Find financial advisors in Birmingham, Alabama ready to help with your financial planning needs so you can enjoy life more with less money stress.
Whether you have lived in Birmingham for years or recently moved to town, you may need help finding the right financial advisor in the community best suited for your individual needs.
It’s important to first consider your own financial planning priorities before choosing an advisor. Here are a few quick tips to help you get started along with financial advisors in Birmingham featured on Wealthtender you may want to add to your shortlist.
Featured Birmingham Financial Advisors
As you prepare to interview financial advisors in Birmingham who may be right for you, get to know local financial advisors featured on Wealthtender.
📍 Additional Advisors Who Serve Clients in Birmingham
In addition to the advisors featured above, these advisors can also meet with you in person in Birmingham.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Birmingham
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident living in Birmingham, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Birmingham? If so, there’s a good chance the local financial advisor you hire will also have other clients who work there. This knowledge could prove valuable if they are already familiar with your employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan, Health Savings Accounts, and other components of your total compensation package.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Quick Tips For Hiring an Birmingham Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Birmingham, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
1. Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
Budgeting and money management
Debt management
Insurance planning
Retirement planning
Other investment planning
Inheritance planning
Estate planning
Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor that specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
2. Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
3. Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
What services do you provide?
What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
What is your investment strategy?
How do you measure investment performance?
How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
4. Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions & Additional Resources
How do I know if I’m ready to hire a financial advisor?
You should strongly consider hiring a financial advisor if you have a significant amount of money available for saving or investing. This could occur after years of making annual contributions to a retirement plan like a 401(k) through your employer or suddenly if you receive a large inheritance or sell your house for a large profit.
But even if you don’t have a lot of money saved, many financial advisors and planners provide reasonable pricing options and valuable services you should consider, especially if you’re facing a significant life event. For example, if you’re starting a new job, getting married, starting a family, getting divorced, lost your job, starting or selling a business, or approaching retirement age, working with a trusted financial advisor or planner may prove worthwhile.
Before I hire a new financial advisor, should I fire my current advisor?
You don’t need to fire your current advisor before beginning your search for a new financial advisor. In fact, your new advisor can help coordinate the transition of your assets from your previous financial advisor.
Where can I read reviews about financial advisors written by their clients to help me decide if I should hire them?
After 60 years of regulatory prohibition of financial advisor reviews in the US, a rule issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) became effective on May 4, 2021 that means both financial advisors and directory websites that help consumers search for a financial advisor can collect and display financial advisor reviews, an important factor worth considering when choosing who you’ll hire to manage your investments and life savings.
Wealthtender is the first independent advisor review platform designed to be fully compliant with the new SEC rule, and we look forward to helping you evaluate financial advisors based on reviews written by their clients.
I’m a local financial advisor interested in being featured in this guide. How do I get started?
Thanks for your interest. We look forward to learning more about your practice and helping you attract your ideal clients where you may be a good fit based on their individual needs and circumstances. Please click here to learn how you can join local financial advisors featured on Wealthtender.
Brian is CEO and founder of Wealthtender and Editor-in-Chief. He and his wife live in Austin, Texas. With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Brian is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress. Learn More about Brian
Find financial advisors in Gordonsville, Virginia ready to help with your financial planning needs so you can enjoy life more with less money stress.
Whether you have lived in Gordonsville for years or recently moved to town, you may need help finding the right financial advisor in the community best suited for your individual needs.
It’s important to first consider your own financial planning priorities before choosing an advisor. Here are a few quick tips to help you get started along with financial advisors in Gordonsville featured on Wealthtender you may want to add to your shortlist.
Featured Gordonsville Financial Advisors
As you prepare to interview financial advisors in Gordonsville who may be right for you, get to know local financial advisors featured on Wealthtender.
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Gordonsville
Double-click (or pinch the map on mobile devices) to zoom in and expand the details for financial advisors whose primary office location is in Gordonsville.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Gordonsville
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident living in Gordonsville, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Gordonsville? If so, there’s a good chance the local financial advisor you hire will also have other clients who work there. This knowledge could prove valuable if they are already familiar with your employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan, Health Savings Accounts, and other components of your total compensation package.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Quick Tips For Hiring an Gordonsville Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Gordonsville, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
1. Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
Budgeting and money management
Debt management
Insurance planning
Retirement planning
Other investment planning
Inheritance planning
Estate planning
Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor that specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
2. Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
3. Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
What services do you provide?
What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
What is your investment strategy?
How do you measure investment performance?
How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
4. Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions & Additional Resources
How do I know if I’m ready to hire a financial advisor?
You should strongly consider hiring a financial advisor if you have a significant amount of money available for saving or investing. This could occur after years of making annual contributions to a retirement plan like a 401(k) through your employer or suddenly if you receive a large inheritance or sell your house for a large profit.
But even if you don’t have a lot of money saved, many financial advisors and planners provide reasonable pricing options and valuable services you should consider, especially if you’re facing a significant life event. For example, if you’re starting a new job, getting married, starting a family, getting divorced, lost your job, starting or selling a business, or approaching retirement age, working with a trusted financial advisor or planner may prove worthwhile.
Before I hire a new financial advisor, should I fire my current advisor?
You don’t need to fire your current advisor before beginning your search for a new financial advisor. In fact, your new advisor can help coordinate the transition of your assets from your previous financial advisor.
Where can I read reviews about financial advisors written by their clients to help me decide if I should hire them?
After 60 years of regulatory prohibition of financial advisor reviews in the US, a rule issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) became effective on May 4, 2021 that means both financial advisors and directory websites that help consumers search for a financial advisor can collect and display financial advisor reviews, an important factor worth considering when choosing who you’ll hire to manage your investments and life savings.
Wealthtender is the first independent advisor review platform designed to be fully compliant with the new SEC rule, and we look forward to helping you evaluate financial advisors based on reviews written by their clients.
I’m a local financial advisor interested in being featured in this guide. How do I get started?
Thanks for your interest. We look forward to learning more about your practice and helping you attract your ideal clients where you may be a good fit based on their individual needs and circumstances. Please click here to learn how you can join local financial advisors featured on Wealthtender.
Brian is CEO and founder of Wealthtender and Editor-in-Chief. He and his wife live in Austin, Texas. With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Brian is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress. Learn More about Brian
Ryan Dobratz & Quentin Velleley, Portfolio Managers at Third Avenue Management | Image Credit: Institute for Innovation Development
[The real estate securities marketplace is a vast, multifaceted, and globally interconnected market. It spans public and private investments, debt and equity instruments, and everything from real estate-focused Mutual Funds and ETFs to listed securities of companies that comprise the gamut of residential, commercial, and other operating companies. The securitization of real estate into liquid vehicles allows investors the ability to strategically respond to the industry’s cycles and manage risks due to its sensitivities to macro pressures. But investment success will necessitate flexibility, in-depth research, foresight, and an ability to evolve with the ever-changing landscape.
