- Can You Be a Financial Advisor Without Doing Sales?
Selling 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 it is possible to work as… read more…
- How to Buy Leads for Sale as a Financial Advisor
Successful lead generation is all about strategy. If your business is new or your tried-and-true lead generation methods are not producing the same results, you might consider a new approach: buying leads. Twenty-six percent of advisors incorporate lead generation platforms and services into their marketing strategy, according to a 2024 Kitces report on financial planner… read more…
- How to Leverage Retainer Fee Structure as a Financial Advisor
Choosing 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…
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the January 2025 New Rule of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
What 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…
- Wealthbox vs. Salesforce: Comparing CRMs for Advisors
Advisors 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…
- Wealthbox vs. Redtail: Comparing CRMs for Advisors
Managing 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. Eighty-six percent of advisors use a CRM to run their businesses, according to the 2025 T3/Inside Information Software Survey.1 Wealthbox and Redtail are two of the… read more…
- How to Use Salesforce at a Financial Advisor Firm
Savvy 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…
- Wealthbox CRM Review 2026: Pricing, Pros and Cons
Wealthbox is a modern CRM that offers busy advisors everything they need to connect with prospects, clients and team members. Approximately 91% of financial planning firms use a CRM, according to the 2026 T3/Inside Information Software Survey. Among those advisors, 17.48% choose Wealthbox over other platforms.1 Is it the right CRM for your firm? Let’s… read more…
- Should You Hire an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Analyst?
Financial 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…
- How to Manage a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) as an Advisor
When 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…
- Redtail CRM Review 2026: Pricing, Pros and Cons
A robust CRM can streamline operations and simplify client relationship management for financial services professionals. Redtail CRM ranked as the most popular choice, used by approximately 43% of financial planning firms, according to the 2026 T3/Inside Information Software Survey. If you’re interested in replacing your current CRM, or you’re building your tech stack from scratch,… read more…
- What Financial Advisors Need to Know About Email Archiving
Ensuring 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…
- Email Scripts and Tips for Financial Advisors
Email 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 a message that’s both impactful and personalized. Sample email scripts for financial advisors can provide a template… read more…
- 7 Financial Advisor Follow-Up Email Tips
Regular follow-ups are key to closing sales with prospects. They can also help you stay connected with your existing clients between meetings. Email can be an effective way to stay in touch consistently and build stronger relationships with both prospects and clients. Before hitting send, it’s helpful to know what goes into a winning financial… read more…
- 10 Common Mistakes Financial Advisors Make and How to Avoid Them
To 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…
- How to Introduce Yourself as a Financial Advisor
Knowing how to introduce yourself as a financial advisor is an important skill. Whether you’re meeting a prospective client for the first time or networking with other professionals, you undoubtedly want to make a strong first impression. The most effective introduction can help you build a connection that can open the door to a deeper… read more…
- 10 YouTube Channels to Follow If You’re a Financial Advisor
YouTube 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. Nearly seven in 10 Americans who turn to social media for financial advice, say YouTube is their preferred channel, according to researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.1… read more…
- Leveraging SmartAsset AMP: Robert Gilliland’s Reported ~$50M AUM Success Story
Early 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…
- 12 Tips for Completing a Management Buyout
A 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…
- 12 Ways to Get New Clients as a Financial Advisor
Attracting 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…
- 14 Ways Financial Advisors Can Keep in Touch With Clients
Maintaining 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…
- How to Find a Mentor for Your Financial Advisor Firm
Establishing 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…
- 5 Ways Wealth Management Firms Can Improve the Client Experience
The importance of client experience in wealth management can’t be overstated. 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…
- Client Review Checklist for Financial Advisors
Client 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…
- How Many People Use SmartAsset?
With millions of monthly site visits and a growing user base, SmartAsset provides people with tools and content to help manage their financial lives. Site users are also able to match with financial advisors for more personalized needs through SmartAsset’s matching algorithm. Understanding the site’s traffic patterns can help provide financial advisors insight into the… read more…