The Big Picture
MARCH 31, 2025
A quick note on tariffs : Over the past few weeks, I’ve been putting together my quarterly call for clients. The challenge is how to frame the current economic scenario in a way that is useful and informative and not the usual run-of-the-mill noise. Its easy to get distracted by the chaos of random policies that have been coming rapid-fire at Americans.
Calculated Risk
MARCH 31, 2025
Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: FHFAs National Mortgage Database: Outstanding Mortgage Rates, LTV and Credit Scores A brief excerpt: Here are some graphs on outstanding mortgages by interest rate, the average mortgage interest rate, borrowers credit scores and current loan-to-value (LTV) from the FHFAs National Mortgage Database through Q4 2024 (just released).
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Abnormal Returns
MARCH 31, 2025
Podcasts Michael Kitces talks with AJ Ayers, co-founder of Brooklyn Fi, about building a remote firm focused on equity comp. (kitces.com) Brendan Frazier talks with Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, of KBK Wealth Connection and author of Breaking Money Silence. (podcasts.apple.com) Bogumil Baranowski talks family money dynamics with Emily Bouchrad, founder of Blended Families Flourishing and Bouchard Bespoke Consulting.
Calculated Risk
MARCH 31, 2025
Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: Freddie Mac House Price Index Increased in February; Up 3.4% Year-over-year A brief excerpt: Freddie Mac reported that its National Home Price Index (FMHPI) increased 0.18% month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted (SA) basis in February. On a year-over-year basis, the National FMHPI was up 3.4% in February, down from up 3.6% YoY in January.
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Automation generally supercharges any process and brings its value to the forefront. See how infusing automation such as ART (our month-end close solution), into your close can get you to the next level of closing. We will share a live demo of SkyStem's solution, ART and share the key elements of month-end close automation. Through ART, we'll take a look at: What month-end close automation entails Which process steps can and should be automated Benefits of achieving process automation, and Why i
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
At the 2024 T3 Conference, top wealthtech leaders shared one key piece of advice for advisors looking to unlock organic growth.
XY Planning Network
MARCH 31, 2025
Search is indeed evolving. More and more potential RIA clients are turning to ChatGPT for quick, consolidated answersand I dont blame them. Why sift through keyword-stuffed blogs when you can get a direct answer curated from across the web? AI is improving the end-user experience, and we, as an industry, need to adapt. The key? Deliver more value.
Financial Advisor Source brings together the best content for financial advisor professionals from the widest variety of industry thought leaders.
Financial Symmetry
MARCH 31, 2025
On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law as part of his commitment to protect Americans from the the hazards and vicissitudes (misfortunes) of life. Today, about 69 million Americans per month will receive a Social Security benefit, and about half of recipients age 65 and older depend on Social Security for half of their income.
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
The independent broker/dealer known for its small, boutique culture will be absorbed into the largest IBD in the United States. If most Commonwealth advisors remain, the firm will serve over 30,000 financial advisors nationally, overseeing nearly $2 trillion in client assets.
Carson Wealth
MARCH 31, 2025
Think about all those romantic holiday movies you’ve seen. The characters, challenges, and goals differ in each, but they almost always end with a happily ever after. What if we viewed our financial journey through the same lens? Sure, we can skip the fake snow and cheesy moments, but at its core, each of us plays the lead role in our own story.
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
Active REIT fund managers have shifted allocations in the past year in response to underlying fundamentals in property markets.
Speaker: Victor C. Barnes, CPA, MBA
In the climb from contributor to leader, the rules quietly change. If you’re aiming for the summit, the air gets thinner—and what got you here won’t be enough to get you to the top (a concept first popularized by Marshall Goldsmith in his book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There ). What made you successful early in your finance career—technical accuracy, sharp analysis, flawless execution—won’t be what carries you to the next level.
NAIFA Advisor Today
MARCH 31, 2025
April is National Financial Literacy Month, an important reminder of the critical role that financial literacy plays in ensuring Americans' personal and economic well-being. At NAIFA, we believe that promoting financial literacy is not just about helping individuals manage their finances but also fostering a more prosperous society for all.
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
In its fourth deal of 2025, Wealth Enhancement has acquired the wealth services division of First International Bank and Trust, its first location in North Dakota.
Validea
MARCH 31, 2025
In this episode, Matt and Jack dive into the timeless wisdom of Jack Schwager, renowned author of the Market Wizards series. Drawing from two insightful interviews with Schwager, they explore key lessons from some of the greatest traders hes interviewed, like Paul Tudor Jones and Steve Cohen, and unpack how these principles apply not only to trading but also to long-term investing and life.
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
Walt Bettinger will also remain a co-chair of Schwabs board of directors while taking on a role at the private equity firm. Last month, former Schwab CFO Peter Crawford also joined CD&R.