Each niche area of the real estate securities market, by its nature, has differentiated intricacies and idiosyncratic company catalysts that cannot be realized by limiting investment to an index of the market’s largest players. There may even be a structural advantage for informed, nimble investors utilizing this flexibility versus institutional players, where their size does not allow them to take advantage of some of the embedded opportunities and inefficiencies in these markets. An active management approach with a focus on local market expertise and knowledge of the specific characteristics of each asset can potentially capture performance as these markets deviate within and across each real estate sector.
To learn more about the intricacies and investment benefits around listed real estate securities, we reached out to Ryan Dobratz (Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund) and Quentin Velleley (Third Avenue International Real Estate Value Fund), Portfolio Managers at Third Avenue Management – a NYC-based pioneer in value investing and winners of the 2024 LSEG Lipper Fund Award for Best Equity Small Fund Family Group. We asked them questions about their differentiated approach to investing in publicly traded real estate securities and to share their decades of experience and insights into the nature of these securities.]
Hortz: What is the case for investing in real estate securities? What do they offer in an investment portfolio?
Dobratz: We have always believed that real estate offers exposure to essential assets and businesses that tend to generate resilient cash flows – providing a store of value over time with other interesting attributes, such as delivering current yield, protecting against inflation, and adding portfolio diversification. There are also several other advantages of investing in the sector through liquid, listed real estate securities.
The publicly traded real estate space gives investors the ability to invest in some of the highest-quality real estate portfolios and platforms globally, which they would not be able to access through the private markets. In addition to that, investors can align themselves with some of the most talented and accomplished real estate management teams, oftentimes on a very efficient basis, and these businesses have many advantages compared to those in the private space because they have access to multiple channels of capital. For those reasons and others, studies show that public real estate or listed real estate has outperformed most private vehicles over time.
It can be said that it is a more strategic way to access real estate, especially in times of volatility and market dislocation, where investors can buy into these real estate companies at substantial discounts to net asset values or intrinsic values over time. We believe it is the preferred way to get exposure to the global property space.
Velleley: Let me further emphasize that a key appeal of listed real estate securities is that investors can access these high-quality businesses, management teams, and properties, but with the liquidity to adjust and take advantage of changing market conditions and idiosyncratic opportunities.
I also think, in the current environment, it offers investors a real diversifier away from very tech-heavy portfolio positions by offering “real assets” diversification with long-term inflation protection.
Hortz: Can you provide us with an overview of the size and scope of the global real estate securities market you invest in?
Dobratz: At Third Avenue, our real estate universe is much wider than most. Many dedicated real estate investors only look at the real estate investment trust (REIT) market, which we invest in, but we also have a long track record of investing in real estate operating companies (REOC) and special situations as well. So, our universe is usually about two to three times larger than most of our peers.
When examining the real estate securities universe for the Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund today, the universe is approximately $6 trillion in size, comprising about 500 companies that include REITs, real estate operating companies, and real estate-related businesses in developed markets worldwide. Investors must also consider that we run concentrated portfolios where an average position can be 3% – 4%, so we have gravitated towards companies that have a market cap of $1 billion or greater that provide enough liquidity and size for us to make substantial investments in them.
Velleley: The International Real Estate Value Fund also has a broader investment universe than traditional international funds, indices, or ETFs. Currently, the Fund’s universe includes 500 companies across both developed and emerging markets, compared to 380 companies in the benchmark index as of September 30, 2025. Our universe has a higher amount of real estate operating companies and real estate-related securities that other investors may overlook, like home builders, storage, and casino real estate companies.
Hortz: What are some differentiated aspects of investing in real estate securities to be aware of?
Dobratz: In our experience, there are two major drawbacks to investing in listed real estate relative to private real estate. First, listed real estate will have more short-term volatility due to daily trading, when compared to a direct asset that might be reappraised quarterly or annually. Secondly, most investors hold positions as outside passive minority investors and therefore lack the elements of control one might have as an owner of an individual asset or a General Partner in a private fund.
However, those are also opportunities in our view because volatility provides moments in time where investors can buy into these real estate companies, assets, and platforms at huge discounts. And even though investors may not have elements of control, they can align themselves with management teams that are likely to take steps to close those discounts over time. We often say that there are two ways to win in listed real estate: either the public markets are going to recognize the underlying value of these businesses by the stock prices moving higher, or management teams will take steps to monetize that value by selling properties or spinning off what are underappreciated assets.
Velleley: In other areas of this marketplace, both funds have benefited from what are called resource conversions. These include classic M&A opportunities such as privatizations by private equity firms or mergers between real estate companies.
Another example, currently taking place in Asia, is the divestment of assets, with proceeds deployed either to return capital to shareholders or to buy back shares. Additionally, several value-additive spin-offs have occurred, where undervalued non-core real estate portfolios or businesses are separated to unlock value.
Since we manage more concentrated portfolios focused on real estate value, we tend to benefit more frequently from those occurrences.
Dobratz: Another distinctive area is in special situations where we have the ability and the expertise to invest across the capital structure of portfolio companies. While our primary focus is investing in the common stock of well-capitalized and managed businesses, to the extent that we can earn equity-like returns in other instruments across the capital structure – preferred equity, unsecured debt, convertible bonds, bank debt, etc. – we will capitalize on those opportunities as well. We have had up to 15% of the Real Estate Value Fund invested in more special situation investments across the capital structure at times, and that is actually the case today, where the fund has a meaningful investment in the preferred equity of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which is more special situation in nature.
Hortz: What are the key drivers of performance that you look for across these real estate securities?
Velleley: In our view, investors need to focus on the underlying local real estate markets – analyzing the different real estate asset classes, demand outlook, and demographics – to determine the opportunities and where these real estate companies are exposed. What are the levels of supply in that market? How easy is it to build new supply? The risk with real estate is that when new supply is added, it can have a negative impact on rents, occupancy, and cash flows.
Another key factor we consider, which has historically been underappreciated in real estate, in our opinion, is the amount of capital, or capital expenditures, which is required to maintain assets, cash flows, and potentially grow rent. We prefer to invest in real estate asset types that have lower capital requirements, which enhances long-term returns by increasing the ability to compound value instead of deploying capital to maintain income streams.
For example, office real estate has traditionally required significant capital, a requirement that has increased recently due to evolving market conditions globally. In contrast, asset types such as self-storage generally require minimal reinvestment. Compared to other indices and ETFs with substantial exposure to capital-intensive real estate, we believe the long-term return outlook is more favorable for portfolios focused on asset classes with lower capital requirements.
Dobratz: When we are assessing real estate companies, and their securities, for the Real Estate Value Fund, there are really four factors that we look at:
One, whether they are well capitalized, has high-quality assets, and limited levels of debt.
Two, if they are run by aligned management teams that have a track record of running the business efficiently and prudently allocating capital.
Three, whether we can buy into these companies and their securities at a discount to conservative estimates of what we think the businesses are worth, or their net asset value.
And four, if the companies not only trade at discounts, but have prospects of increasing that underlying value, ideally at 10% or more per year when including dividends.
