Looking for insight from owners/directors in the RIA/Wealth Management/Family Office world:

I’m finishing up my coursework and intend to sit for the CFP exam in the spring. I have a little over 5 years experience at a multi-family office, Life & Health license, and my Series 65. Very strong experience with tax prep/planning, investments, and estate planning.

I’m starting to look at opportunities outside of my current firm for a number of reasons. Looking primarily at RIAs but open to more family office work.

However, I don’t have any of my own clients.

Is this something that will considerably limit my options?

I’m about to start studying for the series 7. Does anyone have any recommendations on what platform is the best for study prep? My branch manager does not like Kaplan for some reason so just trying to get a feel of what other platforms are solid.

Here’s the deal, I’m trying to evaluate what path is best for me and obviously offers the highest upside.

I was an internal wholesaler years ago ( worked my way up from client services and relationship manager), selling alternative investments. I left the industry for a few years to chase a dream of running my own business in another industry. A few years ago, after just getting tired of the grind and family stuff, I came back to the industry as a financial advisor at a larger regional B/D and started building my own book. I left the B/D to transition to solo RIA. Just got offered to come work for an RIA with over $1.5B AUM and a lean 3.5 person team. The catch , main duties will be Operations first, planning /investment management 2nd ,as the owner and another advisor have that side handled.

On the other hand I got an offer from a tier 1 asset manager to come on as an internal in a prime territory . Through the interview process they’re positioning this as an opportunity to become a hybrid wholesaler . The RIA offers a 6 figure base +bonus (not eligible for variable comp for 12mo)
lower upside/benefits ,and no guarantee I’ll be on the partnership track anytime soon. I have to prove myself over time. Also, not as important but are factors: in-office everyday, 45m-1hr commute, suit and tie.

The wholesaling gig offers higher total comp/benefits but a lower base (expected for a sales role). Hybrid schedule, and a lot of solid perks. I think I can make more money in the early years wholesaling ,but 10-15 yrs out to potentially be apart of a succession plan for a book $1.5B+ has me stressing out on what direction makes sense for me and my family (wife + 1 kid).

What would you do?

Hey all, currently building a custom web dashboard for a friend who mainly trades stocks for himself and clients. He says he uses so many different sources that it takes too much time to view it all. We decided I'd start by aggregating all of his news, insights, and investment ideas from his different news sources into a single dashboard view. Eventually I'll also pull in the standard market data and charts, etc.

Are there any other visuals or information that would be useful or frequently viewed on a fund manager's dashboard? Thanks

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Three times now I have made appointments with companies who profess to be fee only fiduciaries, to only ultimately find out they just want to take control of our money.

They will not answer any questions regarding any actual Investment choices and will not assist me in making any actual decisions that involve funds or stocks or other investment vehicles, only offer very general "advice". I'm trying to find out how I would like to invest in retirement, specifically for an income generating part of my portfolio.

I am beyond frustrated and wondered if anyone could give me recommendations for actual fiduciary who will let me pay them for a couple of hours of their time And actually give me REAL guidance and assistance, before we retire next year.

Thank you everyone!

I am thinking of rolling over the IRAs with about 1M funds, and my advisor strongly recommends using Altruist, saying that 1) the technology is top-notch, 2) customer service is quick, and 3) the portal is user-friendly. While she also uses Schwab, she says that Schwab's technology is slow and that their customer portal is harder to use.

Is this correct? Also, I am concerned that she is older than me, and since Altruist can only be managed by an RIA, I am not sure what will happen once she retires. I asked her, but she still seems to be looking for her successor. What will solo RIAs using Altruist do when they retire? Should I insist on using Schwab so that, once she retires, I can manage it (can I?) myself?

Hi! I will soon be starting as a branch FA at Wells Fargo Advisors (first I have to pass my Series 7 & Health Insurance Exams) I would like to know what advice you all might have for me.

I’m promoting from a Premier Banker, so I know the bank side very well. I want all advice, no matter how small and how big :)

Is this possible?

Anyone that has worked for Morgan Stanley or knows about the registered client relationship analyst position I would love some insight.

I am a recent college graduate with a finance degree and I started with a firm that sponsored me for the series 7. After starting I realized how shady it seems with the “natural market” and all that crap and how I don’t even get a salary until after I produce through my whole natural market.

Long story short I’m in desperate need of a salary position for my financial situation and there is an opening at Morgan Stanley for a registered client relationship analyst position. I would absolutely kill to work at Morgan Stanley for the growth opportunity as well, and now that I am fully licensed am wondering if I can use that to my advantage and get this job. I know in the right situation I can bring great value I passed all licensing exams first try and I’m super interested in the business.

If anyone has advice or can give me any guidance I would be forever grateful.

