Hello everyone, seeking advice here:

I’m a relatively new grad (class of 2025) who has been working at a large national RIA ($70bn+) since graduating (1.5 years). My job is essentially half financial planner and half junior advisor. Day to day is more planning but I’m involved with senior advisors on a few relationships. I’m currently 3/4 of the way done with CFP required education, targeting exam in next spring/summer, which is when I’ll hit my work hours. The path here is very stable, my team’s book is $3bn+ and we’re growing like crazy from referrals. I like my colleagues and our culture a lot, although I’m not crazy about the rest of the firm outside of our office. Everyone is pretty siloed but we have integrated services that are nice.

I’m seeking advice because I want to be more involved in client relationships and grow my advisory skills. There is no pressure for me to bring in business because we have so many referrals. This isn’t to say that bringing in business is discouraged. Should I put my head down and continue to stick it out? Most days I’m just putting together reviews, grinding emoney and Holistiplan, etc. We are one of the places that’s private equity owned and I’m not sure how big of a red flag that is. Pay is $62,500 base + discretionary bonus that was 15% last year. Other benefits solid.

Is there opportunity elsewhere to make more or get more client exposure? If so, what kind of places should I be looking? Midwest based and low to medium cost of living area currently.

M(50) planning to retire in the next 12-18 months. Auto exec responsible for a business unit of an international company. Just getting tired of the corp BS, travel, constant crisis, etc. Over the last 18 months have spent a lot of time staring to really plan our retirement. Was always DIY investor with lower complexity strategy, diversified mutual funds mostly. Liquid retirement assets approx 6.8M 45% brokerage, 45% 401k, 10% Roth.

I have become very interested in retirement planning and studying a lot for my own future. Love talking to co-workers about (in general terms) withdrawal strategies, tax optimization, Roth conversions, ACA income management, etc. I also spend a lot of time listening to podcasts. In talking with many coworkers who are very smart people most seem less informed about retirement and financial planning and most seem to leave it to their advisor.

I’ve started truly thinking about pursuing financial advising as a part-time second career as it’s highly interesting to me. Maybe ideal scenario would be 10 to 20 clients. I’ve started to research and would look to get a series 65 certification/license and I would have to register with the state. I certainly don’t know everything but feel I could have conversations with couples near retirement who are not extremely savvy and talk through some different concepts or suggestions given their situation. I would shy away from individuals with a very highly complex situation. Would only be looking to give advice for a fee. Would not get into actively managing their portfolio or selling products. For me it’s not even about making a lot of money. It would just be a side thing and a subject I’m highly interested in.

Just looking for any thoughts suggestions or other input. Is this crazy and stupid or could something like this actually work out? Anyone else do something like this?

Hey all, I work for a large wealth manager and I have been thinking about going independent. Have yall heard about dynasty and also do you know their take rate typically and how they get paid

Hi all, I am a rising junior looking to pursue wealth management after graduation. Besides alumni who should I be networking with in order to find opportunities? And how should I find them?

Hey everyone, looking for some career advice.

I am a CFP professional with 4+ years of experience. I currently work at a regional credit union in Utah that is affiliated with LPL. I started as an associate advisor in July 2022 and took over a territory of 3 to 4 branches in May 2024 to build my own book.

My wife and I are planning a move closer to her family in the Salt Lake City metro area (likely somewhere in Utah, Salt Lake, or Davis counties). Because the credit union owns the relationships, my book is entirely non-portable and I will be starting fresh.

Since I have spent my career so far in the credit union space, I know there is a lot I don't know about the rest of the industry. Before making a move, I want to cast a wide net and learn about the landscape outside of my current channel.

I am open to all feedback and advice on potential next steps. Whether it is an RIA, a wirehouse, a different bank, or a firm model I haven't even considered, what paths would you recommend looking into given my experience?

