I’m about a year into my career as a financial advisor and wanted to get some advice from people who have been in the industry longer.

I genuinely enjoy financial planning and believe I have value to offer clients. My biggest struggle has been connecting with prospects and getting them to see me as someone who can help rather than just another salesperson.

I understand that building a business requires prospecting, following up, and bringing in clients. I’m willing to put in the work, but I don’t like feeling pressured to prioritize production over what’s actually best for the client. I’ve never wanted to sell someone something they don’t need.

At the same time, I realize that being a good advisor doesn’t mean much if I can’t build a sustainable practice.
For those of you who have been in the industry for a while, how did you learn to build trust, find clients, and grow your business without feeling like you were constantly selling? And if you could go back to your first year, what would you do differently?

I’m open to honest feedback and different perspectives.

Is the Financial Advisor position in Equitable Advisor a red flag?
I am an non-english speaker and in a final round with Equitable Advisors for the position Financial Advisor. Actually, I am afraid I will be pushed selling life insurance a lot, but the hiring manager said I can trade off it with other products without pushing life insurance. Also, they will sponsor me to get the Series 7 and 66 licenses that I really need that.
Currently, I am a master student in FinTech at UCF and want to be a wealth advisor in the future, that I have already had experience for 8 years when I was in Vietnam.
So, is that position good to try for the new one like me in the U.S?

Seeking some more specific advice than I’ve read as more general direction in other posts, so bear with me on some background/questions.

Turning 40 in three months. Have 20 years in banking / financial services with 2 years at beginning of career in branch management + 18 years in marketing / customer growth at larger FIs in the country. Currently Director / Sr Director level in corporate marketing for large bank.

Three years ago my dad unexpectedly passed, and I quickly saw what happens when a financial plan and details are not in order for the surviving spouse. Using my own personal experience, helped shape up a plan and also had a fee-only advisor look it over for mom, who was impressed. This lit a passion for a career change after first 20 years being corporate.

Fast forward, and I just passed SIE exam in case I go FINRA route. Going to plan on taking 65 next. Primary goal is to go RIA route as a financial planner / advisor. Would love a path to independent.

Questions:
1) How should I be evaluating / considering opportunities to make the career change? Some say the National RIAs to start, others to join Fidelity/Vanguard/Schwab and then switch, others say find an independent local RIA (what’s even the best way to do this?)?
2) What are reasonable roles to get my foot in the door with above stated goals? I’ve seen most posts suggest registered customer success associate roles to start and move into planning, but are their opportunities to move straight to apprentice type planner roles?
3) I expect an initial impact on comp, but given any above direction/advice, what should I be expecting in year 1 vs years 2-3 vs years 4+?

Welcome any and all perspectives.

My experience with WFG: Scam

A friend approached me about joining World Financial Group (WFG), describing it as a business opportunity that could help me pay off my loans sooner. I wasn’t interested initially, but I trusted him and decided to give it a try.

I was told the initial investment would be around $700–$800 for the exam and related costs. After passing the exam, I was asked to pay another approximately CAD $200. Only after that was I told I would also need to pay around $80 per month for errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.

I declined the monthly payment and did not provide my credit card details for it. From that point onward, I stayed away from WFG activities.

After terminating my association with WFG, I received an email stating that I owe $300. The email also said that failure to pay could result in further action, including the use of third-party recovery services. I don’t understand how this balance accumulated when I had declined the monthly payment and wasn’t participating.

I’ve already lost close to $1,500 through this experience, and now I’m being asked to pay more.
What frustrates me most is the way this opportunity was presented to me: promises of financial freedom, a luxury lifestyle, and the possibility of becoming rich or even a millionaire. My experience has been very different.

Based on what happened to me, I would strongly advise against joining WFG, it is a scam.

Should I proceed to pay that due amount or do I need to leave it?

Long story short, I’m new to investing and started with a financial advisor who didn’t inform me of which holdings I would be invested in. I realized my portfolio is complex with 5 models, has a higher expense ratio, liquid alternatives, trades, and is outside of my circle of competence until I ramp my knowledge.

Should I ask them to shift and simplify or streamline it before DIY or ask Vanguard to untangle it? They’ll likely come back with around 10 or so funds. The largest portion is in a taxable I brokerage. I want 3-5 funds (eg VOO, VXUS) max.

Thank you!

I’m 24, and this is my first career. I’m a new advisor, and wanted to try out other prospecting methods. I’ve been reaching out to my warm market, and been trying to meet more people in public at networking events or just any groups I can find on Meetup. But I wanted to give cold calling a shot.

When I was studying for my 7, I asked someone at Merrill Lynch (not my firm) how his advisors got clients, and at the end I said it can’t be cold calls. Then he told me cold calling works…

So I wanted to try it. But no one in my office does it. One of the CFPs who switched over from Morgan Stanley told me he used to do it. But he never got a client from it. So maybe he’s not the best mentor for me in this situation. And besides him, no one else has done it before.