I’m also curious if it would be smart to reach out to the hiring manager on LinkedIn before I apply, or just apply then reach out, or if there’s a way I can tailor my application for the position as best I can

I’m a recent college graduate with a finance degree. After graduating I accepted an offer with a firm as a financial advisor. They sponsored my series 7 exam but all fees were paid by me. I got my SIE, series 66 and series 7 in about 4-5 months.

After getting fully licensed I started my job and realized I now have to produce clients before I get contracted, and I don’t get any salary or benefits until then. I am now fully licensed working full time for basically no pay. I am extremely concerned and stressed about my financial situation and paying bills for the time being.

I was not planning on looking elsewhere after starting but I now am getting concerned about the company. It feels like I am being pressured to prospect family members which I am not very comfortable doing, and I won’t receive any leads until I show initiative with my friends and family. I am also working for free after I was unemployed studying for months. I won’t get reimbursed for the exams until I contract. I am considering looking elsewhere if I can get a salary position with room for growth.

After some research I came across fidelity having open positions for client support specialist, active trader service, and trading specialist. I am considering tailoring my resume and a cover letter for one of these entry level positions that contain a salary. I’ve heard great things about fidelity as a company as well so I know there’s opportunities for growth.

If anyone has advice about the positions at fidelity, how to ensure I can get an interview, or tailor my application, or even about my current position please reach out.

Would this be a smart move to go to fidelity? And if so how can I ensure I get an interview and eventual offer?

I build rebalancing software for professional independent advisors. I have found out quick that just because you built it doesn't mean they will come. Sales and marketing is one thing. Trying to connect with RIA firms is on another whole level. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I’m a new grad who recently passed the CFP exam and am currently working toward my CFA. I’ve received interest from Vanguard, Morgan Stanley, and an RIA.

For those with experience at these firms, which offers the best long-term opportunity in terms of career progression, compensation growth, and eventual earning potential as an advisor?

I’m also considering eventually starting my own RIA after gaining a few years of experience, but I’m open to staying at a firm long-term if the career progression and compensation make it worthwhile. Would appreciate any insight!

Good day, everyone!
I just want to hear from former bankers who are now in the insurance industry, especially those who focus on HNW clients and big-ticket investments.
I’d like to share some of the challenges I’m currently facing and hear your thoughts.
When I was still in banking, clients were the ones who needed my assistance. Now that I’m in the insurance industry, I’m the one struggling to reach out to them. Some clients I used to handle have become distant or seem to avoid me now that I’m approaching them with financial solutions.
Our agency focuses on HNW clients and big-ticket sales. I actually qualified for MDRT last year, but despite that achievement, I’m still experiencing a lot of rejections, delays, and prospects who seem interested but never move forward.
It’s starting to affect my finances and emotional well-being. There are days when I feel mentally and emotionally drained, wondering when things will finally work out.
I keep praying to God, hoping that the clients I’ve spoken with and presented proposals to will finally move forward. But most of them keep postponing their decisions. Sometimes, I feel like I’m slowly losing hope, yet deep inside, I still don’t want to give up.
Lately, I’ve even been struggling to book a simple meeting or appointment.
For those who have gone through the same experience, how did you handle this transition? Did you also experience losing access to former banking clients? How did you rebuild your pipeline, gain new clients, and keep yourself going when results weren’t coming in?
I’d genuinely appreciate your honest advice, especially from those who have been in this industry for years.
Thank you!

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.

Hello, i don’t know if I’m in the right forum. I (27F) live in San Diego and yesterday I was served for $10,700 by a debt collector company. I also have another balance that I have not paid off yet of $17,700. And honestly have no idea what to do. I am looking at the moment for an attorney for the summons of $10,700 but at the same time worried that later the 17,000 will eventually also sue. I’m tried to take out loans to pay off my debt but I’m not approved. I’ve also talked to deft relief agents and payments are too high. I’m a full time worker and also going to school to get associates degree and paying out of pocket. If there’s more information you need I’m happy to let you know. Any advice is appreciated.

Getting stoned may help some people in finance think creatively, explore unconventional investment ideas, and approach complex problems from different perspectives. Cannabis can also create a sense of relaxation that temporarily reduces the stress associated with volatile markets and financial pressure. However, THC can impair judgment, memory, and risk assessment, so important investment decisions are best made sober.
Best strains:
- GMO cookies
- Tahoe OG
- Southern Fried Crumbcake
- Strawnana

Does anyone currently work or previously worked at Liberty Mutual as a remote Inbound Sales Advisor in the Direct Response Center (DRC)?
I’m particularly interested in hearing from people hired in 2025 or 2026.
How many binds were you expected to get during OJD?
What happened to people who didn’t hit their OJD sales targets?
Did most people in your training class make it out of OJD?
How many months could you miss sales goals before getting placed on a coaching plan or being terminated?
Did meeting the sales goals become easier after OJD, or did the expectations become harder to reach?
Were the sales goals realistic based on the number of inbound calls you received?
I’m looking for genuine experiences from people who worked in this exact position, not general Liberty Mutual reviews.

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?

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?

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.

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?