- 7 Investment Books Every Advisor Should Read
Knowledge is a powerful asset and one that requires ongoing cultivation as an advisor. Devoting time to reading books about investing is one way to expand your expertise so that you can better serve your clients while becoming a savvier investor yourself. With so many books to choose from (and so little time in your… read more…
- Key Technology Every Wealth Manager Should Consider
Incorporating technology into your advisory practice can help save money and increase efficiency, leaving you with more time to focus on your clients. Navigating the wealth management technology landscape may seem a little intimidating, but embracing the right tools could transform your business. Here are some of the most important types of wealth management tech… read more…
- How to Leverage Google Ads as a Financial Advisor
Digital marketing has become increasingly important for advisors as more investors turn to search engines to connect with financial professionals. Investing in Google Ads can effectively increase your business’s visibility and attract new clients if you know how to use them. Understanding what a Google Ad campaign might be able to do for you can… read more…
- 9 Entry-Level Jobs to Help You Break Into Wealth Management
A successful career in wealth management demands patience, perseverance and continuous learning. And, for those willing to put in the effort, the wealth management industry can offer rich rewards. Here are nine popular entry-level jobs that can help you get into and develop your experience in wealth management. Ready to grow your advisory business? SmartAdvisor… read more…
- 5 Financial Psychology Certifications for Financial Advisors
Financial psychology certifications can demonstrate expertise in the ways that psychology and personal finance intersect in a client’s attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that influence their financial decisions. These certifications can differentiate you in a competitive marketplace and potentially lead to increased income and credibility. Ready to grow your advisory business? SmartAdvisor can connect you with… read more…
- How a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) Can Help Your RIA Firm
A chief compliance officer (CCO) is a member of your firm’s team who can help protect your business from potential legal or regulatory issues. Registered investment advisors must have a CCO serving at the firm, but hiring an experienced one could make a huge difference and avoid potential penalties, fees or lawsuits that could cost… read more…
- What Is Tax Drag and How You Avoid It for Your Clients
Tax drag refers to the negative impact that taxes can have on the overall return of an investment or a portfolio. It’s calculated as the difference between the return on an investment before taxes and the return after taxes. Tax drag is a crucial concept for financial advisors to understand and manage, as it can… read more…
- What It’s Like to Work as a Financial Planner
Entering a career in financial services can offer plenty of opportunities for advancement and high earning potential. Some professionals work as financial advisors while others choose to work as financial planners. While the titles sound the same, there are some differences in what a financial planner job entails. Add new clients and AUM at your… read more…
- How Financial Advisors Can Ask Clients for Referrals
Requesting referrals can be a powerful and cost-effective way to generate new leads for your advisory business. If your clients are satisfied with your services, they can become a valuable source of ongoing referrals. The key to successfully leveraging client referrals lies in how you make the request. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform offers financial advisors… read more…
- Great Books for Professional Stock Traders
Stock trading is something of an art and just like painting or sculpture, it’s open to interpretation. That’s reflected in the sheer variety of investment theories and strategies advisors utilize to navigate the markets. If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge to serve your clients better, there are quite a few books for traders you… read more…
- Average Salary for Financial Paraplanners
Paraplanners are professionals who work with financial advisors and financial planners in a support capacity. A career in paraplanning can be a stepping-stone to becoming a financial advisor or planner, as it can be an opportunity to gain valuable work experience within the financial services industry. If you’re considering this type of role, you may… read more…
- Life Insurance Marketing Strategies for Advisors
A sound life insurance marketing strategy is key for financial advisors who are interested in selling these products to existing clients or attracting new clients in the market for coverage. Advisors who tailor their messaging to specific life stages, income levels or family dynamics often connect more effectively with prospects. A mix of online and… read more…
- How to Get Annuity Leads as a Financial Advisor
To successfully expand a practice and increase annuity sales, financial advisors need a steady pipeline of qualified leads. Experienced advisors use a combination of strategies, such as strategic networking, targeted social media advertising, upselling to existing clients, fostering referrals and purchasing leads from reputable sources. However, the true differentiator is a well-executed, personalized follow-up process… read more…
- How to Find a Financial Advisor Practice for Sale
Whether you’re ready to set out on your own or you’re looking to grow your business, buying a financial advisor practice can be a great way to help you reach your goals. According to Schwab’s 2025 RIA Benchmarking Study, 41% of firms engaged in merger and acquisition activity over the previous five years.1 The challenge… read more…
- What Are High Earners Not Rich Yet (HENRY) Individuals?