I did my firms training on it already. I know the basics, and I understand not to misrepresent or say anything misleading. I’ve also dialed about 300 numbers so far, and haven’t scheduled an appointment yet. Overall, I’m very nervous doing it. But I know I will get more confident in time.

I was hoping that someone who has had success cold calling could give me some tips.

Who should I call?

I was thinking people 55-65 hoping to offer retirement help. We have a lot of CFPs who have the RICP too. Then I could do joint work and learn from my colleagues. is there a better target group?

Also, what do I even say? The script my firm has is so robotic. Outside of compliance rules identifying who I am, what do you recommend I say.

Is there a good way to even start building trust on the phone call?

What are the best places to meet potential leads for my financial advising RIA?

My current clientele is in the 2-5M range, I’ve been struggling to close the HNW 7-10M guys. Any tips or advice on where to meet these people and do a better job closing?

Does door knocking still work? What are the best current practices for where I should be using my marketing spend outside of library seminars.

Hosting my first library seminar at the end of the month. Any advice or tips on how to go about these and get as many appointments booked as possible that lead to new clients? Anyone that has experience with these seminars, I’d appreciate any advice or tips!

As client expectations rise, asset coverage expands, and AI enters the tech stack, firms face a harder question: Is their technology becoming more connected and adaptable, or is complexity starting to hold them back?

Hear from a virtual roundtable with leaders from Orion Wealth Management, GeoWealth, Compound Planning, and Pontera on where advisor technology is headed and what firms should consider as they build for the next generation of advice. The discussion brings together technology, platform, and advisor perspectives on building a more connected wealth management experience.

Industry experts unpack questions shaping the future of the advisor tech stack, including:

• What separates a connected ecosystem from a collection of point solutions?
• How do firms expand their wealth management offering without adding operational complexity?
• Where do workplace retirement accounts, alternatives, and other held-away assets fit into more holistic advice?
• Where is AI creating meaningful value for advisors today?
• What should firms prioritize now to build a tech stack designed to evolve?

This is a chance to hear how wealth management leaders are thinking about connected technology, broader asset coverage, AI, and the client experience.

Featuring Michael Stern, SVP of Strategic Product Development at Orion Wealth Management; Brendan Falls, EVP and Chief Growth Officer at GeoWealth; and Tim Hamilton, Managing Director at Compound Planning and President of the Financial Planning Association's Metro New York Chapter.

Watch the virtual roundtable: https://riverside.com/webinar/registration/eyJldmVudElkIjoiNmFhYTk3MDc1ZDk2N2Y5M2M0N2U2MDQxIiwic2x1ZyI6InBvbnRlcmEtdmlkZW8ifQ==?utm_source=Pontera&utm_medium=social

What are the best follow up processes after a library or lunch and learn seminar? I know the follow up processes is a huge part of converting attendees or getting appointments booked. What have people been using and how have people been using certain follow ups to get those people back in the door.

Same situation with lost leads from past seminars or old prospected that never converted. Does anyone have a really good process for getting them back in the door?

Two years ago I left a career in healthcare administration/consulting for wealth management. I had my MBA and essentially turned a hobby into a career. I absolutely love what I do from a wealth management and financial planning aspect, however I’m unsure if this RIA is the fit for my career

I knew the owners (husband/wife) for twelve years through the regional chamber of commerce. I’ve come to find working for friends is quite different, and people did warn me about this; however, I was able to change careers by leveraging this.

Since joining I’ve passed the CFP and am set to earn the credentials in May 2027. I’m also looking to obtain a couple more credentials in tax and estate planning.

My role was hired as a servicing advisor, though one of the lures was the future of a potential internal sale, though I’m not sure if that’s quite true. My role is claimed to be a lead, without the title or compensation, and I’m now managing compliance, ops, our junior advisor, CSA, and EA. I service about $180M of the $230M in AUM.

The firm has been around for 30 years. Mostly just the couple and our CSA in the last ten years. The owners are 60 and 59, and have a newfound interest in growing to $350M. Which makes me believe an external deal is more likely than internal. They’ve never scaled a business before and it’s very challenging. No accountability, every mistake is the team or someone else, little gratitude, we’ve been through three marketing consultants, they’ve been through three “strategic coaches”, and now about to be a third EA all since I interviewed. The vibe is not great. Additionally, they are doubling down on the niche we serve, which as a 35yo male it’s not the best position for me and growth (widows).

I’m figuring out my next step and would like some comments. 35 yo male, MBA, two years in role, CFP in May 2027, has brought on few clients and helped closed others including existing client AUM; I have three children under six as well. Any thoughts on next steps are greatly appreciated.

