- How to Use Financial Aggregation Software for Your Clients
Clients may come to you with financial assets that are scattered across different bank accounts or investment accounts. Financial aggregation software brings all of your client’s money into view, enabling you to make more informed decisions when offering advice. Utilizing aggregation software can offer some advantages for both you and your clients, though there are… read more…
- How to Keep Clients Motivated on Their Financial Journey
Lack of motivation can be a serious threat to client retention. You may have worked with your clients to identify their goals and the action steps they need to complete to achieve them, but if their heads—or hearts—aren’t in it, they may be less likely to remain your client for the long term. Understanding the… read more…
- Independent RIA Conferences and Conventions for 2026
Attending an RIA conference or convention is an opportunity to grow your professional network and expand your knowledge base. Working as an independent RIA can present some unique challenges and coming together with other advisors can prove valuable if you’re hoping to scale an existing firm or launch a new one. Keeping track of the… read more…
- Client Referral Gift Ideas for Financial Advisors
Referrals are a sign of client trust and loyalty and can be integral to your business’s long-term growth. Encouraging client referrals begins with delivering top-notch service that exceeds expectations, but it doesn’t stop there. Offering gifts is a powerful way to incentivize clients to continue referring their friends, family members and coworkers to your firm.… read more…
- Risk Tolerance Questionnaire Template to Give to Your Clients
Risk tolerance questionnaires can help advisors better understand what their clients need when developing a financial plan. Asking questions about risk can also help you stay compliant with FINRA rule 2090, which outlines the Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines for advisors.1 Clients may complete this questionnaire during the onboarding process, and you can also offer… read more…
- Client Experience Survey Questions for Financial Advisors
Understanding and meeting client needs is essential to your success as an advisor, as satisfied clients are more likely to remain loyal and engaged over time. To effectively support your clients, gaining a deep understanding of their expectations, challenges, and goals is important. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by asking… read more…
- How Financial Advisors Can Create an Ideal Client Avatar
An ideal client avatar (ICA) is more than just a marketing buzzword. It’s a strategic blueprint that guides financial advisors in customizing their services and marketing efforts to meet the specific needs of their most desirable clients. By crafting a detailed profile that encompasses the demographics, psychographics, financial goals and challenges of their ideal clientele,… read more…
- 6 SEO Strategies for Financial Planners That Work
Effective SEO strategies are instrumental for financial planners who wish to capture the attention of high-quality leads actively seeking their expertise. The process starts with keyword optimization which involves meticulous research and integration of terms and phrases that potential clients are likely to use when searching for financial advice. This ensures that a financial planner’s… read more…
- Sample Questions From the CFP® Exam
The CFP® exam is designed to assess whether candidates for the Certified Financial Planner™ credential can apply their knowledge of financial planning in real-world scenarios. Covering topics such as retirement, taxes, insurance, investments and estate planning, the test evaluates both technical expertise and the ability to integrate multiple areas of planning. Rather than focusing on… read more…
- What Is the De Minimis Exemption for Financial Advisors?
In an investment advisory context, the de minimis exemption generally refers to rules that allow certain advisors to avoid state registration when their in-state client activity remains below a specified threshold. It’s important for advisors to be aware of this rule, so they can ensure compliance with regulations, assess which transactions or activities they’ll have… read more…
- Course and Certification Options for Financial Planners
Professional certifications can give you a competitive edge as you grow your advisory business. There are a variety of credentials you might obtain, each of which has specific education and exam requirements. Deciding which financial planner course to take can depend largely on your career path and specialty. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform can help you… read more…
- Understanding IRC Section 212 and Advisor Expense Deductions
You may assist clients with tax planning, but it’s also important to know how to handle your business’s tax filing. Internal Revenue Code Section 212 historically allowed individuals to deduct certain expenses related to income production, investment property and tax matters. Claiming deductions can help you reduce your taxable income for the year, though it’s… read more…
- 7 Books That Can Help Prepare You to Take the CFP® Exam
Becoming a Certified Financial Planner™ requires passing the CFP® exam, which is a significant milestone in the certification process. While enrolling in a CFP® exam prep course can provide structured guidance, supplementing your studies with well-regarded financial planning books can deepen your understanding of key concepts and real-world applications. Reading widely can also help reinforce… read more…
- When Can You Take the Series 65 Exam?
