Wealthtender Wealthtender

Financial Professionals

Sign In Or Sign Up

Individuals

Subscribe for Money Tips
Wealthtender

Do you work at Raytheon Technologies (RTX)? Get the resources you need and expert insights from financial professionals who specialize in helping Raytheon Technologies employees make the most of their compensation package and benefits.

Whether you’re a new Raytheon Technologies employee or you’ve moved up the ranks into a management or executive leadership role over a multi-year career, it’s important to make smart money moves with your income and employee benefits. For example:

✅ Do you know the right moves to make to get the greatest value from the Raytheon Technologies benefits available to you?

✅If you’re thinking about leaving Raytheon Technologies for another job or planning to retire from the company in a few years, are you taking the right steps today to ensure you will receive all of the compensation and benefits that you’ve earned?

Get the Most Value from Your Raytheon Technologies Benefits and Compensation Package

Throughout the year, Raytheon Technologies provides its employees and executives with updates about their benefits ranging from health insurance and health savings plans to retirement plans like a 401(k), deferred compensation plans, and stock options. While the company offers many useful resources and access to knowledgeable staff who can assist with questions, you’ll also find financial professionals not affiliated with Raytheon Technologies who specialize in helping Raytheon Technologies employees make the most of their income and benefits.

Whether you work in the Raytheon Technologies headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, another office location around the country, or remotely from home, you may have questions about your compensation package and benefits better suited for a financial professional who can offer unbiased advice and guidance.

For example, sensitive topics like discussing the steps you should take before quitting your job at Raytheon Technologies to work elsewhere, protecting yourself in advance of a corporate layoff, or deciding when you should plan to retire are all conversations that may be more comfortable with a trusted financial advisor.

Should you hire a Raytheon Technologies (RTX) specialist financial advisor or an advisor close to home?

You’ll likely find dozens of nearby financial advisors well-suited to help you reach your money goals with a personalized plan. But it may be more difficult to find a financial advisor who specializes in serving Raytheon Technologies employees.

Fortunately, many financial advisors offer virtual services so you can meet online no matter where you (or they) live.

This means you can choose to hire a specialist financial advisor who lives hundreds of miles away if you decide their knowledge and experience working with Raytheon Technologies employees is a better fit to help with your unique needs.

💡 In the Q&A below, you’ll gain insights from financial advisors who work with Raytheon Technologies employees to help them make smart decisions to get the most value from their compensation and benefits, reduce their money stress, and prepare for a comfortable retirement.

🙋‍♀️ Do you have questions not yet answered? Use the form below to submit questions anonymously and watch this article for updates with answers to your questions. You can also reach out to the financial advisors below to set up an introductory call or contact them with your questions by email.

💸 Smart Money Insights for Raytheon Technologies (RTX) Employees & Executives

This page is organized into sections to help you quickly find the information you need and get answers to your questions:

  1. Q&A: Financial Planning Tips for Raytheon Technologies Employees & Executives
  2. Get Answers to Your Questions About Your Raytheon Technologies Benefits and Career
  3. Quick Facts & Resources for Raytheon Technologies Employees
  4. Browse Related Articles

Q&A: Financial Planning Tips for Raytheon Technologies (RTX) Employees & Executives

Answers to RTX Employee Questions with Jeffrey Davis, AAMS®

Jeffrey Davis is a financial advisor based in Santa Barbara, California who specializes in offering financial planning services to Raytheon employees. Jeffrey helps his clients get the most value from their Raytheon benefits and compensation package so they can enjoy life and feel confident about their financial future.

Q: As a financial advisor with experience helping Raytheon employees save for their retirement, how do you help them make the most of their employee benefits?

Jeffrey: When working with Raytheon employees, I start by helping them understand the full scope of their benefits package—because maximizing retirement readiness begins with leveraging what’s already available. I focus on strategies that integrate the Raytheon savings plan (such as the RTX 401(k) with potential employer match), as well as supplemental benefits like the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, all within a broader financial plan.

We explore contribution limits, Roth versus traditional deferrals, and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies to enhance long-term growth potential. I also guide clients through decisions around pension options and deferred compensation, ensuring they align with their broader retirement goals and cash flow needs. Ultimately, I tailor each strategy to the individual’s career stage and life priorities, bringing clarity to complex choices and helping them confidently move toward financial independence.

Q: When you first speak with a Raytheon employee, what questions do you like to ask to better understand their unique circumstances and determine how you can best help them achieve their goals?

Jeffrey: When I first meet with a Raytheon employee, my goal is to understand both their financial picture and what truly matters to them—because a great plan is built around purpose, not just numbers.

I typically start with questions like:

  • What are your short-term and long-term goals—both personally and financially?
  •  How confident do you feel about your current retirement strategy?
  • Are you aware of all the benefits available to you through Raytheon, and are you using them to their full advantage?
  • Do you have other financial priorities right now, like college savings, buying a home, or reducing taxes?

I also want to understand any life transitions on the horizon—whether it’s a career change, relocation, or family event—so we can anticipate and plan proactively.

These conversations often uncover opportunities to optimize their current benefit elections, adjust savings strategies, or build in tax-efficient planning. Ultimately, it’s about crafting a plan that’s aligned with their values, evolves with their life, and gives them peace of mind.

Q: Is there a particular benefit available to Raytheon employees you feel isn’t as well utilized or understood by employees as it should be?

Jeffrey: One particularly powerful but underutilized benefit available to Raytheon employees in 2025 is the ability to implement a backdoor Roth strategy through the RTX 401(k) Plan (RAYSIP).

Raytheon allows employees to make after-tax contributions beyond the standard pre-tax and Roth limits—up to the 2025 total contribution cap of $70,000 (or $81,250 for ages 60–63 with catch-ups). These after-tax dollars can then be converted to Roth within the plan, creating a significant opportunity for long-term, tax-free retirement growth. Despite its potential, many employees overlook this option due to its complexity or lack of awareness.

Another valuable and often overlooked benefit is the MetLife Group Legal Plan, still available in 2025. For a modest monthly payroll deduction (typically $16–$20/month), Raytheon employees can access estate planning services like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney at no additional cost. It also covers a wide range of personal legal matters—without deductibles or copays when using in-network attorneys.

Both benefits can make a meaningful difference when incorporated into a thoughtful, comprehensive financial strategy. Helping employees understand and confidently navigate these opportunities is a key part of the work I do.

Q: Beyond Raytheon employee benefits for retirement savings, are there other types of benefits offered by the company that you find valuable to discuss with your clients?

Jeffrey: Absolutely—beyond retirement savings, Raytheon offers several benefits that can significantly enhance a client’s financial well-being when integrated into a broader plan.

One standout is the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which allows employees to purchase RTX stock at a 15% discount through payroll deductions. This can be a powerful tool for long-term wealth accumulation, especially when paired with a disciplined diversification strategy.

Raytheon’s Employee Scholar Program is another exceptional benefit. It provides 100% reimbursement for tuition, books, and fees for approved degree programs—with no cap on the number of degrees. For clients looking to advance their careers or pivot professionally, this is a tremendous value.

The Health Savings Account (HSA), available with Raytheon’s high-deductible health plans, is also worth highlighting. Contributions are triple tax-advantaged, and Raytheon contributes to the account as well. For clients who can afford to pay current medical expenses out of pocket, the HSA becomes a stealth retirement account for future healthcare costs.

Lastly, the MetLife Group Legal Plan continues to be a cost-effective way for employees to access estate planning services like wills and trusts—services that are often overlooked but critically important.

These benefits often go underutilized simply because they’re not well understood. I help clients evaluate which ones align with their goals—whether that’s reducing taxes, funding education, or protecting their family’s future.

Q: For Raytheon employees approaching retirement age, how do you recommend they prepare to make the transition from living off their salary to relying upon other sources of income?

Jeffrey: For Raytheon employees nearing retirement, the transition from a steady paycheck to drawing income from various sources requires careful planning and coordination. I guide clients through a multi-step process that helps them feel confident and in control of this next chapter.

We start by mapping out all available income streams—401(k), pension (lump sum or annuity), Social Security, brokerage accounts, and any deferred compensation. From there, we build a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy that balances income needs with long-term sustainability.

One key opportunity is to take advantage of the ‘income valley’—the window between retirement and the start of required minimum distributions (RMDs). During this period, we often implement Roth conversions, harvest capital gains at favorable rates, or draw down taxable assets to manage future tax brackets.

We also evaluate healthcare coverage, including retiree medical benefits and Medicare timing, and ensure estate planning documents are up to date.

Ultimately, it’s about replacing the predictability of a paycheck with a well-structured income plan that aligns with their lifestyle, values, and legacy goals. I help clients make this shift with clarity and confidence—so they can focus on enjoying the freedom they’ve worked so hard to earn.

Q: For Raytheon employees who have managed their finances on their own to this point, what would you suggest they consider to help them decide if they should begin working with a financial advisor at this stage in their lives?

Jeffrey: For Raytheon employees who’ve done a great job managing their finances independently, the decision to work with a financial advisor often comes down to complexity and confidence. As they near retirement or experience major life transitions, the stakes get higher—and so does the value of having a second set of eyes.

I encourage them to consider a few key questions:

  • Are you confident in your retirement income strategy—including how and when to draw from your 401(k), pension, and Social Security?
  • Have you evaluated the tax impact of your decisions, including Roth conversions, RMDs, and capital gains?
  • Do you have a plan for healthcare costs, estate planning, and legacy goals?
  • Are you making the most of Raytheon’s more advanced benefits—like deferred compensation, the backdoor Roth strategy, or the ESPP?

Q: What are some of the unique financial planning challenges you commonly see among your clients who are Raytheon employees and how do you help them overcome these obstacles?

Jeffrey: Raytheon employees often encounter unique planning challenges that stem from the structure of their compensation, evolving retirement benefits, and the tax implications of various elections. One common issue is navigating the transition from legacy pension plans to cash balance plans following the merger with United Technologies. Many employees are unsure how to weigh lump sum versus annuity options, or how these fit into their broader retirement income strategy.

Another challenge is the underutilization—or mismanagement—of advanced savings opportunities like after-tax 401(k) contributions and in-plan Roth conversions. While Raytheon offers the ability to implement a backdoor Roth strategy, many employees either miss the conversion step or don’t understand the tax implications, which can lead to missed opportunities or unintended tax bills.

Deferred compensation planning is also a key area of concern, especially for higher-level employees. Elections must be made well in advance and are irrevocable, so aligning those decisions with future cash flow needs and tax brackets is critical.

Finally, equity compensation—such as RSUs and ESPP participation—can create concentrated stock risk and unexpected tax consequences if not managed proactively.

I help clients overcome these challenges by building integrated plans that coordinate all these moving parts. We model different scenarios, optimize tax strategies, and ensure that each decision—from pension elections to stock diversification—is aligned with their long-term goals. The goal is to bring clarity to complexity and help them make confident, informed choices.

Q: What questions do you recommend Raytheon employees ask financial advisors they’re considering hiring to help them decide if they’re a good fit?

