By

Maddy Grimm

Best Marketing Strategies and Practices for Financial Advisors

Email & More Marketing Must-Haves to Grow Your Business

As a financial advisor, you probably know that effective communication with prospects and clients is essential to growing your business, but do you have a defined marketing strategy to guide your efforts?

The C2P Marketing Roundtable is a monthly meeting where financial services industry marketers affiliated with C2P share their strengths, ideas, issues, and needs. The most recent roundtable brought together specialists from The Agency at C2P who shared valuable insights on financial advisory marketing tactics, including email marketing best practices, financial industry email open rates, nurturing campaigns, and video content creation.

Here are some key takeaways and tips to consider if you’re trying to elevate your marketing approach:

Create Nurture Campaigns

You’ve run a lead-generation webinar or posted gated content on your site to attract leads, now what? You are unlikely to get that lead to become a client immediately. Prospects often view three to five pieces of marketing content before engaging in a conversation with you. That’s where nurture campaigns come into play.

Nurturing new leads over time with relevant and appealing content can help get your prospect to take your desired action. With effective nurturing campaigns, you can increase the qualified leads flowing into your financial advisory practice by 50% while reducing the cost per lead by 33%.2

Establish a Content Strategy

What does a nurture campaign look like? A basic email nurture campaign often consists of at least three emails spread over a month’s time.

Use the email nurture structure of a typical campaign below as a guide to craft your next campaign:

  • Email 1: Content delivery (e.g., an eBook they requested or webinar recording)
    • Send right after content is requested or shortly after webinar is held
  • Email 2: Follow-up expanding on the content, with a soft sell
    • Sent a few days or a week after first email
  • Email 3: A more direct call-to-action to book a call
    • Sent a week after second email

Subject Lines:

As for the content of those emails, don’t sleep on subject lines — they’re what motivates people to open your emails. Try to:

  • Keep them short (around seven words) and intriguing.
  • Use questions to pique curiosity. For example, “Are you using this tax strategy?”
  • Include numbers in your subject lines to grab attention, such as “5 retirement planning mistakes to avoid.”

Personalization

Personalization that goes beyond using the recipient’s name in a subject line or greeting is very important and effective. Personalized emails deliver 6x higher transaction rates, making this one of the most impactful financial advisor marketing strategies.3

For highly engaged prospects (those opening 60-70% of emails), consider offering exclusive content, events, or even personalized outreach.

Multi-channel Approach

You can also incorporate phone calls, direct mail, and other touchpoints in your nurturing strategy to keep prospects engaging with your content. For instance, follow up an email with a phone call, or guide mail recipients to a video on your website.

Segment Your Lists to Reach Your Target Audience

Rather than trying to reach the largest possible audience, focus on connecting effectively with a smaller, well-targeted list of prospects. It’s better to have meaningful interactions with 100 good prospects than superficial contact with 1000 unqualified leads.

For example, you can segment your audience by factors like age, investment goals, or even business ownership if that’s your desired audience. This allows you to tailor your messaging for maximum relevance.

Leverage Video Content

Videos can increase email click-through rates by 300% and they continue to be one of the most popular forms of media marketing.4

While professional equipment can enhance quality, don’t let that be a barrier to entry to creating your own videos. Modern smartphones can produce good quality video for getting started. As you become more comfortable or the type of content you want to create evolves, you can invest in better equipment. By following a guide of the proper technology and tips, getting started is simple.

For audio, be mindful of noise coming from your background, clothing that might rustle against microphones, and room acoustics. Soft furnishings can help reduce echo and enclosing your space can limit excess sound.

Make sure you have good lighting, frame yourself well, and watch what’s in your background when on camera. Use natural light from a window, if possible. For example, avoid having clocks visible, as they can create continuity issues if you edit the video.

Measure Your Success

Regularly review your metrics and use the insights to refine your approach. What worked last quarter might not work this quarter, so stay adaptable.

Key email metrics to track include open rates, click-through rates, and overall engagement. Look at trends over time and how they correlate with changes in your strategy.

For the financial services industry, aim for open rates in the mid-20s to high 30s. Click-through rates, however, are more varied across platform benchmarks. FMG’s industry average is as high as 6.53%6 and others as low as 0.75%.7 The Agency at C2P suggests aiming for around 2%, which seems to be closer to the typical average. Keep in mind your specific numbers may also vary based on your niche and audience.

Make Sure to Keep Compliance in The Loop

Always ensure your marketing efforts comply with industry regulations. This is particularly important in the financial services sector where there are strict rules about communications and promotions.

Stay Open to Learning and Experimenting

It’s important to test and refine your approach based on your unique audience and strengths. A/B testing is a useful tool for improving your marketing campaigns. It can help optimize your strategies and boost performance.

With emails, try testing different subject lines, send times, and content to see what works best. For example, you might test a more formal tone against a casual one or compare morning vs. evening send times.

Commit to Marketing and Start Growing your Business

Start by focusing on one or two areas for improvement, and gradually expand your marketing toolkit. By using the strategies mentioned here and sticking to them, you can develop a marketing plan that helps your business grow. Remember, effective marketing is not just about attracting new clients; it’s about building lasting relationships and providing ongoing value to your existing client base.

For more resources on marketing strategies and other aspects of running a successful advisory practice, C2P offers a wealth of knowledge and support. Book a call to explore how you can take your marketing efforts to the next level.

Subscribe to our podcasts to stay updated on the latest news and insights from industry leaders. Our podcasts include The Bucket Plan®, The Rainmaker Multiplier, or A Woman’s Clarity®.

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

Sources:

  1. https://nytlicensing.com/latest/trends/financial-content-marketing-stats-to-prepare/
  2. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/executive-guide-effective-lead-nurturing#:~:text=Effective%20lead%20nurturing%20generates%2050,purchases%20than%20non%2Dnurtured%20leads.
  3. https://www.experianplc.com/newsroom/press-releases/2014/experian-marketing-services-study-finds-personalized-emails-generate-six
  4. https://blog.beehiiv.com/p/video-email-marketing-statistics
  5. https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/average-email-open-rate-benchmark
  6. https://fmgsuite.com/insights/guide-to-effective-email-marketing-for-financial-advisor/#:~:text=For%20financial%20advisors%2C%20the%20industry,and%20who%20you%20are%20contacting.
  7. https://www.benchmarkemail.com/email-marketing-benchmarks/

Innovative Client Appreciation and Prospecting Events for Financial Advisors

For financial advisors, maintaining strong client relationships and attracting new prospects are crucial for ongoing success. Even during slower seasons, engaging in creative events and activities can help maintain momentum for your practice throughout the year.

