Insights, Practice Management

The Overlooked Step in Advisor Succession Planning

Financial advisors spend their careers guiding clients into retirement, helping them plan, prepare, and ultimately celebrate the next chapter of life. But when it comes time to do the same for themselves, many advisors find the transition far more difficult than expected. In my work as a business...

Insights, Science of Investing

Mid-Year U.S. Market Review – 2025

The first half of 2025 has brought unexpected shifts to the U.S. economic landscape. After several years of steady growth, the economy contracted in the first quarter, raising concerns about the resilience of both consumers and businesses amid evolving trade dynamics and policy uncertainty. At...

Insights, Practice Management

Summer Marketing Plan: Strategies for Consistent Client Communication

In times of market uncertainty, proactive communication is essential. Whether volatility stems from inflation concerns, global events, or policy shifts, your clients need reassurance and a steady voice. Summer presents a perfect opportunity to connect – clients tend to slow down, take time off,...

Insights, Science of Investing

Support and Resistance: Tools for Timing Entries and Exits

For many investors, timing the market can feel like trying to catch a falling knife—risky, imprecise, and stressful. However, with the right tools and a disciplined approach, it’s possible to make more confident, data-driven decisions. Two of the most foundational tools in technical analysis are...

Insights, Practice Management

Stop Chasing Differentiation – Build a Message That Actually Matters

Back in 2014, Michael Kitces highlighted a “crisis of differentiation” in the financial advisory industry, noting that as more advisors earned their CFP certifications, simply being a credentialed planner was no longer a unique selling point. In 2016, Kitces followed up by pointing out that...

Insights, Practice Management

How to Build a Family Service Model

This article serves as a follow-up to our October 2024 discussion on Finding Sustainable Growth With Next-gen Clients, where we explored strategies for financial advisors to engage and retain younger generations. As we emphasized then, the key to long-term success lies in building meaningful,...

Insights, Science of Investing

Are You Prepared for a Market Crash? Tips for Investors

In the world of investing, market crashes are an inevitable risk. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, the possibility of a sudden and severe downturn can be daunting. A market crash can trigger panic, emotional decisions, and a drastic drop in asset values. However, the key...

Insights, Practice Management

Retirement Coaching

Beyond the Money: Why Retirement Planning Needs a New Approach Many of us have seen it firsthand—a friend, family member, or client who seemed financially prepared for retirement but struggled once they stepped away from their career. They didn’t run out of money, but they did run out of purpose,...

Insights, Practice Management

Valuable Lessons for Financial Advisors Who Want to Elevate Their Brand

A Tale of Two Brands The Starbucks brand used to be synonymous with a cozy, inviting atmosphere and personalized customer experiences. However, in the last few years, it has felt like the firm has prioritized efficiency and sales at the expense of the customer experience, and by doing so, it has...