Nerd's Eye View

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Senate appears poised to pass legislation that would eliminate the long-established WEP and GPO provisions and increase the Social Security benefits of many state and local workers in the process From there, we have several articles on investment planning: While index funds are often viewed as 'passive' investments, advisors can add value for their (..)

Financial Planner 246

Financial Planner Certification CFP Education 246

Nerd's Eye View

JANUARY 10, 2025

Also in industry news this week: A survey indicates that nearly 71% of new financial advisors drop out in the first 5 years, with firms offering better training and mentorship opportunities (as well as entry-level positions that don't come with business development targets) seeing higher employee retention rates How broker-dealer self-regulatory organization (..)

Financial Planner 190

Financial Planner Clients Financial Advice Numbers 190

Nerd's Eye View

MARCH 7, 2025

stocks has outpaced the rest of the market by so much that the number of companies categorized as “large cap” has shrunk from nearly 500 to only around 150 over the last 15 years Amid fears that U.S. equities underperforming international stocks over the next 10 years Why today’s high U.S.

Financial Planner 237

Financial Planner Taxes Numbers Planning 237

Calculated Risk

MARCH 14, 2025

Note: The FDIC reports the dollar value and not the total number of REOs. There is much more in the article. The dollar value of 1-4 family residential Real Estate Owned (REOs, foreclosure houses) was increased 6% YOY from $747 million in Q4 2023 to $790 million in Q4 2024. This is still historically extremely low.

Insurance 191

Insurance Banking Numbers 191

Nerd's Eye View

JULY 11, 2025

Enjoy the current installment of "Weekend Reading For Financial Planners" - this week's edition kicks off with the news that, amidst the growing number of RIAs it supervises, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is moving ahead with a potential plan to raise the $100 million regulatory assets under management threshold for SEC registration, (..)

Financial Planner 173

Financial Planner Engineering Clients Taxes 173

The Big Picture

DECEMBER 18, 2024

To prove their point, a number of friendly commentators, academics, and hired guns all wrote endless white papers, Op-Eds and commentaries. But they made one super-sized mistake: they cheated with the numbers. Its numbers are fake (June 12, 2024) Can Stanford tell the difference between scientific fact and fiction?

Food 301

Food Math Numbers Economics 301

Calculated Risk

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

Important: There were the same number of working days in January 2025 (21) as compared to January 2024 (21). There is much more in the article. So, the year-over-year change in the headline SA data will be similar to the NSA data (there are other seasonal factors). This was just several early reporting markets.

Marketing 261

Marketing Marketing Sales Numbers 261

Nerd's Eye View

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

Also in industry news this week: While many financial advisors are paying close attention to the potential extension of sunsetting measures within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in the coming year, legislation related to retirement savings could be on Congress' agenda as well Fidelity is planning to change the default for its existing RIA non-retirement (..)

Financial Planner 247

Financial Planner Financial Advice Retirement Retirement Planning 247

Nerd's Eye View

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Also in industry news this week: NASAA has proposed an amendment to its broker-dealer conduct model rule that would restrict the use of the terms “advisor” and “adviser” for broker-dealers and their registered representatives who are not also investment advisers or investment adviser representatives A recent study suggests that (..)

Financial Planner 246

Financial Planner Asset Allocation Taxes Tax Planning 246

Calculated Risk

APRIL 21, 2025

Important: There were the same number of working days in March 2025 (21) as in March 2024 (21). There is much more in the article. So, the year-over-year change in the headline SA data will be close to the change in the NSA data (there are other seasonal factors).

Sales 213

Sales Marketing Marketing Economics 213

Calculated Risk

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

It took a number of years following the housing bust for new home inventory to return to the pre-bubble percent of total inventory. There is much more in the article. Then, with the pandemic, existing home inventory collapsed and now the percent of new homes is 25.1% of the total for sale inventory, down from a peak of 27.2%

Marketing 214

Marketing Marketing Numbers Sales 214

Nerd's Eye View

DECEMBER 27, 2024

Also in industry news this week: According to a recent survey, advisors are putting an increasing share of client assets into model portfolios, allowing for customization and time savings that advisors appear to be using to provide more comprehensive planning services RIA M&A deal volume saw an annual record in 2024 as a lower cost of capital, (..)

