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What if the most meaningful gift your family gives this year doesn’t come in a box? The holidays are a great opportunity to celebrate more than just togetherness; they’re a time to pass down values like generosity, gratitude, and giving back. The holidays also offer blended families time to create new traditions that unite parents, stepparents, and children from both sides around shared values and a common purpose.

While the season is often full of gatherings and gift exchanges, weaving charitable giving into your celebrations can help ensure that the spirit of the season extends far beyond your own household. It also offers a chance to learn more about one another—what each family member cares about, the experiences that shaped those values, and the causes that feel most personal.

Here’s how to get the whole family in the giving spirit this holiday season.

Establish a Family Giving Tradition

One of the simplest ways to instill charitable values is to make giving a recurring family event. Consider picking a date to discuss giving together—just make sure it’s early enough that you have time to incorporate any action items into your to-do list before the year ends.

This tradition can be a wonderful way for blended families to build connection and a sense of shared identity. Try gathering everyone around the table and inviting each person to share a cause that reflects their background or interests. Maybe one child wants to support an animal shelter, while another feels strongly about helping families in need. Including everyone in the conversation fosters unity by reinforcing a sense of belonging for all family members.

You might be surprised by your family’s ability to identify community needs or challenges they’ve learned about in school or through personal experiences. Ask them to share why they care about certain causes or charities, and don’t be afraid to share your own stories as well. For remarried couples, this can also be a moment to reflect together on how your own upbringings and past family experiences have shaped your view of generosity.

Throughout these planning conversations, try to keep the tone light and conversational. The purpose here isn’t to boast about large dollar contributions or compare complex tax strategies. Rather, this is your opportunity to lay the groundwork for a blended family culture built on inclusion, respect, and shared purpose.

Consider Your Collective Impact

While individual giving is powerful, pooling resources as a family can help magnify your impact. You might, for example, consider creating a “family giving fund” to support one or two causes as a family. Doing so would help you make a larger collective donation than any individual family member could accomplish alone.

For blended families navigating new traditions and routines, shared giving can be a meaningful equalizer. It’s something everyone can contribute to, regardless of family history, and a way to focus on what unites rather than divides.

Shared giving traditions can also help families feel closer, even when they’re miles apart. Everyone can contribute, regardless of where they live, and see their support in action, whether that’s funding a local food bank, supporting a scholarship fund, or providing relief after a natural disaster.

If some members of your blended family live in different households, volunteering together (when or if possible) can add an even deeper sense of connection. Sorting donations, wrapping gifts, or serving meals can create shared memories that bridge generations and strengthen bonds between step-siblings and extended family members. While charities could always use your financial support, many also appreciate the time and skills provided by volunteers during the holidays.

Choose Your Charitable Giving Strategy

There’s no single best way to give to charity, but some approaches may offer more flexibility, control, or tax advantages than others.

Direct Donations

Giving directly to a nonprofit is the most straightforward giving strategy available. That being said, your direct donations may come with attractive tax advantages. Donating appreciated assets directly to charity, for example, could allow you to bypass the need to sell and pay capital gains on the appreciation.. Instead, the asset goes directly to charity. This can be especially helpful for managing the tax impact of highly appreciated assets (including individual stocks and property), but as with anything involving taxes, the IRS does have rules and limits to follow, and appreciated assets are more complex than cash donations. Make sure to work with your tax advisor and financial advisor to determine the best assets to donate for your situation and goals.

If you prefer to donate cash, that’s always helpful too! Starting in 2026, you’ll be allowed to take an above-the-line deduction of up to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint filers) for charitable donations, even if you opt for the standard deduction. If you itemize for tax year 2026, you can deduct more in charitable donations than you can with the above-the-line deduction—but only for charitable giving above  0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) floor (which starts in 2026).

Donor-Advised Funds

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a type of charitable investment account. You make a tax-deductible contribution to the fund, allow the funds to grow tax-free, and then recommend grants to your chosen charities over time.

DAFs can be especially useful if you want to maximize a year-end tax deduction while taking more time to thoughtfully select the charities you’ll support later. A DAF can even become a shared project for blended families, where each member helps research and nominate organizations to receive grants each year.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

If you’re subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs), you can opt to donate the RMDs from your IRA directly to charity via a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). 

The amount donated counts toward fulfilling your RMDs for the year and is excluded from your taxable income.

For couples where one spouse is retired and another is still working, QCDs can also help balance tax efficiency between households while continuing to support the causes you care about together.

Create and Follow an Intentional Giving Plan

If you’re already doing a year-end financial review in December, there’s no reason not to assess your charitable goals as well. Look at your budget, evaluate your year-end tax position, and consider how much you’d like to allocate to charitable giving in the coming year.

Having these important conversations can also open the door to meaningful discussions about shared values, family history, and long-term legacy. What traditions from each side of the family do you want to carry forward? Which new ones will you build together? And how might giving back through your time, money, or service become a central part of your new family identity?

These conversations, whether with your spouse, children, or a financial advisor, can naturally lead to broader legacy topics. For example, you might want to discuss how giving could be incorporated into your estate plan (with a charitable remainder trust, for example) or whether you’d like to include a charity as one of your account beneficiary designations. 

During these year-end reviews, think about how your actions and considerations serve as a model for your young ones. Help them see what it really looks like to align money with values in an impactful way while building a legacy that blends the best of both families’ stories.

Make the Holidays More Merry and Bright

If you haven’t already, think about how to involve your family in your charitable giving this holiday season. Start with an open conversation. Ask which causes matter most to them, and look for ways to support those causes together. It’s a meaningful way to align your values and make a bigger impact.

For blended families in particular, a thoughtful charitable giving plan can help deepen connections between step-siblings and encourage new traditions as you write the next chapter of your family story together.

This article was originally published here and is republished on Wealthtender with permission.

About the Author

Headshot of Brian K. Peterson, CFP®, CPWA®, MBA
Brian K. Peterson, CFP®, CPWA®, MBA Planning Built For Blended Family Life

Brian K. Peterson, CFP®, CPWA®, MBA | Blended Family Financial

🔗 Website | Wealthtender Profile
A woman with short, dark hair and bangs smiles at the camera. She is wearing a dark blue top and standing against a plain, light brown background.
Lynda Koster, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Growthential | Image Credit: Institute for Innovation Development

[So much debate and energy are being expended by financial leaders on AI’s trajectory and real-world applications, along with the potential risks and major benefits. Unfortunately, it has proven to be a difficult process for many financial firms to determine and implement definitive AI applications into their firms. A dizzying, ever-changing array of AI options and use cases have shown up in discussions across the full range of a firm’s operating environment and critical functions – data, workflows, sales/distribution, marketing, decision-making, business strategies, and client engagement.

One of the biggest challenges is learning how to best grapple with this rapidly accelerating technological environment. How do you strategically think about, discern, choose, and introduce AI into your firm? A well-defined strategy of action at minimum seems to be needed to guide the effort by providing some roadmap or pathway to clarity. The question is how do you develop a strategy for your firm to be able to efficiently navigate AI and other rapid technological shifts that will continue to be coming our way?

To help us answer that million-dollar question, we reached out to our long-standing innovation colleague Lynda Koster, co-Founder and Managing Partner of Growthential – a unique innovation-focused business and marketing growth consultancy, with financial services being a big focus. The firm has bundled many services into their AI Strategic Suite – a modular consulting service designed to help firms with strategic planning, risk mitigation, and change management by meeting them wherever they are in their AI journey. Their combined “strategy-first” and active experimentation approach to AI adoption is crucial to avoid the common pitfalls of previous technology waves which has often led to failed implementations and wasted resources.]

Hortz: Why was one of your company’s first actions in response to the launch of ChatGPT to immediately form an AI incubator and governance committee?

Koster: There were two big drivers along with one big reinforcement. First, having lived through previous technology booms (and hype cycles), we recognized immediately that the launch of ChatGPT marked a pivotal moment. In past waves, like the MarTech explosion, tools grew from 150 in 2011 to well over 15,000 today based on Scott Brinker’s MarTech landscape reporting. Especially early on, many organizations jumped into a “tool-first” reaction without a strategy, governance, or cross-functional alignment. Many times, I would receive calls from leaders under pressure along the lines of: “We bought this tool and need to launch in two weeks, but it’s not as easy as we thought it would be.” These were not failures of intent, but of approach. Quick, “tool-first” decisions often led to costly rip-and-replace cycles, longer integration timelines, and disappointing ROI. What those experiences taught me is that success requires starting with people, workflows, and governance; not with technology alone.