In a recent episode of the Rainmaker Multiplier on Demand podcast, Grace Nicholson and Nikki Glynn shared their innovative ideas for leveraging events to strengthen client bonds and generate new leads.

The Power of Unique Events         

Grace Nicholson, lead financial advisor and owner of Akamai Advisors, repeatedly emphasized the impact of distinctive events to connect with current clients and prospects:

“We can do all we want on lead generation and finding new prospects but nurturing these people who are already in our circles and just getting to know them better on that deeper relationship level is really important.”

Advisors like Grace who specialize in working with women, widows, and divorcees can use events like these to connect with their target audience and differentiate themselves.  She argues “I think women want to feel very comfortable and close to their professionals,” and by holding memorable events like overnight retreats, “they really get to know you as a person and not just as a professional.”

Generating Referrals Through Memorable Client Events

Holding unique and memorable client events also gives you a unique opportunity to generate strong referrals. In Grace’s experience, “The referral really goes a long way when it’s coming from someone who says, ‘This is one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had.’”

Nikki Glynn, marketing director at JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management, echoed this sentiment by saying, “Your clients are your biggest cheerleaders. They’re your front row. But when you plan fun events that are exciting for them to come to, they want to bring people with them. It’s just a fun, cool way for them to introduce their closest pals to us. ”

Creative Event Ideas for Financial Advisors Year-Round

Both advisors shared unique event concepts that have proven successful throughout the year, here are some examples:

Multi-Day Retreats

Grace’s firm hosts retreats featuring activities like vision boarding, art projects, yoga, and personal development workshops. These events create deep connections and memorable experiences.

Cooking Classes

Nikki plans themed cooking events, inviting high-level clients to bring prospective couples. “We insert ourselves in there beside the prospects and our advisors… it’s just a lot of fun, a lot of laughter,” Nikki shared.

Spa Days

Nikki recounted a successful event where they rented out a hotel conference center for a day of pampering and education. “By the end of the day, you have raving fans,” she noted.

Movie Nights

Whether at a drive-in during warmer months or an indoor theater when it’s cold, movie events can be a fun way to engage clients and prospects.

Beneficiary Events

Grace plans events focused on educating clients’ beneficiaries to get them to understand how important the responsibility of bearing their loved ones’ financial legacy is.

Community Shreds

These practical events can be timed around tax season or back-to-school season or after-tax time, offering a valuable service to clients and the community.

Seasonal Activities

Consider events that align with the time of year, such as sailing in the summer or holiday-themed gift workshops in winter.

Planning Successful Financial Advisory Events: Five Key Tips

When organizing these events, keep the following tips in mind:

  1. Define your success metrics in advance (Grace aims to get five new clients from each retreat she holds)
  2. Start planning ahead of time (Grace recommends at least six months for larger events)
  3. Tailor events to your target audience
  4. Leverage community partnerships and vendors
  5. Collect feedback and testimonials

As Grace pointed out, “The biggest reason why you should do it is the feedback that you’ll get from the people who attend… We’ve had testimonials like, ‘This is one of the most life-changing weekends I’ve ever had.'”

Getting Started with Client Appreciation Events

If you’re new to hosting client appreciation or lead generation events in your financial advisory practice, Nikki advises starting small and going from there once you get your feet wet.

Consider forming a client advisory board once per quarter or making it a priority to regularly ask clients what their interests are in your meetings with them. This will help you get insights that will help generate ideas all year round for events.

Adapting Financial Advisory Client Events to Different Seasons

While some events may be better suited for certain times of the year, the key is to maintain a consistent calendar of engaging activities. Some examples for spring and summer include outdoor activities like gardening workshops or sporting events. Whereas fall and winter are perfect times to do harvest festivals, end-of-year tax workshops, holiday gatherings, and indoor communal classes like paint-and-sips.

Generating engagement and referrals with creative events

By investing time and creativity into events throughout the year, you can strengthen client relationships, generate quality leads, and keep your practice’s momentum going strong regardless of the season.

Remember, as Grace noted, “Who else is doing that with these people? The referral really goes a long way when it’s coming from someone who says, ‘This is one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had.'”

At C2P, we are committed to supporting financial advisors with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their client relationships and business outcomes.

Listen or watch the full podcast episode on innovative client appreciation and prospecting events for more detailed advice and strategies:

Looking to boost your client engagement and prospecting strategies? Schedule a call and subscribe to one of our C2P podcasts for the latest news and insights.

 

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

Big Moments from C2P’s Mastermind Collegium Event for Financial Advisors in Pittsburgh

The steel city of Pittsburgh set the stage for C2P’s 2024 Mastermind Collegium (MMC) where financial advisors from across the nation gathered to forge their practices into prosperous enterprises. Hosted at the iconic Omni William Penn Hotel from June 4-6, this year’s event heated up with keynotes from industry heavyweights, insider tips from top advisors, and exclusive networking opportunities in a historic setting.

Catch up on some of the exciting content and updates shared at the annual Mastermind Collegium.

 

Welcome Reception with Bar Sponsored by Allianz Life

Cheers to the first night of the 2024 Mastermind Collegium in Pittsburgh in the first of many stunning spaces at the Omni William Penn Hotel! Advisors, their team members, and C2P staff connected over cocktails courtesy of Allianz Life, and delicious snacks and desserts during this warm reception.

 

Hammer Financial Group advisors and team members, from left; Emily Agresta, Greg Hammer, Todd Gehring-Gervase, Casey Johansen, and Tamara Taylor, were among guests of the 2024 June MMC in Pittsburgh, PA.

June 2024 MMC Sessions Start!

Kicking off the Mastermind Collegium on June 4, exit planning guru Jim Erben delivered a rousing keynote on why advisors need succession plans to protect their life’s work. His “Succession by Design, Not Default” talk outlined a clear roadmap for charting business continuity, retaining key employees, and maximizing value for a future sale or transfer.

 

Jim Erben presents to a historic ballroom full of engaged advisors at the 2024 MMC, hosted by C2P at Pittsburgh’s Omni William Penn Hotel.
Jim Erben presents to a historic ballroom full of engaged advisors at the 2024 MMC, hosted by C2P at Pittsburgh’s Omni William Penn Hotel.

