Advisor E-Tips

Once a month, we send out a success strategy or practice management idea aimed at helping independent advisors become more productive and profitable.

We may link you to an especially poignant article or steer you toward an industry discussion board that provides helpful insights. We may send commentary on something we’ve read or feel strongly about. Whatever we send, we promise it will be a “quick read” containing targeted information and thoughts about how you can build a highly efficient and profitable fee-based business.

5 Key Steps to Launch a Successful Breakaway RIA Without Losing Clients

TL;DR: Launching a successful breakaway RIA requires more than independence—it depends on strategic planning, clear client value, and a seamless transition experience. This blog outlines how advisors can retain clients and build momentum while moving to independence. Main points: Launching a successful breakaway RIA takes more than a strong desire for independence. It requires clear […]

Unlocking Growth: Applying the Time-Value Equation

Time is your most valuable, non-renewable asset. Yet, for many financial advisors, it’s also the most mismanaged. Research shows most advisors spend less than half their time on client-facing or business development activities. Administrative tasks and routine duties, while necessary, do not directly contribute to growth and consume the rest. By adopting a strategic approach […]

RIA Compliance: What it is and Why it’s Important

As a financial advisory firm, your clients trust you to make the best decisions in their interests. RIA compliance refers to the regulations you must follow to operate legally and ethically. It includes meeting standards set by the SEC or state regulators to maintain transparency and uphold best practices. Staying compliant helps RIAs avoid penalties […]

A Guide on RIA Practice Development

Stay compliant, build trust, and scale smartly for sustainable growth as a registered investment advisor (RIA). As a registered investment adviser (RIA), you wear many hats—advisor, entrepreneur, strategist, and often, manager. Whether you’re just launching your firm or looking to grow, smart RIA practice development is key to long-term success. Let’s break down how financial advisors […]

How Are RIAs Formed? A Guide to Ease Your Fear of Going Independent

Breaking away from a wirehouse to form an RIA offers freedom and control, but requires clear steps and planning. Main points: Breaking away from a wirehouse or brokerage is exciting, but it also raises questions. Many advisors ask, how are RIAs formed, and what does it really take to go independent? The process can feel […]

How to Find the Right Bespoke Business Solutions

Bespoke business solutions are customized strategies and tools that adapt to your company’s unique goals. They ensure your systems align with growth, brand, and market needs. Main points: Not every business fits into a standard box. That’s where bespoke business solutions come in. These are custom strategies, tools, and services built around your company’s exact […]

What is Back Office Support?

TL;DR What is Back Office Support? In the fast-paced world of financial services and small business management, one of the most valuable assets you can have is time. But when your office team is bogged down with time-consuming administrative tasks, it’s hard to focus on growing your business. That’s where back office support comes in. So, What […]

How to Accelerate Business Growth in 6 Steps

TL;DR: Financial firms can achieve sustainable growth by focusing on strategic steps rather than chasing quick fixes. Main points: Financial firms face constant pressure to scale and meet client demands. Many want to accelerate business growth but struggle to balance compliance, client service, and operations. Taking clear, structured steps can make growth manageable. Learn how to […]

6 Signs You Could Benefit from a Business Growth Consultant

TLDR: 6 Signs You Need a Business Growth Consultant Business growth consulting services can help you implement data-driven strategies, improve performance, and achieve measurable results. Running a business isn’t easy. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for years, growth can stall. Sometimes it’s due to internal challenges; other times, it’s because […]

How to Articulate Your Value as a Financial Advisor in a Fee-Conscious World

Proving Your Worth Clients today arrive at your office armed with information, fee comparison tools, and expectations shaped by low-cost alternatives. They question every basis point and scrutinize every service charge. As a financial advisor, this can seem like a threat to your practice. However, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate why you’re worth every dollar […]

The Shifting Landscape: Broker-Dealers vs. Independence

There is one question that continues to dominate financial industry conversations: Is the broker-dealer/wire house model outdated? The Rise of Independent Financial Advisors in 2025 While the traditional broker-dealer structure isn’t extinct, there’s an undeniable shift happening. Many financial advisors are making a move away from the Hybrid dually registered model of a broker dealer […]

The Advisor’s Guide to Outsourcing: Scaling Your Business in 2025

What’s stopping your startup from reaching full potential? If you’re bogged down by tedious, non-revenue-generating tasks, it’s time to consider outsourcing—and here’s why. The ability to scale efficiently is one of the primary challenges financial advisors must tackle. For many early-stage businesses, hiring full-time staff for every function isn’t feasible. This is where outsourcing steps […]

Independence vs. Captivity

Legend has it that in the quaint town of Middlefield, an old, ornate signpost once stood at a fork in the road, guiding travelers with its timeless wisdom. One path veered right, winding through lush, untamed wilderness, symbolizing freedom and the unknown. The other turned left, leading down a narrow, well-paved lane bordered by high, predictable fences. Like the travelers of Middlefield, today’s financial advisors face a similar junction in their professional journeys: the decision between striking out independently or remaining under the umbrella of a broker-dealer.