Jeffrey: I always encourage Raytheon employees to ask prospective financial advisors questions that go beyond investment performance. The goal is to find someone who understands the nuances of Raytheon’s benefits and can provide truly personalized guidance. Here are a few key questions to consider:

  • Do you have experience working with Raytheon employees or are you familiar with the RTX Savings Plan, pension options, and deferred compensation?
  • Do you act as a fiduciary at all times—and can you explain what that means in practice?
  • How are you compensated? Are there any commissions or product sales involved?
  • Can you help me with more than just investments—like tax planning, estate strategies, and benefit elections?
  • What is your process for building a retirement income plan that includes my 401(k), pension, Social Security, and other assets?
  • How do you stay up to date on changes to Raytheon’s benefits and the broader financial landscape?
  • What kind of ongoing support and communication can I expect from you?

These questions help uncover whether an advisor is not only technically competent but also aligned with your values, communication style, and long-term goals. It’s about finding a partner—not just a portfolio manager.

Q: Is there anything that comes up frequently in your initial meeting with Raytheon employees that surprises you?

Jeffrey: One thing that frequently comes up—and surprises both me and the Raytheon employees I meet with—is just how underutilized and complex their benefits package can be, especially for those who’ve spent years with the company.

Many are unaware of advanced planning opportunities like after-tax 401(k) contributions and in-plan Roth conversions (a backdoor Roth strategy), or they haven’t evaluated deferred compensation elections, which require early, irrevocable decisions that can significantly impact future cash flow and taxes.

Pension decisions are another common challenge—particularly for employees navigating the transition from legacy defined benefit plans to cash balance formats after the Raytheon–UTC merger. Choosing between lump sum and annuity options often comes with uncertainty and wide-ranging financial implications.

It’s also surprising how many employees have accumulated substantial retirement savings but haven’t yet mapped out a coordinated withdrawal strategy—one that aligns income sources like 401(k), pension, and Social Security while managing taxes across retirement.

Lastly, I often discover that clients are paying into the MetLife Legal Plan but haven’t taken advantage of the included estate planning services such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

These realizations can be eye-opening—and they reinforce how valuable it is to work with someone who can integrate all these moving parts into a cohesive, personalized strategy.

Q: For highly compensated Raytheon employees and executives, are there any special benefits you believe it’s important to take into consideration when preparing their financial plan?

Jeffrey: For highly compensated Raytheon employees and executives, there are several specialized benefits that warrant close attention when building a comprehensive financial plan.

One of the most impactful is the RTX Compensation Deferral Plan, which allows eligible employees to defer salary, bonuses, and other compensation beyond IRS limits. This can be a powerful tool for managing taxable income and aligning cash flow with future retirement needs. Timing and structure are critical, as elections must be made in advance and are irrevocable.

Executives may also receive Performance Share Units (PSUs), Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) through Raytheon’s Long-Term Incentive Plans. These awards come with vesting schedules, tax implications, and concentration risk—especially when combined with 401(k) holdings and ESPP participation. I help clients evaluate when to exercise, diversify, or hold based on their broader portfolio and tax strategy.

Additionally, Raytheon offers a Lifetime Income Strategy (LIS) within the 401(k) plan, which provides guaranteed income options. While this can be attractive for some, it may limit flexibility and preclude strategies like Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA), so it’s important to assess fit on a case-by-case basis.

Finally, executives should consider supplemental disability insurance and legal benefits that go beyond standard offerings, especially given income levels that exceed base policy caps.

These benefits can be incredibly valuable—but only when integrated thoughtfully into a broader plan that considers taxes, timing, and long-term goals.

Q: Is there a particularly memorable experience or a moment you recall with a client who worked at Raytheon when you realized they have unique opportunities and circumstances when it comes to their financial planning needs?

Jeffrey: One particularly memorable experience was working with a long-tenured Raytheon engineer who was approaching retirement and had accumulated a significant balance across multiple benefit plans—including a legacy pension, after-tax 401(k) contributions, deferred compensation, and unexercised stock options.

What stood out was how unaware he was of the tax implications tied to each of these accounts. For example, he hadn’t yet initiated in-plan Roth conversions on his after-tax 401(k) contributions, which meant he was missing out on a powerful backdoor Roth opportunity. He also hadn’t considered how his deferred compensation payouts would overlap with required minimum distributions, potentially pushing him into a much higher tax bracket.

Through our planning process, we were able to model different income scenarios, optimize the timing of his pension election, and implement a multi-year Roth conversion strategy during his lower-income retirement window. We also helped him diversify out of concentrated RTX stock positions and take advantage of the MetLife Legal Plan to update his estate documents.

That experience reinforced how uniquely complex—and potentially rewarding—Raytheon’s benefits can be when integrated thoughtfully. It also highlighted the value of proactive planning, especially for employees who’ve done a great job accumulating assets but haven’t yet mapped out how to turn them into a sustainable, tax-efficient retirement income.

Get to Know Jeffrey Davis Financial Advisor for Raytheon Employees:

Headshot of Jeffrey Davis, AAMS®
ONE Advisory Partners Jeffrey Davis, AAMS®
Santa Barbara, California
Serving Clients Nationwide
Wealth Strategies for Successful, Busy Professionals
0 Certified Advisor Reviews™
Areas of Focus
Financial Life Planning Investment Management Retirement Planning Taxes

Book Intro Call with Jeffrey

View Jeffrey’s profile page on Wealthtender or visit his website to learn more.

Are you a financial advisor who specializes in working with employees at Raytheon Technologies or another large company?

✅ Join Wealthtender and get featured as a specialist financial advisor based on your knowledge and experience working with employees at Raytheon Technologies or another large company. (Subject to availability and terms.)
✅ Sign up today and join financial advisors attracting their ideal clients on Wealthtender
✅ Or request more information by email:

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Quick Facts & Resources for Raytheon Technologies Employees

Raytheon Technologies Quick Facts & ResourcesDetails / Useful Links
Raytheon Technologies Corporate Headquarters Address1000 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209, USA (📍 Google Maps)
Overview of Raytheon Technologies BenefitsVisit this page to learn more about benefits at Raytheon
How much do Raytheon Technologies employees Make?View Raytheon Technologies Salary Research on Glassdoor
Where can I learn more about careers at Raytheon Technologies?Visit this page to learn more about careers at Raytheon
How many people work for Raytheon Technologies?Raytheon Technologies has over 174,000 employees worldwide (Source: Raytheon LinkedIn Page)
What is the ticker symbol for Raytheon Technologies stock?The Raytheon Technologies ticker symbol is RTX.

🙋‍♀️ Have Questions About Your Raytheon Technologies Benefits or Career?

financial-advisor-with-couple
Financial Planning Top Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor
A mature couple comfortably sitting on a couch, reviewing documents together while using a laptop, suggesting a moment of collaboration and shared decision-making.
Financial Planning How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
Top Financial Certifications Professionals Working Illustration
Professional Designations Top Financial Certifications to Know Before You Hire a Financial Professional

Are you ready to enjoy life more with less money stress?

Sign up to receive weekly insights from Wealthtender with useful money tips and fresh ideas to help you achieve your financial goals.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
About the Author
Brian Thorp, Founder and CEO of Wealthtender profile picture

Brian Thorp

Founder and CEO, Wealthtender

Brian and his wife live in Texas, enjoying the diversity of Houston and the vibrancy of Austin.

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.

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

    Key Takeaways:

    • Ratings and awards issued by reputable organizations can boost advisor credibility and client trust
    • The SEC Marketing Rule and FINRA Rule 2210 provide guidance advisors must follow to promote awards
    • SEC Risk Alerts and enforcement actions reinforce the importance of compliance to avoid monetary fines
    • Wealth management firms that earn reputable awards can gain a marketing edge while staying compliant

    Before publishing and promoting third-party ratings and awards, it’s important for financial advisors to consult with their compliance officer. The scope of this article is limited to a general discussion of SEC and FINRA regulations, while advisors may be subject to additional regulations and must abide by relevant firm policies and procedures. This article does not constitute legal advice and is for informational purposes only.

    Earning and promoting third-party ratings and awards can significantly boost the credibility and visibility of financial advisors and wealth management firms. While qualification requirements can vary considerably, awards issued by reputable organizations provide advisors with a competitive edge in attracting and retaining clients.

    On the other hand, advisory firms that fail to adhere to the rules and disclosure requirements for promoting awards could face significant fines as regulators ramp up enforcement efforts. Fortunately, whether advisors are subject to SEC and/or FINRA oversight, each regulator has published clear guidance that advisors can follow to promote third-party ratings and awards compliantly.

    Have You Received a Wealthtender Voice of the Client Award?

    To learn more than a dozen impactful ways to promote your Wealthtender Voice of the Client Award, please read this article.

    Understanding the Regulatory Requirements for Third-Party Ratings and Awards

    Both the SEC and FINRA provide important guidance that financial advisors must follow when publishing and promoting third-party ratings and awards. Just below, we summarize key provisions from the SEC Marketing Rule and FINRA Rule 2210 that must be followed to satisfy regulatory compliance requirements. This summary is not intended to be comprehensive and advisors should consult with their compliance officer for further guidance on regulatory matters and firm policies and procedures.

    SEC Marketing Rule

    The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Marketing Rule took effect on May 4, 2021, subject to an 18-month transition period. Since the November 2022 transition period deadline, all registered investment advisers (RIAs) and investment adviser representatives (IARs) regulated by the SEC must abide by the SEC Marketing Rule’s provisions when promoting testimonials or third-party ratings/awards.

    Are you a state-registered investment advisor? Many states have incorporated the SEC Marketing Rule by reference into their rules that in-state advisors must follow (refer to our tracking database for updates), though many other states maintain their own rules that may govern your use of third-party ratings and reviews.

    Q: What does the SEC consider to be a “third-party rating”?

    A: The SEC Marketing Rule defines a “third-party rating” as a “rating or ranking of an investment adviser provided by a person who is not a related person* (as defined in the Form ADV Glossary of Terms), and such person provides such ratings or rankings in the ordinary course of its business.”

    In its Adopting Release, the SEC goes on to state “This definition is intended to permit advisers to use third-party ratings, subject to conditions, when the ratings are conducted in the ordinary course of business. We continue to believe that the ordinary course of business requirement would largely correspond to persons with the experience to develop and promote ratings based on relevant criteria. It would also distinguish third-party ratings from testimonials and endorsements that resemble third-party ratings, but that are not made by persons who are in the business of providing ratings or rankings. The requirement that the provider not be an adviser’s related person* will avoid the risk that certain affiliations could result in a biased rating.”

    * Related Person Definition: From the SEC Marketing Rule Adopting Release: [An adviser’s “related person” is defined in Form ADV’s Glossary of Terms as “any advisory affiliate and any person that is under common control with your firm.” Italicized terms are defined in the Form ADV Glossary. We believe that a rating by a person under common control with the adviser could present the same bias towards the adviser as a rating by an adviser’s other advisory affiliates.]

    Q: What must financial advisors consider before proceeding with the publication and promotion of a third-party rating or award?

    A: The SEC Marketing Rule introduced a new section of Form ADV (subsection L under Item 5) that requires financial advisors to indicate if they use third-party ratings in advertisements, and if so, whether cash or non-cash compensation is paid in connection with their use. These questions are simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Many popular industry awards include a cost for award eligibility and/or a licensing fee to promote the award logo. In these instances, advisors should check both ‘yes’ to their use of third-party ratings and ‘yes’ to the compensation question.

    Before accepting and promoting an award, the SEC Marketing Rule also states that financial advisors must perform due diligence to establish “a reasonable basis to believe that any questionnaire or survey used in the preparation of the third-party rating is structured to make it equally easy for a participant to provide favorable and unfavorable responses, and is not designed or prepared to produce any predetermined result.”