In combination, these items underpin the “checklist” we utilize for assessing real estate securities and frankly serve as the foundation for our focus on investing in strategic real estate at value prices.
Hortz: How would you differentiate your investment approach from other real estate securities managers?
Dobratz: Outside of placing a heavy emphasis on investing in very well-capitalized companies, we tend to point to a few other differentiators for the Global Real Estate strategy compared to most of our peers:
First, we are long-term value-oriented investors in the real estate securities space, where we are typically buying into companies, property types, or regions that are out of favor. As a result, we are getting into those positions at discounted valuations and, on average, we are holding them for five to six years at a time. So, it is a much lower turnover strategy, between 15 to 20% annually.
In addition, we focus on total return and emphasize capital appreciation over current income because we believe it is a more tax-effective way to compound capital over time. Consequently, the Fund ends up owning a greater number of real estate operating companies and real estate-related businesses, predominantly structured as C corporations as opposed to traditional REITs. In fact, about two-thirds of the portfolio is typically allocated to Real Estate Operating Companies (REOCs) and real estate-related businesses, with one-third in REITs, although the mandate is flexible.
We also have a wider universe of real estate securities to invest in, as we mentioned earlier. We can invest in REITs, REOCs, real estate-related businesses, and special situations, where we approximate our universe is two to three times larger than most competitors. That said, when filtering through these companies with Third Avenue’s criteria, there are usually only about 60 companies that we track closely, with roughly half already in the fund, and the other half in a shadow portfolio that we utilize as a tool to keep tabs on companies we want to buy, just at lower prices.
A major result of all the above items is that we have high active share measures with our portfolio holdings, not mirroring any real estate indices. In fact, several of the attractive opportunities we have identified over the years have been in securities or businesses that are not a part of traditional real estate indices or benchmarks. In addition, we actively manage the portfolio by prudently concentrating on our best ideas and implementing hedges to enhance the risk-adjusted profile of the portfolio, not only around positions but also currencies. We will also hold a portion of the fund in cash when we are not finding suitable opportunities, which is not something that a lot of others will do who run fully invested.
Velleley: The International Real Estate Value Fund, also maintains high active share through its differentiated geographic exposures. Rather than tracking the international indices’ geographic weightings, we take a bottom-up approach to identify the best worldwide, value-oriented real estate opportunities in building the portfolio. This approach represents a key differentiator as well.
Hortz: How are your funds currently allocated, and what does that positioning tell us about how you see the real estate markets?
Velleley: In the International Real Estate Value Fund, the portfolio is exposed to four key thematics outside the U.S.
The first allocation is to industrial real estate companies. A major theme driving the sector, is the ongoing transformation of the global industrial supply chain, as manufacturers and governments push to reduce supply chain risk and diversify manufacturing out of China. We are invested in several industrial real estate companies that are developing properties to meet this increased demand. We believe that exposure to this structural theme is limited in most indices and ETFs.
Additionally, the Fund is invested in self-storage real estate, where supply levels outside the U.S. remain dramatically lower than domestic markets. In other developed markets, the industry is much less mature, and we see a long runway for self-storage to grow cash flows and for management teams to create value over time.
The Fund also has exposure to residential real estate. In major cities globally, we see a structural undersupply of residential real estate, despite favorable demographics, growing populations, and ongoing urbanization. Governments and developers have faced challenges adding sufficient supply to meet the increased demand. As a result, we believe there are strong housing market fundamentals in many cities around the world.
Finally, the Fund has special situation investments. These are traditionally deep-value or special situation companies with high-quality real estate that trade at significant discounts to net asset value, are well-managed, and have some form of catalyst to recognize that value.
Dobratz: In the Global strategy, there are many similarities. We have about 25% of the fund’s capital invested in strategic residential businesses focused on the U.S., which we believe are poised to benefit from favorable supply and demand dynamics over the next 5 to 10 years, particularly as millennials continue to move into their prime home-buying years. I should add that on the residential side, we see opportunities throughout the value chain – land, home builders, and certain single-family rental companies.
We have another quarter of the fund invested in select commercial real estate companies with a broader emphasis on real estate services businesses as opposed to commercial REITs, just because we believe that they are superior business models and positioned to benefit from structural changes taking place within commercial real estate.
We then have about 25% of the global strategy’s capital invested in international real estate companies that are largely focused on the same themes of residential and commercial real estate.
Lastly, we have about 15% of the fund’s capital invested in special situations right now, which are mostly comprised of investments in the preferred equity of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
It is also worth noting that we are sidestepping certain pockets of the real estate universe that are large components of many other real estate portfolios out there. For instance, right now, we do not have significant investments in traditional senior housing, which has become so popular with investors – the valuations are quite stretched in our opinion, and that same sort of description applies to the data center space and tower companies that have been bid up in excess of their long-term fundamental value, in our view. So, we have strategically avoided those real estate areas.
Hortz: Any other thoughts to share with financial professionals about the case for active management for real estate securities?
Velleley: International real estate securities valuations are currently very discounted, in our view, as these markets have not fully recovered from their pre-COVID levels. As a result, discounts on NAV or discounts on the value of the underlying real estate are still quite high, and earnings multiples are low even though the earnings growth outlook is quite good.
Dobratz: In addition to the international opportunities, listed real estate is one of only three sectors trading at a discount to its historical averages in the U.S. markets. Therefore, we think it’s an interesting time to revisit real estate securities and feel the investment opportunity is very similar to the early 2000s, when broader equities were trading at similar valuations and real estate was also out of favor, but heightened valuations ultimately came in following the tech bust at the time. Real estate outperformed in a big way and we think the setup is similar.
The second item I would mention, to the extent that someone is looking at the real estate space, they should do so through an active strategy, not a passive strategy, due to listed real estate being a pocket where active managers have historically outperformed passive funds. Third Avenue’s Real Estate strategies are not dissimilar in that respect, but we believe in continuous improvement, so we have taken steps to further bolster the team, processes, and strategies with the goal of further differentiating our portfolios over time.
Bill Hortz is an independent business consultant and Founder/Dean of the Institute for Innovation Development- a financial services business innovation platform and network. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry including expertise in sales/marketing/branding of asset management firms, as well as, creatively restructuring and developing internal/external sales and strategic account departments for 5 major financial firms, including OppenheimerFunds, Neuberger&Berman and Templeton Funds Distributors. His wide ranging experiences have led Bill to a strong belief, passion and advocation for strategic thinking, innovation creation and strategic account management as the nexus of business skills needed to address a business environment challenged by an accelerating rate of change.
What this article covers
Whether you’re carrying debt hoping for relief, a saver watching your CD yields tick down, or a retiree trying to generate income in a shifting environment — where interest rates are headed over the next two years matters to your finances. This article examines what the Federal Reserve, Morningstar, and interest rate futures markets project for rates through 2027, explains what those projections mean for borrowers, savers, and investors, and shares practical guidance from financial advisors on how to position a portfolio for a lower-rate environment — including why the uncertainty around any projection may matter more than the projection itself.