UPSOURCING

Going Beyond Traditional Outsourcing Reflecting on the Journey Ahead Picture this: it’s a quiet evening in your office, and you are lost in thought, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of your practice. As you reflect on your day, the skyline twinkles in the distance, and a sense of calm washes over you. Yet, amidst […]

Roadblocks that Hinder Progress and Success

As we accelerate into the second half of 2023, it’s an opportune time to glean insights from recurring obstacles that hinder well-intentioned advisors from moving forward and achieving their desired business outcomes. Many advisors express a sincere desire for a particular type of practice; whether they are seeking scale, growth, or a lifestyle practice, certain […]

How can Financial Advisors use AI?

Witness the transformation of financial management through AI and the opportunities and considerations advisors like you need to know. In light of the speed of the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), our industry is increasingly becoming aware that it is necessary to stay informed and consider how to leverage AI to gain a competitive edge […]

Unveiling the Untold Secret: The Trend of Independent RIA Firms Surrendering Control of Their Destiny

For the last 15-20 years, the financial industry has seen a growing trend of advisors embracing the fiduciary mindset and running fee-based businesses, allowing them complete control over their operations, investments, client experience, and more. However, a new development has recently emerged that challenges this traditional path. The M&A landscape has experienced significant activity, with […]

Navigating the Waters Amid Black Swans

Strategies and Tips for Financial Advisors Bring the experience of calm success to you and your clients. While “black swan” market events such as the recent banking system failures and potential impact may cause anxiety and nervousness, it also creates the perfect atmosphere for advisors to switch into proactive mode and bring an experience of […]

The Anatomy of a Breakaway

Key Considerations for Financial Advisors Transitioning to Independence Do you imagine transforming your fee-based business into a successful RIA? Are you seeking greater independence and control over your practice and the benefit of potential growth? When breaking away from a broker-dealer, the first thing to consider is what to expect during the transition process. What […]

Forget What You Know About Outsourcing Investment Management

There is a better way.UN-TAMP™ your business. We’ve been quiet about it for a while, but we want more financial professionals to know that our investment management program is different from anything else you’ve ever seen. “I started working with a third-party money manager, which was one solution to me which lessened the load of […]

Our Top 5 Most-Read Articles for Financial Advisors

As we look back on 2022, we’re highlighting some of the most popular articles that our audience of financial professionals found most helpful and insightful. From advisor best practices to industry trends, they all contain valuable points to consider when building and growing a successful financial advisory practice. This is not an inflation thing… Most […]

A 6-Step Roadmap for Standing Out in a Crowded Market

If you’re like most advisors, you’re not a marketing mastermind by nature. Your underlying talents, strengths, and passion are incorporated into the financial planning or wealth management solutions you provide your clients. (Isn’t that what called you to this profession in the first place?) As a financial advisor—if you are fulfilling your unique professional purpose—then […]

You’re Not Alone: REAL Independence, Full Support, Total Control…

The Best of All Worlds? Once again, our Virtual Ensemble® service offering and concept is resonating with advisors. Even in (and perhaps even more BECAUSE OF) a landscape of uncertainty, many advisors are seeking the highest level of independence and autonomy. They want the flexibility to remain in control of all decisions relating to their […]

What’s your Client ‘Sweet Spot’?”