 

Hot off the Forge: C2P’s Yearly Updates & Innovations

President and Founding Partner at C2P, Dave Alison, shared a string of achievements and news from the past year, including numerous ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES 2023 nominations and wins for C2P team members.

He was also proud to share Prosperity Capital Advisors (PCA) was named one of the Best Financial Advisory Firms of 2023 by USA Today and a top-ranking RIA according to a 2023 survey from Financial Advisor Magazine.

 

 

Dave Alison celebrates wins of top C2P advisors amid a sea of top industry performers at the 2024 MMC.

 

Looking to the future, Dave gave exciting updates on initiatives for the new year, including the launch of C2P’s in-house marketing agency, the development of a life insurance platform and additional support, the implementation of new trading platforms, technology, and software to improve operations at PCA, and more.

 

The emcee, Jason Hewlett, kept all guests on their toes with his engaging presence that included his miscellaneous musical impressions.

 

Wishing John Dowd A Happy Retirement

On behalf of all C2P team members, Dave Alison wished John Dowd well on his much-earned retirement and thanked him for his many contributions to C2P as well as being an integral part in Dave’s career.

Top Advisor Showcase: Ironclad Principles of Influence

In this Top Advisor Showcase, Greg Dillon, Managing Partner and Head of Wealth Management and Retirement Income Planning at OneTeam Financial, revealed how he uses The Principles of Influence from a book of the same name to drive more business and achieve long-term growth and success. His words challenged advisors to engage with their clients in new ways to better deliver the value of their services and guidance.

 

Molding your Practice’s Future Clientele: Defining Your Target Client & Minimum Checks

This powerful panel featuring notable C2P leaders and successful advisors, discussed “setting your prices with purpose” and the importance of defining your demographics and target market, not just b y AUM. Each panelist shared their experience with how being intentional in their business model made sure they can not only scale up but provide their clients with a greater standard of service.

MMC 2024 Panelists (from left), Bryan Bibbo, President and CFO of JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management; Greg Hammer, CEO and President of Hammer Financial Group; and Dave Alison, CEO of Alison Wealth Management; talk with moderator Kalem Mackey, Executive VP of C2P.

Hammering Out the Truth: Social Security Myths Debunked

One of the nation’s foremost subject matter specialists on Social Security, Ash Ahluwalia, CFP®, MBA, Head of Social Security Planning at OneTeam Financial, took the stage to bust common myths and share claiming strategies to optimize retirement income. With humor and wit, Ash shared a wealth of tips advisors can use when articulating the value of useful Social Security claiming strategies.

Anvils of the Industry: Top 5 Roundtable

MMC 2024 Sponsors, Allianz Life, BlackRock, Lincoln Financial Group, Dimensional Fund Advisors, and Wealth.com, took turns sharing a sales or practice management technique attendees can use to grow their practices and answering attendee questions.

Roaring on the River

After growing their network and knowledge base by day, advisors put on their evening digs flapper for a 1920s-themed river boat tour on the Gateway Clipper.

 

C2P advisors and staff showing up in style for the 1920s inspired river cruise on the Gateway Clipper at the 2024 Mastermind Collegium in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

Sponsored by Allianz, the “Roaring on the River” evening cruise served up dinner, drinks, dancing and gambling to the tune of a live 1920s jazz band and backdrop of stunning skylines and bridges. Special shoutout to those guests who donned their best flapper dresses and Gatsby-esque ensembles to bring the theme to life!

 

Following a full day of sessions and trainings, 2024 MMC attendees enjoyed the 1920s themed,” ‘Roaring on the River, night out with fine dining, incredible views, and casino activities.

 

 

All Good Things Must Come to An End

The Final Day Of The MMC begins with A Woman’s Clarity® Breakfast

To start the last day of the MMC off strong, the women of C2P bonded over an exclusive breakfast hosted by A Woman’s Clarity®.

 

Host of A Woman’s Clarity and Vice President, Head of Annuity Sales at C2P, Kirsten Schlumbohm, led the women of C2P for an open discussion on their wins and wishes for the industry at an exclusive breakfast at the Mastermind Collegium.

 

Together they sipped mimosas and coffee, celebrated their wins, discussed their challenges, and brainstormed new ways to empower female advisors and clients they serve. When these ladies joined forces, the ideas flowed about how to support each other, and they shared the strengths of women in the financial industry.

Growth Training: Getting Clients & Prospects to Take Action

Following breakfast, most of the day was occupied by growth mastermind Chuck Hollander’s “Getting Clients to Take Action” workshop where he taught The Compass Framework™ System for converting more prospects.

Hollander asked hard questions of the audience that forced advisors to realistically analyze their sales processes, success rates, and missteps. In his words, “success hides mistakes and inefficiencies.”

He also talked about the importance of being a “change navigator” rather than a “benefits communicator,” challenging advisors to identify the problem or goals a prospect has rather than immediately trying to sell them on the advantages of their services.

Designing Bucket Plans of Steel with Dave Alison

To wrap up the event, Dave Alison shared his approach, software, and tools utilized at his firm, Alison Wealth Management, to create custom Bucket Plans more efficiently and deliver them in a compelling way.

Dave Alison closed out another successful Mastermind Collegium but not before asking attendees to share their key takeaways from the event.

Until Next Year!

Between the top-tier content and endless networking opportunities with industry heavy hitters, the 2024 Mastermind Collegium gave attendees the resources, inspiration, and connections to forge a prosperous future. The event may be over, but our mission to simplify financial planning for advisors and the clients they serve continues!

Don’t miss out on C2P’s next premier advisor event. Contact us today to learn how our comprehensive support can transform your practice.

 

 

Advising Clients on 529 Plans and Tax-Efficient College Savings Strategies

Advise your clients on 529 plans and more tax-efficient strategies with powerful insights from a recent episode of “The Bucket Plan® On-Demand” podcast.

In this episode, Seth Meisler, CFA, CFP®, CPA, and Stoyan Petev, CFA, CFP®, CLU, ChFc, discuss the tax advantages and flexibility of 529 plans to pay for college or other educational-related expenses for a loved one.

As a financial advisor, understanding these insights can enhance your holistic financial planning approach and offer significant value to your clients.

Here are the main points discussed, along with actionable advice and key takeaways from the podcast.

The Basics of 529 Plans and How Do They Work?

As Seth Meisler, lead advisor at JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management, explained:

“529 plans allow individuals to save money in a tax-deferred or tax-free manner if the money is used specifically for college for an accredited university.”