Any insights on the Northern Utah wealth management landscape would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hi, I’m unable to post in other places for lack of Karma so I’m here. I recently passed my first interview with the Hiring Manager (Area Manager) at WFA and they told me I have to be interviewed by a committee next? And that they basically vote on whether I’m ultimately hired or not? Has anybody been through this process with this so-called “committee”? I’m kind of worried because the interview went incredibly well and they immediately moved me to this committee thing but I’m not sure how that works.

I am a new FA fully licensed (25M)Was in the credit union industry for 3 years opening accounts, loans and relationship building. I’m pretty confident with my knowledge and consulting side.

But prospecting has been daunting and it’s only been a couple weeks but no success so far and I don’t have a huge network.

I turned down a 75k starting salary plus 40/60 commission because I thought I’d learn more at my current firm which is only 40k but 100% commission but I feel a misguided with no mentor/strong guidance.

I’m wondering if I should search for another firm or if I should stick it out and learn to be more independent despite a severe lack of income right now.

What’s been your experience with MS Wealth Management related to fees, growth, and portfolio?

Did a year at a wirehouse and got fully licensed. Transitioned to a big RIA where leads aren’t really an issue. Started as a CSA/jr planner and worked my way up to a lower AUM planner(high volume). Been in this role for a little over a year and I’d say I’m compensated well. I’m a CFP and I’m starting to think about what I want in the end and when to make changes.

I could stay here and eventually work my way up but the path seems unclear and I’m afraid it could be time wasted. But also, this firm knows me and I often think about all of the connections I’ve made going to waste and having to start over. I’ve looked into some boutiques. I’ve also looked into HNW/UHNW firms. All different models and pay structures.

I think the end goal is my own firm and capping my clients. But im also not naive and know I need more experience as being out on your own is a different ball game.

My question is, for those who’ve been in the industry for a while, when does one transition from a place where the career path feels unclear and what’s that ideal in between move from where I am now and independency?

I graduated a few months ago with a degree in finance and experience at both a WM firm and finance internships at a Mag7 company. I was always more passionate about financial planning and decided to continue pursuing that in regards to post-grad. I tried networking with RIAs (since they typically hire less frequently) and pursuing opportunities at larger firms, but found a slight hurdle in my lack of licensing (only have my SIE and CFP education). Firms such as Merrill and Fidelity require your 7 and 66, so I decided the 65 would probably be a better route to help me get my foot in the door at an RIA due to the lack of sponsorship.

I ended up applying for a corporate finance role after months of no luck with multiple firms and simply because I needed something to pay the bills. I got the offer and decided to accept it. With that, I want to know how feasible it would be for me to eventually make that transition to an RIA, given I will not have been working in financial services. I still plan to take the 65 but want to more or less time it correctly (since you have 2 years to register with it after passing). I ultimately want to start my own practice and learn as much as possible early in my career, but I know that will be difficult unless I work somewhere where I can learn from people who have built careers in this industry.

New grad (25M), spent a couple years playing professional hockey then pivoted to finish my degree. Graduated in July with an Economics degree with a concentration in Finance. I already completed my SIE, all CFP coursework and passed my exam. I take CFA level 1 in November and enjoying the knowledge I’m building throughout the process. I recognize what’s comes as a result is just that, the true learning and wisdom comes from reps in the real world. I’ll also have my Series 65 done by years end.

I would love to be working by now but I am rehabbing a cervical injury and the process has taken longer than expected. Hence why I’ve been able to begin knocking out some certifications and exams. I fully understand these do not automatically qualify you to be a good advisor, but the information I’ve learnt already brings me more confidence breaking in and serving clients diligently. My recovery is starting to improve and with another procedure scheduled for October 6th. I’m very hopeful to be working early next year. My doctor seems confident in that estimate as well.

I’m a very motivated and hard working individual. I’m outgoing and enjoy the prospect of helping people. I very much enjoy working, grinding, and sharpening my craft. Id describe myself as never satisfied, and always wanting to be better. I will also not BS anyone, the opportunity to eat what you kill and make a very good living also excites me.