“Who is your ideal client? What’s your ‘sweet spot’?” For many advisors, these questions aren’t so simple to answer. We GET it. For years, we’ve gotten these very same questions from advisors and colleagues alike. Eventually, we realized (clearly) that what OUR target advisor audience shares has very little to do with AUM. There is […]

You’re Not Alone: RIA Marketing Plans to Grow Your RIA Business

If you’re breaking away or forming your own RIA, you may feel alone with your marketing and growth efforts. Like most independent advisors, you’re eager to get your unique message out into the marketplace, but most of the time you’re at a disadvantage without the resources and support of a larger firm. That’s why advisors […]

Why You Need an Investment Philosophy and IPC

★ What’s Your Investment Philosophy? Do you have one? Are you familiar with the concept? An investment philosophy IS NOT a granular, quantitative description of top 10 holdings and research details. It doesn’t require several pages of explanation. An investment philosophy IS a high-level description of your discipline and belief structure about managing your clients’ […]

WHY & HOW To Raise Your Fees

Last month we began a discussion surrounding advisor fees. That piece started out by asking, “Have you ever raised your fees? If you’re an advisor, probably not.” Based on our experience consulting with hundreds of financial advisors over the years, we’d assert that many of those outstanding advisors may be undercharging clients. Caveat: As fiduciaries, […]

Should You Raise Your Fees?

Have you ever raised your fees? If you’re an advisor, probably not. But why not? Outside of our industry, have you ever encountered or hired another professional who has never raised their fees? Over the last 10 years, the cost of practically everything in our world—from technology to taxes—has gone up, continuously shrinking advisors’ margins. […]

Deeper Client Connections Through Transparency & Technology

The Power of Transparency & Technology As we have all navigated through the pandemic over the past 18 months, change has become normal and expected. Industry-wide, financial planners who seek to survive—and thrive—have had no choice but to adapt and adjust along the way. This is *not* a bad thing. This new, ever-changing landscape has […]

Working From Home: the New Normal

Is Now the Perfect Time to go Independent? Many financial advisors—along with their happy clients—have successfully adapted to a new, much more virtual landscape. Working and conducting business remotely has simply become the new normal for many of us. In our world of broker/dealers and custodians, firms commonly have multiple branches in big cities. Due […]

Don’t Be Afraid to Blaze Your Own Trail

Everyone has their own road to climb. But we all have to find our own way to the top. At certain points in our lives, we need to decide whether to stay on the well-traveled road…or blaze our own trail. As we get older and more set in our ways, We often aren’t willing to […]

The Perfect Solution for Breakaway Advisors

Just imagine transforming your fee-based business into a thriving RIA. What’s holding you back? If you’re like many advisors, you may be having any and all of the following concerns. But read on…because your fears may be unfounded: Whether your goal is to manage $50M or $1B, FocusPoint’s established breakaway solution can actually help you […]

Who Are You?

No really, who are you? What’s your unique story? Can you quickly and smoothly describe your compelling value proposition and what makes you special in your clients’ eyes? Why do they work with you? Why did they choose you? If you aren’t able to articulate this in 30 seconds, you are not alone. Sure, you’re […]

2020: A Year of Deeper Connection

As 2020 comes to a close, we reflect on the new landscape financial advisors have journeyed through this year. • This year: Events have brought to light how committed independent advisors are to their clients. As their trusted advisor, now more than ever, you offer your clients so much more than a financial plan—you provide […]

A Successful Transition to Independence

Why Wait? Map Your Route Now! If you’ve been thinking about forming your own RIA, you already know it’s a journey which will require your time, careful planning, and commitment. But don’t let that hold you back…just ask advisors who chose to go through the process whether it was worthwhile. Their typical, resounding response: “Yes!” […]

Architect Your Unique Blueprint for Success

For over 15 years, independent advisors have looked to FocusPoint Solutions for help with outsourcing their day-to-day back office activities. At the same time—included in our service offering*—they are able to take advantage of our comprehensive, flexible Practice Development Program. Unlike other practice development advisor offerings you may be familiar with, our program culminates in […]

The Leverage, Independence, and Support You’re Seeking

The world has changed significantly, but our Virtual Ensemble® service offering continues to stand the test of time. Many advisors are looking for a business model which offers them all the economies of scale and synergy of a traditional ensemble, while allowing them to truly keep their independence and remain in control of all decisions […]

Breaking Away: Setting the Stage for Success

Thinking about breaking away? It’s a venue which requires your time, careful planning, and commitment…but just talk to an advisor who has made the transition and they’re likely to say, “I only wish I had done it sooner.” For almost 15 years, FocusPoint Solutions has been guiding advisors along the path to independence. Learn How […]

A Successful Transition to Independence: Let FocusPoint Help!

Making the transition to an independent business model or your own RIA is a big task which requires careful planning and commitment. We can help!

To Grow or To Maintain… What’s Ideal For You?

Where do you want to take your business? Do you want to grow…or maintain your current level of business to create a more ideal lifestyle practice? For many advisors, the paths leading to success in either case may include outsourcing to an experienced firm. If you’re like many advisors, you have a good vision of […]

Leverage, Independence, Flexibility, Efficiency… Is a Virtual Ensemble® right for you?