    Q: How can financial advisors satisfy the third-party rating due diligence requirement (referenced in the answer above)?

    A: In its adopting release, the SEC states: “an adviser could satisfy the [due diligence] requirement by accessing the questionnaire or survey that was used in the preparation of the rating.”

    The SEC goes on to acknowledge that some third-party rating agencies may be reluctant to share proprietary survey or questionnaire information to advisers, such as their calculation methodology. Accordingly, the SEC suggests a couple of ways financial advisors can satisfy the due diligence requirement, including:

    1. Seeking representations from the third-party rating agency regarding general aspects of how the survey or questionnaire is designed, structured, and administered.

    2. Accessing information publicly disclosed by a third-party rating provider about its survey or questionnaire methodology.

    Through either of the above approaches, the SEC states that financial advisors “could obtain sufficient information to formulate a reasonable belief as required by the due diligence requirement without obtaining proprietary data of third-party rating agencies.”

    Q: What disclosures must accompany third-party ratings and awards published and promoted by financial advisors to ensure SEC Marketing Rule compliance?

    A: The SEC Marketing Rule requires that a) financial advisors “clearly and prominently disclose”, or b) financial advisors “reasonably believe that the third-party rating issuer clearly and prominently discloses”:

    1. The date on which the rating was given and the period of time upon which the rating was based

    2. The identity of the third-party that created and tabulated the rating

    3. (If applicable) That compensation (cash or non-cash) has been provided directly or indirectly by the financial advisor in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating

    To satisfy the requirement to “clearly and prominently” display disclosures, it’s important to note these disclosures must be displayed alongside or in very close proximity to the published rating/award. Financial advisors cannot link to disclosures on another page to satisfy this requirement.

    Q: Can financial advisors that publish third-party ratings with the required disclosures still be at risk of not meeting all SEC Marketing Rule requirements?

    A: Yes. Beyond the disclosures noted above, the SEC Marketing Rule prohibits the publication or promotion of ratings/awards that could be considered false or misleading. Here are a few examples of advertisements featuring ratings/awards that could be considered false or misleading, even if the above disclosures were provided:

    • Promoting a rating based on services that a financial advisor no longer provides or has materially changed
    • Advertising that a financial advisor is ‘highly rated’ without disclosing that the rating is solely based on a metric like ‘assets under management’
    • Promoting an award that was earned based on the qualifications of a financial advisor no longer employed by the firm

    FINRA Rule 2210

    Financial advisors who are registered representatives of broker-dealers must abide by FINRA Rule 2210 that governs communications with the public, including the use of third-party ratings and awards. Financial advisors who are dually SEC and FINRA registered must abide by all SEC Marketing Rule Requirements, in addition to the regulations prescribed by FINRA Rule 2210. Many of FINRA’s requirements are similar to those found in the SEC Marketing Rule, therefore best practices include establishing a compliance program for third-party ratings and awards designed to satisfy the requirements of both the SEC Marketing Rule and FINRA Rule 2210.

    This summary is not intended to be comprehensive and advisors should consult with their Supervisory Principal for further guidance on regulatory matters, including understanding the approval process, recordkeeping requirements and steps to comply with firm policies and procedures.

    Q: What provisions of FINRA Rule 2210 are most relevant to the promotion of third-party ratings and awards?

    A: It is important for financial advisors to ensure any promotion of third-party ratings and awards meet the Content Standards (General Standards) established in FINRA Rule 2210, including:

    • Avoidance of statements or claims that could be considered false, exaggerated, unwarranted, promissory, misleading, or include any untrue statement
    • Avoidance of any presentation of a rating or an award that explicitly or implicitly predicts or projects what future performance may be or that past performance will recur
    • Considerations regarding the nature of the audience where a rating or award is published, and ensuring relevant details and explanations are audience-appropriate
    • Placement of disclosures and details in areas that ensure the audience will understand how this supporting content is relevant to their understanding of the rating/award

    Further, financial advisors should be familiar with the requirements related to testimonials as described in the next question just below, both to understand and incorporate the disclosures required for testimonials, and to ensure the third-party rating issuer, when awards concern a technical aspect of investing, “have the knowledge and experience to form a valid opinion” about the subject matter.

    Q: What disclosures does FINRA require accompany third-party ratings and awards?

    Beyond any disclosures necessary to satisfy the General Standards discussed in the question and answer above, advertisements and communications to a retail audience promoting ratings/reviews must also prominently disclose the name of the advisor and/or their firm, the name of the organization that issued the rating/award, and the nature of the relationship between the advisor and the third-party rating firm.

    Additionally, because third-party ratings/awards could be construed as a form of ‘testimonial’, financial advisors should incorporate the disclosure requirements for testimonials outlined in FINRA Rule 2210 as a matter of good practice, including:

    • The fact that the rating/award, often assessed with a historical lens, may not be representative of the experience of all past or future customers,
    • The fact that the rating/award should not be construed as a guarantee of future performance or success, and
    • If more than $100 in value is paid to be considered for the award or to promote the award, the fact that payment was made for the rating/award

    Further, financial advisors must ensure that any promotion of ratings/awards are approved by an appropriately qualified Registered Principal before use or filing with FINRA’s Advertising Regulation Department.

    SEC Risk Alerts and Enforcement Actions

    After the SEC Marketing Rule first took effect in May 2021 and subsequent to the final compliance date established in November 2022, the SEC began issuing “Risk Alerts” to provide financial advisors and wealth management firms with insights into what their examiners we’re seeing in practice. These Risk Alerts provide guidance for firms to follow to reduce their risk of violating the SEC Marketing Rule.

    The SEC followed its Risk Alerts with a series of press releases announcing enforcement actions, with sizable fines for firms that failed to properly promote third-party ratings and reviews, often on advisory firm websites, but also in offline advertisements as well. For example, the SEC charged nine firms for publishing advertisements that included unsubstantiated statements or third-party ratings that lacked required disclosures, resulting in combined civil penalties of $1.24 million (with the smallest fine of $60,000 indicating that fines could be steep, even for smaller advisory firms).

    ↗️ View SEC Marketing Rule Risk Alerts | Enforcement Actions | Press Releases

    More recently in Q2 2025, SEC staff has participated in conversations with industry participants, including the National Society of Compliance Professionals, indicating that additional Risk Alerts, and likely enforcement actions, can be expected.

    Develop a Plan to Promote Third-Party Ratings and Awards Compliantly

    Third-party ratings and awards can be powerful marketing tools for financial advisors and wealth management firms, but their promotion must comply with SEC and FINRA regulations to ensure transparency for consumers and to avoid the potential of sizable monetary fines.

    By working in partnership with CCOs and compliance professionals, financial advisors and wealth management firms can ensure they satisfy all necessary regulatory requirements and make the most of industry awards and accolades to build trust, stand apart from other firms online and in their communities, strengthen client retention, and convert a higher percentage of prospects into clients.

    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

    Certified Advisor Reviews - Wealthtender Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™

    The first award program to celebrate financial advisors and wealth management firms with consistently exceptional client reviews.

    SEC Marketing Rule Education Series: Grow with Testimonials and Endorsements
    A luxurious red carpet with gold patterns stretches under sparkling lights and spotlights, creating a glamorous and elegant atmosphere reminiscent of an awards show or grand event entrance.
    SEC Marketing Rule How Financial Advisors Can Compliantly Promote Third-Party Ratings and Awards
    A business professional giving a five-star rating on a digital interface, representing top-tier satisfaction or quality.
    SEC Marketing Rule SEC Marketing Rule: Asking for Testimonials and Endorsements
    A hand placing a magnetic figure with a "wealthtender" logo to join a lineup of other similar magnetic figures against a gray backdrop.
    SEC Marketing Rule SEC Marketing Rule: Compliantly Promote Your Testimonials to Turn More Prospects into Clients
    Compliance officer preparing SEC Marketing rule policies and procedures
    SEC Marketing Rule SEC Marketing Rule & Testimonials: Preparing Your Policies and Procedures
    Working group of professionals developing policies and procedures for compliance with the SEC Marketing rule.
    SEC Marketing Rule SEC Marketing Rule & Testimonials: Crafting Your Disclosures
    Financial Advisor Reviews Illustration
    SEC Marketing Rule SEC Marketing Rule & Testimonials: Choosing the Right Advisor Review Platforms

    The Tampa Bay region has had a significant head start in building an entrepreneurial startup ecosystem. Since 2017, the annual Synapse Summit has strategically positioned itself and successfully engineered a premier Tampa Bay, Florida-based hub and rallying point for entrepreneurs, innovators, universities, business leaders, entrepreneurial service organizations (ESOs), and local/state government agencies to help drive engagement towards accelerating innovation across the state.

    More than a traditional conference, nonprofit Synapse Florida has designed their Summit to be a “celebration” of Tampa Bay’s vibrant innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages chance encounters, sharing of innovative ideas, collaborative discourse, and discovery of new technologies and approaches to solving business and life challenges. They accomplish this by carefully curating inspiring keynotes, interactive breakout sessions, dynamic exhibits, and immersive experiences.

    The 2025 Synapse Summit broke down the agenda into six tracks or “pillars of innovation” – Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Science/Sustainability, FinTech, Healthcare/Health Sciences, National Security. These tracks put a spotlight on groundbreaking companies, visionary startup founders, progressive corporate leaders, and vibrant community organizations driving growth and transformation in the Tampa Bay and greater Florida region.

    The importance of this effort is clear and of paramount economic importance. The success of a region’s entrepreneurial startup ecosystem can have a significant impact on job creation, economic growth, and the region’s reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship to attract talent and capital investment.

    The sheer size of the Summit hosted at Raymond James Stadium in northern Tampa forced me to focus my review on the financial services and FinTech sessions that would appeal to my financial industry readership.

    Synapse 2025 Highlights

    Building a Vibrant Startup Ecosystem: A Call to Action for Tampa Bay

    Tim Holcomb, CEO of Embarc Collective – a top-ranked Tampa Bay nonprofit startup incubation program – outlined how they currently serve about 270 founders and 134 early-stage high-growth companies and, over the past five years, Embarc has helped create 1,000+ tech jobs, provided 9,300+ hours of business coaching delivered, and raised $565+ million in funding (60% from outside Florida) for their cohort startup companies.

    In his presentation, Tim shared some amazing facts and statistics on the State of the Startup Community that revealed some important truths about startups:

    Startups are primary drivers of job growth in the U.S., accounting for nearly all net job growth. Young firms (<5 yrs old) account for 2/3rds of net new jobs created, averaging 4 new jobs per firm per year. Older firms (>10 yrs old) are net job destroyers, losing one million jobs net combined per year; by contrast, new firms add 3 million jobs in year one.

    Startups grow and fail at high rates – Historically, 20% of startups fail in year one, 50% in the first 3 years. Startup failures hit a new high in 2024 with a 58% increase compared to 2023; 70+% of companies that were 2-5 years old failed last year.

    A startup “deficit” exists … and it is exacerbated by barriers facing specific populations. Startup density, measured as the number of startups relative to the total number of companies, has declined from 170 per 1,000 companies in 1977 to 85.4 in 2016. The playing field is also not level, and certain groups face more significant and more persistent barriers to starting companies leaving untapped human potential on the sidelines. As an example, he cited the challenges for women-led businesses, noting they receive only 2-3% of venture capital despite growing 5x faster than male-led businesses. 