Financial Planner 247

Financial Planner Insurance Coverage Insurance Valuation 247

Nerd's Eye View

JANUARY 31, 2025

Also in industry news this week: While RIA M&A deal flow hit record levels in 2024 (both in terms of volume and the speed of completing them), firm valuations saw relatively modest gains In its latest annual regulatory oversight report, FINRA joined the SEC in flagging the potential risks to firm and client data from the use of third-party vendors (..)

Financial Planner 245

Financial Planner Retirement Planning Compliance Valuation 245

Nerd's Eye View

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Also in industry news this week: A recent study suggests that while a majority of financial advisory clients surveyed have only had 1 advisor, deteriorating client service is a key risk factor that could sway certain clients to leave for a different advisor RIA M&A activity in 2024 is poised to surpass the total number of deals seen in 2023, according (..)

Financial Planner 189

Financial Planner CFP Certification Retirement Planning 189

Nerd's Eye View

JANUARY 24, 2025

Nonetheless, given the scale and brand awareness of the wirehouses, and as their own use of fee-based models increases (as opposed to primarily relying on commissions from selling products), competition for clients (and advisors) will likely remain stiff going forward, even amidst the favorable trends for RIAs Also in industry news this week: A recent (..)

Financial Planner 246

Financial Planner Asset Allocation Clients Commission 246

Nerd's Eye View

APRIL 11, 2025

Also in industry news this week: NASAA this week approved model rule amendments that would restrict the use of the titles "advisor" and "adviser" by broker-dealers (and their registered representatives) who are not also dually registered as investment advisers, which, if adopted by state regulators, would largely bring state rules on this issue in (..)

Financial Planner 162

Financial Planner Communication Commission Clients 162

Nerd's Eye View

MARCH 21, 2025

Also in industry news this week: While inter-channel advisor moves often make headlines, a recent study from Diamond Consultants found that most advisor transitions occur between firms in the same channel The number of disciplinary cases and restitution orders from FINRA increased in 2024 (the total amount of fines declined) as the self-regulatory (..)

Financial Planner 228

Financial Planner Commission Communication Clients 228

Nerd's Eye View

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Also in industry news this week: Why the announced acquisition of RIA custodian TradePMR by retail brokerage firm Robinhood could prove to be a boon for RIAs on TradePMR's platform, who could receive a wave of referrals from Robinhood's massive base of next-generation retail clients How Morningstar is cutting the "Medalist Ratings" of thousands of (..)

Financial Planner 246

Financial Planner Retirement Retail Retirement Planning 246

Nerd's Eye View

MAY 9, 2025

Also in industry news this week: Younger Americans are eager for financial advice (and appear willing to pay for it) according to a recent survey, creating a potential opportunity for advisors who have the wherewithal and capacity to meet their planning priorities (which can differ from older, retirement-focused clients) A study of advisors who are (..)

Financial Planner 245

Financial Planner Financial Advice Clients Retirement Planning 245

Calculated Risk

MAY 1, 2025

Typically, after a sharp increase in prices, it takes a number of years for real prices to reach new highs (see House Prices: 7 Years in Purgatory ) There is much more in the article! It has now been 33 months since the real peak in house prices.

Numbers 147

Numbers 147

Calculated Risk

MARCH 27, 2025

Typically, after a sharp increase in prices, it takes a number of years for real prices to reach new highs (see House Prices: 7 Years in Purgatory ) There is much more in the article! It has now been 32 months since the real peak in house prices.

Numbers 191

Numbers 191

Calculated Risk

APRIL 8, 2025

Important: There were the same number of working days in March 2025 (21) as in March 2024 (21). There is much more in the article. So, the year-over-year change in the headline SA data will be close to the change in the NSA data (there are other seasonal factors). This was just several early reporting markets.

Marketing 162

Marketing Marketing Sales Economics 162

Calculated Risk

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

It took a number of years following the housing bust for new home inventory to return to the pre-bubble percent of total inventory. There is much more in the article. Then, with the pandemic, existing home inventory collapsed and now the percent of new homes is 20.8% of the total for sale inventory, down from a peak of 27.2%

Marketing 277

Marketing Marketing Numbers Sales 277

Nerd's Eye View

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

While this shift from numbers-based strategies to a more holistic, values-driven framework has opened the door to deeper, more meaningful conversations, it also presents a challenge for clients who may struggle to define their values or articulate a sense of purpose.