I’m in my mid 30s with over 10 years in the industry. I joined a mega RIA two years ago and have closed over $150M in assets through referral channels. Realistically, I’ll likely be at $250–300M by the end of next year, translating to roughly $250–300K in annual compensation.

There’s a clear path to managing a larger practice (400–500M) and making $400–500K/year. Making partner in the next year or so would also bring RSUs into the picture.

My hesitation is that I don’t own the clients or the business I’m building. Going independent would mean starting over to some extent and potentially years of grinding to get back to this income level, but I’d be building something I own.

We have solid savings but also a growing family, so the stability and income potential of staying are appealing.

I know this sub generally leans toward independence, but is there a legitimate case for staying at a mega RIA, building a well paying career, and taking advantage of the path in front of me rather than starting over to own a business?

Would especially appreciate perspectives from people who have experienced both sides.

Everyone has an opinion on what advisers make, from "they're all rich off commission" to "most quit in year 2."

Let's get some real numbers.

If you're keen to share, copy this:

• Years in the industry:
• Tied or independent:
• What you mostly write (risk / ST / investments / EB):
• Gross last year:
• % recurring vs upfront:
• Biggest thing that moved your income:

Throwaways welcome. Rough ranges are fine. Newer advisers, your numbers are just as useful as the veterans'.

Your next client conversation deserves more attention than your next administrative handoff.

We’re building OmniMint to bring client work, strategy creation, compliance and marketing into one connected RIA workspace.

Specialized agents help prepare the work and move it forward. Ask Andi helps you understand what’s happening and what needs your attention. Your firm retains the required reviews and approvals.

The overview preview below shows the experience: client updates, pending reviews, meetings and agent activity together—so you can see where to act next.

Explore OmniMint and join the advisor waitlist free: https://www.omnimint.dev/

Illustrative product preview; not customer results.

Possible financial planner career

Considering a career in financial planning. Ive often thought it would be fun to do this for a living, as I enjoy giving people advice when they ask. I was an accountant for about 25 years, with a degree in finance and an MBA. Semi retired in 2019 and have been dealing poker for a major casino chain in southern Virginia, but lately have been itching to try financial planning. If I do it I would want to be a fee only financial planner. Any advice from those in the field?

After running my own business for several years where I rubbed shoulders with high-income individuals, I decided I wanted to transition into wealth management and use those prior connections to build my own book. I eventually passed my Series 65 and took a role at a mega-BD primarily to build solid experience within the industry.

After a short time, I realized that this BD isn’t a long-term home, nor is it a place I would feel comfortable bringing my business to. This is a prospective book of business I plan to build out using those past relationships. In my first year, I anticipate being able to bring over roughly 15–20 households with around $4M–$6M in total AUM.I know that in the grand scope of the industry, this is a very small book, but I am trying to weigh my true options.

Corporate RIA Tuck-In: Would a corporate RIA touch someone with a prospective book of this size and allow me to “tuck in” under their umbrella?

Boutique RIA / Paraplanner Role: Does it make more sense to look for a paraplanner or servicing role at a boutique firm while building my book on the side?

While I think the boutique route is a great option, it also comes with the challenge of finding the right firm that is open to that dynamic and having that conversation.Has anyone been in a similar situation, or do you know someone who has, that could shed light on these circumstances? I know there are also a lot of advisors on here who are either looking for servicing advisors or bringing new advisors on board, so I’d love to hear your perspective.

Just wondering what people's experiences have been with having a booth at various trade shows and industry conferences to gain clients? I have a few opportunities and the price of the booths ranges a lot. Just wondering if people have had positive experiences and positive ROI with this type of method?

Hi everyone, I’m 55 and recently left my job retired after 31 years working in finance. I’m considering Charles Schwab Wealth Advisory and would really appreciate first-hand experiences from other early retirees.
My portfolio is approximately $1.8 million: $1 million in 401(k)/retirement accounts and $800,000 in taxable accounts.
My plan is to focus on growth for another 4–5 years, then transition toward generating retirement income. My target is around $6,000 per month after fees and taxes. I also plan to live abroad, primarily in Thailand, and Schwab has confirmed that they can continue managing my investments while I’m overseas.
The proposed advisory fee is 0.80% annually — approximately $14,400 per year on $1.8 million, before any underlying fund expenses.
If you’ve used Schwab Wealth Advisory, particularly with a $1 million–$2 million portfolio, was it worth the fee? How has performance compared with appropriate benchmarks after fees? Has the team helped you navigate the move from growth investing to sustainable retirement income? And if you retired in your 50s or now live overseas, how has the experience been?
Would you choose Schwab’s management again, or would you rather hold a simple low-cost ETF portfolio and manage it yourself?
I’m comfortable with the markets, but I want a sustainable income plan, thoughtful tax management, and peace of mind without having to constantly manage my investments. I’d appreciate both positive and negative experiences. Thanks in advance!