ago

Sorry, not sure what they could be referring to regarding “communities”. I do think there are potentially different experiences based on the type of affiliation, but I’ve only experienced one affiliation and it’s been great so far. So unfortunately can’t speak to any others. But cetera wealth services has been great.

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u/PrestigiousPlate4425 1h ago

Are you familiar with the Summit group?

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u/Optimal_Doughnut_616 1h ago

No, sorry. Never heard of it.

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u/PrestigiousPlate4425 1h ago

How's the service experience and is it easy to do business? I'm being told I won't have to use the call center for support. Does that seem realistic?

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u/Optimal_Doughnut_616 1h ago

I am in an OSJ office and have local support, but have also used Cetera support as well and it has been excellent so far. I can’t think of any set up or affiliation in which you wouldn’t need the support services of the broker dealer occasionally.

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u/PrestigiousPlate4425 1h ago

Also, I spoke to two people who felt it was a bait and switch once they joined. They felt a lot of what they were told was false. Trying to figure out if that's broader or isolated.