    Startup funding has fallen sharply and remains well below peak in 2021. Overall startup funding regained its footing in 2024 reaching close to $314 billion, up around 3% compared to 2023, but less than half of a record high of $643 billion reached in 2021.

    Startups waiting longer between rounds. The median time between rounds in 2024 was 28 months – longest span since 2012. Less cash and longer fundraising runways are forcing startups to stretch current funding further and focus on profitability earlier.

    Starting a company is hard, taking a psychological toll on founders who often struggle silently. 72% of founders struggle with mental health issues compared to just 48% of non-entrepreneurs. 37% suffer from anxiety; 36% experience burnout; 81% hide their stress, fears, and challenges from others; and 77% refuse to seek qualified professional help.

    The number one reason why startups fail – Failure is not because they do not have enough money, and it is not because they do not have access to talent. It is because often they solve a problem people do not care about. That is what we call a lack of “product-market fit”. There is no natural “build it and we will come” dynamic. You have to consciously design your innovation around your client and their specific problems or needs and not rely on innovating from your head and “great ideas”.

    Supporting startup founders and their companies is a crucial regional imperative. As an example, Embarc Collective’s entrepreneurial support platform consists of four key elements: curricular programming, coaching, membership, and connectivity to ecosystem partners. Tim emphasizes that building a startup ecosystem is a “team sport” and outlined the “power of six” partners as key ecosystem components: investors, universities, startups, ESOs (Entrepreneurial Support Organizations), corporations, and government. He further stated that: “Successful startup ecosystems create an intentional orbit around the startup community.”

    Tim then issued a friendly challenge to all Summit participants to “Be a Catalyst for Change” by actively engaging to support your local startups that can drive innovation, foster economic growth, and build a thriving community that benefits everyone. He offered these suggestions on how to do so:

    • Offer your expertise and guidance to budding entrepreneurs.
    • Provide funding to promising startups and share in their success
    • Partner on innovative projects that align with your strategic goals.
    • Collaborate with startups to bring new products and services to market faster on programs that complement your resources and expertise.
    • Support or establish programs that nurture startup growth.

    Linda Olson CEO of Tampa Bay Wave was also at the Summit whose organization is another major example of an entrepreneurial service organization (ESO) in Tampa Bay which is a nationally recognized accelerator program that provides co-working space, mentorship, and guidance to tech entrepreneurs to build, launch, and grow their businesses into successful ventures. Of particular interest with Tampa Bay Wave is, besides running their own accelerator with multiple tracks and cohorts like a regular FinTech one, they also help build accelerator programs for other organizations and corporations.

    The Future of Fintech: Innovation and Positive Impact for Our Region

    Michael D. Wiemer, MBA  – Director of the FinTech Center at University of South Florida’s (USF) Muma College of Business (which offers a MS, BS, FinTech concentrations, and multiple FinTech certificates) – discussed the university’s commitment to the FinTech business sector by addressing their initiatives, such as an online FinTech certificate program and sponsoring a FinTech business accelerator. The FinTech Center at USF was launched as a hub of engagement and a center of excellence in FinTech, focusing on teaching, research, engagement, and innovation. The three-year-old Center has already developed a robust ecosystem of strategic partnerships with the business community to support experiential learning, research collaboration, student mentoring, and faculty engagement.

    Michael explained the University’s growing commitment of educational resources to FinTech by the numbers:

    Research from Mckinsey and BCG projects the FinTech industry becoming a $1.5 trillion industry by 2030 from a baseline of $245 billion in 2021. It also shows that revenues in the FinTech industry are expected to grow almost three times faster than those in the traditional banking sector through 2028. Compared with the 6% annual revenue growth for traditional banking, the FinTech industry could post annual revenue growth of 15% over the next 5 years.

    They see FinTech as ubiquitous in today’s economy, moving quickly and changing constantly. The key trends they see as shaping the future of business across all industries include AI-driven technological convergence, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, hyper-automation, and open-source software.

    Michael emphasized the growing importance of FinTech which requires specialized education and training in this field. The FinTech learning journey roadmap he suggested should include:

    1. Innovations in banking, credit Unions, and Insurance
    2. AI and automation
    3. Blockchain, crypto, and regulation
    4. Bitcoin, stable coins, and the future of finance
    5. Fostering talent pipelines in FinTech through intergenerational mentorship

    Their commitment as a university is to help drive regional/national growth and prepare their students for these real-world challenges and opportunities by being an active part of Tampa Bay’s Innovation Ecosystem and improve “FinTech Literacy.”

    Michael also ended his talk with a friendly invitation to be an active participant in the regions entrepreneurial ecosystem by stating “the doors are open for collaboration”, inviting business leaders to engage with the FinTech Center, especially financial services leaders.

    Leadership & Cybersecurity in Financial Services

    Raymond James Fireside Chat – The speakers, Paul Shoukry, new CEO of St. Petersburg, FL-based Raymond James and Brian Murphy CEO of ReliaQuest, a cybersecurity company based in Tampa, discussed the importance of cybersecurity, the role of AI, and the challenges of translating technical concepts to business leaders. Key points shared:

    • Cybersecurity is a critical and dynamic threat that requires constant attention and investment. At Raymond James, it is discussed at every board meeting due to the dynamic nature of the threat and the importance of protecting client data.
    • Raymond James has created a new role of Chief AI Officer to proactively evaluate how AI is changing the industry and how the company can integrate it into the business. 
    • Translating technical concepts like cybersecurity and AI to business leaders is a significant challenge, and they both emphasized the importance of finding ways to communicate business impact effectively.
    • Building a strong, trusted team and maintaining direct communication with frontline employees and customers is essential for effective leadership.

    AI, Automation, FinTech: Revolutionizing Financial Services

    Panelists:

    • Leslie Norman, Chief Technology Officer at Dynasty Financial Partners, has over a decade of experience delivering technology solutions for financial advisors.
    • Priscilla Drummond Costa, VP at Raymond James, has been with the company for 19 years and currently co-leads the AI team.
    • Rick Pinkerman, Co-founder of Notice Ninja, has over 17 years of experience in the payroll and compliance industry, leveraging AI and machine learning to automate workflows. 

    The panel discussion focused on the current landscape of AI and automation in the FinTech sector and its potential to unlock new opportunities for efficiency, personalization, and innovation, as well as the potential impact on consumers and the industry as a whole. They highlighted the opportunities for democratizing financial services and improving financial inclusion by improving access for underserved communities through technology.

    The panelists emphasized the critical importance of data readiness, regulatory considerations, and the need for transparency and trust when implementing AI solutions. They also touched on various industry trends and developments, such as the rise of open banking, embedded finance, and the increasing focus on cybersecurity and know-your-customer (KYC) processes. 

    Key talking points:

    • The AI landscape in FinTech is still in the early stages, with concerns around regulatory and compliance hurdles slowing adoption.
    • The growing role of AI and machine learning in automating and streamlining financial processes.
    • Ensuring data readiness and quality is crucial for effectively leveraging AI and machine learning solutions. 
    • Transparency, trust, and education are key factors in driving adoption and acceptance of AI-powered technologies in the financial services industry. 
    • 60% of wealth management executives are targeting talent in data and AI, but only 20% are actively piloting projects.

    “Anything that we’re building right now within the AI space [ensures] that there is a human in the loop… until we can actually prove that it has a very, very small percentage of any error.” – Priscilla Drummond Costa (Raymond James)

    “You’ve got to be AI ready from a data perspective. You got to get your data in order… It means diligence around your processes for managing data, keeping it clean, keeping it organized, and making sure that it is as context rich as possible.” – Leslie Norman (Dynasty Financial Partners)

    Conclusion

    The reason that I report on Synapse and the innovation community regularly is to offer insights for my financial services readers on how innovation is actively happening around us. This is important because the financial services industry – like all other industries – are in a new operating environment driven by an accelerating, compounding rate of change. This requires challenging our traditional practices, legacy operations, business models, and even our way of thinking.

    Mistakenly, many equate “innovation” as representing technology but, at core, innovation is a mindset – a way of behaving, a way of handling challenges, an open and growth-oriented way of thinking. The only way to keep up competitively with this rapid rate of change is to innovate as fast as the business environment around us by consistently being open to creating new ideas and new ways of operating that add client value.

    The rise of entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems, like the one in Tampa Bay and all across this country, are illustrating a new business dynamic for success in this hyper-changing operating environment. It is a radical mind shift from closed insulated corporations to open ecosystems, from leveraging internal assets to accessing external networks, from a traditional operating focus on efficiency to dynamic open innovation.

    I highly recommend that all financial services leaders at all levels should seek out their local/regional entrepreneurial ecosystems in their area. Witnessing the behind-the-scenes mechanics of modern-day business innovation and learning how to participate can be a very motivating catalyst for all financial professionals and their business owner clients. In today’s business environment of accelerating change, it is essential to develop a greater practical understanding of the need to tap into this new mindset and business innovation dynamic.

    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.

    Are you a busy professional in your 30s or 40s beginning to accumulate wealth? A financial advisor who specializes in serving emerging affluent clients can help you enjoy life more with less money stress.

    In the US, households with investable assets of $500K to $1M are generally known as the mass affluent. If you’re on a trajectory to join this group of approximately 6 million households in the next few years, you’re counted among a group known as the emerging affluent.

    Many emerging affluent individuals and couples earn an above-average income and are early in their careers. And many have handled their finances on their own through this point. But as significant life events such as starting a family, making a career change, or moving to a new town disrupt the status quo, the guidance provided by a specialist financial advisor can prove timely and incredibly valuable.

    You’ll likely find dozens of nearby financial advisors well-suited to help you reach your money goals with a personalized plan. But it may be more difficult to find a financial advisor who specializes in serving the emerging affluent.

    Fortunately, many financial advisors offer virtual services so you can meet online no matter where you (or they) live. This means you can choose to hire a specialist financial advisor who lives hundreds of miles away if you decide their knowledge and experience working with emerging affluent clients like you is a better fit to help with your unique financial planning needs.

    Financial Advisors Specializing in Serving Emerging Affluent Clients

    Blue abstract background with curved shapes and the words
    Matt Berti, CFP®, CPWA® RHP Wealth Management Empowering Lives Through Personalized Financial Guidance
    Houston, TX Nationwide
    9 Certified Advisor Reviews™
    A banner featuring the logo and information for mchenry capital, llc, indicating the company's office locations in leavenworth, wa (headquarters), bellevue, wa, wenatchee, wa, austin, tx, and houston, tx.
    Carleton McHenry, CFP® McHenry Capital Secure Their Future Without Sacrificing Yours!
    Leavenworth, WA Additional Locations: 📍Wenatchee, WA 📍Bellevue, WA 📍Austin, TX 📍Houston, TX
    0 Certified Advisor Reviews™
    Logo for
    Protected: David MaWhinney, CFP® Stream Financial Advice Financial Planning for Influencers, Content Creators, and Streamers.
    Orem, UT Nationwide
    0 Certified Advisor Reviews™

    Financial Planning for the Emerging Affluent

    💡 In the Q&A below, you’ll gain insights from financial advisors who work with emerging affluent clients in their 30s and 40s to help them make smart decisions to enjoy life more today while preparing for a comfortable retirement in the future.