Second, I have also always worked at data-driven companies and in data-driven roles, so it was clear from the start what this level of open access to AI would mean. Unlike previous waves introduced through IT or business units, ChapGPT was released to the masses, followed by additional entrants like Bard, Claude, and Llama, before even their creators fully understood its behaviors (and still don’t). That kind of scale, speed, and uncertainty demanded a more intentional response.

That is why one of our first actions was to form an AI incubator and governance committee. We formed it early, not because clients were ready that day, but because we wanted to be prepared when they were. It allowed us to learn, experiment, develop emerging best practices responsibly, and establish guardrails for safe use…all with the goal of helping clients build readiness while avoiding the pitfalls of uncoordinated adoption.

The big reinforcement came when I listened to Sam Altman testify before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee in May 2023, while traveling to an event I was speaking at. Those three hours of testimony further crystallized what was already clear: AI is more than a technical shift. It is a leadership challenge that touches culture, governance, and trust. Addressing these upfront is what will allow innovation to scale responsibly.

Hortz: For a mid-sized financial advisory firm with limited resources, what do you suggest are the single most important steps they should take on their AI journey?

Koster: For mid-size financial advisory firms with limited resources, the key is to start small but strategic. First, build AI literacy at both the leadership and team levels. Make sure people understand what AI is and, just as important, what it is not. And understand where the capabilities are today versus some of the hype in the market. That grounding keeps expectations realistic. This prepares you for the mindset needed as these capabilities evolve and for leadership to create the conditions needed for responsible exploration.

Next, put simple guardrails in place around usage, especially data handling and accountability, which can prevent missteps. Think of it like starting a new workout routine. If you dive straight into the heaviest weights without mastering form and safety, you risk burnout or injury. In AI, literacy is the form, guardrails are the safety gear, and pilots are those first manageable reps that build strength. Choose one or two focused pilots tied directly to business goals like simplifying onboarding materials or automating meeting notes. Define what success looks like and measure it. This way you are cutting through hype, staying grounded, and building sustainable momentum without overwhelming your people or resources.

And if you are further along in maturity and past the pilot stage, the priority becomes scaling what works, embedding governance more formally, and ensuring AI adoption is fully aligned to strategy rather than running in pockets of the business.

Hortz: How did you design your AI Strategic Suite to help financial professionals actually build and keep developing an AI plan that is right for their firm?

Koster: We started on ourselves. The first thing we did when ChatGPT launched was form our own AI incubator and governance committee. We did not want to simply talk about responsible adoption; we wanted to experience it, test it, and pressure-test the process inside our own business. Walk the walk, so to speak. That allowed us to see firsthand what worked, what broke, and what guardrails we needed to put in place before advising others.

From that experience, the AI Strategic Suite was born. It is designed the way we applied it to ourselves: start with literacy, strategy, measurable pilots, and workflows. Build small, but meaningful pilots. Put governance and safeguards in early so experimentation stays productive and aligned. And this is key – keep it evolving and actionable. We have made the Suite a living system so we can update as the tech and regulations shift, not a static, “one and done” plan.

And now, we have a growing alliance ecosystem, which is an extended bench of people and partners we have vetted and trust – from compliance and risk experts to technologists pushing the edges. It gives our clients a way to pilot, consider fast prototyping options, and eventually scale without hiring an army.

The result is a practical, grounded approach to AI that has been, and continues to be, tested in real life, and built to grow over time.

Hortz: Can you discuss how the AI consulting process and collected resources of tools and frameworks you offer are delivered and help guide firms through every step of their AI journey?

Koster: With or without AI, we always begin by meeting firms where they are. For AI specifically, every firm has a different starting point on the AI maturity curve. Some are just trying to get their arms around what AI even means for them, while others are already experimenting. So, the first step is listening: what are the pain points, what strategic priorities are on the table, and what problems are they trying to solve?

From there, we develop an actionable strategy (key word is ‘actionable’) and a tailored roadmap. For those interested, we have developed a centralized resources hub that is customized for each client engagement. Think of it as a “command center” – it pulls together tools, frameworks, and guidance in one place, so leaders are not chasing scattered resources or trying to piece things together.

The process itself is iterative. We guide firms depending on their AI maturity – step by step, starting with learning pathways if needed, then guardrails, then pilots, and scaling considerations. Each stage is designed to build confidence while staying aligned to strategy and safeguards.

And because no one firm has unlimited resources, we keep it practical: clear criteria for success, relevant frameworks, and a cadence that works for their capacity. The goal is not to overwhelm with complexity; it is to make the experience accessible and strategies actionable and measurable.

Hortz: How did you build your “Growth Alliance” of vetted, external subject matter and expertise to support your AI Strategic Suite? Why did you feel this effort was important?

Koster: It really started in practice, not theory. One of the early requests we got from a financial services firm was asking us to clone our AI policy for them. That raised two flags at once: first, how quickly regulations and policies were shifting – state by state, region by region, and globally. And second, how different each firm’s needs really were. It was obvious we could not take a one-size-fits-all approach.

That is where our Growthential Alliance came in. We knew we needed depth of expertise across very specific domains – whether that was compliance, cybersecurity, risk, or sector-specific regulations. Rather than diluting strategy with siloed hand-offs, we built these vetted partners into our methodology. They are not bolt-ons; they are part of how we deliver. And it is still evolving.

Why is this important? Because in this space, trust matters as much as innovation. We have seen too many providers rush to market with solutions that do not meet critical standards. That is not a risk we are willing to expose our clients to. By building this ecosystem, we ensure clients get access to the right expertise and solutions at the right time – depending on their needs, and the strategies and solutions we recommend can standup to both innovation and scrutiny.

Hortz: Can you share some specific examples of how you work with financial firms to further illustrate your AI journey support process and results?

Koster: We see financial firms at very different stages of AI adoption. Many mid-sized firms are still in the literacy, foundation-setting, or pilot stage. They are focused on building comfort and literacy before committing to larger-scale adoption. In reality, many are still finishing modernization programs, updating legacy systems, centralizing and cleaning data, improving its access and operationalization of that data. Without those foundations, AI at scale simply is not possible. As Hope Frank recently wrote in a recent Forbes article, “companies must finish their digital foundation before scaling AI”…a point we see validated every day.

That is where we begin: foundations, education, and safe, focused pilots. For example, we worked with a financial services firm to design and deliver an accredited webinar for advisors. It was not “AI for AI’s sake”. It was grounded in their day-to-day, showing what is possible, what to watch out for, and how to bring advisors into the journey responsibly. It ended up being their top-performing webinar, which showed us two things: there’s appetite, and a need for literacy.

Next, we are helping businesses across verticals to plan and initiate their next steps by running targeted pilots in areas like onboarding, solution evaluations, dual-control risk assessments, content optimization efforts, and go-to-market strategies – all while beginning to shape their broader strategies. Across all of these, the approach is consistent: start small, anchor initiatives in business strategy, measure outcomes, and scale what proves effective. That is how trust takes root and how adoption can move from cautious experiments to sustained impact.

At the other end of the spectrum, we have been “in it” ourselves for nearly three years. AI is now embedded across our workflows (where it makes sense) with measurements in place and we have built a proprietary platform with customized agent capabilities to support our internal efforts.

For instance, we designed what became our AI Strategic Suite by starting small and structured. Like our clients, we faced challenges – how to experiment safely, avoid wasted effort, and delver real business value. By applying a disciplined framework, we cut research and analysis time by over 50%, embedded AI into workflows without adding headcount, and reduced compliance risk through dual-security controls, governance, and human-in-the loop oversight. Those results gave us a tested Playbook we leverage and customize for our engagements.

Hortz: What are some of the top AI use cases you tend to work on with your clients?

Koster: For many firms, the first high-value use case is personalization at scale. Mid-sized financial firms often struggle to tailor reports, onboarding documents, or educational content without draining resources. Generic AI outputs usually miss the nuance clients expect. Using our internal agent model as the blueprint, we develop secure, modular solutions where personalization speed increased by 60% cutting prep time from days to hours. Brand consistency improved, eliminating variability that weakens trust. Risk exposure dropped thanks to safeguards aligned with ISO/IEC and regulatory best practices.

Last but not least, we have developed strategic partnerships and are in different stages of co-developing new products or service offerings that open up potential new revenue streams. These are mainly focused on strategic intelligence, governance/security, workflow enhancements, and professional development. Based on our initial work, we believe these will benefit financial firms and other sectors as well.

Hortz: Any other final words on your AI journey and experiences that you would like to share with financial professionals?