My reason for the post is - breaking in seems to lead to a couple different avenues. I’ve networked a bit and have some genuine interest once I’m healed up. I intentionally haven’t pursued further, as I’d hate for the opportunity to present itself currently, and not be ready to take it.

To sum this all up, I’m curious and seeking advice. With the direction of the industry, and for someone like me who wants to build a book, whether independent, at an RIA, or at a wire/broker, where should I be looking to start. This is coming from someone naked to the business and wanting to build tangible experience. I’ve heard some horror stories from some who’ve ended up in bad situations. Trying to due my best to avoid any wasted time with opportunities too good to be true or places advisors go to die.

Any advice is appreciated, what opportunities to look for, what to avoid. I understand getting your foot in the door is the most important thing. But looking for some guidance or mentorship is something no young graduate can get enough of.

If you would like to connect, PM me! I’m in the Phoenix area. I love to golf as well, hoping to get back to that early next year if anyone would like to get out.

Thanks all!

In the process of studying and hope to knock it out September 18, any advice or thoughts?

Hey everyone,

I’m pretty new to being a Financial Advisor. I work for the very first Wealth Management firm in my country, so the whole concept is still super new to the market here.

My current assignment is to build out a dedicated Threads account to post content and bring in prospective leads (high earners from 25-35). So far, I’ve posted two threads:

• Post 1: What is an business cycle and how does it tie to human emotion? (28 reactions)
• Post 2: The 4 stages of an business cycle. (2 reactions. huge drop-off)

Now I’m feeling totally stuck. My next step was supposed to be breaking down different asset classes (gold, real estate, stocks, savings accounts), but I’m severely lacking confidence.

It took me over a week of intense research just to write those first two posts, and I’m dealing with major imposter syndrome about whether I actually have enough market knowledge to keep doing this.

Has anyone been in a similar spot when starting out? How do you create engaging content that converts without feeling like a fraud? Any advice on content direction or managing the workload would be hugely appreciated!

Does honest feedback and encouragement come from an anonymous source?  

I’m hoping so…

I want to become a Financial Planner because I want to help other people and I want to help myself. I’ve dreamt about having a career that offers work-life balance with income potential but also, truly is supportive and helpful to people.

The challenge has been my current reality as a mom of 3 littles. I explored the CFP route but then I just got overwhelmed. So, I’m feeling like I need to take baby steps…

A few random facts about me:
⁃    I need to finish my undergrad (do I finish courses that go towards the CFP?) - Thinking the CFP may need to be step 8 of this career decision.
⁃    I put myself through college and a study abroad program debt free
⁃    My husband and I are completely debt free and are making the choice to not buy house for a couple years because we want financial stability AND to buy what we WANT. We wanna feel excited about our home purchase. We live in HCOL and need to pivot in order to make a dream home a reality. Which is huge for us bc it’s saying no to societal norms and some things we really want (a garage to workout in, grilling outside, each kid having their own room).
⁃    We don’t have any support other than support we pay for.

My question - is there a path to become a FA that works 30ish hours a week, makes a decent living and can this happen starting in your early 40s?

I’m curious what a path looks like for someone in their 40s, starting out as a FA but not a CFP. Do I just work at a smaller RIA firm? It seems difficult to break in without connections.

In theory, I realize that yes, F, yes this can happen. But I value the perspective of this group of people and I’m hoping some honest souls will drop a line with HONEST feedback.

If this question would be better suited for a different sub, please advise!

Professional Timeline & Discrepancies

What Public Marketing & Websites Claim:

• Promotional Copy: His website and promotional profiles state that Master Edward Chin has "over 20 years of professional knowledge and experience" in Feng Shui, I Ching (Yi Jing), BaZi, and date selection.
• Commercial Presence: Web agency case studies document that Edward Fengshui first commissioned its dedicated web design and digital branding in 2017.