Clients 130

Clients Planning Financial Planner Financial Planning 130

Nerd's Eye View

MAY 16, 2025

Also in industry news this week: A recent study finds that financial advisory clients are leaving largely positive, in-depth reviews for their advisors FINRA has responded to some concerns about its proposed rule regarding outside business activities, saying that it is designed to streamline regulations and not (as has been suggested by some commenters (..)

Financial Planner 239

Financial Planner Financial Advice Education Taxes 239

Nerd's Eye View

JANUARY 3, 2025

Also in industry news this week: A survey indicates that workplace retirement plan participants with financial advisors tend to save more than their non-advised counterparts and that a strong majority of participants overall are interested in receiving professional advice (with more than 3/4 of this group expressing willingness to pay for it) A look (..)

Financial Planner 246

Financial Planner Retirement Planning Financial Advice Financial Advisor 246

Calculated Risk

FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Typically, after a sharp increase in prices, it takes a number of years for real prices to reach new highs (see House Prices: 7 Years in Purgatory ) There is much more in the article! It has now been 31 months since the real peak in house prices.

Numbers 162

Numbers 162

Calculated Risk

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Last month there were the same number of working days in September 2024 compared to September 2023 (22 vs 23), so seasonally adjusted sales were down about the same as NSA sales. There is much more in the article. Sales in all of these markets are down significantly compared to October 2019. Many more local markets to come!

Sales 147

Sales Marketing Marketing Numbers 147

Wealth Management

JULY 2, 2025

Number 8860726. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Moran Wealth Management. Registered in England & Wales with number 01835199, registered office 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales.

Wealth Management 178

Wealth Management Estate Planning Planning Clients 178

Nerd's Eye View

JANUARY 17, 2025

Also in industry news this week: A recent survey indicates that members of Generation X are struggling more with retirement planning compared to older Baby Boomers and younger Millennials, potentially offering opportunities for financial advisors to help Gen Xers create a plan to 'catch up' when it comes to both their retirement savings and their financial (..)

Financial Planner 246

Financial Planner Retirement Planning Retirement Financial Advisor 246

Clever Girl Finance

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Creating your low-buy year rules How to stay successful during your low-buy year Expert tip: Use a low buy to get clear on your values Alternatives to a low-buy year Questions commonly asked about doing a low-buy year Articles related to spending less Are you ready to give a low-buy year (or week, month, or quarter) a try?

Budgeting 93

Budgeting Food Media Accounting 93

The Big Picture

APRIL 17, 2025

The article suggests they were more interested in their own financial well-being than that of their clients. The reporters did not suggest wrongdoing, but allow me to point out that any advisor, let alone two, who became billionaires while wildly underperforming their benchmarks are obviously not fiduciaries.

Investing 264

Investing Investments Accounting Startup 264

Wealth Management

JUNE 23, 2025

Number 8860726. Forty-six percent said they wanted to learn through in-depth video tutorials or courses, and 44% preferred educational articles or blog posts. Registered in England & Wales with number 01835199, registered office 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales.

Assets 278

Assets Wealth Management Financial Advisor Estate Planning 278

Nerd's Eye View

MARCH 14, 2025

Also in industry news this week: A recent survey finds that while advisors are increasingly using passive investment vehicles, many are taking the time to look beneath the hood to examine the makeup of different indexes in order to choose the best option for their clients A survey of advisors working at enterprise firms shows a significant increase (..)

Financial Planner 162

Financial Planner Compliance Commission Retirement 162

Nerd's Eye View

MARCH 28, 2025

Also in industry news this week: A recent survey indicates that younger "DIY" investors are more likely to be interested in working with a human advisor than their older counterparts, suggesting an opportunity for advisors to tap into this demographic (perhaps by setting minimum planning fees that ensure these clients can be served profitably today (..)

Financial Planner 228

Financial Planner Retirement Retirement Planning Clients 228

Tobias Financial

JUNE 18, 2025

Use official contact numbers or websites; never rely on contact information provided in suspicious emails or calls. Key Steps You Can Take: Pause before acting. Be skeptical of unexpected requests for money, account access, or secrecy. Verify identities independently. Communicate openly.

Financial Advisor 52

Financial Advisor Accounting Communication Assets 52

Nerd's Eye View

APRIL 18, 2025

Which could create opportunities for firms to seek opportunities to move 'upmarket' by trying to add new HNW clients who might not have an advice relationship (or whose current advisor doesn't provide sufficiently comprehensive service).

Financial Planner 195

Financial Planner Risk Tolerance Estate Planning Clients 195