Koster: Do not get distracted by the hype and noise. Focus. Set the foundations, prioritize literacy, and build in space for learning. Move quickly but not recklessly. Get a true understanding of where these capabilities are today (it’s not all a push of a button), pilot carefully, measure what matters, and scale only when ready. This is how financial firms can build AI adoption they can trust and sustain.

That is the approach we have taken ourselves and what ultimately inspired our offering – a practical way to help firms navigate their AI journey with structure, confidence, and guardrails.

This article was originally published here and is republished on Wealthtender with permission.

About the Author

A middle-aged man, Bill Hortz, with short dark hair wearing a dark pinstripe suit, white dress shirt, and a maroon tie, posing against a plain gray backdrop. He has a slight smile and is looking directly at the camera.

Bill Hortz

Founder Institute for Innovation Development

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.

If you’re a financial advisor or wealth management firm using FMG as your website platform and Wealthtender as your digital marketing partner, you have a powerful opportunity to showcase client testimonials in ways that build trust with prospects while maintaining regulatory compliance. This guide will show you how FMG users are successfully promoting testimonials on their websites using FMG’s carousel feature and widgets from Wealthtender.

Jump to a Section:

Three Reasons Why Testimonials Matter for Advisors More Than Ever

Testimonial marketing is quickly becoming an integral component of effective growth strategies employed by advisors and wealth management firms for three key reasons:

1. Building Trust with Prospects: When potential clients research financial advisors online, testimonials provide the social proof they need to feel confident about scheduling an introductory call. Reviews published on third-party platforms like Wealthtender and displayed on advisor websites demonstrate the real-world experiences of clients that offer prospects a glimpse of what to expect.

An August 2025 Wealthtender consumer study reinforced the reasons why financial advisors interested in getting found and hired should incorporate online reviews and testimonials in their marketing plans. The report showed that almost all Americans preparing to hire financial advisors will research at least two advisors online before making a hiring decision, and 83% of consumers ranked online reviews as the first thing they will look for after being referred to an advisor.

With fewer than 10% of advisors currently using testimonials in their marketing activities, it’s no surprise why advisors with online reviews and testimonials published on their websites are most likely to get the first call.

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Traditional search engines like Google and Bing reward advisors who publish authentic client testimonials on their websites and who have positive reviews on reputable third-party platforms. Online review platforms like Wealthtender use SEO best practices like ‘review schema’ when coding advisor profile pages to ensure search engines recognize the reviews and ingest them properly to improve their effectiveness. With proper coding, these testimonials send positive trust signals to search engine algorithms, helping advisors rank higher in search results. And consumers are drawn to search results that display gold stars.

Google search result for "Brett Koeppel, CFP® – Eudaimonia Wealth" showing a 5-star rating from 20 reviews and a snippet praising his professionalism, listening skills, and clarity in financial advice.
Example of a Google search result listing displaying gold stars from reviews published on Wealthtender.

3. AI Platform Discovery: As more consumers turn to AI tools and answer engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews to find and research financial advisors, these platforms actively scan for credible online reviews and testimonials. Advisors with a robust collection of reviews and testimonials online are more likely to be recommended by AI tools in generated answers to consumer queries. As FMG Chief Evangelist Samantha Russell often suggests, online reviews represent one of the most important elements of an effective Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) strategy.

The combination of these three factors means that advisors who embrace testimonial marketing today position themselves to capture a disproportionate share of new client opportunities in the years ahead. By combining the power of online reviews published on Wealthtender with the testimonial marketing features offered by FMG for advisor websites, financial advisors and wealth management firms can stand apart from more than 90% of all advisors and expect to convert more prospects into clients.

For a more robust discussion of the SEC Marketing Rule and how to get started with testimonial marketing compliantly, please review the SEC Marketing Rule Education Series or download your Testimonial Marketing Playbook from Wealthtender.

The Role of Disclosures When Promoting Testimonials

While the SEC Marketing Rule now permits financial advisors to use client testimonials in advertisements, the regulations come with specific requirements that must be followed carefully. This is especially important when choosing how you will display reviews to display on your website. Before inviting clients to write reviews or publishing testimonials online, be sure to speak with your compliance officer for regulatory guidance and to ensure adherence to firm policies and procedures.

Understanding Disclosure Requirements

The SEC makes it clear that every promoted testimonial should ‘clearly and prominently’ disclose details intended to provide consumers with important information to judge the merits of each review, including:

  1. Is the reviewer a client or non-client?
  2. Was any cash (or non-cash) compensation paid for the review?
  3. Do any conflicts of interest exist that may have influenced the reviewer?

The SEC expects these three clear and prominent disclosures to always be visible alongside the review. In other words, clear and prominent disclosures effectively become a part of the review itself and cannot be hidden or accessible only via a link.

A 5-star advisor review dated April 6, 2025, praising Brett for considering all aspects of life, not just finances. Reviewer Tim Clarke notes no compensation or conflicts of interest.
Example of an online review published on Wealthtender with the accompanying ‘clear and prominent’ disclosures required by the SEC Marketing Rule.

When all reviews for a financial advisor are displayed in one place (e.g., on an advisor’s Wealthtender profile page or a dedicated testimonials page on an advisor’s website), then these three clear and prominent reviews may be the only disclosures required as shown in the screenshot just above extracted from an advisor’s Wealthtender profile page. But if you wish to promote a single review (e.g., in a social media post) or a handful of reviews (e.g., a carousel of 3 reviews on your homepage), additional disclosures must be added to satisfy regulatory requirements as we’ll discuss next.

Compliance Requirements To Promote One or a Few Testimonials

When you display just one or a select few testimonials in your marketing activities (e.g., on your homepage), additional disclosure requirements apply. Specifically, your disclosures must also indicate that the single or selected reviews are ‘not representative’ and you must provide easy access for consumers to view all (or a representative selection) of your reviews, most often by sharing a URL or QR code.

This increases transparency and reduces the optics that you’re only showing your best testimonials while hiding less favorable feedback. Linking to your Wealthtender profile page where all reviews are accessible or to a dedicated testimonials page on your website that includes all of your reviews can satisfy this critical compliance requirement.

Let’s consider two examples.

First, in the screenshot just below, a single testimonial is featured in a social media post that satisfies the SEC Marketing Rule disclosure requirements as follows:

  • The three ‘clear and prominent’ disclosures are conveyed in the first sentence within the disclosure area.
  • The second sentence addresses the ‘views not representative’ disclosure requirement.
  • The ‘Read more reviews…’ statement satisfies the regulatory requirement to provide consumers with an easy ability to access and read all reviews for this advisor, available by visiting the URL: wt.reviews/josh-ross

A testimonial graphic features a positive review of Josh Ross, CFP®, with a 5-star rating, a photo of Josh Ross in a suit, and details promoting his retirement tax planning services. The quote is attributed to Denette Lothspeich.

Example of a compliant social media post displaying a single testimonial. The three ‘clear and prominent’ disclosures are conveyed in the first sentence within the disclosure area. The second sentence addresses the ‘views not representative’ disclosure requirement. And the ‘Read more reviews…’ statement satisfies the regulatory requirement to provide consumers with an easy ability to access and read all reviews for this advisor, available by visiting the URL: wt.reviews/josh-ross

Second, in the screenshot just below, you’ll see a carousel feature on the homepage of an advisor’s website that displays just a handful of testimonials. This approach satisfies the SEC Marketing Rule disclosure requirements as follows:

  • The three ‘clear and prominent’ disclosures are conveyed in the first two sentences within the disclosure area. In this example, the wealth management firm ensured that each testimonial displayed is from a 1) current client, who was 2) not compensated, and where 3) no conflicts of interest exist.
  • The first sentence also addresses the ‘views not representative’ disclosure requirement.
  • The last sentence lets consumers know where they can go with a link to read a complete list of all of the firm’s reviews “on our Wealthtender profile page”.
Three client testimonials are shown in cards with 5-star ratings, sharing positive feedback about their financial advisor. Each card lists the review date and mentions reviews were received via Wealthtender.

Example of a compliant carousel feature displaying a curated selection of testimonials on the homepage of an advisor’s website. The three ‘clear and prominent’ disclosures are conveyed in the first two sentences within the disclosure area. The first sentence also addresses the ‘views not representative’ disclosure requirement. And the last sentence lets consumers know where they can go with a link to read a complete list of all of the firm’s reviews “on our Wealthtender profile page”.

FMG’s flexible platform makes it easy to implement testimonials in compliance-friendly ways. Based on our work at Wealthtender with financial advisors and wealth management firms with websites hosted by FMG, we’ve identified two popular approaches to compliantly promote testimonials that work especially well:

  1. The Comprehensive Approach (popular among multi-advisor wealth management firms)
  2. The Homepage Spotlight Approach (popular with solo advisors and smaller firms)

Let’s explore each approach in detail.