Types of 529 plans:

  1. 529 Savings Plans: These plans function similarly to retirement investment accounts, with contributions invested in mutual funds or other investment products.

    The funds grow tax-free, and the government does not tax withdrawals for qualified education expenses.

  2. Prepaid Tuition Plans let you pay for future tuition at current rates, protecting you from tuition cost increases.

    Senior Vice President of Advanced Markets at C2P, Stoyan Petev, explained, “Prepaid plans are state-covered plans that allow you to prepay for state public universities and colleges.”

529 Tax Benefits and Strategic Gifting

Contributions to 529 plans grow tax-deferred and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free — making them an effective, often preferred strategy advisors recommend for tax-efficient college savings.

Meisler also noted, “there are tax benefits for people who are gifting in certain states,” but this can vary, so it’s crucial to understand each state’s unique offerings before factoring that in.

529 plans can also be used as a strategic gifting strategy. For example:

  • Grandparents can contribute to an education fund without paying gift taxes by using the five-year election.
  • This technique lets them give up to five years’ worth of contributions all at once.

As Stoyan noted, “from an estate planning perspective, that’s actually a pretty good planning technique.”

[Related Reading: Advanced Tax-Efficient Planning for High-Net-Worth Clients]

Advanced Tax Planning Strategies

Clients may want to manage their 529 plans independently. However, a knowledgeable advisor can help them understand the complexities and maximize the benefits.

Here are some examples of the advanced strategies an advisor could offer:

  1. State Tax Deductions: Dave Alison, CFP®, EA, BPC, shared one valuable strategy: “Instead of having the grandparents contribute directly into the 529, we had the grandparents give a cash gift to mom and dad, who then made the contributions into the South Carolina plan.” This maneuver helped the parents secure a significant state tax deduction.
  2. Blending 529 Funds with Other Savings: To get the most tax credits, it can be helpful to use both 529 funds and pay for expenses yourself. Alison noted, “We wanted to use a certain amount of after-tax money to pay for education, not use all 529 money, to ensure eligibility for the American Opportunities Credit.”
  3. Roth IRAs as an Alternative: While 529 plans are powerful tools, Roth IRAs can also be useful for college savings. Seth Meisler pointed out, “The earnings would not be subject to a 10 percent penalty if used for college contributions, and if you’re over 59 and a half, there’s no tax on the earnings.”

Tax-Advantaged Education Funding with 529 Plans

The Importance of Ownership and Beneficiary Designations

The structure of a 529 plan can impact financial aid calculations and estate planning. Petev highlighted the importance of ownership: “Make sure that you have a successor owner set up on that 529 plan account. It is very important for estate planning and ensuring control continuity.”

Additionally, the FAFSA rules have changed, making it advantageous for grandparents to contribute to 529 plans without affecting the student’s financial aid eligibility.

Meisler explained, “Any amount paid by a grandparent, whether direct or from a 529, is not included in the FAFSA calculation starting in 2024.”

Enhancing Client Value with Holistic Financial Advising

As Seth Meisler concluded, “There’s a lot of flexibility with 529s, and the right guidance can make a significant difference.”

By understanding the complexities and benefits of 529 plans, you can provide exceptional value to your clients. Using these strategies in your overall financial plan can help clients save for college efficiently and reach their financial goals.

At C2P, we are committed to supporting financial advisors with the knowledge and tools needed to help clients succeed. Listen or watch the full podcast episode on 529 plans for more detailed advice and strategies.

Looking for the latest financial advising industry news and insights? Subscribe to one of our C2P podcasts!

Schedule a Call

Meet the Specialists

Stoyan Petev, CFA, CFP®, CLU, ChFc, serves as the Senior Vice President of Advanced Markets at C2P, where he spearheads the in-house life insurance division and assists advisors with his knowledge in investment sales and sophisticated planning. His role is pivotal within C2P’s planning-first RIA, Prosperity Capital Advisors, serving both on the Investment Committee and Leadership Team. Stoyan’s journey before C2P spans nearly three decades, during which he has honed his skills across various capacities such as an advisor, distributor, research and investment analyst, due diligence officer, and consultant.

Seth Meisler, CFA, CFP®, CPA, is a lead advisor at JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management. With over 17 years of experience, he is known for his strategic approach to financial planning, tax planning, and investment management. He is also a member of Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA Advisory Group and has been featured in prominent publications like Marketwatch.com and Forbes.

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

Staying Sharp to Stay Ahead: Why Continuous Learning is Crucial as a Financial Advisor

The services you offer as a financial advisor are important, but your knowledge is your most valuable asset.

In an industry with new regulations, tax laws, investment products, and planning strategies constantly emerging, continuous learning is essential to provide the most current and effective advice to clients.

The Importance of Continuing Education in the Financial Industry

Ongoing education doesn’t just allow you to better serve your clients, it gives you a critical competitive edge. Advisors who actively expand their skills and stay ahead of the curve are more likely to thrive and stand out against the crowd. Those who become complacent and let their knowledge stagnate can quickly fall behind.

Here are five key reasons why continuous professional development should be non-negotiable for top financial advisors:

1. Staying Current on Evolving Tax Laws and Regulations

Lawmakers amend tax laws annually, and they periodically make major overhauls. As a financial advisor, you need an in-depth understanding of the latest tax regulations and how they impact strategies for retirement planning, estate planning, charitable giving, and investment income taxation.

For example, in 2026 the Great Tax Sunset will end the provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Understanding how these changes will impact your clients’ taxes can help you educate them and plan ahead.

2. Mastering Advanced Planning Techniques

Successful advisors have deep mastery of sophisticated strategies like:

Many financial advisors do not learn advanced planning techniques for life insurance or proactive tax management through standard education. As such, it is critical to seek out additional training programs to continue to enhance your technical expertise.

3. Adapting to New Investment Products and Market Changes

In the financial services industry, companies constantly introduce new investment products and markets regularly evolve. How can you advise your clients to the fullest without knowing all their available options? It is important to be flexible and stay informed about changes. This will help you:

  • Recommend the best products
  • Plan strategies for your client’s specific risk tolerance and preferences

Meeting and exceeding your clients’ expectations can be as simple as keeping up with the times and technologies. Today when nearly everything can be personalized, clients also expect that from their investment portfolios. Staying up to date on the latest offerings can help advisors personalize their clients’ portfolios to accomplish a range of goals and align with their clients’ values.