Attracting new clients to your business is essential for growth and if you’re forward-thinking, you might be interested in getting the attention of the high-earner-not-rich-yet (HENRY) crowd. These are individuals who have the income to propel them to wealth but lack the assets. There are some definite advantages to working with HENRYs, but the key… read more…
- How Much Financial Advisors Should Spend on Marketing
Marketing is an essential business expense if you hope to grow your advisory firm. Without a marketing plan, you may put yourself at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting new clients. But how much should you spend to promote your business? Your financial advisor marketing budget can depend on different factors, including the size… read more…
- How to Find Your First Client as a Financial Advisor
Finding clients as a financial advisor involves more than cold calling and running calculations. It means earning a prospect’s trust to manage their wealth and guide them on the path to their goals. Your first client can often be the most challenging to find because it takes time to build your brand and connect with… read more…
- 5 Wealth Management Marketing Ideas to Get More Clients
A detailed wealth management marketing plan can help you strategically scale your business and attract more high-net-worth clients to your firm. Some of the most effective ways to gain more wealth management clients include establishing a strong personal brand, offering comprehensive financial planning services and incorporating technology into your firm’s front and back office operations.… read more…
- 6 Proven Marketing Strategies for Financial Advisors
Developing an effective marketing plan as a financial advisor often requires some trial and error to find what works for your business. Having a list of proven tactics to choose from can give you somewhere to get started, as well as save you time, money and headaches so you can focus on other activities to… read more…
- Portfolio Visualizer Tool Options for Financial Advisors
When a client is ready to make a change to their investment strategy, they may be interested in seeing how those choices might play out over the long term. Portfolio visualizer tools make it possible to generate models or simulations so they can evaluate the potential outcomes. The best tools are easy to incorporate as… read more…
- How to Manage Client Assets Held Away
Creating a comprehensive financial planning strategy may be more challenging when a client has assets held away. If you don’t know the full extent of their financial situation, that can tie your hands, to a degree, when it comes to offering for their needs and goals. There are, however, some things you can do to… read more…
- Tax Prep Checklist for Tax Preparers
Managing tax season efficiently starts with a well-structured tax document checklist that helps tax preparers stay organized and avoid last-minute scrambles. Gathering key documents and other information early, from clients’ income statements to their deductible expenses, allows for a smoother filing process and reduces the risk of errors or delays. Whether working with individuals or… read more…
- The Ultimate Guide to Financial Advisor Marketing
Financial advisor marketing is more than just promoting services; it involves creating a structured strategy that drives measurable growth. According to a Broadridge survey, advisors with a defined marketing strategy generate 168% more leads per month and see 50% more revenue compared to those without one.1 Establishing a clear, repeatable process for attracting and converting… read more…
- How to Build Effective Financial Advisor Ad Campaigns
Advertising can help financial advisors attract high-quality clients and grow their practice, especially when done through digital channels. While traditional formats like print and billboards still exist, online ads offer better targeting, clearer ROI tracking and more flexibility. Knowing how to plan, place, and optimize your campaigns is key to turning your ad spend into… read more…
- Where to Find Financial Planning Jobs
Financial planning positions offer an opportunity to do work that you enjoy while potentially earning a highly competitive salary. If you’re fresh out of college or making a transition to financial services from another field, you might be wondering how to find openings that look promising. There are several possibilities for finding available financial advisor… read more…