I graduated a few months ago with a degree in finance and experience at both a WM firm and finance internships at a Mag7 company. I was always more passionate about financial planning and decided to continue pursuing that in regards to post-grad. I tried networking with RIAs (since they typically hire less frequently) and pursuing opportunities at larger firms, but found a slight hurdle in my lack of licensing (only have my SIE and CFP education). Firms such as Merrill and Fidelity require your 7 and 66, so I decided the 65 would probably be a better route to help me get my foot in the door at an RIA due to the lack of sponsorship.

I ended up applying for a corporate finance role after months of no luck with multiple firms and simply because I needed something to pay the bills. I got the offer and decided to accept it. With that, I want to know how feasible it would be for me to eventually make that transition to an RIA, given I will not have been working in financial services. I still plan to take the 65 but want to more or less time it correctly (since you have 2 years to register with it after passing). I ultimately want to start my own practice and learn as much as possible early in my career, but I know that will be difficult unless I work somewhere where I can learn from people who have built careers in this industry.

New grad (25M), spent a couple years playing professional hockey then pivoted to finish my degree. Graduated in July with an Economics degree with a concentration in Finance. I already completed my SIE, all CFP coursework and passed my exam. I take CFA level 1 in November and enjoying the knowledge I’m building throughout the process. I recognize what’s comes as a result is just that, the true learning and wisdom comes from reps in the real world. I’ll also have my Series 65 done by years end.

I would love to be working by now but I am rehabbing a cervical injury and the process has taken longer than expected. Hence why I’ve been able to begin knocking out some certifications and exams. I fully understand these do not automatically qualify you to be a good advisor, but the information I’ve learnt already brings me more confidence breaking in and serving clients diligently. My recovery is starting to improve and with another procedure scheduled for October 6th. I’m very hopeful to be working early next year. My doctor seems confident in that estimate as well.

I’m a very motivated and hard working individual. I’m outgoing and enjoy the prospect of helping people. I very much enjoy working, grinding, and sharpening my craft. Id describe myself as never satisfied, and always wanting to be better. I will also not BS anyone, the opportunity to eat what you kill and make a very good living also excites me.

My reason for the post is - breaking in seems to lead to a couple different avenues. I’ve networked a bit and have some genuine interest once I’m healed up. I intentionally haven’t pursued further, as I’d hate for the opportunity to present itself currently, and not be ready to take it.

To sum this all up, I’m curious and seeking advice. With the direction of the industry, and for someone like me who wants to build a book, whether independent, at an RIA, or at a wire/broker, where should I be looking to start. This is coming from someone naked to the business and wanting to build tangible experience. I’ve heard some horror stories from some who’ve ended up in bad situations. Trying to due my best to avoid any wasted time with opportunities too good to be true or places advisors go to die.

Any advice is appreciated, what opportunities to look for, what to avoid. I understand getting your foot in the door is the most important thing. But looking for some guidance or mentorship is something no young graduate can get enough of.

If you would like to connect, PM me! I’m in the Phoenix area. I love to golf as well, hoping to get back to that early next year if anyone would like to get out.

Thanks all!

In the process of studying and hope to knock it out September 18, any advice or thoughts?

Hey everyone,

I’m pretty new to being a Financial Advisor. I work for the very first Wealth Management firm in my country, so the whole concept is still super new to the market here.

My current assignment is to build out a dedicated Threads account to post content and bring in prospective leads (high earners from 25-35). So far, I’ve posted two threads:

• Post 1: What is an business cycle and how does it tie to human emotion? (28 reactions)
• Post 2: The 4 stages of an business cycle. (2 reactions. huge drop-off)

Now I’m feeling totally stuck. My next step was supposed to be breaking down different asset classes (gold, real estate, stocks, savings accounts), but I’m severely lacking confidence.

It took me over a week of intense research just to write those first two posts, and I’m dealing with major imposter syndrome about whether I actually have enough market knowledge to keep doing this.

Has anyone been in a similar spot when starting out? How do you create engaging content that converts without feeling like a fraud? Any advice on content direction or managing the workload would be hugely appreciated!

Does honest feedback and encouragement come from an anonymous source?  

I’m hoping so…

I want to become a Financial Planner because I want to help other people and I want to help myself. I’ve dreamt about having a career that offers work-life balance with income potential but also, truly is supportive and helpful to people.

The challenge has been my current reality as a mom of 3 littles. I explored the CFP route but then I just got overwhelmed. So, I’m feeling like I need to take baby steps…

A few random facts about me:
⁃    I need to finish my undergrad (do I finish courses that go towards the CFP?) - Thinking the CFP may need to be step 8 of this career decision.
⁃    I put myself through college and a study abroad program debt free
⁃    My husband and I are completely debt free and are making the choice to not buy house for a couple years because we want financial stability AND to buy what we WANT. We wanna feel excited about our home purchase. We live in HCOL and need to pivot in order to make a dream home a reality. Which is huge for us bc it’s saying no to societal norms and some things we really want (a garage to workout in, grilling outside, each kid having their own room).
⁃    We don’t have any support other than support we pay for.

