Enjoy the current installment of “Weekend Reading For Financial Planners” – this week’s edition kicks off with the news that a recent survey by Vanguard found while only 38% of investors reported considering time savings when signing up to receive financial advice, 76% of clients report saving time from working with an advisor (with a median of two hours per week, or more than 100 hours per year), suggesting that advisors can sell their value not only through the financial and emotional benefits that they can provide (which are also reflected in the survey results), but also by showing how working with them could be an effective way for clients to ‘buy’ time (a practice that has been shown as an effective way to convert money into greater happiness).
Also in industry news this week:
- A recent survey finds that next-generation employees at broker-dealers are looking for improvements in branding and social media promotion from their firms as they look to build their own practices and take the reins from a rapidly graying advisor population
- RIA M&A volume hit a record in the first half of 2025, with particular demand for mid- and large-sized sellers and amidst continued private equity interest in the space
From there, we have several articles on tax planning:
- Why the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA)’s phase-out ranges for certain deductions might impact financial advisors’ Roth conversions analyses going forward
- How advisors can offer clients value by correctly timing Roth conversions and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to avoid potential penalties or excess contributions
- How annual evaluations of the potential benefits of Roth conversions versus capital gains harvesting can allow advisors to demonstrate ongoing value and help their clients lower their lifetime tax bills
We also have a number of articles on practice management:
- Six trends in advisor recruitment, including an increased focus among transitioning advisors on earning equity stakes and finding a good cultural fit with a new firm
- Five key roles for firms looking to scale effectively, from a visionary leader to a ‘rainmaker’ who attracts new clients to technicians who create advanced planning analyses
- How using case studies during the hiring screening process can help a firm better analyze candidates’ skills and allow candidates to better understand the demands of the position they’re considering
We wrap up with three final articles, all about wellness:
- How AI tools like ChatGPT can serve as a nutrition ‘coach’ that tracks progress, offers meal ideas, and provides encouragement over time
- How engaging in short “exercise snacks” throughout the day can keep the body moving and promote strength even when one doesn’t have enough time for a longer workout
- Why maintaining good posture can offer psychological and physical benefit and how simple daily practices can help improve it
Enjoy the ‘light’ reading!
