Advisor Advocates Podcast

As technology continues to advance and evolve, computers are able to perform objective processes more cost effectively than humans in a variety of ways. But the extension of this puts a premium on the human element of the Advisor/Client relationship. While many Advisors may struggle to keep up with computers, those with a true empathy and compassion for their clients may be able to not only survive a battle with the robots but be able to thrive thanks to reduced competition.

If Advisor Advocates can help you explore the best ways to position your practice for the next phase of your business, feel free to give Garrett a call at 919-561-2436 or send an email to [email protected] if you’d like to chat about any questions you may have.

Garrett’s Calendar Link

Adrienne Grace joins Garrett to discuss how she helps her clients focus their energy and efforts on the controllables of their business, and helps them to work with a clearer mind to better execute their business vision. To learn more about how Adrienne can help you further develop your practice, reach out to her or explore the resources below:

Adrienne Grace, CFA | LinkedIn

Adrienne Grace (@gracefully_adrienne) • Instagram photos and videos

Free Gift from Grace

To learn more or connect with Garrett, feel free to use this Calendar Link to schedule a call at your convenience, or reach out directly to 919-561-2436.

Financial Advisors are entrepreneurial by nature. Many begin their careers as Advisors under someone else’s flag, enjoying the unlimited opportunities the industry offers, before eventually settling on the decision that it is time to start their own Firm. However, that decision brings with it many more decisions to be made, starting with the decision to form your own Registered Investment Advisor or affiliating with an Independent Firm.

Registering a new Firm with the SEC or state regulators is a cumbersome process and can be expensive to outsource depending on the complexities of your business. And registering it is just the beginning. In total transparency, my first examination two years into owning my own Firm was the starting point to my decision to eventually sell it. As your own RIA, compliance of state and federal regulations ultimately falls on your shoulders. You may hire an outsourced compliance team, but if they make a mistake, they are still your responsibility.

Many Advisors opt instead to join an Independent RIA or Hybrid Broker/Dealer. These Firms are your insulation from the regulatory authorities, and you serve as an independently contracted representative of their Firm but operate under your own brand and typically with your own LLC.

Independent Firms typically strive to minimize their involvement with your business, usually opting for generic branding to allow your Firm to stand in the spotlight with your clients. They provide compliance supervision and access to technology for typically lower rates than you could negotiate on your own, and many will also allow you to integrate your own vendors if you prefer. Payouts to the Advisor will range from 85% to 99% depending on the Firm and your production, and many are even introducing flat rate pricing which can greatly benefit teams managing more than $100M.

When comparing Independent Firms, we would encourage Advisors to take special notice of the platform Advisory Fees, as many Firms have started to use this as a way to disguise the true economics. For example, many Firms will claim that the Advisor receives a 100% payout on revenue but attempt to glide right past the 30-basis point platform fee on advisory assets under management. While you may charge 1% and make 1%, the client still thinks they are paying 1.3%, (because they are). And 1/1.3 is not 1.00.

Not to say that platform fees are bad. In fact, most Firms will charge them in one way or another. But Advisors should take them into account when calculating the payout. As a general rule, Advisors managing more than $100M should be able to find an independent partner with a true net payout in the 90-95% range, and it should gradually approach 99% as production increases. With such a tight payout range, the ultimate decision of who to use will often come down to non-financial matters, such as reputation, technology, support, and management culture.

Advisor Advocates partners with Independent RIAs and Broker/Dealers to help you explore your options and find the best fit for your practice. Save yourself time and cut through the noise by allowing us to quickly narrow your search for the best financials, technology package and management culture for your business. Call or text 919-561-2436, email [email protected], or schedule time on my calendar for a Zoom or phone call at your convenience.

Learn More at theadvisoradvocates.com

As podcasting continues to grow as a media alternative, millions of investors are turning to podcasts to learn more about making smart decisions with their money. Financial Advisors are eager to tap into the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with listeners who could be potential clients, but how do we make sure our shows are seen and heard?

In this episode, former Advisor and podcaster Garrett Layell discusses the process of starting and growing a podcast for Financial Advisors. Learn how to start a podcast, how to grow it, and best practices for keeping your listeners engaged and tuned in.

For more information or to speak with Garrett about how he can help:

Visit the website:

Give Garrett a call at 919-561-2436 or

Schedule time to chat:

Robert Russo discusses how his team at Independent Advisor Alliance helps Advisors execute their visions by building solutions around the needs of the Advisor or their Firm, rather than fitting square pegs into round holes. From modernized flat fee pricing to vision boarding and collaboration, IAA gives Independent Advisors everything they need to be successful without hamstringing with costs and services they don’t, providing a best of breed solution for independence.

If you are considering your options as an Independent Advisor or Firm, give Garrett a call at 919-561-2436 or send an email to [email protected] to discuss your options and learn more about Independent Advisor Alliance.

Garrett’s Calendar Link