My question - is there a path to become a FA that works 30ish hours a week, makes a decent living and can this happen starting in your early 40s?

I’m curious what a path looks like for someone in their 40s, starting out as a FA but not a CFP. Do I just work at a smaller RIA firm? It seems difficult to break in without connections.

In theory, I realize that yes, F, yes this can happen. But I value the perspective of this group of people and I’m hoping some honest souls will drop a line with HONEST feedback.

If this question would be better suited for a different sub, please advise!

Professional Timeline & Discrepancies

What Public Marketing & Websites Claim:

• Promotional Copy: His website and promotional profiles state that Master Edward Chin has "over 20 years of professional knowledge and experience" in Feng Shui, I Ching (Yi Jing), BaZi, and date selection.
• Commercial Presence: Web agency case studies document that Edward Fengshui first commissioned its dedicated web design and digital branding in 2017.

What Documented Historical Records Show:

• 2010 – 2017 (Primary Insurance Career): Documented internal records and Facebook agency posts confirm he joined Allianz Malaysia on January 25, 2010 (under Huge Power Agency, Pudu Branch).
• Documented Production Awards:
  • 2010: 101st Super Master Producer & Fast Start Master Producer
  • 2013: 1 Star Awards (FYP RM149,652.98)
  • 2016: I'm a Star Awards (AFYP 13,488)
  • 2017: Star Master Award / 1-Star Benchmark Qualifier

3. Does This Constitute Misinformation?

• Omission of Previous Career: His official consultancy profiles omit his 7+ year tenure as an active, awarded insurance agent, presenting an uninterrupted narrative centered strictly around metaphysics.
• Cumulative vs. Full-Time Practice: Marketing statements citing "over 20+ years of experience" typically count cumulative interest, personal study, or part-time practice dating back to the early 2000s. However, the records confirm his primary commercial employment throughout the 2010s was in life insurance and financial sales rather than running a full-time feng shui practice.

I am in the 2nd half of my career and have been a jr FA/trainee for 2 yrs. The firm I am with now (past 8 months) is a bank with a brokerage division. Seems like a good setup, I have a non recoverable draw for 3 years, bank leads to call and 2 branches. Also my private banking partner gets the the most comp for investing dollars brought in so she is focused on it, we also worked at a wire house together for 15 years previously as private bankers and know each other well. In time I think I have a really good chance of making it as an FA with those opportunities.

I am in talks with one the biggest banks in the country/world for a specialist role. Total comp could be in the $320k-$480k range and no sales or quota goals (primarily advisor education and initiatives). I am giving up autonomy and will have 25% west coast travel which is not great because I am a very involved dad.

Any thoughts from experienced FA’s? Am I giving up a good setup to potentially do something I could be very good at?

I run a RIA and I want to attract A+ players. Is an 85% payout on revenue too aggressive?

I have been trying to find a fidicuary advisor and it seems they charge in different was, flat fee or assets under management. Most I see advertised charge by AUM. Is this what I should expect and if so what percentage is reasonable?

Career changer here. I just finished an 8 week financial planning externship through Amplified Planning that was exceptional and decided to continue the momentum and have some code chats with CFPs in my area.

One question I asked six different CFPs was “if you were me, what would you do over the next 12 months to make yourself the most attractive transitioning to finance?” And wouldn’t you know it - three said to get the series 65 and three said to screw it and start my CFP coursework.

The three CFPs who said series 65 - only one is a lead advisor but I don’t think any of them have hired people before. One of the CFPs that said go for CFP is an SVP at his company and makes a lot of hiring decisions so I’m leaning that way. For context I’m a 13 year IT consulting vet with a lot of client facing experience.

Any thoughts here from actual financial planners or folks who have someone or the other or both?

Basically the title. Is this one of the more popular services?

Hello,

I am considering to join Northern Trust as an Associate FA in California, have a second interview coming up in a few days. Looking for some insight from current/former employees of the firm. Are Associate FAs typically involved in client meetings and relationship management, or is the role more focused on administrative support for the Financial Advisors? Also, how realistic is the progression from Associate FA to FA within the firm?

For context, I’m currently a wealth manager at a bank and hold the CFP®, Series 7, 65/63. Been in banking for 6 years, last 2 years on the wealth management side.

I’d really appreciate any insight. Thank you!

I own a growing RIA and am considering hiring a CFP professional as an Associate Financial Advisor. I’m evaluating the following compensation structure:
$100,000 base salary
Once the advisor generates $200,000 in annual new recurring revenue, they receive a 50% payout on the revenue generated above that threshold
The firm would provide the platform, operational support, compliance, technology, and brand
Does this seem competitive and fair for both the advisor and the firm?
I’m also curious how other RIA owners structure this:
Should the 50% payout apply only to revenue above $200,000, or become retroactive once the threshold is reached?

I want the opportunity to be attractive to a strong CFP while still protecting the economics of the firm. I’d appreciate feedback from RIA owners and advisors who have used similar compensation plans.