Approach #1: The Comprehensive Approach for Multi-Advisor Firms

Wealth management firms with multiple advisors often take a strategic, layered approach to displaying testimonials across their website. This method balances firm-wide social proof with individual advisor credibility.

Start by using FMG’s carousel feature to display a rotating selection of three to five standout reviews on your homepage. For maximum effectiveness, prioritize reviews with content aligned to your Ideal Client Profile (ICP) – e.g., If your ideal clients are Chevron executives nearing retirement, displaying a review that includes text like “…helped me make the most of my Chevron benefits as I transitioned into retirement…” will prove especially impactful. This immediately captures visitor attention, establishes trust, and makes it very likely you will be the first advisor a prospect chooses to contact.

FMG Clients: To add a Testimonial Carousel to your website homepage, read this help article in the FMG Knowledge Base: How Do I Add Testimonials to My Homepage?

Important Compliance Reminder: When using a carousel to display a curated selection of testimonials, you must also clearly display all required regulatory disclosures immediately below the carousel. Refer back to the section above for the specific disclosure requirements.

Step 2: Create a Dedicated Testimonials Page

Create a standalone testimonials page on your FMG website where prospects can view your complete collection of client reviews. You can then link to this page (and/or your Wealthtender profile) to satisfy regulatory requirements.

To ensure this page continuously reflects all of your client reviews, we recommend using a widget from Wealthtender (also known as an ’embed code’) available from your Wealthtender dashboard.

Recommended Wealthtender Widget: The Wealthtender JavaScript widget is ideal for FMG testimonials pages. This widget inherits formatting used elsewhere on your site and automatically displays all of your firm’s reviews in reverse chronological order (newest first), which satisfies SEC requirements about not filtering reviews to only show the highest ratings. The JavaScript widget includes built-in compliance disclosures for each review and is responsive across all devices. Your FMG contact can help implement this widget quickly using the embed code from your Wealthtender dashboard. (Alternatively, the Wealthtender iframe HTML widget can be used.)

Here’s an example of a testimonials page on a wealth management firm’s website that used the Wealthtender JavaScript widget:

A website page titled "What Our Clients Are Saying" displays a client testimonial about the advisor’s knowledge and adaptability, dated Oct 20, 2025, with a 5-star rating and disclaimer below the review.

Step 3: Display Reviews on Individual Advisor Bio Pages

Take your testimonial strategy a step further by featuring advisor-specific reviews on each advisor’s bio page. Wealthtender offers widgets that display only the reviews written specifically for individual advisors for firms that collect reviews at the individual advisor level. This approach helps prospective clients see testimonials most relevant to the specific advisor they’re considering working with, while the firm-wide testimonials page and Wealthtender profile provide access to all reviews for complete transparency.

Here are examples of an advisor bio page on a wealth management firm’s website that used the Wealthtender JavaScript widget:

A professional profile of Charles Hamowy, CEO and founding partner, featuring his headshot, biography, and client review. The review praises his financial advice and steady support during market uncertainty.

Real-World Example: Seasons of Advice Wealth Partners

Seasons of Advice Wealth Partners provides an excellent example of the comprehensive approach in action. Their website features:

  • A homepage carousel showcasing client testimonials that immediately greet visitors
  • Clear, compliant disclosure language integrated naturally into their design
  • Links to view all reviews on their dedicated testimonials page and Wealthtender profiles
  • Individual advisor pages highlighting reviews specific to each team member

This multi-layered approach maximizes the impact of testimonials across the entire website while maintaining full regulatory compliance.

Approach #2: Homepage Spotlight for Solo Advisors and Smaller Firms

Solo advisors and smaller wealth management firms often prefer a more straightforward approach: prominently displaying all reviews on their website’s homepage using Wealthtender’s iframe HTML widget.

Homepage Implementation

Many FMG users embed the Wealthtender iframe widget directly on their homepage, making testimonials one of the first things prospects see when visiting their website. This immediate social proof motivates website visitors to schedule introductory calls.

Wealthtender Widget Options: Advisors can choose either the Wealthtender JavaScript or iframe HTML embed code options to display reviews on their website.

Compliance Note: Unlike selecting just a few reviews to feature in a carousel, when you use a Wealthtender widget that displays ALL of your reviews, you’re showing a complete and representative sample. This approach automatically satisfies the SEC requirement to provide access to your full review history because visitors are already seeing it – no additional linking required.

Here’s an example of a solo advisor who displays an iframe widget on his homepage:

A customer review for Brett Koeppel, CFP®, on Eudaimonia Wealth’s website shows a 5-star rating, comments praising his professionalism, and advisor-client relationship details. The header and FAQs section are visible.

Dedicated Testimonials Page Option

Alternatively, some advisors choose to create a dedicated testimonials page as the primary location for their reviews, then link to that page prominently from their homepage and throughout their site. Either approach works well from a compliance standpoint, as long as the widget displays your complete collection of reviews rather than a filtered selection.

Real-World Examples from FMG Users

Several FMG-hosted advisor websites have incorporated the homepage spotlight or testimonial page approach with the iframe HTML widget effectively, including these examples:

Whitman Wealth Management – Features client testimonials prominently, making social proof a central element of their homepage experience.

Energized Retirement – Integrates testimonials seamlessly into their website design, helping prospects immediately understand the value they deliver to clients.

Allegiance Financial Group Advisory Services – Uses testimonials strategically to build credibility and trust with website visitors.

Lifewater Wealth – Created a dedicated testimonials page that serves as a powerful social proof repository for prospects to explore.

Eudaimonia Wealth – Showcases how solo advisors can leverage testimonials effectively on FMG-hosted websites.

Each of these firms demonstrates that when reviews are displayed compliantly, they become one of the most powerful trust-building elements on an advisor’s website.

How to Access Your Wealthtender Embed Codes

To add a testimonial carousel feature available from FMG, refer to the article mentioned above or contact your FMG representative for assistance.

To access your embed codes from Wealthtender, it’s easy to do:

  1. Sign in to your Wealthtender account and visit your dashboard
  2. In the left sidebar menu, look for Embed Codes
  3. Preview and then choose the embed code(s) you’d like to use and look for the Copy Code button

Screenshot of a dashboard page showing the "Embed Codes" section. Three greyed-out widget previews are displayed, with "Widgets" and "Embed Codes" highlighted in green for emphasis.

Once you’ve copied your preferred embed code, you can:

  • Share it with your FMG contact, who can implement it for you (FMG’s support team is familiar with Wealthtender widgets and can add them quickly)
  • Add it directly to your website if you manage your own FMG site content
  • Email it to your marketing team if they handle website updates

The widget implementation typically takes just a few minutes, and once live, your testimonials will automatically update whenever you receive new reviews – no additional website updates required. (Please note: Depending upon your website cache refresh settings, your widget may take a few minutes or several hours to reflect your new reviews. Speak with your FMG representative to discuss your cache settings.)

FMG’s Approach to Modern Advisor Marketing

One of the reasons testimonial implementation works so seamlessly on FMG-hosted websites is because FMG has established itself as a leader in providing financial advisors with modern, SEO-optimized website platforms. FMG understands that today’s consumers research financial advisors online before making contact, and they’ve built their platform with features that help advisors get found and called first. From mobile-responsive designs to built-in SEO and AI-optimization features, FMG gives advisors a competitive edge in digital marketing.

This commitment to modern marketing was highlighted in our co-hosted webinar with FMG Chief Evangelist Samantha Russell, a recognized thought leader in financial services marketing, and Diana Cabrices, Wealthtender Chief Evangelist. The webinar, titled “Getting Found by AI: Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever for Financial Advisors,” explored how advisors can optimize their online presence to be discovered by AI-powered search tools. (View the Webinar Replay on YouTube).

Key takeaways from the webinar included:

  • AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews are fundamentally changing how consumers find financial advisors
  • These AI tools prioritize advisors with credible online reviews when making recommendations
  • Collecting and promoting testimonials compliantly is no longer optional, it’s essential for advisors to remain competitive
  • FMG and Wealthtender provide the foundation advisors need to succeed in this new AI-driven discovery landscape

The combination of FMG’s SEO-optimized website platform to display testimonials and Wealthtender’s compliant solutions to collect and promote online reviews gives advisors a complete solution for being found online and converting prospects into clients.

Are You Ready to Promote Testimonials on Your FMG Website?