The Series 65 exam or Uniform Investment Adviser Examination is required if you plan to register with state securities agencies as an investment advisor representation. Series 65 exam dates are offered by appointment, as are exams for other FINRA licenses. If you’re planning to obtain a Series 65 license, you’ll need to know when you… read more…
- What Is a Financial Solutions Advisor?
A financial solutions advisor helps clients, often affluent or high-net-worth investors, build their investment portfolios. These advisors work in a bank or wealth management setting as part of a larger financial services team, though some financial solutions advisors work independently. If you’re interested in this career path, knowing more about how this type of role… read more…
- What Are Breakaway Advisors?
A breakaway advisor is a financial professional who leaves a traditional wirehouse or broker-dealer for an independent advisory practice. Every year, advisors leave or “break away” from large brokerage firms whose businesses may be built around selling financial products and services for commissions. These advisors then join or establish their own registered investment advisor (RIA)… read more…
- What Is a Credit Risk Certification (CRC)?
The credit risk certification (CRC) is a professional credential that is offered by the Risk Management Association (RMA). Financial advisors obtain this certification to demonstrate their proficiency in assessing and managing credit risk. This certification may be of interest to you if you want to work more with businesses or business owners. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing… read more…
- What Is Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)?
In 2019, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), redefining standards of professional conduct for broker-dealers and associated persons. The standard, which falls under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, requires broker-dealers to follow the best interests of their clients when recommending securities or investment strategies that involve securities. Adhering to… read more…
- How to Manage High-Net-Worth Clients to Keep Them
Working with high-net-worth clients can present some unique opportunities if you’re able to establish long-term relationships, generate more referrals and increase business revenue. Managing these types of clients requires specialized knowledge and understanding of the needs and concerns that wealthy investors often have. Knowing what to expect can help you balance serving your high-net-worth clients… read more…
- 60 Questions Financial Advisors Ask
When you’re embarking on a new client relationship or meeting with a prospect for the first time, setting the right tone matters. That includes getting to know their needs and expectations better by asking questions and absorbing what they have to say. In addition to reading reviews, 73% of respondents say they want to talk… read more…
- How to Get an Entry-Level Financial Planning Job
Financial planning can open the door to a wide range of jobs, including financial advisor, investment analyst, wealth manager, retirement planner and tax advisor, among others. If you’re just starting out, the range of positions you qualify for may be smaller, but everyone has to start somewhere. Here’s a round up of entry-level financial planning… read more…
- Guide to Strategic Portfolio Management for Your Advisory Firm
Building a successful—and sustainable—business often begins with developing systems that allow you to operate as efficiently as possible. Strategic portfolio management (SPM) encompasses various processes that financial advisors and other organizations can use to ensure that their actions align with their goals. Pursuing this type of approach can facilitate growth and allow you to better… read more…
- What Are Reportable Securities for Financial Advisors?
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) imposes certain rules on registered investment advisors governing ethical behavior. Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act outlines minimum standards for establishing an advisor code of ethics, including the treatment of reportable securities. Meeting these standards can help advisors remain compliant with federal regulations. Add new clients and AUM at… read more…
- 10 Personal Finance Influencers to Follow If You’re an Advisor
Personal finance influencers are becoming increasingly popular on social media as people seek out straightforward, practical financial advice. While many influencers cater to a consumer-facing audience, some offer tips and strategies that are directed toward financial services professionals. Getting to know some of the most impactful personal finance influencers can be a terrific way to… read more…
- How to Analyze Market Sentiment Indicators to Grow Client Portfolios
A market sentiment indicator provides insights into the overall mood or attitude that investors have toward the financial markets, helping advisors gauge whether sentiment is bullish, bearish or neutral. These tools analyze data such as trading volumes, price movements and investor surveys to reflect the collective behavior of market participants. By aligning investment strategies with… read more…