Interest rates can punish or reward us.
Which is the case for you depends on whether you’re in debt or earning interest.
The market interest rates are strongly influenced by the decisions of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). The “Fed” kept interest rates near zero from early 2020 to early 2022.
Finally, in March 2022, they realized inflation wasn’t “transitory” and decided they had to do something drastic about it. They tightened and tightened fast.
Key Takeaways
1
Expert projections from the Fed, Morningstar, and futures markets point to interest rates settling near 2.6%–2.9% in 2026 and around 2.2%–3.0% in subsequent years.
After the fastest rate-tightening cycle in decades drove the Federal Funds rate from near zero to 5.33%, the Fed began cutting in late 2024. Averaging projections from the St. Louis Fed, Morningstar’s research, and interest rate futures markets suggests rates near 2.7% by the end of 2026 — though historical data shows even expert projections have underestimated rate cuts by as much as 2.5% during previous easing cycles, which means the actual range of outcomes is wider than any single forecast suggests.
2
Falling rates mean good news for borrowers and real estate buyers — but savers and those living on fixed income from CDs and savings accounts will feel the squeeze.
When rates fall, bond prices rise, borrowing costs drop, and the calculus around homebuying shifts as both mortgage affordability and housing inventory change simultaneously. But the 5%+ checking account yields and 6%+ CD rates that rewarded savers during the tightening cycle will become a memory. For retirees or near-retirees depending heavily on fixed-income cash flow, a sustained lower-rate environment makes generating adequate income meaningfully harder without taking on additional risk.
3
Financial advisors are unanimous on one point: building a resilient plan matters far more than trying to predict the precise direction of rates.
Laddering bond maturities, maintaining several years of expenses in cash and short-term instruments, stress-testing your plan against multiple rate scenarios, and balancing growth assets against income-producing assets — these strategies serve you whether rates drop faster or slower than expected. Interest rate forecasts are one input into a financial plan, not the plan itself.
The Fastest Tightening in Decades
Facing the highest inflation in four decades, from March 2022 to August 2023 the Fed tightened its monetary policy such that the Federal Funds rate soared from 0.08% to 5.33%, the fastest tightening in several decades.
If you were borrowing money, things became painfully expensive, as:
Interest on credit card balances shot up
Auto loan rates increased sharply
Mortgage rates nearly tripled
If you were a saver, on the other hand, you finally started seeing some opportunities for higher interest income, including:
Online banks (but not the big bricks-and-mortar ones) offered 5%+ interest on checking accounts
Certificate of Deposit (CD) rates jumped to over 6%
Short-term bonds and money market funds offered far higher yields than they had in years
Then inflation started falling back from the stratosphere, getting close to the Fed’s 2% target rate. That’s when…
The Long-Awaited Rate Cuts Finally Arrived
In September 2024, the Fed finally started cutting rates.
The first cut was an aggressive 50 basis points (one basis point is equal to one-hundredth of a percentage point). The next cut, in October, was a more common one — 25 basis points.
Unsurprisingly, this had the reverse impact than that of the tightening we’d just experienced.
Borrowing became (a little) less expensive, but interest payments on checking, savings, and money market accounts started decreasing too.
These changes have widespread impacts, including:
Bond prices rise as interest rates fall.
The appetite for investment risk — when you can get high interest on low-risk assets, why risk your money in stocks unless they provide a much higher return?
Real estate becomes somewhat more affordable so demand ticks up, but as new mortgages become less expensive, more homeowners sitting on a 3% mortgage interest are willing to sell so pent-up supply is released.
If you were waiting for rates to come down (or fearing they would), this begs the question…
Where Will Interest Rates Go in the Coming Years?
One of my favorite quotes, often misattributed to Yogi Berra says, “It’s hard to make accurate predictions, especially about the future.” — Nils Bohr, Physics Nobel Laureate
In a similar vein, the ancient Jewish sage Rabbi Yochanan said, “From the day the Temple was destroyed, prophecy has been taken from the prophets and given to fools and babies.”
I haven’t been a baby in many decades and hope that I’m not such a fool as to be included in the second category, so I avoid making prophecies about anything.
However, I can still see what multiple expert sources project and try to figure out the range of possible developments.
I doubt any of these experts can reliably predict the future (they too are neither fools nor babies), but if we compare many predictions, the truth may well be somewhere within the range of those predictions, and the uncertainty can be sensed from how widely the predictions vary.
Expert Projections of Interest Rates in the Next Few Years
With interest rates determined by the Fed, we should first see what they project. According to the St. Louis Fed, interest rates in the coming years are expected to be:
Morningstar also mentions rates implied by futures markets:
2026: 2.75%
Averaging the above (using mid-points for Morningstar’s ranges), we get:
2026: 2.7% ±0.2%
2027: 2.6% ±0.42% (from Fed and Morningstar numbers)
One big caveat (related to the above statements about predicting the future) is that a-posteriori research shows that the futures market predictions don’t do so well:
“The three easing cycles [looked at were]… 1989–1991, 2000–2003, and 2007–2009. At one point during each of those cycles, the market underestimated the amount of Fed rate cuts by roughly 2.50%.”
How Do the Pros Think About Interest Rate Projections and How Do They Advise Clients?
I asked several financial pros about how they think of interest rate and what they advise their clients to do about them.
Lamar Watson, Founder and Financial Planner, Dream Financial Planning says, “For interest rate projections the first place I look is the futures market to see the interest rate yield curve. I also like to get a sense of the major investment banks and fixed-income money managers are forecasting.Since buying a home is important for several of my clients, I also have a few mortgage industry contacts I listen to for mortgage rate forecasts. Interest forecasts are often wrong. If we’re investing in fixed income, we always want to ladder maturities to minimize risk and to know what we’re investing for. Funds for short-term goals (less than three years) should be in cash, short-term treasuries or CDs, and/or high-yield savings accounts to minimize duration risk. If we’re concerned about rates regarding an auto loan or mortgage, I suggest ensuring you have a fully funded emergency fund first. Base the decision on your personal needs vs. interest rate forecast. For a house, I recommend that clients buy when they’re ready because you may later be able to refinance at a lower rate.”
Jason Gilbert, Founder and Managing Partner of RGA Investment Advisors gives his take, “Recognizing that projections can be uncertain, I emphasize the importance of maintaining flexibility in investment strategies while keeping a long-term, multi-generational perspective. For clients, this means conducting regular portfolio reviews and adjustments to align with evolving economic conditions and policy changes. At the core of my practice is a focus on holistic wealth management, which includes not only investment strategy but also tax efficiency, estate planning, and intergenerational wealth transfer. By staying nimble, we ensure that the family’s financial objectives—whether they involve preserving wealth for heirs, optimizing tax strategies, or adjusting to shifting fiscal policies—are met with resilience and foresight. We keep an eye on the bigger picture, ensuring that clients are well-positioned for their legacy goals, but we remain agile enough to make tactical adjustments when circumstances change. This balance between stability and adaptability is key to navigating today’s complex financial landscape while building a foundation that stands the test of time.”