4. Understanding Clients’ Changing Needs

Clients’ circumstances shift over time through major life events and new lifestyle trends are always emerging. Consider “gray divorce” – when spouses separate after 50. This trend has become a significant problem for many soon-to-be retirees as they can no longer rely on their original plans including their spouse’s finances for retirement.

Additional education helps you anticipate these changing client needs for marriage, divorce, inheritance, retirement, and more, helping salvage retirement and other financial plans that may be affected.

Recommended Podcast: Divorce Made Simple: Financial & Practical Advice

5. Elevating Credibility and Trust Bucket Plan Certified logo

Clients appreciate when you show commitment to professional development. This boosts your credibility and demonstrates that you are a knowledgeable and trusted advisor.

Getting a special certification through extra training can be especially beneficial.

Certifications like the following can help you stand out in your field and offer more specialized, high-value services to your clients:

  • Retirement income planning
  • Federal retirement planning
  • Long-term care planning,

Having a credential from additional training can make a big difference, even if you already have experience in certain areas.

Our 3 Unique Offerings

Ways to Enhance Your Advisory Skills and Knowledge

So how can you prioritize continuous learning as a financial advisor? Here are some suggestions:

1. Online Courses, Certifications and Webinars

Advisors can access online education from professional associations and education providers.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) offers a variety of courses designed to enhance the regulatory knowledge and ethical standards of financial advisors.

2. Attend In-Person Training Programs from Respected Educators

At C2P, we offer a range of training programs for financial advisors to help enhance their skills and grow their business capabilities.

  • The Bucket Plan® 1.0 and 2.0: Learn how to create and deliver tax-efficient retirement income plans customized to each client using the comprehensive planning framework known as The Bucket Plan®. These 2-day training courses cover asset allocation modeling, Roth conversion strategies, dynamic spending approaches, and investment portfolio design.
  • The Tax Management Journey®: Discover how to minimize clients’ tax burdens and communicate the importance of proactive tax management with this program that covers tax-efficient investing, charitable tax planning, estate planning strategies, and distribution management.
  • The Teamwork Movement Live Training: This practice management program shows advisors how to develop an elite team and build a self-sustainable and lasting wealth management firm.

3. Industry Conferences and Trade Shows

Attending trade shows and conferences is a fantastic way for financial advisors to network with peers, discover new products, and learn from leaders in the field. Events such as the Morningstar Investment Conference and the Schwab IMPACT Conference offer unique opportunities to engage with thought leaders and innovators in finance.

The multi-day Mastermind Collegium hosted by C2P and reserved for C2P advisors also provides a combination of cutting-edge technical training, practice management insights, and peer networking opportunities.

4. Read Industry Publications or Listen to Industry Podcasts

Stay current by reading publications, white papers, and books on financial advising trends. Regularly tuning into podcasts from trusted industry leaders like:

It can also be a convenient way to stay informed about the latest trends, tools, and strategies in financial advising. These podcasts all feature special guests with various subject-matter expertise within the financial space who share valuable insights and their experiences.

 

Adopting a Lifelong Learning Mindset

Continuous learning, particularly through rigorous training programs like those from C2P, allows advisors to elevate their technical expertise, stay ahead of critical regulatory changes, and adapt their approach as client needs and industry dynamics shift.

Book a Call

 

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

 

 

Mastering Practice Management: Developing Top Talent & Efficiency in Financial Advisory Firms

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, firms must navigate the challenges in financial services, including the constant struggle to attract and retain top talent.

With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, having a practice management system in place is crucial for developing advisors you can trust with your legacy, ensuring long-term success for your firm.

In The Teamwork Movement episode of The Rainmaker Multiplier on Demand podcast, accomplished financial advisors and thought leaders shed light on the importance of practice management in shaping the financial advisor career path and fostering long-term success within advisory firms.

Learn proven practice management techniques and training these advisors used to grow and scale their firm.

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The Importance of Practice Management for Financial Advisors

Practice management encompasses a wide range of strategies and tools designed to streamline operations, foster collaboration, and optimize performance within a financial advisory firm.

Implementing frameworks like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) can significantly enhance meeting rhythms, accountability, and team cohesion.

As Rob Lacivita, Chief Operating Officer at JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management, stated in The Teamwork Movement: Redefining Practice Management Beyond Career Paths episode of the podcast:

“EOS has been a huge help. Because before EOS, it sounds basic, but we never had… that regular cadence of a leadership team meeting, regular cadence of the operation meeting, the advisors meeting…”

Having clear processes and frameworks in place allows your firms to scale and support your advisors’ development while keeping you on track to meet the firm’s goals.

Why Structured Career Paths Motivate Financial Advisors

One of the key aspects of effective practice management is the establishment of clear financial advisor career paths for advisors and support staff.

These paths allow young advisors to gain valuable experience and confidence with lead advisors and their clients as they work their way up the ladder.

By providing a well-defined roadmap for growth and advancement, firms can cultivate a culture of continuing education for financial advisors, ultimately leading to increased employee satisfaction and retention.

The 10,000-Hour Rule: A Roadmap for Advisor Growth

During the same podcast, Greg Dillon, CFA, CFP ®, CLTC®, NSSA®, the Managing Partner and Head of Wealth Management and Retirement Income Planning at OneTeam Financial, shared how he leverages the “10,000-hour rule” when communicating the value of career paths to advisors — how it takes approximately 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to become skilled in a given field.

“We share with folks you really need 10,000 hours before you’re going to be sitting in front of a client and delivering on a financial plan or doing that discovery meeting.”

By applying this principle to the financial advisory industry, firms can set realistic expectations and timelines to progress for career progression along a structured career path for financial advisors, from associate advisors to lead advisors and, eventually, partners or equity holders.

Advisor Career Path & Compensation Models

Mentorship and Training: Key Drivers of Advisor Success

While structured career paths provide a framework, the podcast also emphasized the critical role of mentorship and training in developing advisors.

As Dillion noted from his own experiences that, “there’s no replacement for mentorship. You can’t have an e-learning module on mentorship.”

Effective mentorship programs allow experienced professionals to share their knowledge with newer advisors, fostering a culture of continuous learning and evolution.

Additionally, comprehensive training initiatives ensure that advisors are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of financial planning, client management, and business development.

The Teamwork Movement Live in Person Training

For financial advisory firms seeking to enhance their practice management strategies and establish career paths, C2P’s revamped Teamwork Movement Training offers a valuable opportunity.