The way consumers find and compare financial advisors is shifting rapidly as AI tools like ChatGPT become a popular discovery and research platform. Consumers expect to find online reviews for financial advisors just as they do for doctors, attorneys, and other service providers. Advisors who proactively collect and promote client testimonials compliantly are positioning themselves to capture a disproportionate share of new client opportunities.

If you’re using FMG as your website platform and Wealthtender as your digital marketing partner, you already have a strong foundation to generate strong growth through your powerful online presence. Now it’s time to amplify your advantage by implementing client testimonials strategically across your website.

Whether you choose the comprehensive approach with testimonials featured in a homepage carousel and advisor bio pages, or the homepage spotlight approach featuring your complete review collection in one place, both strategies shine on FMG-hosted websites and help you stay fully compliant with SEC regulations.

Ready to get started?

  1. Log into your Wealthtender dashboard and grab your embed codes
  2. Share them with your FMG contact or implement them yourself (don’t overlook disclosure requirements)
  3. Start showcasing the testimonials you’ve worked hard to earn

Your future clients are online right now, searching for a financial advisor they can trust. Make sure they find you and that they see the proof of the exceptional service you provide through the voices of your satisfied clients.

A headshot of Brian Thorp, the founder and CEO of Wealthtender

About the Author

Brian Thorp

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

Ask an Advisor: What does the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for Business Owners? Top Tax Takeaways

A bald man in a blue suit and pink tie smiles in an office setting. The background is blurred, showing a modern workspace with bright lighting and glass walls.
Image Credit: Wealthtender

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduced several important tax law changes that will impact business owners. Understanding these updates can help you plan proactively and take full advantage of the available opportunities to reduce taxable income, reinvest in your business, and strengthen your long-term financial position.

Enhanced qualified business income (QBI) deduction (Sec 199A)

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) introduced a new tax deduction in 2018 for business owners with the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction under Section 199A, which allows eligible pass-through business owners (i.e., sole proprietorships, partnerships, S Corp.) to deduct up to 20% of their QBI or their total taxable income (minus capital gains), whichever is less. OBBBA made this deduction permanent, with only minor adjustments. However, there are income phaseout ranges that reduce or eliminate the deduction for higher earners.

  • Specified Service Trades or Businesses (SSTBs) – like consultants, accountants, doctors, and attorneys – see the deduction gradually phased out as income rises and is completely eliminated above the phaseout range.
  • Non-SSTB businesses also experience a phase-down, but not to zero. Instead, their deduction is limited by the Wage and Depreciable Property (WDP) test, which equals the greater of:
    • 50% of W-2 wages paid by the business, or
    • 25% of W-2 wages plus 2.5% of the business’s qualified depreciable property.

In simpler terms, service businesses lose the deduction entirely once income exceeds the threshold, while other businesses retain a partial deduction based on their payroll and property.

Starting in 2026, a new rule introduces a minimum $400 deduction for anyone with at least $1,000 in active QBI—provided they meet the material participation requirements (meaning they are actively involved in running the business). This change is aimed at helping smaller side businesses, rather than larger, more established ones.  (Section 70105)

Increased Phaseout Ranges for Higher-Income Business Owners

Beginning in 2026, OBBBA amended Section 199A to completely phase out the deduction at slightly higher taxable income levels. Business owners with taxable income over the applicable threshold are subject to a phaseout range of $150,000 (joint filers), up from $100,000. The deduction will be completely phased down to $0 for SSTB owners or to the WDP limit for non-SSTB owners.  (Section 70201)

100% Bonus Depreciation of Business Property

First-year depreciation (Sec. 168) has been phasing down under TCJA, however OBBBA permanently restored this “bonus” depreciation to 100% for business property placed in service after January 19, 2025. Eligible business property can therefore be fully expensed this year rather than depreciating over multiple years.  (Section 70301)

Qualified Small Business Stock

Prior to OBBBA, Sec. 1202 provided qualified small businesses with an exclusion of gains on stock issued prior to the business having more than $50 million of assets as well as being held for five years.  The new law increases the gain from qualified small business stock (QSBS) acquired after July 4, 2025, to $75 million, helping more businesses to qualify. The maximum Sec. 1202 capital gain exclusion increased to $15 million, up from $10 million. Additionally, it provides partial gain exclusion of 50% if it is held between three and four years, 75% if held between four and five years, and 100% for five years or more.

An important distinction is the act applies only to stock acquired after the OBBBA enactment, therefore any stock acquired prior must still be held for at least five years to be eligible for gain exclusion.  (Section 70431)

Sec. 179 Expensing

Section 179 of the IRS tax code was created to encourage business owners to invest in themselves by allowing a full cost deduction of certain property as an expense when it is initially placed in service, as opposed to depreciating over many years. The act increases the maximum amount a taxpayer may expense to $2.5 million (up from $1 million), reduced by the amount by which the cost of qualifying property exceeds $4 million (up from $2.5 million).  (Section 70306)

Excess Business Loss Limitation

OBBBA makes the limitation on excess business losses of noncorporate taxpayers permanent, which would have expired in 2028. Beginning in 2026, it will reset the amount to $500,000 (joint filers) with inflation adjustments thereafter.  (Section 70601)

Limitation on Business Interest

The act reinstated a prior rule allowing businesses to calculate their adjusted taxable income without a deduction for depreciation, amortization, and depletion, thereby allowing a larger deduction of business interest.  (Section 70303)

Employer-provided childcare credit

To encourage employers to offer on-site or subsidized childcare programs to employees, beginning in 2026, the act will increase the amount of employer-provided childcare credit from 25% to 40%. For eligible small businesses, the credit is increased to 50% of qualified childcare expenses.  (Section 70401)

 

There are additional tax changes affecting high-net-worth taxpayers, which you can read in my article: Tax Law Changes from One Big Beautiful Bill Act That Every High-Net-Worth Taxpayer Should Know.

 

Have a Question to Ask a Financial Advisor?

When you’re uncertain about money matters, submit your question to Wealthtender, and it may be answered by a financial advisor in an upcoming article or in the Wealthtender Expert Answers Forum.

Need personalized help? Visit wealthtender.com to find the right financial advisor for your unique needs.

This article was originally published on Wealthtender and 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. Wealthtender earns money from financial professionals, which creates a conflict of interest when these professionals are featured in articles over others. Read the Wealthtender editorial policy and terms of service to learn more. Wealthtender is not a client of these financial services providers.

About the Author

John Foligno, CMC®
John Foligno, CMC® Providing tax-efficient financial counsel to professionals and business owners.
Areas of Focus
Financial Life Planning Investment Management Business Owners Retirement Planning Taxes
Compensation Methods
Fee Only Flat Fee Offers Advice-Only Services Percentage of Assets Managed

John Foligno, CMC® | Grand Life Financial

🔗 Website | Wealthtender Profile

[Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have matured from niche products to become a core component of modern investment strategies. But their rapid rise and ever-growing diversity have placed pressure on financial advisors, institutional investors, and financial research professionals in learning how to navigate a growing global pool of disparate ETF vehicles. This higher level of complexity on research, due diligence, analysis, selection, and portfolio construction has spawned the need for single focus conferences to more thoroughly explore an increasingly intricate universe of Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs).

To learn about the behind-the-scenes strategy and mechanics of how a major industry ETF Conference is designed for the needs its audience, we reached out to Trammel Robinson, Director, ETF Issuer Relations at ETF Global – a leading, independent provider of enterprise-grade ETF reference data, analytics, and hosts of their twice-a-year ETP Forums dedicated exclusively to the global Exchange-Traded Products (ETP) ecosystem.

Beyond ETF data and tools, their semi-annual ETP Forums have become the largest one-day ETF conferences in the industry. These forums bring together top ETF issuers, analysts, and investment professionals to share perspectives on identifying market and product trends, decoding regulatory updates, and exploring emerging and innovative portfolio strategies. They function as a central hub for collaboration in the ETF ecosystem.

We asked Trammel to share with us the thinking and planning behind assembling their ETF industry events and give us a sneak peek at what they have orchestrated for their upcoming November 18, 2025 ETP Forum at the New York Athletic Club in New York City.]

Hortz: What has been your goal in originally launching and actively sustaining two ETP Forums a year? Why is the effort important?

Robinson: We have two primary goals with our Exchange Traded Product (ETP) conferences. The first is to deliver the best content presented by the most knowledgeable people in the ETP industry. We have always placed great emphasis on the quality of our panels and the professionals who participate in them – individuals from ETF firms, leading industry vendors, and partners who can address the most important and timely topics shaping the industry. The caliber of the people involved in these discussions has always been our top priority.