Vishal Kumar, Partner at Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors expands, “As a financial advisor working with tech professionals in the Bay Area, I get asked about interest rate projections all the time. With the Federal Reserve doing its best tightrope walk between inflation control and economic growth, everyone wants to know: ‘Where are rates heading?’
“I keep a close eye on forecasts from a variety of sources—Federal Reserve statements, economic think tanks, and market trends. But let’s be real – no one, not even the Fed, has a crystal ball. Projections are influenced by countless variables, from global supply chain shocks to domestic employment reports. Right now, consensus points to rates stabilizing after the recent series of hikes, but there’s also chatter about a mild recession prompting cuts in the next couple of years. While it’s tempting to pin your strategy on these projections, I often remind my clients that projections are like weather forecasts: useful, but not foolproof.
“As for prepositioning for likely scenarios, tech professionals often face unique financial considerations—equity-heavy portfolios, concentration in employer stock, and significant exposure to interest-rate-sensitive investments. For this group, the strategy often boils down to balance and flexibility.
“Regarding debt management, if you have stock options or deferred compensation that will vest in the next few years, now might be the time to reevaluate your borrowing strategy. If rates stay high, variable-rate loans could become a pain point. Locking in fixed rates might make sense, but only after considering your liquidity needs and cash flow.
“Many of my clients have portfolios that skew heavily toward growth stocks, which tend to take a hit in rising-rate environments. To balance this, we might look at high-quality bonds or dividend-paying stocks that can provide stability and income. But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
“Rate hikes often impact the cost of living indirectly—higher mortgage payments and pricier credit. Maintaining a robust emergency fund isn’t just boring financial advice; it’s peace of mind when life (or the market) takes a sudden left turn. Let’s face it—interest rate forecasts are wrong as often as they’re right. The question is how to prepare for that uncertainty. Here are a few ways…
“Don’t overreact to headlines: the financial world loves drama. Remember when ‘transitory inflation’ was the phrase of the moment? Markets are emotional, but your financial plan shouldn’t be. Stick to long-term goals.
“Stress-test your plan: what happens if rates spike higher or drop faster than expected? Running scenarios can highlight vulnerabilities in your portfolio or plan. It’s not about predicting the future—it’s about staying nimble enough to adapt.
“Use the tools you have: tech professionals often have access to deferred compensation plans, employee stock purchase programs, and mega backdoor Roths. These tools can provide tax-efficient ways to hedge against market volatility or leverage opportunities.
“Think globally: rates in the US don’t operate in a vacuum. International opportunities, like emerging markets or foreign bonds, might provide an unexpected hedge.
“Finally, a word of humor and perspective – at the end of the day, financial planning isn’t about guessing where the Fed is headed—it’s about managing what’s within your control. I often tell clients: ‘If I had a perfect read on interest rates, I wouldn’t be managing your portfolio—I’d be managing my private island.’ But seriously, whether rates go up, down, or sideways, the goal is to build a plan that’s resilient and aligned with what matters to you. Interest rates are just one variable in a much bigger picture. Let’s stay focused on the picture. This approach reflects the nuance, humor, and practical insights my clients appreciate. It’s not about predicting the future—it’s about being prepared for whatever comes next.”
The Bottom Line: What Should We Take Away from All This?
First and foremost, the only way to know definitively the interest rates in 2026 and 2027 is to wait and see.
Of course, by then it’s too late to prepare proactively.
Second, averaging expert projections can give us what will likely be somewhat less inaccurate predictions, all of which expect rates to continue dropping to around 2.7% in 2026, and 2.6% in later years.
However, those numbers have uncertainties, so let’s state things in ranges:
2026: 2.5% to 2.9%
Later years: 2.2% to 3.0%
Given all that, here are my thoughts:
It’s never a good idea to carry a balance on credit cards or other high-interest loans, however, the pain of such a situation should become somewhat lower over the next few years.
Living on a fixed income from, e.g., CDs, checking accounts, savings accounts, short-term bonds, money market funds, etc. is no picnic unless you have a huge nest egg; this will likely become even more challenging in the coming years.
Ideally, approaching (and/or in) retirement we should invest some of our funds in growth assets to outpace inflation while using less-risky assets (e.g., bonds, rental income, etc.) to provide enough diversification to avoid a portfolio meltdown, especially early in retirement (to mitigate the so-called “sequence of returns risk”).
Keeping several years’ worth of expenses in cash and bonds when approaching (and/or in) retirement will cost you some growth but help you reduce the risk of having to sell stocks during a bear market. It’ll also help you sleep better when, not if, the market craters.
The larger your nest egg relative to your retirement spending, the more short-term risk you can afford to take, which means you can allocate a larger fraction of your portfolio to stocks because you won’t need to sell as large a fraction of your assets if you don’t hold enough cash and bonds to let your portfolio recover. Paradoxically, this means that the very wealthy can live in luxury while their portfolios effortlessly grow larger even as they spend lavishly, far beyond their needs.
Finally, borrowing from the above pros (and related to several of the above points), make sure your plan is resilient and agile enough to survive all the curve balls the market will throw your way over a decades-long retirement.
Are You Ready to Hire a Financial Advisor?
You’ll find a growing number of financial advisors featured on Wealthtender. You can search based on the areas of specialization most important to you and where they’re located, or browse our financial advisor directory for more search options to find advisors who may be a good fit for you.
Find Your Next Financial Advisor on Wealthtender
📍 Click on a pin in the map view below for a preview of financial advisors who can help you reach your money goals with a personalized plan. Or choose the grid view to search our directory of financial advisors with additional filtering options.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be considered financial advice. You should consult a financial professional before making any major financial decisions.
About the Author
Opher Ganel, Ph.D.
My career has had many unpredictable twists and turns. A MSc in theoretical physics, PhD in experimental high-energy physics, postdoc in particle detector R&D, research position in experimental cosmic-ray physics (including a couple of visits to Antarctica), a brief stint at a small engineering services company supporting NASA, followed by starting my own small consulting practice supporting NASA projects and programs. Along the way, I started other micro businesses and helped my wife start and grow her own Marriage and Family Therapy practice. Now, I use all these experiences to also offer financial strategy services to help independent professionals achieve their personal and business finance goals. Connect with me on my own site: OpherGanel.com and/or follow my Medium publication: medium.com/financial-strategy/.
Winter in Minnesota has a way of slowing life down. After the rush of the holidays, the quieter months invite us to breathe, reset, and refocus on what matters most. For blended families, this stretch of the year can bring unique emotional and financial dynamics—different schedules, traditions, and expectations—but it can also offer meaningful opportunities for connection.
Shorter days and limited sunlight may still affect energy and mood, and a wintery mix of higher utility bills, travel, holiday shopping, and entertaining can stretch a family’s budget. But these challenges don’t have to define the season.
At Endurance Financial Group, we believe winter can be more than something you simply “get through.” With a few intentional habits—emotionally, financially, and relationally—you can help your family feel grounded, supported, and united all the way to spring.