Speaker: Kim Beynon, CPA, CGMA, PMP
Getting Your Financial Ducks In A Row
MARCH 31, 2025
Photo credit: jb You’ve likely heard the conventional wisdom – “when you leave your job, you should roll over your retirement account”. You may know that it makes sense (or at least you assume it makes sense), but do you know why it’s important? And do you have the first clue as to how to accomplish a rollover? (There may also be times when it doesn’t make sense to rollover , as well.
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
Though explosion of plan formation may reignite third-party administrators, the wealth management industry is still not even aware they exist or of their value.
Validea
MARCH 31, 2025
In todays fast-moving, highly competitive market environment, companies with wide economic moats stand out as exceptional long-term investments. These businesses possess enduring competitive advantageslike strong network effects, high switching costs, cost efficiencies, or valuable intellectual propertythat help safeguard their market share and profitability.
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
Mary Beth Franklin weighs in on the state of Social Security under the current administration.
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Where are top advisors focusing in 2025? AcquireUp’s 2025 Industry Index reveals it all. Based on insights from 200+ financial professionals nationwide, discover why 74% say seminars and referrals deliver the best ROI, how automation is helping advisors scale faster, and why only 8% are tapping into niche marketing (a major growth opportunity!). Whether you're refining your client acquisition strategy or scaling your practice, this report gives you the real-world data, benchmarks, and action ste
Advisor Perspectives
MARCH 31, 2025
The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index declined further this month, as consumers continue to express concerns surrounding economic policy. In March, the index sank to 57.0, the lowest level since November 2022. This represents an 11.9% (7.7 points) drop from the previous month, falling short of this month's earlier reading of 57.9.
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
Louis Diamond discusses LPLs rationale for making the deal, how the two firm's cultures will blend, the prospect of retaining Commonwealth advisors and more.
Advisor Perspectives
MARCH 31, 2025
Valid until the market close on April 30, 2025 This article provides an update on the monthly moving averages we track for the S&P 500 and the Ivy Portfolio after the close of the last business day of the month.
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
Equity analysts see the Commonwealth deal as a win for LPL, saying the higher price tag would make sense given the quality of the asset.
Speaker: Cheryl J. Muldrew-McMurtry
Distributed finance teams are rewriting how the back-office runs, and attackers are taking notes. Disconnected workflows, process blind spots, and rising cyber threats are more than just growing pains—they’re liabilities. The challenge isn’t just going remote. It’s building resilient systems that protect accuracy, control, and speed across every transaction and touchpoint.
NAIFA Advisor Today
MARCH 31, 2025
NAIFA proudly acknowledges and thanks Kent Bennett , LUTCF, CEPS, RFC, a loyal member since 1974, for reaching an impressive milestone as a NAIFA Joint Chief based on his lifetime contributions to NAIFA's political action committees. His generosity and willingness to give back to his industry are hallmarks of his professional success.
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
The firms that proactively recruit women, modernize advisor career paths and rethink client engagement strategies will be the ones to lead.
Advisor Perspectives
MARCH 31, 2025
If a dividend is not a gain, then what is it?
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
Introducing a new column tackling the realities of retirement that idealized financial services ads don't show you.
Speaker: Claire Grosjean, Global Finance & Operations Executive
Finance teams are drowning in data—but is it actually helping them spend smarter? Without the right approach, excess spending, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities continue to drain profitability. While analytics offers powerful insights, financial intelligence requires more than just numbers—it takes the right blend of automation, strategy, and human expertise.
Advisor Perspectives
MARCH 31, 2025
BlackRock Inc. Chief Executive Officer Larry Fink pledged to open up private markets to millions of everyday investors, not just the wealthy few, contending individuals should share more of the gains from economic growth.
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
There are very few certainties in investing and one of the certainties is uncertainty financial markets do not like uncertainty. Unfortunately, uncertainty is running rampant and has been driving financial market performance this year. WEBs Investment's CEO, Ben Fulton shares his thoughts on how incorporating investment risk mitigation strategies can help smoothen the ride.
Advisor Perspectives
MARCH 31, 2025
With the release of February's report on personal incomes and outlays, we can now take a closer look at "real" disposable personal income per capita. At two decimal places, the nominal 0.83% month-over-month change in disposable income comes to 0.50% when we adjust for inflation, the largest monthly gain since January 2024. The year-over-year metrics are 3.63% nominal and 1.06% real.
Wealth Management
MARCH 31, 2025
Median-adjusted EBITDA multiples hit a near-decade high in 2024, according to Advisor Growth Strategies, and a deal market of more than 40 buyers looks to keep things frothy in 2025.
Speaker: David Worrell, CFO, Author & Speaker
Your financial statements hold powerful insights—but are you truly paying attention? Many finance professionals focus on the income statement while overlooking key signals hidden in the balance sheet and cash flow statement. Understanding these numbers can unlock smarter decision-making, uncover risks, and drive long-term success. Join David Worrell, accomplished CFO, finance expert, and author, for an engaging, nontraditional take on reading financial statements.
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