If you’re like many advisors, you may be searching for a solution that allows you to enjoy all of the economies of scale and synergy of a traditional ensemble—while keeping your independence and remaining in control of all decisions relating to your business. The right solution for you may be our service offering, which offers […]

No one can do it all. When does outsourcing make sense?

If you’re going it alone, even with one or two key team members at your side, as your business grows, you may find yourself more and more buried in administrative details. It can be overwhelming to make sure your company’s processes (for internal operations, reporting, billing, investing, trading, etc.) are well-documented and continuously updated. What’s […]

6 Positive Points: Setting the Stage for a Successful Transition to Independence

If you’re thinking about forming your own RIA, you recognize it’s a serious venture, one which requires your time, careful planning, and commitment. But don’t let that hold you back…ask advisors who chose to go through the process whether it was worthwhile. Their typical, resounding response: “Yes!”. For over 12 years, the FocusPoint Solutions team […]

Too much time on quarterly reporting and billing last month?

If you’re like many advisors, quarter-end means the beginning of a painful period of days—or weeks—spent dealing with quarterly reporting and billing. The hours spent on these essential but tedious activities can really add up, draining the advisors or staff responsible for them. When it comes to reporting and billing, the advisors we consult with […]

The Reality of Transitions: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Planning to transition to a more independent or ideal business model? If you’re like many advisors, you’ve probably done a significant amount of planning and research to prepare for a move. FocusPoint Solutions has significant experience and a strong history of leading advisors through their unique transitions to ultimately help them reach their goals. Learn […]

Do you want to focus on growing your business?

FocusPoint Solutions often consults with advisors who want to spend more time working on their business—not in it. At the end of the day, most advisors have very little time to think about creating a plan to build business. And it’s hard for them to remember things being any other way. At some point, many […]

Learn from these advisors’ robo experience

Our company helps advisors who are ready to transform their business models. Season 4 of InvestmentNews’ Practice Makeover series was especially impressive, compelling, and timely. The advisors profiled this season really opened up and shared their journey with the audience. Their main goals? To educate themselves enough to make an informed decision about whether and […]

Preparing your business for succession…and an invite for a webinar this Thursday, April 30.

As you’ve probably heard, earlier this month NASAA adopted a model rule requiring all state-registered investment advisors to “establish, implement and maintain written procedures relating to a Business Continuity and Succession Plan”. Learn more about the rule in an article published online by InvestmentNews last week. Want to learn more about the new NASAA rule […]

Are you prepared for succession? Here are 8 tips on designing and implementing a successful transition plan for your business…

Your time is a precious commodity that can’t be replaced. When your plate is full, it can feel like everything requires your immediate attention. This can make it especially tough to prioritize tasks based on their urgency or importance. If you don’t make a conscious effort or plan which allows you to focus on the […]

Is the fee you’re charging clients too low?

Here’s a New Year’s resolution that may resonate with you: “In 2015, I will commit to emphasizing my role as the business owner of my advisory practice.” Sound compelling to you? As a business owner, are you content with the amount of revenue your business is earning, when you consider all of the unique and […]

Seeking a Better Work-Life Balance? You’re Not Alone…

Earlier this year we had the pleasure of participating as a consultant in the Renovation Room of the new series created by InvestmentNews, titled “Practice Makeover”. The first installation of the series featured one great advisor who had hit a capacity wall and wanted a better work-life balance. The final episode, during which this advisor […]

Watch as this Advisor Undergoes a Practice Makeover in Real Time…

Have you had a chance to check out this series online yet? If not, it’s worth checking out. InvestmentNews has created a new segment called “Practice Makeover”, and through it they’re committed to focusing in on one great advisor who has hit a capacity wall and wants a better work/life balance. With the help and […]

Making Sense of Your Outsourcing Options in 2014

If you’re a busy advisor who has considered outsourcing any area of your business, then you already know you have many good options. Our consulting team often has conversations with advisors who are either overwhelmed with, or unaware of, all the choices available to them today. It can be tough to differentiate between the benefits […]

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What Our Advisors are Saying
“As a traditional ensemble firm with over 20 years in the business, we could afford to bring on our own employees, but then we’d have to find the right people, make sure they were trained and had the right systems, supervise them, manage the human aspects that come with that type of working relationship, create an investment committee, and more. Frankly, I don’t want the headaches that come with more people and systems.”