    🙋‍♀️ Do you have questions not answered below? Use the form on this page to submit your questions, and we’ll update this article with answers from the financial professionals and educators in the Wealthtender community. You can also contact the financial advisors featured in this article directly to set up an introductory call or ask your questions by email.

    💸 Smart Money Insights for the Emerging Affluent

    This page is organized into sections to help you quickly find the information you need and get answers to your questions:

    1. Q&A with Financial Advisors Specializing in Serving Emerging Affluent Clients
    2. Get Answers to Your Questions About Financial Planning for the Emerging Affluent
    3. Browse Related Articles

    Q&A: Financial Advisors Specializing in Serving Emerging Affluent Clients

    Eight Questions with Carleton McHenry, CFP®

    We asked Leavenworth, Washington-based financial advisor Carleton McHenry to answer questions useful to individuals and couples among the emerging affluent interested in building their wealth.

    Q: What is a common financial planning challenge unique to the emerging affluent that you frequently encounter when working with your clients? How do you work with them to overcome this challenge?

    Carleton: Typically it is a job or career change.  Many are working high stress, high paced jobs and they want to find a way to achieve more balance in their life.  They want to make sure they are maximizing their earning potential in their peak earning years, but they also don’t want to burn out and lose other important things in their life, such as their family or health.  

    We help our emerging affluent clients get a better understanding of where they currently stand financially and what things would look like if they did something else – Perhaps they are pushing towards a big promotion, knowing that it will lead to earlier retirement and more financial freedom. Or changing to a different job in the same industry that might be less pay but less hours, or moving to a different career that might allow them to have more balance.

    We help them evaluate their executive compensation packages and determine if they do make a change, what is the best way to maximize their income potential and keep both their personal and financial goals aligned. 

    Q: For individuals and couples who fit into the emerging affluent category and are unsure whether or not they should hire a financial advisor at the current point in their lives, what guidance can you provide to help them make a more informed and educated decision?

    Carleton: I would start with asking whether or not you enjoy managing your finances on your own.  If you enjoy it, do you also have the time to do it effectively?  If you can answer yes to this as well, then you may not need to hire someone.  

    But one last thing – ask yourself what your time is worth and how many hours are you putting into managing your finances?  If this is a significant number and your time is worth a lot, perhaps you should consider hiring a professional who could do this for you.  

    This person can be a sounding board for you and your family when needed as well as being able to step in and continue managing your money for your family in the event something ever happened to you.  Is having that additional peace of mind worth it to you?

    Q: How do the services you offer the emerging affluent distinguish your firm from other advisory firms?

    Carleton: Our entire focus is on serving this niche of people we call emerging affluent.  They are coming into affluence and wealth, whether making it on their own or through inheritance, and they need guidance on how to manage it in a way that will improve their quality of life.  

    Most of our clients are going through major transitions in their lives, and there are a lot of decisions they have to make that will impact them financially.  They want to make sure they make the right choices in these situations and are well prepared for anything.  

    Our clients are typically Generation X, but we also work with younger Millennials as well.  Many are in the technology field as well as offshoots of this industry.

    A lot of other firms are focused on the retiring Baby Boomer niche, but this is not us.  Our clients are usually still in the wealth accumulation phase and may have many more years of their career still left to go.  Many seek financial independence more than retirement.  As such, we help our clients in these areas.

    Get to Know Carleton McHenry, Financial Advisor for the Emerging Affluent:

    Headshot of Carleton McHenry, CFP®
    McHenry Capital Carleton McHenry, CFP®
    Leavenworth, Washington
    Additional Locations: 📍Wenatchee, WA 📍Bellevue, WA 📍Austin, TX 📍Houston, TX
    Secure Their Future Without Sacrificing Yours!
    Areas of Focus
    Budgeting Caregiving for Parents Cash Flow Education Distribution Planning Education Funding

    Book Intro Call with Carleton

    View Carleton’s profile page on Wealthtender or visit his website to learn more.

    Q: When you first speak with an emerging affluent individual or couple, what questions do you like to ask to better understand their unique circumstances and determine how you can best help them achieve their goals?

    Carleton: We always start with this concept called Return on Life or ROL.  We ask them “Are you managing your money in a way that is improving your life?”  We have them rank and score 10 different areas of their life, and then we dig deep into those areas to see what is going on and where they need help.  

    We also uncover their past history and philosophy about money through a tool we use in our Return on Life (ROL) process.  This is a very interesting exercise with couples as oftentimes, each individual has a different philosophy in a certain area, such as spending or saving that will conflict with their significant other.  This can be a reason why that area may score less than others, and can be a source of tension in the family.  As we work with a couple to determine the best way to manage their finances, we also do our best to align their financial philosophies to create a more holistic plan for their family. 

    Q: For emerging affluent clients who are thinking about a career change and worried about the ramifications of giving up their primary source of income, what guidance do you often suggest they consider to help make an informed decision?

    Carleton: We not only suggest but run the what-if traps on lots of different scenarios to show them how things could play out.  

    This could include not making any money for the next 12-24 months and how this would impact them financially.  Do they have other things to fall back on for support – a working spouse, borrowing from a friend or extended family member, etc. Can they cut back on their lifestyle expenses?  Do they have stock options from work they can exercise and liquidate to provide a longer financial runway?  How will this impact their long-term financial goals? Will a career change mean pushing back retirement? 

    All of these things have to be factored into the mix and planned accordingly, which is where we come in and help.  This is the reason we get to know our clients on a 360 degree level so we can help them make better and more informed decisions in areas such as this.  

    Q: For emerging affluent couples with aging parents likely to require financial assistance, what actions do you suggest they consider taking sooner rather than later?

    Carleton: We suggest they factor this cost of care into the mix for aging parents.  

    Will they need assisted living help?  Will they need full-time care?  Memory care?  Other?  Can they provide this care in-home or will it require an outside facility?  Are there other family members willing to help out?  Is their estate plan updated to reflect all of this?  

    Q: What questions do you recommend emerging affluent individuals and couples ask financial advisors they’re considering hiring to help them decide if they’re a good fit?

    Carleton: We recommend first going to the advisor’s website and getting a better understanding of who they are and their story.  Who do they help?  What is their background and experience level?  How are they compensated – fee or commission?  What are their fees?  Are they holding themselves out as fiduciaries at all times when working with their clients?  Lastly, check their disciplinary record with the regulatory bodies to make sure they don’t have anything negative reported there.  

    Q: Is there a particularly memorable experience or a moment you recall with an emerging affluent client when you first realized they have unique opportunities and circumstances when it comes to their financial planning needs?

    Carleton: I think we realized this early on if you read our own personal story.  

    My wife and I left the big city in search of more, and we found it in the beautiful Cascade mountains here in Leavenworth, WA.  

    We are now meeting lots of people who have done the same or who are looking to do the same.  COVID has only sped this up where people can now work from virtually anywhere in the world but there might be some sacrifices they have to make along the way in order to accomplish this and make it truly work. 

    What our clients all have in common is this desire for more – a way to maximize and achieve their best Return on Life (ROL).  When you’re living your best life, you are truly happy!  You stop chasing money, and your money starts working for instead of against you.  

    Are you a financial advisor who specializes in the emerging affluent?

    ✅ Join Wealthtender and get featured as a specialist financial advisor based on your knowledge and experience. (Subject to availability and terms.)
    ✅ Sign up today and join financial advisors attracting their ideal clients on Wealthtender
    ✅ Or request more information by email:

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Resources to Help You Choose a Financial Advisor

    ✅ Top Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

    ✅ How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?

    🙋‍♀️ Have Questions About Financial Planning for the Emerging Affluent?

    High Earning Not Rich Yet Man pouring sparkling wine into glass of his friends celebrating a party
    Financial Planning Do You Make Good Money, but You're Not Rich Yet? You Might be a HENRY.
    financial-advisor-with-couple
    Financial Planning Top Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor
    A mature couple comfortably sitting on a couch, reviewing documents together while using a laptop, suggesting a moment of collaboration and shared decision-making.
    Financial Planning How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?

    Are you ready to enjoy life more with less money stress?

    Sign up to receive weekly insights from Wealthtender with useful money tips and fresh ideas to help you achieve your financial goals.

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    About the Author
    Brian Thorp, Founder and CEO of Wealthtender profile picture

    Brian Thorp

    Founder and CEO, Wealthtender

    Brian and his wife live in Texas, enjoying the diversity of Houston and the vibrancy of Austin.

    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.

    Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

      Starting a new career or changing jobs can be stressful. Learn expert tips from a financial advisor specializing in helping job changers.

      Congratulations! You’ve decided to change jobs or begin a new career. Or perhaps, the decision was made for you? Either way, the weeks or months it takes to move from one employer to the next may be filled with uncertainty and anxiety. Beyond the emotional rollercoaster of saying your goodbyes to former colleagues, you’re tasked with remembering the names of your new coworkers and trying to assimilate into the new organization quickly.

      From a financial perspective, you’ll need to determine what to do with your old 401(k) and research how you can get the most value from your new employee benefits package. Not to mention, your salary may be changing, and your expenses may spike as you upgrade your wardrobe or incur new expenses. The financial decisions you make during this period can have a significant impact on your personal finances.

      Hiring a financial advisor who understands the right money moves to make throughout the job-changing process is a smart way to reduce your stress and increase your confidence in the decisions you make throughout the transition.

      You’ll likely find dozens of nearby financial advisors well-suited to help you reach your money goals with a personalized plan. But it may be more difficult to find a financial advisor who specializes in helping job changers successfully manage this complicated stage of life.

      Fortunately, many financial advisors offer virtual services so you can meet online no matter where you (or they) live. This means you can choose to hire a specialist financial advisor who lives hundreds of miles away if you decide their knowledge and experience working with job and career changers is a better fit to help with your unique financial planning needs.

      Financial Advisors Specializing in Helping Job Changers

      Abstract blue background with curved shapes and the white text
      Michele Jones RHP Wealth Management Empowering Lives Through Personalized Financial Guidance
      Houston, TX Nationwide
      9 Certified Advisor Reviews™
      Logo for WealthCare of the Lehigh Valley with a blue geometric circle containing a white
      Ayad Amary, MBA, CFP®, AIF Wealthcare of The Lehigh Valley A goals-based plan connects the dots and brings purpose to your wealth and work.
      Allentown, PA Nationwide
      15 Certified Advisor Reviews™

      Financial Planning Tips for Job and Career Changers

      💡 In the Q&A below, you’ll gain insights from financial advisors who work with job changers to help them make smarter decisions so they can enjoy life more with less money stress.

      🙋‍♀️ Do you have questions not answered below? Use the form on this page to submit your questions, and we’ll update this article with answers from the financial professionals and educators in the Wealthtender community. You can also contact the financial advisors featured in this article directly to set up an introductory call or ask your questions by email.

      💸 Smart Money Insights for Job and Career Changers

      This page is organized into sections to help you quickly find the information you need and get answers to your questions:

      1. Q&A with Financial Advisors Specializing in Helping Job Changers
      2. Get Answers to Your Questions About Changing Jobs or Starting a New Career
      3. Browse Related Articles

      Q&A: Financial Advisors Specializing in Helping Job Changers

      Five Questions with Ayad Amary, MBA, CFP®, AIF

      We asked Center Valley, Pennsylvania-based financial advisor Ayad Amary, a specialist serving people going through a career transition, to answer questions useful to people preparing to change jobs or begin a new career.

