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Rebecca Lake, CEPF®

Rebecca Lake is a retirement, investing and estate planning expert who has been writing about personal finance for a decade. Her expertise in the finance niche also extends to home buying, credit cards, banking and small business. She's worked directly with several major financial and insurance brands, including Citibank, Discover and AIG and her writing has appeared online at U.S. News and World Report, CreditCards.com and Investopedia. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and she also attended Charleston Southern University as a graduate student. Originally from central Virginia, she now lives on the North Carolina coast along with her two children. Rebecca also holds the Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®) designation.

Posts by Rebecca Lake, CEPF®

An advisor and paraplanner discuss outsourced paraplanning fees.
Firm Management

How Much Outsourcing Paraplanning Fees Costs

If you’d like to free up more time to spend with your clients, you might consider outsourcing some of your daily tasks to a paraplanner. Paraplanners can work alongside advisors to help lighten their workload. But what’s a fair price to pay for this type of service? Researching outsourced paraplanning fees can give you an… read more…

An advisor using a laptop.
Compliance & Legal

Cybersecurity Compliance Solutions for Financial Advisory Firms

The SEC’s cybersecurity rule has created new compliance requirements for registered investment advisors (RIAs). Those requirements include the development of a written cybersecurity plan and the timely reporting of data breaches or other cybersecurity incidents, should they occur. Working with a cybersecurity compliance solution provider can help make navigating these requirements less stressful. SmartAsset’s Advisor… read more…

An advisor and paraplanner.
Firm Management

What to Know About Outsourcing Paraplanning Services

Developing financial plans lies at the core of what you do, but a busy schedule may have you looking for help with this task. That’s where paraplanners come in. Paraplanners can complete certain tasks in the planning process so that advisors can spend more time with their clients. Some advisors choose to hire in-house staff… read more…

An advisor reviews AI agent services.
Firm Management

AI Agent Services That Can Revolutionize Client Operations

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a game-changer for financial advisors who want to run their businesses more efficiently, and without neglecting the client experience. One of the latest innovations involves the use of AI agents to handle client-facing tasks that aren’t necessarily reliant on human interaction. Luckily, there are several platforms that can help financial advisors… read more…

Two advisors discuss SEC ESG disclosure requirements.
Compliance & Legal

Navigating the SEC ESG Disclosure Requirements

Advising on ESG strategies is one way to expand your niche and attract new clients. After all, environmental, social and governance factors may be top of mind for clients who prefer an investment approach that reflects their values. And SEC ESG disclosure requirements specify what information companies are required to share about how climate-related risks… read more…

An advisor using a laptop.
Compliance & Legal

How to Use AI Tools and Keep Client Data Safe

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its presence felt across multiple industries, including the financial services space. While AI is unlikely to completely replace advisors, more financial professionals are using this technology in running their businesses. If you count yourself among them, or plan to, it’s important to consider establishing security standards for AI tools when… read more…

An advisor dealing with financial advisor burnout.
Firm Management

7 Tips for Financial Advisors to Avoid Burning Out

Financial services is a demanding industry, and managing the day-to-day can be stressful, to say the least. When you’re constantly in motion, working both in your business and on it, taking care of yourself may be the last item on your to-do list. Before you know it, you’re staring down a case of financial advisor… read more…

The letters ESG on wooden blocks.
Industry Trends

Integrating ESG Investing Into Advisory Portfolios

ESG investing incorporates environmental, social and governance factors into investment decisions. And while it’s something investors seem interested in, most aren’t implementing it in their own portfolios. A 2025 Gallup poll found that 48% of investors said they’d be interested in purchasing ESG investments, but only 10% are currently invested in sustainable funds1. Developing an… read more…

An advisor sitting down with a client.
Marketing

4 Financial Advisor LinkedIn Summary Examples

LinkedIn is primarily a networking and social media platform, but it also has potential as a marketing tool for advisors. A well-organized profile can elevate your brand image and help you attract ideal clients who may be browsing the platform for an advisor to work with. Your summary or About section is one of the… read more…

A financial advisor uses an AI note taker for financial advisors in a client meeting.
Firm Management

Guide to AI Notetaker Solutions for Financial Advisors

Artificial intelligence (AI) has numerous uses in the advisory landscape, from financial planning to organizational tasks. Replacing your current note-taking system with an AI note taker for financial advisors can help you capture the most vital details from client meetings without taking your focus off the client. Here’s how these AI note-taking tools work, so… read more…

An advisor sits down with new clients.
Client Retention

How to Match Your Clients With Advisors Based on Personality

Compatibility is an important part of the advisor-client relationship. Even the most experienced advisor may have difficulty making a connection if their personality doesn’t mesh well with the client’s. If you oversee a team of advisors, the decisions you make about which clients to pair them with can have a significant impact on the outcome.… read more…