The second key goal is networking. These conferences are business-first events. We are proud to host such an event in the financial capital of New York at the prestigious New York Athletic Club. It is about gaining insights and creating connections that can lead to meaningful, actionable decisions in the marketplace.

We host two Forums each year for a reason. Our Fall Forum serves as a review of the ETP industry’s progress to date and explores what the coming year may bring, what trends we can project, and what will drive discussions in the next cycle. Our Spring Forum focuses on where the industry currently stands, addressing the most pressing issues and emerging trends, and considering what actions or shifts are likely to shape the immediate future.

Ultimately, both ETP Forums center on what is happening right now in the industry. Holding them twice a year allows us to maintain that immediacy. A single annual event would leave us questioning whether to look backward or forward, but by gathering twice a year, we can do both in a timely and relevant way.

Hortz: Now in your 13th year, how have you newly-expanded the ETP Forum for 2025?

Robinson: Historically, the conference was very focused on the ETF industry, primarily the issuers, custodians, administrators, and service providers. About two years ago, we began discussing who attends other ETF conferences and what they are seeking to gain from them. Through that discussion, we identified the key types of participants.

We started with the ETF issuers, which include their service providers. Their goal is to connect with the people who will directly invest assets into their products. On the other side are the ETF investors, wealth managers, endowments, family offices, RIAs, and others. We asked ourselves how we could provide the greatest value to both groups at the same time. Hearing directly from the product creators provides invaluable insights into ETF strategies, creating a transparent path to understanding these products more deeply.

The decision was to expand our Forum structure to address each group’s needs through two separate informational tracks. Having two tracks does not limit anyone from attending sessions in either track. Instead, it allows us to tailor the content to each audience while still capturing the broader needs and priorities of the ETF market as a whole.

Hortz: Tell us more about the nature of the two tracks. How are each separately constructed?

Robinson: Let us start with the ETF investor side. We begin with topics such as actively managed ETFs and how they continue to dominate new ETF issuances. We cover crypto ETFs, defined outcome ETFs, fixed income ETFs, options-based ETFs, and top opportunities for 2025 and 2026. In essence, we focus on the actual products that participants invest in. We take the discussion a step further by engaging directly with the people who create these products. We ask them why they chose to develop these products, what makes them beneficial, and what challenges they experience during the creation and distribution process.

Our goal is to have the product creators and managers speak directly to investors about the thinking behind their offerings and why they believe a product succeeded. Hearing directly from the people responsible for these products provides invaluable insight.

The investor track is designed for professional investors, wealth managers, and family offices who are seeking new products or looking for opportunities that align with their firm’s strategies. At the same time, some participants may be clients of these investors and have the opportunity to hear directly from them and engage with specific questions. The focus of the investor track is to highlight products and trends that investors want to learn about, directly from the managers behind those ETF offerings.

The industry track, on the other hand, is geared toward the business side of ETFs. Participants in this track are often ETF managers and issuers who want to hear from major exchanges, legal and compliance professionals, and other service providers. They are interested in understanding why they should list their products on one exchange versus another, what legal and compliance topics they should be considering and discussing, and which service providers can give them the best value. This track also includes trading-focused panels, mutual fund-to-ETF conversions, strategies for maximizing visibility and distribution and much more.

Hortz: How do you go about planning and developing a Forum? How do you pick topics and build an agenda?

Robinson: While I take a leadership role in the process, we rely on the entire team to make it happen. It truly takes a village. We start by identifying the key topics and strive to keep the panels as fresh and relevant as possible. We look at the current market environment, new product launches, recent SEC regulations, and any emerging hot topics or news about innovative product announcements. All of these factors guide us in curating the most compelling and timely content.

Once we determine the topics, we focus on sourcing the most relevant experts to speak on those subjects, ensuring that each session presents timely and meaningful discussions led by the highest-quality experts in the field.

Hortz: Can you share what are some of the key themes or interesting topics for the upcoming Fall ETP Forum in NYC? 

Robinson: There are two new topics I can highlight now. One of them is a panel focused on the distribution of ETFs. We understand that an issuer can have the best product, but if no one knows about it, it will be hard to sell and ultimately gain assets. This panel will discuss some of the main strategies ETF issuers should and should not implement in their own distribution process.

The second topic is the rise of UCITS and global ETFs. As the growth of ETFs continues not only domestically but also globally, many U.S.-listed companies are starting to place their ETFs into UCITS wrappers to make them tradable in European markets. This marks a fundamental shift in the ETF landscape and an increased focus on the European market.

Hortz: Anything else we should know about the Forum and why industry professionals should come to the event?

Robinson: It is clear that our Forums are business-first conferences. We are intentional and deliberate in how we design them to ensure that firms can justify sending their people away from their desks, knowing they will gain real value from the experience. We want participants to benefit from the ETP Forum in a meaningful way and see a return on the time, effort, and resources they invest to attend.

That value may come from the high-level education offered in panel discussions or from insightful conversations with fellow attendees, whether through panel insights or networking sessions in the intimate setting of the New York Athletic Club. Our approach to the ETP Forum’s structure and design is centered on ensuring participants leave with actionable insights and lasting connections that help them better serve their firms and clients.

This article was originally published here and is republished on Wealthtender with permission.

About the Author

A middle-aged man, Bill Hortz, with short dark hair wearing a dark pinstripe suit, white dress shirt, and a maroon tie, posing against a plain gray backdrop. He has a slight smile and is looking directly at the camera.

Bill Hortz

Founder Institute for Innovation Development

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.

October 14, 2025

For years, the rules around charitable giving have held steady. But starting in 2025, upcoming tax code changes could impact not just how much you give—but also when and how you give.

If you’re a high earner, chances are you’ve built a career that does more than support your family—it creates jobs, contributes to your community, and reflects your values. For many, that same sense of purpose extends beyond work into a desire to support causes that matter deeply.

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) can be a thoughtful way to give. It offers upfront tax benefits while giving you the flexibility to decide how and when your donations are distributed. With changes on the horizon, now may be a good time to revisit your giving strategy. The steps you take today can shape both the impact of your generosity and your long-term financial plan. [1]

What is a Donor Advised Fund and Why Does This Matter Now?

If you’re not familiar with Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), now’s a good time to get acquainted, especially with new tax rules on the horizon. Starting in 2026, the deductibility of charitable contributions will decrease for those in the top tax bracket. If giving back is already part of your values, it may make sense to increase your donations in 2025 to maximize the current tax benefits.

A DAF is a charitable investment account set up to support the organizations you care about. You can contribute cash, stocks, mutual funds, and even complex assets like privately held business interests or cryptocurrency. In return, you receive an immediate tax deduction. Plus, the assets in your DAF can grow tax-free until you’re ready to make grants.

One of the biggest advantages of a DAF is the flexibility it offers. The sponsoring organization handles the administrative legwork, so you can focus on aligning your giving with your values while retaining control over how and when your dollars are distributed.

While there are some potential pitfalls to consider, a DAF allows you to consolidate contributions into a single tax year—capturing a larger deduction—while spacing out the actual donations over time. That’s one reason 2025 could be an especially strategic year to revisit your giving plan. [2]

What the 2026 DAF Tax Law Changes Mean for You

As you may know, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law this year. It preserves many features of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) while introducing key updates that will significantly impact charitable giving starting in 2026. For donors, especially high earners, these changes bring both opportunities and challenges, making timing an important part of any giving strategy. [3]

One of the most notable updates is a cap on charitable deductions for those in the highest tax bracket. Beginning in 2026, itemized deductions will be limited to 35%, down from 37%. That means top earners will no longer receive the full value of their current marginal rate. For example, a $1,000 donation in 2025 would yield a $370 deduction; in 2026, that same gift would result in only $350.

In addition, a new “floor” requires charitable contributions to exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) before they can be deducted. So, if your AGI is $600,000, only donations above $3,000 would be deductible.

Taken together, these changes make 2025 a particularly strategic year to consider larger or accelerated charitable contributions—especially while higher deductions remain available.

And that’s just the beginning. The OBBBA also:

  • Reintroduces above-the-line deductions for non-itemizers
  • Expands the SALT deduction
  • Makes permanent the ability to deduct up to 60% of AGI for cash gifts to public charities
  • Raises the estate and gift tax exemption to $15 million in 2026, creating additional opportunities for lifetime charitable planning

The bottom line? Giving strategies that worked in past years may not deliver the same results going forward. With reduced deductibility on the horizon, 2025 could be a smart time to revisit your approach, possibly by consolidating gifts or using a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) to your advantage.

Will You Contribute to a DAF This Year?

As you think about your charitable giving, 2025 offers a unique window of opportunity. 