This two-day training developed by Jason L Smith, Founder and CEO of C2P and JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management, is designed for firm owners, operators, and leadership team members, and has evolved to include general aspects of practice management beyond just career paths.

As Smith outlined: “We’ll be layering on a multitude of other things…covering a lot more topics like training, onboarding, tracking and reporting for firms, KPIs, business development, some employee management tips and tricks.”

By attending the Teamwork Movement Training, participants learn actionable strategies to optimize their practice management, create a cohesive environment, and foster team development.

Accelerate Advisor Growth & Unlock Your Firm’s Potential

If you’re a financial advisory firm owner, operator, or leadership team, embracing the power of practice management and career paths can cultivate a high-performing team of advisors and an ownership-minded staff to drive your firm’s sustained success.

To access additional materials provided by C2P, schedule a call, and keep yourself updated with the latest industry trends and insights by subscribing to the C2P podcasts.

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

Financial Planning Simplified: Designing Your Client’s Bucket Plan

A Guide for Financial Advisors

In today’s complex financial landscape with so many variables, assumptions, and unknowns, it’s easy to overwhelm your clients with how you prepare and present your recommendations.

This is where The Bucket Plan® comes into play, offering a straightforward approach to financial planning that’s easy to understand and replicate.

Expanding off one of the first episodes of The Bucket Plan® On-Demand Podcast, “Back to Bucket Plan® Basics: Episode 2, Design,” discover how to use The Bucket Plan® process to design and deliver your recommendations in a comprehensive financial plan.

The Essence of The Bucket Plan®

The Rule of 3: Simplifying Complexity

At its core, The Bucket Plan® utilizes ‘The Rule of 3,’ a principle that simplifies complex information into three primary categories.

In this case, it breaks down a client’s financial life into three manageable buckets: Now, Soon, and Later.

This segmentation helps clients easily visualize and comprehend their financial strategy, helping to ensure they are actively engaged and informed about their planning process.

Designing Your Client’s Bucket Plan

Here’s how financial advisors can leverage The Bucket Plan® to streamline their planning processes and better serve their clients.

 

 

The Now Bucket: Immediate Financial Needs

Covering Short-term Goals

The Now bucket addresses immediate liquidity needs for the next year. It’s designed to cover income gaps, emergency or comfort funds, and any planned large expenses.

Tailored specifically for clients who are retired or will retire within the next 12 months, this bucket ensures that there is sufficient liquidity to cover short-term needs without compromising long-term growth.

The Soon Bucket: Securing the Next Decade

Bridging the Inflation-adjusted Income Gap

Focusing on the next 10+ years, the Soon bucket aims to bridge the inflation-adjusted income gap. This bucket employs various strategies — drawdowns, lifetime income, portfolio income, or non-income accumulation—based on individual client needs.

The Soon bucket ensures that your clients’ desired lifestyle can be maintained through their early years of retirement, adjusting for inflation, and changing circumstances.

The Later Bucket: Long-term Goals and Growth

Focusing on Future Aspirations

The remainder of a client’s assets falls into the Later bucket, concentrating on long-term growth, lifetime income planning for more than 10+ years into the future, healthcare or confinement needs, and inheritance planning.

This bucket is essential for clients looking to achieve long-term financial goals, allowing for more aggressive investment strategies due to its extended time horizon.

Tailoring The Bucket Plan® to Individual Needs

Customization is Key

The beauty of The Bucket Plan® lies in its adaptability. Financial advisors can tailor each bucket to the specific needs, goals, and situations of their clients.

Through real-world examples and case studies, advisors can illustrate the plan’s flexibility and the critical importance of customizing the strategy to match each client’s unique financial landscape.

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The Bucket Plan® in Action

Consider the following example of a married couple, both 65 years old, who just retired with an income gap of $25k/year.

 

To address a $25,000 annual income gap, we set aside an emergency fund and income for the first year in their Now bucket and draw down $25,000 yearly from qualified assets in the Soon Bucket for 10 years to cover the gap while minimizing tax impact.

Their Later bucket holds the remaining assets for long-term growth and tax-efficient inheritance, complemented by an asset-based long-term care policy to avoid financial burden on their children.

This is just one example of how this comprehensive approach to retirement income planning effectively addresses this client’s unique needs and considerations.

Simplify Financial Planning with The Bucket Plan®

A Consultative Approach

This approach fosters a consultative environment where you can offer personalized advice without overwhelming your clients with complexities.

By simplifying financial planning with The Bucket Plan®, advisors can help their clients navigate their financial journey with confidence and clarity.

Incorporating The Bucket Plan® into Your Practice

Adopting The Bucket Plan® in your financial advisory practice can revolutionize the way you approach financial planning and the value you offer to your clients.

It offers a structured yet flexible framework that can accommodate a wide range of client scenarios. Plus, it enhances the advisor-client communication by simplifying complex concepts into a visible strategy.

Embrace Simplicity and Clarity

The Bucket Plan® is more than just a financial planning tool; it’s a way to demystify the planning process for clients, ensuring they are engaged, informed, and confident about their financial future.

For financial advisors looking to simplify their planning process, The Bucket Plan® provides a proven framework to deliver comprehensive, personalized financial advice.

If you’re ready to offer your clients a clear path to achieving their financial goals, we encourage you to explore The Bucket Plan® resources and training opportunities C2P has to offer.

To access additional materials provided by C2P, schedule a call, and keep yourself updated with the latest industry trends and insights by subscribing to the C2P podcasts.

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

 

Embracing Modern Marketing Strategies: A Financial Advisor’s Guide to Maximizing ROI

In an era where technology and consumer behavior evolve rapidly, financial advisors must continuously adapt their marketing strategies to stay ahead.

The Rainmaker Multiplier On-Demand podcast is one source to rely on. From leveraging artificial intelligence to understanding the intricacies of the customer journey, this series regularly offers a wealth of knowledge for advisors and their team members to improve their marketing efforts and their return on investment (ROI).

Discover practical, actionable strategies you can start using immediately to enhance your marketing with the following insights from accomplished financial advisors and their marketing teams.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Efficiency & Content Creation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword but a pivotal tool that can streamline content creation and personalize client interactions, making marketing efforts more efficient and targeted.

Content Creation with ChatGPT

Creating content that adds value and engages your audience is crucial but often time-consuming and difficult for advisors to tackle on their own.

In the episode, ”Chat GPT for Financial Advisors, Part 2: Save Time and Generate Marketing Content with AI,” Lisa Chenet, CFF®, BPC®, Vice President of Operations at CLP Financial Group, described how she uses ChatGPT to bounce ideas off “someone” and craft compelling, personalized copy for various projects.