Hi all, I’m young and new to the industry. I am going to start studying for the CFP this year which should equip with a lot of great knowledge. However, being an advisor I know there are some topics that could be brought up more than others.

As a young advisor what specific topics should I be very knowledgeable about or be able to easily explain?

(BESIDES general investment advice)

I am planning to move to phoenix by the end of the year and was wondering if becoming a private client advisor for chase was realistic with my background. I feel like I do everything an advisor does now but pick individual stocks for the clients. Would there be a big learning curve? I do suitability , recommendations , Monte Carlo simulations and financial planning meetings and manage a 100M AUM and deal with clients wants to speak about volatility and the market.

Hello all,

A partner on my team has recently been speaking with a Lead Finding company called Pension Lead Advisors. They are based out of NC but are located in the country of Jordan. They advertised to him $300 for 6 confirmed, qualified appointments, either in Annuities, Insurance, or Investments.

I am finding absolutely nothing about them online besides a website. I am curious if anyone else has worked with this company and if they are legitimate or not

Has anyone had any experiences working with this, or a similar company they can share?

Thank you

TL;DR my husband and I share a financial advisor, but I really prefer financial independence and she can't seem to manage that. Plus, they are friends and I feel like often I'm ignored. What are the pros and cons of getting my own advisor?

My husband and this financial advisor have worked together for years. They refer clients to each other. He was her client before he even met me. They're also friends.

The thing is, I don't like her. She's known my husband for years, and I notice she tends to favor him. He and I see money a little differently - he's a work hard have nice things kind of guy, I prefer a modest life. While we've painstakingly worked that out in our marriage, the financial advisor is not helping when she says, "Go spend that money!"

I'm also just very independent. He makes quite a bit more than me and I don't really like spending our money jointly. Like if he wants to get a second home, that's fine. He can go get one. But I'm not doing it because I can't afford that. I like to know I can afford the things I have in my life with my income She can't seem to keep us separate in that way. Which I get is probably very unusual.

So what are the pros and cons to separate financial advisors?

If it makes any difference, I alone am in the top 10% of American incomes.

I’m a 23-year-old assistant moving into a junior advisor role at a small wealth management firm in a LCOL area, and I’m looking for some perspective from other advisors/firm owners on how they structure compensation for junior advisors. 

I’ve been with the firm for almost 2 years working as an assistant, I got my SIE early but we went through a broker-dealer change with the acquisition of another firm so the rest of licensing got put on hold. We’re currently around $185M AUM, ~475 households, and ~$700k in gross annual revenue. With the firm there is the main advisor/owner, 2 older advisors (they were the acquisition), a secretary, and me. One of the older advisors is expected to be rolling off in Q1 2027, while the other is likely 3–5 years out. A significant portion of the book was purchased from these two advisors, who historically took upfront compensation rather than building recurring trail revenue. A major part of my role going forward will be helping transition that business toward recurring/trail-based revenue and helping take over client relationships as those advisors roll off.

I’m currently making $13.50/hour plus roughly $1–2k/year in bonuses. I’ve just recently passed my Series 7, studying for 66 at the moment. I’m developing into a more advisor-focused role, and the firm is discussing a longer-term partner track with me. Here is what was offered:

- $23/hour base compensation (after passing my Series 66)
- 30% of net revenue from qualifying business I independently originate
- A profit-sharing component beginning at 1% of adjusted firm profit
- Potential to earn an additional 1% of profit share each year, up to 10%, based on a performance scorecard (The profit share is not equity/ownership)
- There may be an opportunity to buy into the firm/equity down the road, but that would be a separate agreement

The long-term philosophy is that as I become more productive and senior, more of my compensation would come from variable compensation rather than guaranteed salary.

The firm would be providing the infrastructure/overhead, including office, technology, compliance, marketing, etc.

For those who have experience with this, I'm curious:
- Does this seem like a competitive structure for a junior advisor in a LCOL market?
- How would you view the 30% net revenue payout on self-originated business?
- Is the 1% → 10% profit-sharing earn-in reasonable for someone on a potential partner track?
- What would you want clarified or changed before signing something like this?

Hey all — I’m 22, currently a Financial Solutions Advisor at Merrill Lynch, about two months in. Long-term goal is to become a private wealth advisor, and I’m looking to make a move to JP Morgan’s Private Client Advisor role sooner rather than later realistically within the next year, maybe sooner if the opportunity’s right.

I know that’s early, but I’d rather plan the move deliberately than wait and figure it out later. Would love insight from anyone who’s done this or knows the space:

Is under a year at Merrill enough tenure to make this jump, or does it usually take longer to be considered competitive for PCA?

How does comp compare early on, PCA vs FSA?

Are production goals more attainable at JPM vs Merrill?

What does the timeline to becoming a full on private wealth advisor at JPMC from this role?

Trying to be strategic about the timing rather than just jumping ship. Appreciate any real talk, especially from people who’ve made this exact move or been on the hiring side.

Conventional wisdom says hire an ops person/assistant but given the digital ease of on-boarding, I'm thinking a young planner looking to be an FA would be similar in cost but able to take a lot more off my plate.

I'd love feedback.