Start with Shared Intentions
When it comes to winter wellness, clarity starts with conversation. Instead of jumping into plans or routines on autopilot, take time to talk as a couple and as a family about what matters to you right now. Is it creating space for rest? Rebuilding energy? Supporting each other through a long stretch of indoors? Identifying shared intentions helps you design a season that feels supportive rather than draining.
For blended families, this step is especially meaningful. Each household may bring different expectations, rhythms, and spending habits to the table. Including everyone—stepchildren, teens, and even extended family when possible—in conversations about priorities, winter budgets, and weekly routines can create a greater sense of unity and mutual respect. The goal isn’t for everything to go perfectly; it’s about fostering connection and shared purpose.
Whenever possible, coordinate across households to keep things predictable and manageable. This helps reduce misunderstandings and creates a steadier emotional pace for kids and adults alike.
Once your family’s values are clear, turn them into a practical plan.
Set financial goals that reflect what’s most important, not what social media or culture says you “should” do. Many families start the year hoping to rein in spending or regain clarity after a more expensive December. A clear, agreed-upon budget grounds financial choices in intention, not reaction. Using shared tools or budgeting apps helps keep everyone aligned and eases the mental load.
Some families find that focusing on small, meaningful experiences, like a weekly indoor game night, Sunday soup dinners, or cozy movie marathons, adds more joy than trying to fill every weekend. Simple shared experiences like these are what bring warmth and connection during the coldest stretch of the year.
Support Emotional Wellness Across the Family
Shorter days, colder weather, and limited sunlight can take an emotional toll, especially when cabin fever sets in. For blended families juggling the priorities and responsibilities of multiple households, predictability and open communication can bring a sense of calm and togetherness.
Kids thrive when schedules are steady and transitions are smooth. Try keeping morning and evening routines consistent across households, and check in regularly to reduce surprises or misunderstandings. This is a great time to revisit what’s working and gently adjust what’s not.
It’s also important to acknowledge the impact of winter on mood. Reduced sunlight can lower serotonin levels and contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), with symptoms ranging from fatigue to irritability. Encourage outdoor time whenever possible—yes, even when it’s cold—and consider tools like light therapy boxes or vitamin D supplements as needed.
Simple daily practices can also support emotional balance. Try a family gratitude ritual, such as sharing one highlight from the day at dinner. Or create space for low-pressure connection through joint hobbies, winter walks, or casual check-ins.
Most of all, give yourself and your family permission to slow down. Winter isn’t about maximizing output. It’s about pacing yourselves with empathy and intention.
Reflect and Reset for the Year Ahead
As the new year unfolds, take time to reflect on what your family has navigated together—and where you want to go from here.
Blended families often manage more moving parts, and that deserves recognition. Celebrate your shared wins, talk openly about what’s felt stressful, and use those insights to shape the months ahead. These conversations build trust and lay the groundwork for stronger family systems.
Financially, this is an ideal moment to reset. Review your household spending with curiosity, not criticism. What supported your well-being? What might you adjust this year? Reconnect with your long-term goals—saving for college, planning a future trip, or building more financial flexibility—and consider meeting with a financial advisor to create a plan that reflects your evolving priorities.
Winter doesn’t have to feel heavy. With clarity, connection, and a few intentional shifts, it can become a season of quiet strength, deeper relationships, and renewed purpose.
If you’ve tried sticking to a budget, over and over again, but mostly failed, then maybe traditional budgeting techniques just aren’t for you.
You don’t have to use your grandmother’s budgeting options, carefully assigning money to each spending category each month, then rigidly sticking to it. Delve into these alternatives to see if any of them might work for you.
Behavior Based Finances
The trouble with budgets is they’re all about controlling (and often restricting) your spending, not about how you’re actually supposed to do that. Mostly it’s assumed you’ll rely on sheer willpower, which is kind of exhausting.
But it’s possible to come at things from the opposite direction, and reduce spending by changing behaviors rather than using willpower. Many people find that changing behavior and habits works better than obsessively trying to control spending.
By changing what you do you can change (and restrict) how much you spend. This can look different for different people. But it could include:
Delving into cheaper (or free) hobbies and activities
Listing 50 free things to do around you and crossing one off each weekend
Organizing fun, social, clothing swap events instead of shopping
Planning most of your friend dates around walking in nature, perhaps with a home brewed coffee
Volunteering as a social activity
Having a weekly or monthly library day if you’re a bit of a book addict
Joining local ‘no buy’ groups or community sharing schemes
Trying out creative hobbies (from jewelry making to wood working) that leave you with a product to give as gifts when birthdays crop up
Automating saving, investing and bill paying at the beginning of each pay cycle so you don’t have to think about it
Which of these work for you and which don’t will depend on personal preferences, and what works for you may not be on the list. Take half an hour to sit down and brainstorm what would.
Cash Stuffing
I’ve written about the art of cash stuffing before. It’s a budgeting technique much loved by Gen Z that has become a bit of a trend on TikTok and other social platforms.
It basically involves using real cash for discretionary purchases whenever possible, and literally stuffing it into different envelopes (or other physical containers) marked with the category that the cash is to be spent on, such as food, gas, or entertainment.
You don’t even have to use cash to follow the cash stuffing philosophy. Many people split their money into digital pots using banking apps, often calling it the ‘bucket method’ where there’s a certain amount of funds in each ‘bucket’ that can only be spent on what it’s allocated for.
The digital method works well for some, but using cash seems to bring a little more awareness and a certain amount of gamification into the process, and our brains just love that. Cash stuffing is similar to traditional budgeting but with a twist. And that twist seems to actually make budgeting more fun for some people.
Paycheck Budgeting
An issue many have with traditional budgeting is that it’s just so inflexible, assuming you’ll spend the same amount on the same category indefinitely, and that your income will never vary. And life’s just not like that. Many find it’s easier to adopt a continuous budgeting program that means you budget each paycheck as it comes in.
This simply means that you’ll be engaging with your budgeting process each month or each pay cycle, looking at exactly what you want to achieve in that time period and what it will cost, and planning your life around what you have to spend right now.
This can be particularly useful for those working on commissions or tips, freelancers and small business owners, those with a varying work schedule, or anyone whose income fluctuates for any reason.
If that’s you, you’ve probably had a few ‘ramen months’ when the money just isn’t there. But paycheck budgeting can actually include paying into a ‘lean month’ fund (separate from your general emergency fund or any other savings you have). A fund that’s there for the sole purpose of seeing you through the months where income drops more than you expected it to. Then you can dip into it without guilt when your paycheck takes a hit due to circumstances beyond your control.
Paycheck budgeting may seem like more work — because it is — but for some it just works better. It helps you keep on top of your money situation, especially if it varies, and some people report that it actually motivates them to keep increasing their income opportunities as it keeps them engaged with and aware of their financial reality on a more regular schedule.
Budgeting helps us stay on top of our finances, but it can look a little different for everyone, depending on what suits your current lifestyle and goals. It’s okay to try a little experimenting until you find exactly what works for you.