      Q: What is a common financial planning challenge faced by people who are preparing to change jobs or begin a new career? How do you work with them to overcome this challenge?

      Ayad: In general, a new job or position often comes with higher pay. If you are receiving an increase in pay as a result of your new job, the one challenge that is often an unintended consequence is a phenomenon known as lifestyle creep. Said another way, the more you earn, the more you spend.

      I often counsel clients on the importance of staying within the same budget as prior to their increase in income until they increase their savings rate. Yes, it is ok to reward yourself with a bigger spending budget but not to the detriment of your long-term plan.

      Q: For people who are preparing to change jobs but who are unsure whether or not they should hire a financial advisor at the current point in their lives, what guidance can you provide to help them make a more informed and educated decision?

      Ayad: This all depends on the complexity of your current situation. If there are specific decisions that require expertise in dealing with topics such as incentive stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performing due diligence on comparing benefits packages, then hiring an advisor makes sense.

      If relocation is involved with your job change, that may be another situation that calls for advisor expertise to determine how the cost of living may impact your near-term and long terms plans.  

      In essence, you should consider hiring an advisor if you feel they can add value to your circumstances. It may not always be necessary but generally speaking, the right advisor can add value to your life in many ways as you contemplate major life changes.

      Get to Know Ayad Amary, Financial Advisor for Job and Career Changers:

      Headshot of Ayad Amary, MBA, CFP®, AIF
      Wealthcare of The Lehigh Valley Ayad Amary, MBA, CFP®, AIF
      , Pennsylvania
      Serving Clients Nationwide
      A goals-based plan connects the dots and brings purpose to your wealth and work.
      15 Certified Advisor Reviews™
      Areas of Focus
      Estate Planning Financial Life Planning Investment Management Retirement Planning Taxes

      Book Intro Call with Ayad

      View Ayad’s profile page on Wealthtender or visit his website to learn more.

      Q: How do the services you offer people who are preparing for a significant job or career change distinguish your firm from other advisory firms?

      Ayad: Since I run a planning-based practice, I am always keeping the big picture in mind for my clients.  I use an approach that incorporates both statistical analysis and emotional analysis. Many people often say, “do not use emotions to make financial decisions,” but I am not one who always agrees with that philosophy.

      Life is full of emotional decisions, and this should be part of the conversation along with the “numbers”. When major decisions are to be made, I will run different scenarios using our proprietary software to see the financial impact on their long-term plans, but the numbers are only half the battle.

      The other decision points involve conversation around how this decision will impact their life in other ways. It is important never to lose sight of the purpose of their career and why they are looking to make this change. How will this move fit with your overall life goals?

      Q: When you first speak with a client who says they are thinking about a job or career change, what questions do you like to ask to understand their unique circumstances better and determine how you can best help them achieve their goals?

      Ayad: What is the driving force behind your desire to make this change?  Is it strictly for higher pay, a particular company you want to work for, or is it a developmental move for career progression, etc.?

      The motivation for the change can tell a lot about an individual and their long-term plans.  I want to be sure they are considering this career move for the right reasons. Every step one takes today will shape their road map to their future life. I try and put my clients in the best position possible for long-term success.

      Q: For clients thinking about leaving their current employer to accept a job elsewhere, what actions do you recommend they take before resigning and shortly thereafter?

      Ayad: Make a list of important contacts that you may need to get in touch with after leaving. HR, benefits coordinators, former supervisors, etc.  Always leave your former employer on good terms and be a professional. 

      Most industry circles are smaller than you think, and word travels fast if you burn your bridges. Also, one never knows where the future takes you, you could run into a former colleague at your new employer someday or maybe have an opportunity to return to your old employer for a better position.

      Are you a financial advisor who specializes in helping job changers?

      ✅ Join Wealthtender and get featured as a specialist financial advisor based on your knowledge and experience. (Subject to availability and terms.)
      ✅ Sign up today and join financial advisors attracting their ideal clients on Wealthtender
      ✅ Or request more information by email:

      • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

      Resources to Help You Choose a Financial Advisor

      ✅ Top Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

      ✅ How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?

      🙋‍♀️ Have Questions About Changing Jobs or Starting a New Career?

      401k Plan
      Money Management What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Quit Your Job?
      financial-advisor-with-couple
      Financial Planning Top Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor
      A mature couple comfortably sitting on a couch, reviewing documents together while using a laptop, suggesting a moment of collaboration and shared decision-making.
      Financial Planning How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?

      Are you ready to enjoy life more with less money stress?

      Sign up to receive weekly insights from Wealthtender with useful money tips and fresh ideas to help you achieve your financial goals.

      • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

      About the Author
      Brian Thorp, Founder and CEO of Wealthtender profile picture

      Brian Thorp

      Founder and CEO, Wealthtender

      Brian and his wife live in Texas, enjoying the diversity of Houston and the vibrancy of Austin.

      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.

      Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

        A man in a suit and tie with short brown hair is smiling slightly at the camera. The background is plain and light-colored.
        Alex Kokolis, Managing Director | Image Credit: Institute for Innovation Development

        [The adoption of alternative investment options inside client portfolios has been driven by greater accessibility and the search for higher returns, better diversification, and enhanced risk mitigation. Additionally, the growing sophistication of investors and their desire for personalized strategies are pushing advisors to explore alternative options.

        While this trend is geared to ultimately benefit the client, it is putting stress on the way home office investment teams are able to construct, manage, and rebalance these expanded and complex positions in client portfolios. In fact, most firms outside the largest global wealth institutions do not have a sound analytical framework to manage the nature of this demand at scale. The framework needed would have to enable an integrated analysis of public and private assets in portfolio construction offering wealth managers a systematic way to analyze, integrate, and optimize portfolios, including significant private holdings.

        To understand the changing portfolio management landscape and how wealth management firms are responding, we reached out to Alex Kokolis, Managing Director, Head of the Wealth Management Segment at MSCI Wealth. Our conversation explored these prevailing wealth management trends and the discussion was particularly timely as MSCI had just published new research on Total Portfolio Allocation for Modern Wealth Management highlighting the benefits of better diversification and personalization of client portfolios.  This new research highlights the methodology built into the firm’s MSCI Wealth Manager platform helping their clients effectively manage portfolios across public and private allocations and communicate to their clients the value proposition of adding alternative investments to their portfolios.]

        Hortz: Can you share your perspectives on the rise of alternative investment options in wealth management?

        Alex Kokolis: The wealth management landscape has evolved significantly over the past few years. Alternative investments, including private equity, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure funds have become increasingly popular among wealth managers and their clients. We have seen a seismic shift in the accessibility of these assets through new delivery vehicles such as interval and evergreen funds, as well as in the demand by clients in search for higher returns, diversification, and the desire to mitigate risks associated with traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds.

        Hortz: What are some of the key issues driving advisory firms to allocate more of their client portfolios into private capital funds?

        Alex Kokolis: Several factors are contributing to this trend.

        Firstly, the prolonged low-interest-rate environment has made traditional fixed-income investments less attractive. Advisors are looking for ways to enhance returns, and private capital funds offer the potential for higher yields.

        Secondly, the increased volatility in public markets has led advisors to seek more stable and predictable investment options. Private capital funds often have longer investment horizons and can provide a buffer against market fluctuations.

        Lastly, the growing sophistication of investors and their desire for personalized investment strategies have pushed advisors to explore alternative assets that align with their clients’ unique goals and risk tolerance.

        Hortz: As these portfolio allocations shift, what challenges do home office investment teams face in wealth management firms?

        Alex Kokolis: One of the primary challenges is the need for a new analytical framework that allows investment teams to analyze and rebalance portfolios across both public and private funds simultaneously. Traditional portfolio management tools are often designed for public market investments and may not adequately capture the complexities of private capital funds. Investment teams must develop robust methodologies to assess the performance, risk, and liquidity of these alternative assets.

        Then they need to develop an integrated approach to also ensure that diversification is not just about adding more markets but about helping to manage risk more effectively through a deeper understanding of market correlations.

        Additionally, they need to ensure that the integration of private capital funds into client portfolios aligns with the overall investment strategies and objectives.

        Hortz: Can you elaborate on the analytical framework that wealth management firms need to adopt for this purpose?

        Alex Kokolis: The analytical framework should encompass several key components.

        Firstly, it must include comprehensive data collection and analysis capabilities for private capital funds. This involves gathering detailed information on fund performance, fees, liquidity, and risk factors.

        Secondly, the framework should incorporate advanced modeling techniques to simulate various scenarios and assess the impact of private capital funds on the overall portfolio.

        Thirdly, it should enable dynamic rebalancing, allowing investment teams to adjust allocations in response to changing market conditions and client needs.

        Finally, the framework should facilitate transparent reporting and communication with clients, ensuring they understand the rationale behind all investment decisions and the benefits of including alternative assets in their portfolios.

        Hortz: What has your research shown you as to how best to address these demands?

        Alex Kokolis: We have taken the approach of using our factor models as a unifying method of analysis. Our research report, Total Portfolio Allocation for Modern Wealth, has shown that multi-asset-class factor models can provide a sophisticated framework for integrating private and public assets into a coherent portfolio strategy by analyzing assets based on underlying performance drivers, such as equity, interest rates, inflation, country, and industry, rather than traditional asset class analysis. This approach helps understand the fundamental drivers of portfolio risk and return, especially for private assets where historical return-based correlation estimates may not be reliable.

        The MSCI MAC Factor Model is central to this framework, offering a unified method for analyzing diverse investments and estimating correlations between markets to create personalized portfolio solutions. We have built this methodology into our MSCI Wealth Manager platform and now have multiple clients utilizing this factor-based approach to analyze total portfolio allocations.

        Hortz: How do you see the future of alternative investments in wealth management evolving?

        Alex Kokolis: The future of alternative investments in wealth management can be an important building block of portfolios going forward. As investors continue to seek higher returns and enhanced diversification, the demand for private capital funds is likely to continue to grow. Technological advances will play a crucial role in facilitating the integration of these assets into client portfolios. Enhanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning will enable investment teams to make more informed decisions and optimize portfolio performance.

        Additionally, regulatory developments may provide greater transparency and accessibility to alternative investments, making them more attractive to a broader range of investors. Overall, I believe that alternative investments will become commonplace as part of most wealth management strategies.

        Hortz: What variables should financial advisors consider when evaluating an increase in portfolio allocations to private capital funds?

        Alex Kokolis: I would tell financial advisors to approach this shift with careful consideration and thorough due diligence. It is essential to understand the unique characteristics and risks associated with private capital funds. Advisors should conduct comprehensive research, evaluate fund managers’ track records, and assess the alignment of these investments with their clients’ objectives.

        Additionally, advisors should communicate transparently with their clients, educating them about the benefits and potential drawbacks of alternative assets. By doing so, advisors can build trust and ensure that their clients are well-informed and comfortable with the investment decisions being made.

        Ultimately, the goal is to create diversified and personalized portfolios that may enhance clients’ financial well-being and address their concerns on volatility and enhanced diversification.

        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.

        Find financial advisors in East Windsor, New Jersey ready to help with your financial planning needs so you can enjoy life more with less money stress.

        Whether you have lived in East Windsor 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 East Windsor featured on Wealthtender you may want to add to your shortlist.

