Advisor Resources

November 15, 2024Selling is typically a big part of a financial advisor’s job – if you’re not closing deals, your business may stagnate. But what if you’re looking for a different kind of career in financial services? Can you be a financial advisor without sales? It might surprise you to learn that yes, it is possible to… read more…

November 15, 2024Generating leads is often one of the toughest hurdles that financial advisors face when growing an advisory business. You might be taking all the right steps – creating a professional website, enhancing your brand’s presence on social media and expanding your email list – yet only seeing a slow trickle of new prospects instead of… read more…

November 15, 2024Choosing a fee structure is one of the most important decisions for your business. Clients want to pay fees that reflect the level and quality of services they receive, while you want to feel fairly compensated for your effort and expertise. A retainer fee model can satisfy both parties and potentially help you attract new… read more…

November 7, 2024What You Should Know About the New Rule The FCC is updating rules about how businesses get consent for telemarketing calls and texts. SmartAsset is proactively ensuring our clients understand and will comply with the updated rule. What Are the New FCC Consent Rules, and When Do They Take Effect? The new FCC consent rules,… read more…

October 31, 2024Advisors rely on customer relationship management (CRM) systems to organize client data, identify growth opportunities and stay connected to their team. If you’re in the market for a new CRM, Wealthbox and Salesforce are two of the options vying for your business. If you’re torn over whether to use Wealthbox vs. Salesforce, it helps to… read more…

October 31, 2024Managing client relationships is a key part of any advisor’s success. This is why it’s so important to choose the right customer relationship management (CRM) solution for your business. Wealthbox and Redtail are two of the most popular CRM solutions for advisors, with each using a different approach to help you drive growth. If you’re… read more…

October 31, 2024Savvy advisors understand the importance of building a robust tech stack featuring a comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) system. But which one should you choose? If you’re interested in a cloud-based, AI-powered tool you can use to attract new prospects, drive engagement and manage client data more efficiently, Salesforce is one option you might want… read more…

October 25, 2024Whether you’re shopping for a new platform to replace your current one or just starting your advisory business, you might consider Wealthbox CRM. Wealthbox is a modern CRM that offers advisors everything they need to connect with prospects, clients and team members. Before deciding to move forward, it’s important to ensure it’s a good fit… read more…

October 25, 2024Financial institutions, including broker-dealers, are subject to anti-money laundering regulations. These regulations help prevent financial crimes and related criminal acts, such as terrorism. Hiring an anti-money laundering analyst is something you might consider if you’re concerned about your firm’s risk exposure to such activity. Are you looking to expand the marketing of your financial advisor… read more…

October 25, 2024When wealthy investors with a philanthropic bent are interested in creating a financial legacy for a worthy cause, they may consider contributing to a donor-advised fund (DAF). A donor-advisor fund is an investment fund or account managed by a 501(c)(3) organization that exists specifically for charitable giving. Investors who contribute to donor-advised funds can hand… read more…

October 25, 2024Choosing the right customer relationship management (CRM) software is an important decision for the long-term success of your business. Redtail CRM is one of the most popular options for financial advisors who want to capture more leads, grow revenues and nurture client relationships. Before deciding, it might be helpful to review the software’s features, pricing,… read more…

October 17, 2024Ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines is an important task for registered investment advisors (RIAs), broker-dealers and other financial professionals. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) set the standards for compliance, including rules for financial advisor email archiving. And understanding your obligations is critical for avoiding compliance infractions. Want… read more…

October 17, 2024Improving the client experience is central to building and maintaining lasting relationships with the investors you serve. Offering a user-friendly client portal is one of the most effective ways to achieve that goal. A well-designed portal enables collaboration and communication, while encouraging clients to become more fully engaged with you and their financial plans. Ready… read more…

October 17, 2024Email is one of the most powerful marketing tools for advisors who want to connect with prospects, foster trust with leads and instill loyalty among their existing clients. One of the biggest challenges of email marketing is crafting messaging that’s both impactful and personalized. Sample email scripts for financial advisors can provide a template to… read more…

October 11, 2024Regular follow-ups are key to closing sales with prospects. And they can also help you stay connected with your existing clients between meetings. If you don’t want to pester prospects or clients with frequent calls, you could follow up via email instead. Before hitting send, it’s helpful to know what goes into a winning financial… read more…

October 11, 2024To err is human, but when you’re trying to build a thriving advisory business, you can’t afford any missteps. Even a seemingly small mistake could cost you clients, revenue and long-term growth. Once you know the most common financial advisor mistakes, you can avoid them. Not to mention, avoid endangering your growing business. Ready to… read more…

October 11, 2024Knowing how to introduce yourself as a financial advisor is an important skill. Whether you’re meeting with prospective clients or other professionals, you undoubtedly want to make a strong first impression. The most effective introduction allows you to build a connection that can open the door to a deeper conversation. Ready to grow your client… read more…

October 11, 2024YouTube is one of the most popular social media platforms, and plenty of financial advisors are leveraging it to grow their brands and share their knowledge. If you’re looking for tips on how to grow your firm – or are considering starting a channel of your own – it helps to know who’s who on… read more…

October 9, 2024Early in his career as a financial advisor, Robert Gilliland relied on traditional strategies for attracting new clients like hosting seminars and treating prospects to expensive dinners. But Gilliland’s process for acquiring new clients has evolved significantly, thanks in part to SmartAsset AMP. Gilliland opened Concenture Wealth Management in Houston in 2020 and has since… read more…

October 2, 2024A management buyout (MBO) can be an attractive option for financial advisors looking to take ownership of the practice they manage. This process typically involves securing funding, negotiating terms with current owners and ensuring a smooth transition of leadership. The first step that advisors considering a management buyout should take is to assess the practice’s… read more…

October 2, 2024Attracting new clients is a challenge that every financial advisor faces at some point in their career. While traditional marketing methods still hold value, the industry’s shift toward digital tools and relationship-driven strategies has opened up new opportunities for growth. For instance, using social media, creating engaging content and optimizing your website for search engines… read more…

October 2, 2024Maintaining strong relationships with clients is a cornerstone of success for financial advisors. Understanding how to keep in touch with clients effectively can enhance trust and foster long-term partnerships. For this, financial advisors have a variety of tools at their disposal, from automated emails and newsletters to market updates and personalized portfolio reviews. By leveraging… read more…

September 30, 2024Establishing a successful advisory business takes time, and having someone who can offer feedback and support, or share ideas, can be valuable. Working with a mentor is an opportunity to learn from a more experienced advisor and receive guidance on the best ways to pursue growth for your firm. If you’re looking for a financial… read more…

September 30, 2024The importance of client experience in wealth management can’t be understated. As the landscape grows more competitive, firms that embrace technological innovation, personalization and the digital experience have a distinct edge. Attracting and retaining wealth management clients requires not only an agile, but also an adaptive approach. Ready to grow your client base? SmartAsset AMP… read more…

September 30, 2024Client account reviews are an opportunity to learn more about what your clients need from you as an advisor. Scheduling annual reviews with clients to discuss what’s changed in their financial situation over the past 12 months can help you chart out the year ahead. And using a financial advisor client review checklist to guide… read more…