About the Author
Karen Banes is a freelance writer specializing in entrepreneurship, parenting and lifestyle. She writes articles, website content, ebooks and the occasional award winning short story. Her work has appeared in a range of publications both online and off, including The Washington Post, Life Info Magazine, Transitions Abroad, Brave New Traveler, Natural Parenting Group, and Copia Magazine.
Learn More About Karen
Financial services firms have become increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals with data breaches, ransomware, and other cyber-enabled fraud costing the industry billions of dollars. Protecting your firm and client data is not just an IT problem but also a business continuity, regulatory, and reputational risk. A full awareness of the nature and extent of cybersecurity threats and the need to execute a proactive, firm-wide strategy is essential in defending against the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
Through these webinars, Ultimus brought together a panel of cybersecurity experts: Shawn Waldman, CEO of Secure Cyber; Ron Sharon, Chief Information Security Officer, PTMA Financial Solutions; and Melvin Van Cleave, SVP of Technology at Ultimus Fund Solutions. The sessions were packed with practical advice for investment professionals and back-office staff that requires simple, repeatable practices in everyday routines and the concept of “cyber hygiene”. This article will recap the essential insights and actionable steps you can take to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses.
The Business Case for Strong Cyber Hygiene
The numbers speak for themselves as to why developing a firm-wide cyber defense strategy and practicing cyber hygiene should be given the highest strategic importance for every firm. Facts referenced from Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (Verizon 2025 DBIR) and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) :
Cybercrime costs exceeded $16 billion globally in 2024. (IC3)
$13.7 billion in losses were reported from cyber-enabled fraud in 2024. (IC3)
Third-party breaches have doubled between 2024 and 2025. (IC3)
Ransomware involved in 44% of data breaches. (Verizon 2025 DBIR)
Average breach cost in the US: $10.2 million. (IBM CDBR 2025)
As panelists pointed out, the current average breach cost in the US is $10.2 million. This figure does not even account for the damage to a firm’s reputation, continuity, or the regulatory headaches that follow. This all makes proactive investment in cyber controls far less expensive than remediation.
Sean Waldman, CEO of Secure Cyber, put it plainly: the biggest business case for strong cyber hygiene is “to stay off the radar and avoid looking bad to clients. In an industry built on trust, a security incident can be an existential threat.”
How Cyber Threats Are Evolving
Attackers have evolved to use advanced methods such as SIM swapping to bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) delivered via SMS. Authenticator apps are recommended over SMS for MFA. The rise of AI-driven threats (e.g., deepfakes, voice mimicking) also complicates detection and increases the need for user training.
Breaches increasingly occur through compromised third-party vendors. Attackers may manipulate invoices or communications to redirect payments or gain access to sensitive data. These supply chain and third-party risks have been rising to the point that regulatory bodies, like the SEC, are increasingly focusing on third-party risk management.
An important point made was that cyber attackers target organizations of all sizes, including firms with as few as two employees. Smaller firms are often more vulnerable due to limited resources and less robust defenses. Smaller financial firms assume a false confidence that they are too small for any attacker to care about them, assuming cyber criminals are only targeting larger, high-revenue firms.
Human Error: Strengthening the Weakest Link
According to the Verizon 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, a staggering 68% of breaches involve a human element. This means that a simple mistake, like clicking a bad link, can have devastating consequences. Social engineering remains the most prevalent threat, including phishing emails and fraudulent requests that trick employees into transferring funds or revealing sensitive information. This makes security a firm-wide shared responsibility.
Recommendations Offered:
Layered Security Approach – Move beyond basic firewalls; implement multi-layered defenses including endpoint detection and response (EDR), email filtering, and continuous monitoring. Regularly update and patch all systems, including firewalls, servers, and IoT devices.
User Training and Awareness – Invest in ongoing user training to recognize phishing, social engineering, and emerging threats like deepfakes. Promote a culture of zero trust: always verify, never assume, especially for unsolicited communications.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Use authenticator apps rather than SMS for MFA to mitigate SIM swapping risks. Enforce MFA across all accounts, both business and personal. This creates a critical layer of security by requiring a second verification step for all internet accounts.
Password Management – Adopt password managers instead of browser-based ones to create and store strong, unique passwords and prevent reuse and weak passwords. Recommended solutions include Keeper, 1Password, and Roboform.
Third-Party and Vendor Due Diligence – Conduct thorough vetting and ongoing monitoring of third-party vendors. Use tools like Security Scorecard to assess external-facing assets.
Incident Reporting and Compliance – Stay informed about regulatory requirements (e.g., SEC, CISA laws) and ensure mandatory incident reporting where applicable.
Secure Communication and Data Sharing – Use encrypted email gateways and secure portals (e.g., Sharefile) for transmitting sensitive information.
Personal Cyber Hygiene – Encourage employees to apply cyber hygiene practices at home, as remote work blurs the line between personal and business risk.
Master Your Inbox with the “Hover Test” – Before clicking links, hover over them to check the destination URL. If suspicious, do not click.
Endpoint Protection for Remote Work – Implement Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions and encrypt devices, especially for remote employees.
Stay Ahead with Threat Intelligence – Utilize free resources like the Known Exploited Vulnerability (KEV) Catalog (maintained by the federal government for tracking critical vulnerabilities), Security Scorecard, and reputable news sources (KrebsOnSecurity.com, or BleepingComputer.com) to stay informed about evolving threats.
Bottomline Cybersecurity Priorities
Both webinars emphasized that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue, but a business necessity. The most effective defense strategy combines technology, training, and vigilance across both organizational and personal domains. The cyber threat landscape is evolving rapidly, and organizations must adapt by fostering a culture of security, exercising daily cyber hygiene, investing in layered defenses, and staying informed about the latest risks and solutions. Building a secure digital environment is an ongoing journey.
Bill Hortz is an independent business consultant and Founder/Dean of the Institute for Innovation Development- a financial services business innovation platform and network. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry including expertise in sales/marketing/branding of asset management firms, as well as, creatively restructuring and developing internal/external sales and strategic account departments for 5 major financial firms, including OppenheimerFunds, Neuberger&Berman and Templeton Funds Distributors. His wide ranging experiences have led Bill to a strong belief, passion and advocation for strategic thinking, innovation creation and strategic account management as the nexus of business skills needed to address a business environment challenged by an accelerating rate of change.
It’s not unusual to hear people of working age complaining that they’ll never be able to retire. But for most of us, retirement is an option. However it’s also a reversible option. And it’s surprising how many people do reverse it, whether through choice or necessity.
Every retirement looks different and every return to work is a little different too, but there are some underlying reasons why many retirees are back in work not long after leaving it.
The Deceptive Attraction of FIRE
The FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement has been popular for many years now. It generally involves working hard, living frugally and saving and investing aggressively to build a nest egg at a very early age, often before hitting your 40th birthday.
FIRE is embodied in the type of motivational quotes that you’ll find all over the internet, along the lines of:
Do what 90% of people won’t do for ten years so you can do what 90% of people can’t for the rest of your life.