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

        📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in East Windsor

        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 East Windsor.

        📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.

        Your Raytheon Technologies (RTX) Benefits & Career: Financial Planning for Employees and Executives
         
        0 Ratings
        How Financial Advisors Can Compliantly Promote Third-Party Ratings and Awards
         
        0 Ratings
        Synapse 2025 – the State of FinTech and the Startup Ecosystem
         
        0 Ratings
        Financial Planning for the Emerging Affluent
         
        0 Ratings
        Changing Jobs or Starting a New Career? Consider These Expert Tips First
         
        0 Ratings
        An Integrated Public/Private Portfolio Analytics Framework for Wealth Managers
         
        0 Ratings
        Looking for a Financial Advisor in East Windsor, New Jersey?
         
        0 Ratings
        Looking for Estate Planning Services? Get Expert Tips and Find an Estate Planning Financial Advisor
         
        0 Ratings
        Your Advanced Micro Devices Benefits & Career: Financial Planning for Employees and Executives
         
        0 Ratings
        Showing

        The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in East Windsor

        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 East Windsor, 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.

        Who are the largest employers in East Windsor?

        Do you work for one of the largest employers in East Windsor? 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 a East Windsor Financial Advisor

        Before hiring a financial advisor in East Windsor, 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.

        How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?

        ➡️ How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost? Read the Article

        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

        Learn why estate planning is important with insights shared by a diverse mix of financial advisors experienced in helping their clients in this complicated area of planning.

        “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” These famous words attributed to Benjamin Franklin over 200 years ago still ring true today. Minimizing the amount of taxes you have to pay when you pass away is just one of the reasons why estate planning is important.

        No matter the wealth you’ve accumulated in life or the income you earn, knowing what estate planning is and the services available from financial and legal professionals can help you prepare yourself and your family for the inevitable.

        Table of contents

        What is Estate Planning?

        Estate planning is the process of establishing and maintaining a plan that outlines who will receive your assets after you pass away. There are many important documents required, some legal and some that are simply for the benefit of your loved ones. It’s a stressful time when a family member dies—having a solid estate plan can go a long way toward easing burdens.

        An estate plan also helps when an individual is incapacitated, too. Moreover, estate planning includes not only your financial assets but also other items and general last wishes.

        Due to the financial complexities and legal implications involved, many people choose to work with financial advisors and attorneys knowledgeable in estate planning.

        Find an Estate Planning Financial Advisor on Wealthtender

        You’ll find a growing number of financial advisors featured on Wealthtender who specialize in offering estate planning services.

        📍 Click on a pin in the map view below for a preview of financial advisors who can help you reach your money goals with a personalized plan. Or choose the grid view to search our directory of financial advisors with additional filtering options.

        📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.

        Your Raytheon Technologies (RTX) Benefits & Career: Financial Planning for Employees and Executives
         
        0 Ratings
        How Financial Advisors Can Compliantly Promote Third-Party Ratings and Awards
         
        0 Ratings
        Synapse 2025 – the State of FinTech and the Startup Ecosystem
         
        0 Ratings
        Financial Planning for the Emerging Affluent
         
        0 Ratings
        Changing Jobs or Starting a New Career? Consider These Expert Tips First
         
        0 Ratings
        An Integrated Public/Private Portfolio Analytics Framework for Wealth Managers
         
        0 Ratings
        Looking for a Financial Advisor in East Windsor, New Jersey?
         
        0 Ratings
        Looking for Estate Planning Services? Get Expert Tips and Find an Estate Planning Financial Advisor
         
        0 Ratings
        Your Advanced Micro Devices Benefits & Career: Financial Planning for Employees and Executives
         
        0 Ratings
        Showing

        Why Is Estate Planning Important?

        Estate planning is important because it puts in writing how your assets will transfer after your death. Common documents and products include a will, trust, insurance policies, and healthcare-related forms. Estate planning is simple for those with relatively few assets, but it quickly turns complex for high-net-worth individuals and families. Creating an estate plan with an experienced financial planner is thus important to avoid headaches after you pass away. New laws, regulations, and financial products make estate planning a complex area of long-term planning.

        According to Marianne Martini Nolte, a Certified Financial Planner and founder of Imagine Financial Services, estate planning is important for everyone, even those who don’t consider themselves to be wealthy. “Estate Planning is far more than Wills and Trusts and wealth should not be a factor when considering estate documents,” says Nolte.

        Nolte continues, “The Power of Attorney (POA) for Healthcare and a General Power of Attorney are vital documents of an estate plan. A Will only takes effect at death. A Trust can be in effect both in life and after death. However, POAs are designed to support the grantor during their lifetime. POAs for healthcare and finance become active if the grantor is incapacitated and unable not speak for themself.”

        Maggie Klokkenga headshot


        A financial advisor shares a personal story…

        Maggie Klokkenga, CFP®, CPA
        Wealthtender Profile

        My older sister was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer around Mother’s Day 2017; she died at age 45 in April 2019. She was divorced and a single mom to her only child, who was 10 at the time.

        I am the “financial” sibling in our family, so she asked me to be her executor. I agreed and also asked that she get her estate planning documents completed as soon as possible. While she had them completed a few months after she was diagnosed, I did not know that a trust was being created upon her death in her will. Once I had found this out, there really wasn’t time to get the documents updated as her health was deteriorating quickly.

        Trusts that are created upon one’s death are testamentary, and they typically go through probate, a court-administered process. Probate is also public, and that is the point that I try to make with my clients when talking about having estate documents prepared.

        While no one wants to think about their death, the intrusion of privacy is unrelenting when your loved one’s assets are going through probate. Imagine having your cell phone (which was a private number at the time) called multiple times throughout each day, where strangers are asking about your loved one’s property.

        This is a time for grieving, not for your loved one’s life to be on public display.

        Get your estate planning documents prepared when you’re healthy, so you have the time to consider all factors in your financial life and what you want for your loved ones. Easier said than done, but you don’t want to find yourself having to make major life decisions when you’re feeling really poorly and just want to concentrate on getting better.

        Maggie Klokkenga, CFP®, CPA
        Wealthtender Profile

          Assets Considered Part of an Estate

          You might wonder what is included under the term “estate.” Just about everything you own. Writing down a list of all your assets is a good first step toward crafting a basic estate plan. Note everything, including retirement and investment accounts, properties, cars, jewelry, collectibles, cash, and insurance policies. The list goes on! Knowing what you own along with the total value of your assets helps a financial planner strategize the optimal estate plan for you.

          What’s ideal about financial accounts, though, is that you can simply name a beneficiary to whom a specific account will go upon your passing. That makes executing an estate plan easy. Other non-financial assets pass through to your heirs based on how your will or living trust is constructed.

          Working with Financial Advisors and Estate Planning Attorneys

          The next step is to sit down with a fiduciary advisor well-versed in estate planning. The advisor must understand both the laws and regulations as well as your desires. You want to ensure that your wishes are carried out efficiently while minimizing tax liability and following all state and federal rules. A financial advisor who deals with estate plans each day helps individuals and families spot potential landmines in the process. Going about estate planning alone might work for some people, but those with significant assets should seek the counsel of an advisor.

          Another option is teaming up with a lawyer who specializes in estate planning. Attorneys help create complex legal documents and contracts for those with large estates. Chances are most people don’t need to go that far, but wealthy families and business owners should consider the guidance of a respected lawyer or estate planning attorney.

          A man in a button-up shirt and glasses standing with a confident smile beside a dark blue door with brass fixtures.

          Justin M. Follmer, MBA, CFP®, AIF®

          Founder of Coastal Wealth Advisors
          Wealthtender Profile

          As financial lives become complex, financial planners and estate planning attorneys sometimes recommend adopting Revocable Living Trusts (RLTs) as the foundation for an estate plan. RLTs have several advantages over simple wills in that they do not become part of the public record, they avoid the cost and hassle of probate, and have a lot of flexibility to accomplish the postmortem wishes of the individual.

          Many RLTs can establish testamentary, charitable, and other irrevocable trusts for heirs to control asset distribution after death. Industry professionals lightheartedly term this “controlling what happens to assets from the grave.” This can help provide for adult children while also controlling the amount of principal the beneficiary has access to in order to prevent spendthrifts and potential creditors from gain access to one’s life-long, hard-earned assets.

          Many people want to leave a legacy for several generations and using RLTs and other types of trusts can help accomplish this goal. The world of estate planning can be very complex and confusing, but working with competent financial and estate planners who are well versed in these areas can make the process simple to understand and even implement both during life and after.   

            What do Financial Advisors Say About Working with Estate Planning Attorneys?

            “I love to get involved with the estate planning attorneys I work with,” says Kevin Lao, Founder of Imagine Financial Security. “It puts the clients at ease knowing they have someone who knows their situation in and out and can speak the attorney’s language. Additionally, I know where the assets are and the types of assets, so the client does not have to duplicate efforts in preparing those docs for their attorney.”

            Doug Oosterhart, Founder of LifePoint Planning, adds, “One huge value add that an advisor can help clients with is an in-case-of-death (ICOD) folder. That folder contains all relevant information about the client, what institutions they have money at, life insurance policy numbers, social media usernames and passwords, etc. It’s something outside of traditional estate planning that adds a lot of real value to the client.”

            Should you approach a financial advisor or an estate planning attorney first?

            Tom McAuliffe, Relationship Manager with Heritage Family Offices says, “In my experience, a good financial advisor with experience in estate planning helps set the stage for the work an estate planning attorney will do, especially if the family hasn’t been down this road before. The financial advisor helps clarify goals and intentions and can tell you if these are viable based on a financial analysis and plan. Then the estate planning attorney can do their work drafting final plans including documents and the appropriate trusts.”

            Emily Rassam, Senior Financial Planner with Archer Investment Management agrees. “Start with a financial planner who can help you understand what you hope to achieve with your money over your lifetime and how to prioritize your short-term and long-term financial goals. A planner will map out your assets and tune up your balance sheet, giving you an organized view of your current net worth and future trajectory. This step is incredibly helpful when determining what your future estate might look like.”

            Emily also added, “In the financial planning process, your advisor will help determine the appropriate life insurance coverage and savings strategies to achieve goals during your lifetime and fund legacy goals. An estate planning attorney will then view the scenario and determine if trusts are appropriate to execute your wishes or optimize your taxes and the language needed in your documents to match your intentions. Consider asking your planner to attend the meeting with your estate planning attorney if you’d like guidance on communicating your wishes and syncing it to the planning work developed.”

            Common Estate Planning Documents

            The best way to develop an estate plan is to first understand what documents you need to complete. Simply putting in writing what you want to happen if you become incapacitated or if you pass away can take care of much of the estate planning process. A financial advisor helps guide individuals in the process, too.