With new tax rules set to reduce the deductibility of charitable contributions in 2026, this year may be the right time to act. For some, that could mean accelerating donations, consolidating several years of gifts into one (a strategy often called “bunching”), or using a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) to secure current deduction rates while maintaining flexibility over when and how to give.

Another powerful option is donating highly appreciated stock. By contributing shares directly, you avoid paying capital gains tax on the sale and still receive the full value of the contribution at the time it’s made.

At Envision Wealth Planners, we work closely with clients to integrate philanthropy into a broader financial plan. Our goal is to help you maximize both tax efficiency and the long-term impact of your giving, while steering clear of common missteps. It’s not just about numbers and deductions. It’s about aligning your resources with your values in a way that brings you greater freedom and supports the causes you care about.

If charitable giving is part of your 2025 plans, now is the time to start the conversation. We can help you approach it with clarity and purpose, making the most of today’s tax landscape while building a lasting legacy for the future.

Sources:

  1. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/donor-advised-funds
  2. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/donoradvisedfund.asp
  3. https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-acts-changes-to-charitable-deductions/

This article was originally published here and is republished on Wealthtender with permission.

About the Author

Headshot of Sean Gerlin, CFP®, CPWA®, ChFC®, CLU®
Sean Gerlin, CFP®, CPWA®, ChFC®, CLU® Creating Clarity Out Of Complexity

Sean Gerlin, CFP®, CPWA®, ChFC®, CLU® | Envision Wealth Planners

🔗 Website | Wealthtender Profile

When most people think about legacy planning, their minds immediately go to wills, trusts, and the transfer of financial assets. While these elements are undeniably important, they represent only part of the picture. True legacy planning extends beyond money – it encompasses the preservation of your values, beliefs, and guiding principles. These are the intangible treasures that shape your life decisions, influence your family’s culture, and, when communicated effectively, create a lasting impact that spans generations.

If you’ve worked hard to build wealth and opportunities, you likely want more for your heirs than financial security. You want them to carry forward the essence of the values you demonstrated during their formative years. Without intentional planning, however, these deeper aspects of your legacy risk being lost. That’s where values-based estate planning becomes essential.

In this article, we’ll explore how to clarify your values, communicate them effectively, and integrate them into your estate and financial planning. By doing so, you can preserve not only your wealth but also the principles that matter most to you and your family.

The Role of Values in Legacy Planning

Values are more than preferences or aspirations; they are the fundamental truths that guide your decisions and reflect who you are at your core. Unlike goals, which change with life stages, or morals, which can be taught or adopted, values are deeply embedded from childhood and remain consistent throughout your life.

For example, you may value independence, generosity, integrity, or family unity. While the ways you express those values may evolve – perhaps giving more to charity later in life or prioritizing family gatherings over career advancement – the underlying principles remain steady.

When values are honored in both decision-making and action, they provide a powerful sense of fulfillment and direction. Conversely, when decisions conflict with your values, the result is often dissatisfaction or regret. This is why clarifying your values is not just an academic exercise –  it is a cornerstone of both personal well-being and meaningful legacy planning for families.

Why Clarifying Your Values Matters

One of the most common misconceptions about values is that they change with circumstances or financial status. In reality, wealth may amplify your ability to act on your values, but it does not alter what those values are.

Consider this: you might begin your career seeking financial security, but as you accumulate wealth, your goals may shift toward philanthropy or creating opportunities for others. The core value—providing stability for yourself and your loved ones—remains intact, though its expression takes different forms.

Clarifying your values helps you:

  • Align financial decisions with what matters most – From investment strategies to philanthropic initiatives, values-driven choices create harmony between your money and your meaning.
  • Strengthen family relationships – Sharing your values creates common ground and opens opportunities for dialogue, especially when navigating complex family dynamics.
  • Preserve your legacy beyond wealth – Future generations will remember not just what you left them, but also the guiding principles you lived by.

How to Identify Your Core Values

The process of identifying values is less about invention and more about discovery. Your values already exist; the task is to uncover them and bring them into conscious focus.

Start by reflecting on these guiding questions:

  • What is most important to me in life?
  • What am I unwilling to compromise on?
  • When have I felt most fulfilled? What was happening in those moments?

 Write down your answers and look for recurring themes. For example, if your proudest moments involve acts of generosity, community service, or mentorship, generosity or service may be a core value. If your answers revolve around resilience and independence, self-reliance might be central.

Remember: clarifying values is not about choosing ideals you think you should value. It’s about uncovering the truths that have quietly guided your choices all along.

Linking Values to Financial Planning

Once values are clear, the next step is integrating them into your financial and estate planning. This creates alignment between your wealth and your principles, ensuring that your money continues to serve a meaningful purpose even after you’re gone.

Here are some practical ways to link values with financial planning:

  1. Philanthropy & Charitable Giving
    • If generosity is a core value, consider establishing a donor-advised fund, charitable trust, or family foundation. Involve your heirs in decision-making to foster shared purpose.
  2. Investment Strategies
    • For those who value integrity or sustainability, impact investing or ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategies can reflect these priorities while still building wealth.
  3. Education & Mentorship
    • If you value knowledge or personal growth, setting aside funds for education – whether through 529 plans, scholarships, or mentorship opportunities – reinforces that legacy.

By integrating your values into these strategies, you ensure that your financial plan doesn’t just build wealth – it becomes a tool for values-based estate planning.

Communicating Values to the Next Generation

Financial assets can be passed on through trusts, wills, and estate documents. But values require more personal, intentional communication. Without it, your heirs may inherit your wealth without the wisdom to steward it effectively.

Here are effective ways to communicate your values:

  • Family Conversations
    Schedule regular discussions that go beyond financial updates. Share stories about pivotal life decisions, lessons learned, and why certain principles matter to you.
  • Letters of Intent or Ethical Wills
    These non-legal documents allow you to express your hopes, values, and guiding philosophies in writing. Unlike a legal will, an ethical will provides context, meaning, and emotional guidance for your heirs.
  • Storytelling
    Family stories are powerful vehicles for transmitting values. Whether through recorded interviews, memoirs, or casual storytelling at gatherings, they create lasting impressions.
  • Modeling Behavior
    Ultimately, actions speak louder than words. Demonstrating your values consistently—through generosity, integrity, or perseverance—leaves a stronger imprint than any speech.

Integrating Values Into Estate Planning

Values-based legacy planning doesn’t replace traditional estate planning; it complements it. Trusts, wills, and legal structures are essential for transferring wealth, but when combined with intentional communication of values, they form a holistic plan. For example:

  • If heirs are too young for meaningful conversations, documenting your values in writing ensures they’ll be preserved until the time is right.
  • If you have multiple children or beneficiaries, articulating shared values can reduce conflict and foster unity.
  • If charitable giving is a priority, building it directly into your estate plan ensures those commitments outlast you.

The legal documents distribute the what. Your values explain the why.

Conclusion

Legacy planning is about more than transferring assets – it’s about passing along the essence of who you are. Your values, not just your wealth, are what your heirs will remember and build upon. By clarifying what matters most to you, linking those values to your financial decisions, and communicating them effectively, you ensure that your legacy extends well beyond money.

If you’ve already begun estate planning, now is the time to take the next step: integrate your values into the process. And if you haven’t yet started, consider this the perfect opportunity to craft a legacy that reflects both your wealth and your wisdom.

Your heirs deserve more than financial security – they deserve the enduring gift of your values. By prioritizing values-based estate planning and focusing on legacy planning for families, you can ensure your most important principles live on for generations to come.

This article was originally published here and is republished on Wealthtender with permission.

About the Author

Headshot of John Foligno, CMC®
John Foligno, CMC® Providing tax-efficient financial counsel to professionals and business owners.

John Foligno, CMC® | Grand Life Financial

🔗 Website | Wealthtender Profile

The One Big Beautiful Bill affects retirees in many ways. But how will it change Medicare? Although it’s too early to tell, there will be some immediate changes and several potential long-term impacts you need to be aware of.

We provided a broader overview in our article, “How the One Big Beautiful Bill Affects Retirees.” Now we’re going to discuss how this new law impacts Medicare and what you can do to prepare.

Medicare Changes at a Glance

The most challenging aspect of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is its complex and indirect nature. There are some immediate effects, such as changes to eligibility and the blocking of the implementation of previous laws. However, many changes are spread over the next decade, making it difficult to understand their direct impacts.

The most significant cuts in the law are to Medicaid, not to be confused with Medicare. Medicare is a mandatory healthcare program for Americans aged 65 and older.