Chenet said, “I can tell it… what I’m trying to say, and it comes out with this perfectly written verbiage. Then I can tell it, ‘no, I want it simpler,’ or ‘I want it more professional’…. I can tell it exactly what I want.”

And while the results may not be perfect at first, Chenet’s found that “the more instructions you tell it, the better your outcome.”

In the same episode, guest Elizabeth Tatis of FSC Wealth Advisors equated ChatGPT to having a free digital marketing coordinator on staff.

“It helps us expand on any marketing efforts that we’re trying to do. We basically have a free employee at our firm that starts us off, gets us good ideas, and works for free,” Tatis said.

ChatGPT is a content and idea-generating machine that can help you maintain a consistent online presence helping you produce high-quality blogs, emails, and social media posts to ultimately enhance your visibility and reinforce your credibility with clients.

Key takeaway:

ChatGPT is a powerful AI-driven tool that advisors, their marketing team, or executive staff can use to quickly generate ideas or transform rough ideas into polished, professional content.

Mapping the Customer Journey

A deep understanding of the customer journey is essential for targeting prospects effectively.

In the episode titled, “How Financial Advisors Can Drive Traffic and Boost Conversions, Part 1,” Content Marketing Manager at C2P, Chelsea Konst said, “A lot of people think they know this journey front and back, but in reality, our businesses evolve so often that it’s hard to keep track of where your customer is at.”

Tracking this journey allows for a more nuanced approach to marketing, ensuring that efforts are not just broad strokes but tailored interactions that meet prospects where they are.

This helps ensure that marketing dollars are spent wisely, optimizing the chance of conversion at every stage of the funnel.

Key takeaway: Understanding where a prospect is in their decision-making process can help you maximize your marketing spend.

Targeted Marketing Efforts

Focusing your marketing efforts on specific, high-value client segments can dramatically improve your return on investment (ROI).

“By narrowing our focus to specific demographics, we’ve been able to craft messages that speak directly to the needs and aspirations of our target audience, significantly boosting engagement,” Cary Chaitoff, Vice President of Marketing at C2P, noted in the same podcast.

This approach ensures that your marketing efforts reach the people most likely to benefit from your services, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

Key takeaway:

Targeting specific groups who are most likely to become clients and customizing your messaging to them can make your marketing more effective and improve your chances of turning leads into clients.

Optimizing Social Media Campaigns through A/B Testing

When it comes to paid social media campaigns, you need to make sure the message you promote connects with your audience and prompts them to take action.

A/B testing helps ensure that your efforts are not wasted, by identifying the creative or message that resonates most with your target audience and optimizing your budget to support it.

“A/B testing on social media is a game-changer. It lets us directly compare different approaches to see what truly resonates with our audience,” explained Cary.

By testing everything from call-to-action phrases to image choices, you can fine-tune your marketing campaigns for optimal performance.

“Through A/B testing, we’ve been able to refine our messaging and visuals based on real feedback, which has made a noticeable difference in our ad performance,” Konst added in the same podcast.

Key takeaway: By testing and learning from your campaign results, you can make your marketing campaigns hit the mark more often.

Measuring Marketing Effectiveness

Understanding the effectiveness of marketing efforts is the cornerstone of any successful strategy.

As emphasized by Chaitoff in the same podcast, knowing your numbers allows you to gauge the success of your campaigns and adjust your strategies accordingly. He added that it’s important to, “… understand what revenue you’re generating from each of your clients on the average. It allows you to understand how much you can invest while still having a net positive return.”

For financial advisors, this means setting clear metrics for tracking engagement, conversion rates, and overall campaign performance. By doing so, you can ensure that your marketing investments yield the highest possible ROI.

Key takeaway:

Know your campaign metrics to ensure your marketing investments yield the highest possible ROI.

Continuing to Learn and Adapt

As the financial industry becomes increasingly competitive, only advisors who are willing to innovate and adopt these cutting-edge strategies will be the ones who stand out and thrive in the digital age.

“The marketing landscape is constantly evolving. Staying informed and being willing to adjust your strategies is crucial for long-term success,” Chaitoff concluded in the “How Financial Advisors Can Drive Traffic and Boost Conversions, Part 2” episode.

The key is to remain adaptable, leveraging these modern marketing strategies to not only reach but resonate with your target audience, building lasting relationships that translate into business success.

Incorporating these insights into your marketing playbook is a great place to start transforming your client acquisition and retention. If you’re looking for more strategies to improve your ROI and continue learning from accomplished advisors, we encourage you to listen to the Rainmaker Multiplier On-Demand podcast series.

To access additional materials provided by C2P, schedule a call, and keep yourself updated with the latest industry trends and insights by subscribing to the C2P podcasts.

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

Five Impactful Life Insurance Strategies and Insights for Financial Advisors

Many misconceptions surround life insurance — by clients, financial advisors, and agents alike.

Financial advisors can help communicate the versatility of life insurance to their clients and help them understand there’s more value to this protection than just a death benefit.

In a recent episode of The Bucket Plan On-Demand podcast, host Dave Alison, CFP®, EA, BPC, President and Founding Partner of C2P, and CEO of Alison Wealth Management, went so far as to describe life insurance as being one of the most “misunderstood assets by clients, mismanaged products by wealth managers, and mis-sold products by agents.”

This same podcast also featured insurance expertise from Stoyan Petev, CFA, CFP®, CLU, ChFc, Senior VP of Advanced Markets at C2P, and Walter Young, MBA RICP, Business Development Officer and financial representative at JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management. The two described how financial advisors can improve the conversations around life insurance strategies with their clients to cut through those “Three M’s” that may be preventing them from taking advantage of the numerous benefits it has to offer.

Learn how to harness the full potential of life insurance planning with 5 effective strategies and insights from this podcast.

Life Insurance Strategies for Financial Advisors

1. Understanding Life Insurance as an Asset

Foremost, Petev emphasizes the importance of viewing life insurance beyond its traditional perception. He argues that “life insurance is an asset” and should be considered as such on the client’s balance sheet, whether for personal or business use.

This perspective is pivotal in recognizing the immediate wealth effect a term insurance policy can create for loved ones or the strategic advantage of using cash-value life insurance as a bond alternative in one’s portfolio.

2. Real-Life Applications and Benefits

Many practical applications of life insurance are noted in the same podcast. 