Two financial advisors discussing client experience training.
Client Retention

How to Build a Better Client Experience as a Financial Advisor

One key aspect of your success as an advisor is your ability to deliver a superior client experience. Clients who feel valued are more likely to remain loyal to your firm, and they can be a vital source of referrals, which in turn helps you grow. Developing a plan for your firm and enrolling in… read more…

An advisor sitting down with clients for a meeting.
Firm Management

How to Create a Successful Client Meeting Agenda as a Financial Advisor

Your time is valuable, and so is your client’s. When it’s time to schedule a meeting, it makes sense to ensure that it runs efficiently, so not one second is wasted. Developing a template or checklist for client meetings can help ensure that you hit the most important talking points. Here’s what you might want… read more…

A smartphone displaying social media icons.
Compliance & Legal

Social Media Archiving Solutions for Financial Advisors

Social media may be an integral part of your marketing plan. And as with other business activities, there are some compliance rules you’ll need to observe. Registered investment advisors (RIAs) are subject to SEC and FINRA recordkeeping rules, which are designed to ensure the proper retention of all business communications, including social media content. Software… read more…

A man using a laptop, with social media icons displayed.
Marketing

Social Media Software Options for Financial Advisors

Social media’s power as a marketing tool is undeniable, and savvy advisors understand the value in leveraging platforms like Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to connect with prospective clients. Software programs can help you create and manage your content more efficiently, while ensuring that your firm adheres to compliance requirements. Features, benefits and pricing are important… read more…

An advisor sits down with clients.
Client Retention

Average Client Retention Rate for Financial Advisors

New client acquisition is essential for growth, but retaining the clients you already have is how you build a solid foundation for your business. Measuring your client retention rate against industry averages can offer insight into what you may be doing right, or wrong, when it comes to your firm. Read on to learn where… read more…

An advisor researches how to grow as an independent financial advisor​.
Firm Management

Growth Strategies for Independent Financial Advisors

Going independent can mark the beginning of an exciting new phase of your career. You’ll immediately have freedom and flexibility, but what you might need next are clients to help your firm grow. The challenges are real: You may have less money to pour into your marketing budget, fewer labor resources to rely on, and… read more…

An advisor joins a new firm.
Professional Development

Guide to Financial Advisor Equity Compensation

Joining a new firm is an exciting step forward in your career. But before you can begin serving clients, you have to work out the details concerning your new role. A focal point of the negotiations may be your compensation and benefits package. And your firm may offer equity compensation in addition to your regular… read more…

An advisor builds an email and mailing list.
Marketing

How to Build an Email and Mailing List as a Financial Advisor

Email is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay in touch with clients and connect with prospects who need professional financial advice. Advisors who aren’t tapping into email’s potential as a marketing tool may be missing opportunities to convert more of those prospects to clients. Building an email list as a financial advisor is… read more…

A financial advisor determines whether they qualify for the QBI deduction.
Compliance & Legal

Do Financial Advisors Qualify for the QBI Deduction?

The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, also referred to as a Section 199A deduction, allows eligible business owners to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income on their return. Deductions can prove valuable at tax time, as they reduce your taxable income. But not everyone is eligible to claim them. So while financial… read more…

A financial advisor with a client.
Client Retention

How to Utilize Transition Services as a Financial Advisor

Change is sometimes necessary for growth. That may mean a change of scenery, as you move from one advisory or wealth management firm to another. Or it could mean a change in your business model if you’re ready to go independent and start your own RIA. Financial advisor transition services can aid in making the… read more…

Two advisors compare client onboarding service solutions.
Firm Management

Client Onboarding Service Solutions for Financial Advisors

Offering new clients a seamless onboarding experience helps build trust and sets a positive tone for the future of your professional relationship. Partnering with an onboarding specialist or platform can help you develop a streamlined process that welcomes new clients into the fold with minimal stress. Read on to learn more about client onboarding solutions… read more…

A financial advisor researching how to build a memorable email signature.
Marketing

How to Build a Memorable Email Signature as a Financial Advisor

Email keeps you connected to clients and prospects, and its value as a marketing tool can’t be underestimated. Ending messages with a professional signature can make an impact, reminding recipients who you are and what you’re equipped to help them with. Below, we’ll cover the essential elements to include in your financial advisor email signature.… read more…

An advisor reviews continuing education requirements for financial advisors.
Professional Development

Guide to Continuing Education (CE) for Financial Advisors

Obtaining professional certifications or designations can underscore your expertise and help you attract new clients to your business. Earning financial advisor credentials typically requires a combination of education, experience and examination. Maintaining your credentials, meanwhile, may be contingent on completing additional continuing education requirements. Here’s what you need to know about continuing education for financial… read more…

Two advisors sharing strategies for closing sales.
Professional Development

7 Sales Skills Every Financial Advisor Needs

Mastering the art of selling is an important part of converting more prospects to clients and growing your business. Strong sales skills can not only set your advisory business apart from your competitors, it can also help you deliver a top-tier experience to your clients. Here are some strategies you can use to develop a… read more…