Short-Term Impacts (1–5 Years)

The most significant immediate changes will be to rural healthcare initiatives as well as changes to eligibility requirements. We’ll cover more of the long-term effects later in the article.

Positive Changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill

Among the most notable changes are expansions in rural funding, as well as temporary increases in Medicare payments to physicians.

The Rural Health Transformation Program

The only increase in funding for Medicare is for the new Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This program is designed to pump a total of $50 billion into rural healthcare programs over the next five years. However, this is divided into two separate funds and distributed annually.

States must complete a request form (not yet available) by December 31st to qualify. This request is for a piece of $5 billion annually, divided among 50 states. The other half is to be distributed based on metrics partially tied to the percentage of the population located in rural areas.

Missouri and Kansas fall somewhere in the middle of the most rural states. Retirees living in the area surrounding Kansas City might see some additional funding, but it’s unclear exactly how the CMS will distribute funds. For context, Medicare spending in 2024 was roughly $1.12 trillion, so $10 billion per year is about 0.9% of total expenditures.

Temporary Increase to Physician Payments

There is a temporary 2.5% increase to Medicare payments for 2026. This is designed to encourage more physicians to accept Medicare. However, this doesn’t fix the long-standing gaps between Medicare rates and current healthcare prices.

This is another complex, uncertain, and long-term issue we’ll have to monitor. The OBBBA doesn’t fix the problem; it’s only a temporary fix. Unless additional action is taken, rates will revert to the regular fee schedule and calculations in 2027.

Potential Drawbacks of the One Big Beautiful Bill

There are several drawbacks to consider for Medicare. Some provisions will target specific eligibility groups and programs, while others will be a bit broader.

Triggering Cuts to Medicare

The biggest impact is the projected triggering of the Statutory Pay‑As‑You‑Go Act of 2010 (S-PAYGO). In short, this act requires the government to reduce spending if a law would increase the national deficit over a five or ten-year period (or both).

The Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation estimate that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will increase the deficit by $2.1 trillion over the next five years and by $3.4 trillion by 2034. This means an immediate cut to Medicare funding, reaching the federal limit of 4%, totaling $45 billion in 2026. More on this later, but it means other programs will need to cut an additional $370 billion to make up the total shortfall of $415 billion.

Potentially Higher Prescription Drug Costs

Although it’s not cut and dry, the new law expands the definition of certain “orphan” drugs designed to treat rare diseases. These drugs would be exempt from Medicare price negotiations, which were set to take effect in 2026 under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. In the short term, this means Medicare cannot negotiate prices on a larger number of prescription medications.

The idea behind this exemption was to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to invest more research into treatments for less “popular” diseases. This would make them more expensive – at least until 2028 or later. It’s challenging to predict exactly what will happen because the government can’t fully control the actions of pharmaceutical companies.

Simply put, things are uncertain, and the effects are not yet known.

Decreased Eligibility for Legal Residents

Undocumented immigrants have never been eligible for Medicare. However, many legal residents are now ineligible for benefits despite having paid Social Security and Medicare taxes. People affected by this change will have some time to figure out additional options.

Deferment of Medicare Savings Programs

The law also places a moratorium on the implementation and enforcement of Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). These programs allow for Medicare premiums to be paid with Medicaid. This would affect low-income or disabled seniors.

Infographic titled "How The One Big Beautiful Bill Affects Medicare," explaining impacts on physician payments, Medicare Advantage savings, potential cuts, and the Rural Health Transformation Program, with related icons and graphics.
Image Credit: NextGen Wealth

Long-Term Impacts (5+ Years) of the One Big Beautiful Bill

Most impacts from the One Big Beautiful Bill on Medicare will be delayed, yet substantial. There are no direct cuts to benefits, but the law creates a cascade of budgetary problems, triggering mandatory cuts that, if no action is taken, will slowly erode funding and the quality of care. There are few, if any, long-term benefits to Medicare.

Positive Changes

Most of the positive changes in the bill are related to expanded tax deductions for seniors. Unfortunately, the lower tax bills are a double-edged sword. Lower tax revenue means increased deficit projections, which leads to reductions across the government.

Nearly all the benefits of this new law are short-term in nature. It’s a frustrating mix of confusing budgetary acrobatics to make things look good in the short term, but the law will indirectly reduce funding and care over time. Congress may still make adjustments to address some of the issues created by the new law, but only time will tell.

Long-Term Challenges

Unfortunately, many of the negative effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are delayed or spread over the next decade. This makes it significantly more challenging to fully comprehend the impact. However, we already have reports and indicators of long-term funding issues stemming from the act.

Long-term Budget Problems

As we mentioned earlier, the triggering of the S-PAYGO will lead to forced sequestration. The sequestration cuts from the early 2010s had a widespread impact. Cuts will be needed through 2034. It doesn’t take a math whiz to understand the effect of a 4% decrease on the Medicare budget for 10 years straight.

Medicare was Already on a Path to Problems

Healthcare in America is already expensive, and it’s not getting any cheaper. This was already creating problems for funding Medicare. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act accelerates this issue. We’re no longer marching toward Medicare insolvency; we’re running toward massive shortfalls and rising prices.

The Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI) trust fund was projected to be depleted by 2033. The OBBBA is estimated to accelerate depletion by one year.

More concerning is the continued projected growth of Medicare costs. When you couple higher costs with cuts to funding and income (due to reduced tax revenue), something has to give. More than likely, the availability and quality of care will suffer.

Block to Minimum Staffing Standards

Furthermore, the act delays the implementation of minimum nursing standards outlined in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Final Rule 3442-F. This law and its implementation would have required minimum levels of nursing staff. It also required 24/7 Registered Nurse (RN) coverage for skilled nursing facilities.

In short, it was designed to ensure higher standards of care and staffing for long-term care (LTC) facilities such as nursing homes. The new law delays implementation of these higher standards of care until 2034. This has the potential to limit acceptable options for LTC for seniors even more.

Continued Uncertainty

The most significant long-term impact of these changes is the increased complexity and uncertainty surrounding the future of Medicare. When you’re transitioning into retirement, the last thing you want is uncertainty. We have no idea what additional laws or implementation rules will come. Unfortunately, it appears that this type of political tug-of-war will persist for the foreseeable future.

What This Means for Pre-Retirees

If you’re retiring soon, you really need to pay attention to changes. More importantly, if you’re planning to retire early, any changes to the Affordable Care Act may also come into play. You’ll want to carefully plan out your healthcare and Medicare enrollment options and prioritize maintaining your health.

Luckily, you still have time to adjust your financial plan to account for increases in costs and decreases in care. The biggest takeaway is this: establish a plan and reduce your reliance on the federal government for your healthcare needs.

Nobody likes uncertainty, but it’s even more problematic as you prepare for retirement.

What This Means for Current Retirees

If you’re already retired or enrolled in Medicare, you’ll need to keep an eye on services. You may see fluctuations in prescription coverage, prices, and the level of service you receive. It’s a great time to pay attention to both Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.

Be sure to look over all your options before open enrollment season.

You can also take advantage of other tax-saving strategies using the increased standard deductions included in the new law. This could help you avoid potential Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAAs) and reduce the impact of required minimum distributions (RMDs).

What Can You Do to Prepare?

As with any law change, there are new opportunities, potential drawbacks, and added complexity. The first step is to stay informed as changes happen. We’ve found it helpful to share updates through our weekly newsletter and blog.

The next step is to revisit your financial plan and ensure you have everything covered. If you don’t have a written plan or aren’t sure how this impacts you, it’s a good idea to sit down and think through potential impacts. Now is the time to review coverage options, including Medicare Advantage and Medigap options, and seriously consider long-term care.

This article was originally published here and is republished on Wealthtender with permission.

About the Author

Headshot of Clint Haynes, CFP®
Clint Haynes, CFP® Helping you build a retirement with pleasure, purpose, and peace of mind.

Clint Haynes, CFP® | NextGen Wealth

🔗 Website | Wealthtender Profile

Find financial advisors in Great Falls, Virginia ready to help with your financial planning needs so you can enjoy life more with less money stress.

Whether you have lived in Great Falls 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 Great Falls featured on Wealthtender you may want to add to your shortlist.

As you prepare to interview financial advisors in Great Falls who may be right for you, get to know local financial advisors featured on Wealthtender.

📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Great Falls

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 Great Falls.

📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.

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The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Great Falls

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 Great Falls, 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 Great Falls? 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 Great Falls Financial Advisor

Before hiring a financial advisor in Great Falls, 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.

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About the Author
A headshot of Brian Thorp, the founder and CEO of Wealthtender

About the Author

Brian Thorp

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