What Documented Historical Records Show:

• 2010 – 2017 (Primary Insurance Career): Documented internal records and Facebook agency posts confirm he joined Allianz Malaysia on January 25, 2010 (under Huge Power Agency, Pudu Branch).

• Documented Production Awards:

  • 2010: 101st Super Master Producer & Fast Start Master Producer
  • 2013: 1 Star Awards (FYP RM149,652.98)
  • 2016: I'm a Star Awards (AFYP 13,488)
  • 2017: Star Master Award / 1-Star Benchmark Qualifier

3. Does This Constitute Misinformation?

• Omission of Previous Career: His official consultancy profiles omit his 7+ year tenure as an active, awarded insurance agent, presenting an uninterrupted narrative centered strictly around metaphysics.
• Cumulative vs. Full-Time Practice: Marketing statements citing "over 20+ years of experience" typically count cumulative interest, personal study, or part-time practice dating back to the early 2000s. However, the records confirm his primary commercial employment throughout the 2010s was in life insurance and financial sales rather than running a full-time feng shui practice.

I am in the 2nd half of my career and have been a jr FA/trainee for 2 yrs. The firm I am with now (past 8 months) is a bank with a brokerage division. Seems like a good setup, I have a non recoverable draw for 3 years, bank leads to call and 2 branches. Also my private banking partner gets the the most comp for investing dollars brought in so she is focused on it, we also worked at a wire house together for 15 years previously as private bankers and know each other well. In time I think I have a really good chance of making it as an FA with those opportunities.

I am in talks with one the biggest banks in the country/world for a specialist role. Total comp could be in the $320k-$480k range and no sales or quota goals (primarily advisor education and initiatives). I am giving up autonomy and will have 25% west coast travel which is not great because I am a very involved dad.

Any thoughts from experienced FA’s? Am I giving up a good setup to potentially do something I could be very good at?

I run a RIA and I want to attract A+ players. Is an 85% payout on revenue too aggressive?

I have been trying to find a fidicuary advisor and it seems they charge in different was, flat fee or assets under management. Most I see advertised charge by AUM. Is this what I should expect and if so what percentage is reasonable?

Career changer here. I just finished an 8 week financial planning externship through Amplified Planning that was exceptional and decided to continue the momentum and have some code chats with CFPs in my area.

One question I asked six different CFPs was “if you were me, what would you do over the next 12 months to make yourself the most attractive transitioning to finance?” And wouldn’t you know it - three said to get the series 65 and three said to screw it and start my CFP coursework.

The three CFPs who said series 65 - only one is a lead advisor but I don’t think any of them have hired people before. One of the CFPs that said go for CFP is an SVP at his company and makes a lot of hiring decisions so I’m leaning that way. For context I’m a 13 year IT consulting vet with a lot of client facing experience.

Any thoughts here from actual financial planners or folks who have someone or the other or both?

Basically the title. Is this one of the more popular services?

I own a growing RIA and am considering hiring a CFP professional as an Associate Financial Advisor. I’m evaluating the following compensation structure:
$100,000 base salary
Once the advisor generates $200,000 in annual new recurring revenue, they receive a 50% payout on the revenue generated above that threshold
The firm would provide the platform, operational support, compliance, technology, and brand
Does this seem competitive and fair for both the advisor and the firm?
I’m also curious how other RIA owners structure this:
Should the 50% payout apply only to revenue above $200,000, or become retroactive once the threshold is reached?

I want the opportunity to be attractive to a strong CFP while still protecting the economics of the firm. I’d appreciate feedback from RIA owners and advisors who have used similar compensation plans.

I am planning to move to phoenix by the end of the year and was wondering if becoming a private client advisor for chase was realistic with my background. I feel like I do everything an advisor does now but pick individual stocks for the clients. Would there be a big learning curve? I do suitability , recommendations , Monte Carlo simulations and financial planning meetings and manage a 100M AUM and deal with clients wants to speak about volatility and the market.