But many commentators are starting to point out that there’s a big gap between what the FIRE movement promises its disciples and the cold hard realities of very early retirement.
Writer and researcher Alex Carter tracked 380 early retirees and found that over 80% of them returned to some kind of work within four years, often having ‘failed’ at FIRE, because frankly in the 2020s, the numbers no longer stack up. There are a few reasons for this.
The cost of living is soaring, and many FIRE plans didn’t allow for inflation at this level.
Aggressive investing strategies can be risky, and continuing this path in retirement (a time when those of traditional retirement age sensibly switch to more conservative investment strategies) doesn’t always pay off.
Retiring at a very early age means you still have the expenses of a young, fit, adventurous person — you’re generally not going to be enjoying your low-cost hobbies and playing with your grandchildren.
Traditional retirement plans — like the 4% rule — just don’t work for retirements that might last several decades, so FIRE plans can be full of miscalculations.
Many of the FIRE enthusiasts of the last few years hit their retirement goals, retired, and now have no choice financially but to go back to work.
The Social Pitfalls of Retirement
Another reason that many retirees (of any age) end up back in paid work is the realisation that retirement, in the words of one retiree I spoke to recently, “just ain’t all that”.
If you’re tired of hard work it’s easy to assume that endless leisure is the answer, but endless leisure is not really what humans are designed for.
Most human beings need several things to feel truly fulfilled: a sense of purpose, the satisfaction of making a contribution to the world, a feeling that someone values what they’re doing, daily social interactions, and a challenge of some kind (mental, physical, creative, intellectual, or emotional).
All these things have, for many retirees, been closely linked with their working lives. And removing them is often not the Nirvana they imagined. They can be regained without paid work, of course. Perhaps through volunteering, family or community involvement, or creative hobbies.
But many find that some form of paid work — perhaps part-time, flexible, seasonal, and/or more enjoyable than what they did for their long-term career — makes them happier than traditional retirement, while also providing valuable extra income long into those later years when your financial pot is often shrinking.
The Pull of a Fresh Start
Linked to the point above, retirement can be a revelation for some. As one retiree once told me: “Turns out I didn’t hate work, I just hated my job.”
Retirement can last an awfully long time these days, with many of us living into our 80s, 90s or even 100s. It’s gone from being a few years at the end of life to a genuine “third act” where we have the possibility to reinvent ourselves, try something new, and find a job we actually like.
We’re generally freed from two things in retirement. The first is societal judgement. We can do something that’s not a profession, but a fun job. That’s because our identity is now “retired teacher” for example, so if we want to work part-time in a hardware store, a farm shop, or a garden center, why not? This is just something we do to keep busy. It’s not our whole personality anymore.
The second type of freedom is financial. Retirees may be feeling the cost of living squeeze, but they also invariably have a pension of some kind, or at least regular social security payments coming in.
While there’s no doubt that financial pressure is often a factor in the decision to return to work, the money is usually supplementing retirement income — however modest that might be — so there’s an opportunity to work a job you enjoy for less money.
Many retirees are becoming writers, artists, jewelry makers or potters. They’re taking a creative hobby or passion and turning it into a fresh start and, potentially, a successful business, or at least an extra income stream. It is perhaps a little sad they didn’t get to do this earlier, but maybe — with our longer lifespans and increased healthspans — that’s exactly what we should be using our third act for.
About the Author
Karen Banes is a freelance writer specializing in entrepreneurship, parenting and lifestyle. She writes articles, website content, ebooks and the occasional award winning short story. Her work has appeared in a range of publications both online and off, including The Washington Post, Life Info Magazine, Transitions Abroad, Brave New Traveler, Natural Parenting Group, and Copia Magazine.
Learn More About Karen
Find financial advisors in Santa Fe, New Mexico ready to help with your financial planning needs so you can enjoy life more with less money stress.
Whether you have lived in Santa Fe for years or recently moved to town, you may need help finding the right financial advisor in the community best suited for your individual needs.
It’s important to first consider your own financial planning priorities before choosing an advisor. Here are a few quick tips to help you get started along with financial advisors in Santa Fe featured on Wealthtender you may want to add to your shortlist.
Featured Santa Fe Financial Advisors
As you prepare to interview financial advisors in Santa Fe who may be right for you, get to know local financial advisors featured on Wealthtender.
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Santa Fe
Check back soon! When local advisors in Santa Fe join Wealthtender, we’ll feature them here.
📍 Additional Advisors Who Serve Clients in Santa Fe
In addition to the advisors featured above, these advisors can also meet with you in person in Santa Fe.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Santa Fe
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident living in Santa Fe, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Santa Fe? If so, there’s a good chance the local financial advisor you hire will also have other clients who work there. This knowledge could prove valuable if they are already familiar with your employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan, Health Savings Accounts, and other components of your total compensation package.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Quick Tips For Hiring an Santa Fe Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Santa Fe, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
1. Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
Budgeting and money management
Debt management
Insurance planning
Retirement planning
Other investment planning
Inheritance planning
Estate planning
Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor that specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
2. Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
3. Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
What services do you provide?
What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
What is your investment strategy?
How do you measure investment performance?
How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
4. Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions & Additional Resources
How do I know if I’m ready to hire a financial advisor?
You should strongly consider hiring a financial advisor if you have a significant amount of money available for saving or investing. This could occur after years of making annual contributions to a retirement plan like a 401(k) through your employer or suddenly if you receive a large inheritance or sell your house for a large profit.
But even if you don’t have a lot of money saved, many financial advisors and planners provide reasonable pricing options and valuable services you should consider, especially if you’re facing a significant life event. For example, if you’re starting a new job, getting married, starting a family, getting divorced, lost your job, starting or selling a business, or approaching retirement age, working with a trusted financial advisor or planner may prove worthwhile.
Before I hire a new financial advisor, should I fire my current advisor?
You don’t need to fire your current advisor before beginning your search for a new financial advisor. In fact, your new advisor can help coordinate the transition of your assets from your previous financial advisor.
Where can I read reviews about financial advisors written by their clients to help me decide if I should hire them?
After 60 years of regulatory prohibition of financial advisor reviews in the US, a rule issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) became effective on May 4, 2021 that means both financial advisors and directory websites that help consumers search for a financial advisor can collect and display financial advisor reviews, an important factor worth considering when choosing who you’ll hire to manage your investments and life savings.
Wealthtender is the first independent advisor review platform designed to be fully compliant with the new SEC rule, and we look forward to helping you evaluate financial advisors based on reviews written by their clients.
I’m a local financial advisor interested in being featured in this guide. How do I get started?
Thanks for your interest. We look forward to learning more about your practice and helping you attract your ideal clients where you may be a good fit based on their individual needs and circumstances. Please click here to learn how you can join local financial advisors featured on Wealthtender.
Brian is CEO and founder of Wealthtender and Editor-in-Chief. He and his wife live in Austin, Texas. With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Brian is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress. Learn More about Brian
