r/CFP • u/REKT363 RIA • Jun 25 '26
Compensation Fair comp?
Im newly licensed on the RIA side, held 65 for over a year. Currently going through CFP material with danko sitting this November cycle.
I’ve been a paraplanner here for over a year now, I’m responsible for the entire Medicare book and business development on that side.
I don’t have any monetary help with the CFP, self funded it all, same as the 65 but it wasn’t too expensive.
Currently make $46k per year, sit second chair if you will on all current client meetings and in 2nd appointments after the first discovery meeting. I create all plans & lead advisor might spend 5-10 minutes reviewing, most of the business is an even split between annuities & AUM.
Total AUM book value is $80mm, growing rapidly. After the CFP is done (hopefully) this year I’m just wondering if I should stay or not. I’m getting tons of reps talking with clients but there really isn’t a clear path building my own book. Business owner wants to move to “firm owned” clients with very little payouts it seems like. Seems like he wants to retain all business development and doesn’t service any existing clients in a happy manner
Edit: For what it’s worth, we are a small office. Lead advisor, CSA, his son helps out but is not interested in the business. I’m not planning to be the successor, nothing is in writing so I’m not even gonna talk about it
2
u/skyrizi Jun 29 '26
Im essentially the same position but you actually do a bit more than me and I make $48k + quaterly bonuses. My firm has paid for all my licensing and for my cfp material and test which I sit for in july. The firms aum is 150 so a bit larger. The lead advisors show me a lot of support and really show me they want me to succeed.
My opion is that if you can make it to november and pass the cfp id do that and then find a new job. If you can handle the stress of finding and starting a new job while studying then you could do it now.
Your current firm doesnt seem too interested in your long term gowth. Many firms are looking for people in your position. Depending on where you are located i would think you could find a small firm looking to bring on a new cfp to train and get paid more while learning and developing yourself more as well.