For instance, Petev recounted utilizing his policy’s cash value to finance a car purchase amid soaring market rates, demonstrating how life insurance can even serve as a private line of credit.

Such stories underline the tangible benefits life insurance offers beyond death benefits, including serving as an emergency fund or investment buffer.

3. Simplifying Complex Concepts

Walter Young shared his “Desert Island Dilemma” parable from his book, The 5th Option: Why Your Retirement Plan Won’t Work the Way You Think It Will, to show how using scenarios or stories like this can be a powerful tool for simplifying the complex nature of life insurance and retirement planning.

Imagine you are stranded on a desert island, and you only have one finite source of water. You don’t know how long it will last you and when or if you will find another source to replenish it. What would you do in this situation?

Most people would use as little of the water for as long as possible so they avoid depleting the source for survival. This analogy helps clients grasp why planning for the unknowable — how long they’ll live and how markets will perform — is key.

4. The Love and Greed Policies

A fascinating takeaway from the podcast is the distinction between “love” and “greed” policies.

This concept, introduced by financial advisor, Dave Buckwald, and shared by Stoyan Petev categorizes policies based on their intent: either maximizing death benefits for loved ones (“love”) or optimizing living benefits for oneself (“greed”). This framing helps clients understand the dual nature of life insurance and its role in holistic financial planning.

5. Addressing Misconceptions and Optimizing Policies

The episode didn’t shy away from addressing common pitfalls in life insurance planning, such as the allure of complex indices in Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies.

Petev’s technical knowledge clarified how conservative illustrations and proactive policy management can help ensure that advisors can navigate the evolving insurance landscape effectively.

Helping Clients Understand the Critical Role of Life Insurance

Life insurance, when utilized thoughtfully, can offer clients a unique blend of security, flexibility, and potential growth. By positioning life insurance as an asset class, simplifying complex concepts, and understanding the strategic use of different policy types, advisors can better serve their clients’ diverse needs.

This article only scratches the surface of financial advising insights related to life insurance. If you’re a financial advisor seeking to refine your approach to life insurance and holistic financial planning, we encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode for a deeper understanding and practical strategies to implement in your practice.

To access additional materials provided by C2P, keep yourself updated with the latest industry trends and insights by subscribing to the C2P podcasts.

Schedule a Call!

 

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

C2P Awards

Congratulations to Two C2P Advisors for Being Named to InvestmentNews Top Advisors 2024 List


Inaugural ranking highlights dynamic advisors across the country who excel at serving clients with transparency, education, and personalization

CLEVELANDFeb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — C2P, an organization designed to simplify financial planning for advisors and the clients they serve, proudly announces Dave Alison, CFP®, EA, BPC, President and Founding Partner at C2P, and Bryan Bibbo, AIF, NSSA, BPC, Partner and Holistic Financial Advisor at JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management, have been named to InvestmentNews Top Advisors 2024 List.

To compile the list, InvestmentNews solicited nominations from advisors, industry professionals, and clients. Advisors were then narrowed down based on their weighted ranking in overall assets under management (AUM), AUM growth, and client growth over a one-year period. Winners were recognized for their commitment to transparency, communication, education, and personalization.

“Throughout my entire career, I’ve strived to serve my clients with integrity and thoughtful guidance,” said Dave Alison. “I take pride in the work my team and I have accomplished over the past year and am incredibly honored to be recognized as a Top Advisor by InvestmentNews as a result.”

Alison and Bibbo rank amongst a select group of financial advisors who have set themselves apart in the industry in a variety of ways that both fuel business growth and client satisfaction.  The key metrics used to determine the top performers were overall AUM, as well as percentage changes in AUM and number of clients between 2022 and 2023.

“Earning a spot on the inaugural Top Advisors list is an honor and due in large part to the full-spectrum of support and resources C2P provides its advisor network,” said Bryan Bibbo. “We are grateful to have the backing of an organization so dedicated to creating ­­­­­­­top-tier education and trainings that have helped us grow as quickly as we have.”

C2P has built over a decade’s worth of financial advisor training programs, tools, resources, coaching, planning, products, processes, and certified financial planner services that help independent advisors succeed. Most notably, C2P has pioneered three unique offerings that help advisors accelerate their growth and enhance their wealth management businesses. These include The Bucket Plan®, a best-interest holistic wealth management process that coincides the award-winning book of the same name; The Tax Trilogy®, a model that integrates tax planning, tax management, and tax preparation with a client’s financial plan; and The Advisor Career Path and Compensation program, which creates a staffing structure and support to develop future rainmakers in a firm.

“We are proud of Dave and Bryan for achieving these well-deserved recognitions,” said Jason L Smith, CEP®, BPC, Founder and CEO of C2P. “Two of our advisors making this list not only represents their endless commitment to the highest standard of client service, but also reflects the overarching impact C2P was designed for when it comes to our support of advisors in growing their businesses.”

Check the full InvestmentNews Top Advisors 2024 list.

Get more information about C2P and its subsidiaries.

InvestmentNews Top Advisors Methodology

To compile the inaugural Top Advisors list, InvestmentNews first solicited nominations from advisors, industry professionals, and clients. Only advisors nominated were eligible for the list. All information on the nominees had to be verified by their compliance team before it could be accepted. The final list was determined based on each advisor’s weighted ranking in overall AUM, AUM growth, and client growth (both between September 2022 and September 2023). The InvestmentNews team then tabulated a ranking for each advisor in each category and combined those scores to determine the advisor’s final ranking on the 2024 Top Advisors list.

About C2P

C2P is a holding company comprised of specialized platforms, each designed to simplify holistic financial planning for advisors and the clients they serve. Driven to provide products and solutions in the best interest of every client, C2P offers education, training, resources, and tools to meet a client’s unique financial situation, along with access to an array of investment and insurance vehicles to help advisors accomplish their goals. C2P is committed to upholding fiduciary best practices and raising industry standards by offering a higher quality of financial planning services to families worldwide. For more information, visit www.C2PEnterprises.com.

Investment advisory services are provided by C2P Capital Advisory Group, LLC d/b/a Prosperity Capital Advisors, LLC (“PCA”), an investment adviser federally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 

Third-party rankings and recognition from rating services or publications are no guarantee of future investment success. Working with a highly rated advisor does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor or by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation. Generally, ratings, rankings and recognition are based on information prepared and submitted by the advisor. Unless otherwise noted no fee was paid for consideration of any ranking or award.

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