            1. Last Will and Testament: This is the most well-known document in estate planning. Most people know they should have a will, but the majority of Americans do not have one. According to a 2020 Gallup survey, just 45% of U.S. adults reported they had a will. A will is the foundation of an estate plan. The document outlines to whom your assets will go upon your death. Assets mentioned in a will still must go through the probate process, however. A will can be inexpensive and simple to make online, but they are often costly and elaborate for high-net-worth families. Moreover, a will is not a ‘set it and forget it’ estate planning document – it must be maintained just as a financial plan is updated as life events happen. Naming an executor of an estate is a critical component of your last will and testament, too. Finally, individuals should be aware that the will is made public through the probate process, so be thoughtful about what is included in the document.
            2. Power of Attorney Form (POA): There are two types of POAs: Financial and Durable. A Financial POA allows someone to control your financial accounts when you are unable to do so. A Durable POA goes into effect when someone becomes disabled in some way and cannot act personally.
            3. Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHCD): An AHCD, or Medical POA, outlines what healthcare-related actions should be taken if you are unable to make decisions.
            4. HIPAA Authorization: This document can save a lot of time and anxiety since it gives consent to share your medical records with third parties.
            5. Trust documents: Trusts allow you (the Grantor) to give someone else (a Trustee) control over how assets are invested and held for the benefit of a third party (a Beneficiary). When constructed properly, assets in a trust avoid both probate and estate tax liability.
            6. Beneficiary forms: You might be overwhelmed by all that goes into making and maintaining an estate plan. One thing you can do today that is quick and easy is complete beneficiary designation forms on all your financial accounts. IRAs, 401(k)s, and brokerage accounts often offer short forms to accomplish this estate-planning task. Financial accounts with a named beneficiary efficiently transfer upon your passing. Checking accounts have a “transfer on death” option as well.
            7. Guardianship: More important than money is what happens with your children and other dependents. No estate plan is complete without a directive on who will care for your loved ones when you pass away. Guardianship is commonly outlined in a will.

            Estate Taxes

            Avoiding estate tax is among the primary goals of crafting and strategizing an estate plan. After all, for individuals with a net worth above the federal estate tax exemption, the so-called “death tax” can run into the millions of dollars. Ultimately, you want to ensure your heirs receive as much of your assets as possible. A savvy financial advisor helps individuals and couples create an optimal estate plan—that includes taking tax minimization actions years in advance of retirement.

            The top federal estate tax rate is 40% for 2022. The estate tax exemption amount, also called the exclusion, is $12.06 million per individual and $24.16 million per couple. That means if the cumulative value of your assets exceeds those amounts, you could face substantial estate tax liability. The good news is that there are strategies you can act enact to reduce what you might owe. In general, the higher your net worth, the more value a financial advisor knowledgeable in estate planning brings.

            Another key amount is the annual gift tax exclusion, which is $16,000 per donor, per donee ($32,000 per couple).  A popular strategy is to gift assets to children and grandchildren during, say, retirement years to bring down the value of an estate. An upshot is you get to see your loved ones enjoy the money while you are alive. Roth conversions can effectively bring down the taxable value of an estate, too.

            EXPERT VOICES

            Headshot of Ayad Amary, MBA, CFP®, AIF
            Ayad Amary, MBA, CFP®, AIF A goals-based plan connects the dots and brings purpose to your wealth and work.

            The role of a financial advisor in estate planning is to help the client articulate how they envision their wealth transferring upon their death(s). Once their goals are outlined, the advisor should give guidance and advice that meets the client’s objective in the most efficient way possible.

            It is a process of beginning with the end in mind and working backwards. A qualified attorney can then draft the documents necessary to execute the estate plan and offer any additional advice necessary. Clients should have a good understanding of what they wish to accomplish prior to engaging an attorney.

            Show more

            Ayad Amary, MBA, CFP®, AIF | Wealthcare of The Lehigh Valley

            🔗 Website | Wealthtender Profile

            Get Started Today

            Everyone needs an estate plan, but maybe the value of your assets is significantly below the federal estate tax exemption. If so, you can simply visit any number of online sites to draft and formalize your estate plan document. Many employers offer estate planning services in their benefits packages—check with your Human Resources department at work to see if that’s the case for you.

            But here’s the thing: While your net worth might be well under the exclusion amount today, decades from now that might not be the case. Consider that compounding investment returns, business growth, and even tweaks to the federal tax code might change your situation. Getting started today with certain estate minimization techniques can prepare you for an easier tomorrow.

            Once you decide to take control of your financial future, begin your estate planning journey by taking inventory of all items you own. Then consider who you want to take care of your children if you pass prematurely. Next, fill out beneficiary forms and create the estate planning documents mentioned earlier—that likely means you will need to sit down with a financial planner. Also, reach out to someone you trust who can serve as executor of your estate. Be sure to keep your estate planning documents in a safe place and store them electronically for easy access. Finally, no financial plan is complete without active monitoring and review—when life events happen, be sure to make time to update your plan.

            Should You Hire an Estate Planning Financial Advisor?

            Taking time today to craft an estate plan helps ease your loved ones’ burdens after you pass away. A solid estate plan outlines who will receive what after you die and this important piece of financial planning includes directives on what actions to take if you become unable to act on your own. Working with an experienced financial advisor on an estate plan is a valuable and prudent move in the financial planning process.

            Mike Zaccardi CFA

            About the Author

            Mike Zaccardi, CFA®

            Mike is a freelance writer for financial advisors and investment firms. He’s a CFA® charterholder and Chartered Market Technician®, and has passed the coursework for the Certified Financial Planner program. 

            Learn More About Mike

              Do you work at Advanced Micro Devices? Get the resources you need and expert insights from financial professionals who specialize in helping Advanced Micro Devices employees make the most of their compensation package and benefits.

              Whether you’re a new Advanced Micro Devices employee or you’ve moved up the ranks into a management or executive leadership role over a multi-year career, it’s important to make smart money moves with your income and employee benefits. For example:

              ✅ Do you know the right moves to make to get the greatest value from the Advanced Micro Devices benefits available to you?

              ✅If you’re thinking about leaving Advanced Micro Devices for another job or planning to retire from the company in a few years, are you taking the right steps today to ensure you will receive all of the compensation and benefits that you’ve earned?

              Get the Most Value from Your Advanced Micro Devices Benefits and Compensation Package

              Throughout the year, Advanced Micro Devices provides its employees and executives with updates about their benefits ranging from health insurance and health savings plans to retirement plans like a 401(k), deferred compensation plans, and stock options. While the company offers many useful resources and access to knowledgeable staff who can assist with questions, you’ll also find financial professionals not affiliated with Advanced Micro Devices who specialize in helping Advanced Micro Devices employees make the most of their income and benefits.

              Whether you work in the Advanced Micro Devices headquarters in Austin, Texas another office location around the country, or remotely from home, you may have questions about your compensation package and benefits better suited for a financial professional who can offer unbiased advice and guidance.

              For example, sensitive topics like discussing the steps you should take before quitting your job at Advanced Micro Devices to work elsewhere, protecting yourself in advance of a corporate layoff, or deciding when you should plan to retire are all conversations that may be more comfortable with a trusted financial advisor.

              Should you hire a Advanced Micro Devices specialist financial advisor or an advisor close to home?

              You’ll likely find dozens of nearby financial advisors well-suited to help you reach your money goals with a personalized plan. But it may be more difficult to find a financial advisor who specializes in serving Advanced Micro Devices employees.

              Fortunately, many financial advisors offer virtual services so you can meet online no matter where you (or they) live.

              This means you can choose to hire a specialist financial advisor who lives hundreds of miles away if you decide their knowledge and experience working with Advanced Micro Devices employees is a better fit to help with your unique needs.

              💡 In the Q&A below, you’ll gain insights from financial advisors who work with Advanced Micro Devices employees to help them make smart decisions to get the most value from their compensation and benefits, reduce their money stress, and prepare for a comfortable retirement.

              🙋‍♀️ Do you have questions not yet answered? Use the form below to submit questions anonymously and watch this article for updates with answers to your questions. You can also reach out to the financial advisors below to set up an introductory call or contact them with your questions by email.

              💸 Smart Money Insights for Advanced Micro Devices Employees & Executives

              This page is organized into sections to help you quickly find the information you need and get answers to your questions:

              1. Q&A: Financial Planning Tips for Advanced Micro Devices Employees & Executives
              2. Get Answers to Your Questions About Your Advanced Micro Devices Benefits and Career
              3. Browse Related Articles

              Q&A: Financial Planning Tips for Advanced Micro Devices Employees & Executives

              Answers to Employee Questions with Stu Sneen, CFP®, CFA

              Stu Sneen is a financial advisor based in Austin, Texas who specializes in offering financial planning services to Advanced Micro Devices employees. Stu helps his clients get the most value from their Advanced Micro Devices benefits and compensation package so they can enjoy life and feel confident about their financial future.

              Q: As a financial advisor with experience helping Advanced Micro Devices employees save for their retirement, how do you help them make the most of their employee benefits?

              Stu: AMD employees are well educated and earn high income, which creates tremendous savings and investing opportunities. AMD offers many financial benefits to help employees save for retirement such as the 401(k), Mega Back Door Roth, ESPP, RSUs, Deferred Income Account, and more. Yet, each employee has a unique financial situation. And it can be complicated to understand how to maximize the personal financial benefits and reduce taxes. I help AMD employees maximize their benefits and equity, reduce taxes, and invest wisely through a personal financial planning approach. Read more in this guide.

              Q: When you first speak with a Advanced Micro Devices employee, what questions do you like to ask to better understand their unique circumstances and determine how you can best help them achieve their goals?

              Stu:

              1. Are you financially organized and prepared with a plan to protect your family and assets from an untimely event?
              2. What role does your equity play in the achievement of your financial goals? How do you stay organized and navigate your equity decisions?
              3. Are you saving and investing enough for retirement? How do you know for sure?
              4. What proactive tax planning do you initiate each year to reduce taxes and avoid costly mistakes?
              5. How are you managing your stock concentration risk to ensure you are diversifying properly and investing wisely?

              Q: Is there a particular benefit available to Advanced Micro Devices employees you feel isn’t as well utilized or understood by employees as it should be?

              Stu: Yes! The Mega Backdoor Roth is for high earners who have maxed out their 401(k) and want to save more to create tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement. There are misconceptions on how the Mega Backdoor Roth works, the limitations, and who can take advantage of it. This benefit is underutilized by many employees, which results in a lost savings opportunity. But there is no income limit and you can still participate even if you are unable to contribute to a Roth IRA or if you have existing Traditional/Roth IRA balances.

              Q: Beyond Advanced Micro Devices employee benefits for retirement savings, are there other types of benefits offered by the company that you find valuable to discuss with your clients?

              Stu: The Health Savings Account (HSA) offers triple tax advantages:

              • Tax-deferred growth
              • Tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses
              • Tax deduction in the year of contribution

              Q: For Advanced Micro Devices employees thinking about leaving the company to accept a job elsewhere, what actions do you recommend they take before resigning and shortly thereafter?

              Stu: Prior to leaving, it is important to consider the implications of your RSUs and ESPP. Unvested shares will likely be forfeited.

              Q: For Advanced Micro Devices employees who have managed their finances on their own to this point, what would you suggest they consider to help them decide if they should begin working with a financial advisor at this stage in their lives?

              Stu: AMD employees are smart and highly educated. Many of them could (and do) handle their own financial affairs. I find that AMD employees seek a financial planner if they lack one or more of the following items regarding their personal financial management:

              1. Desire
              2. Skill
              3. Time
              4. Discipline

              Not everyone needs a financial planner. But mid-career tech professionals often get to the point where they realize that their financial situation is becoming more complex:

              • They are providing for their family.
              • Insurance (life/disability) protection is needed.
              • Estate planning becomes important.
              • RSUs get complicated, especially in higher tax brackets.
              • High income leads to high taxes, so they want to find ways to reduce taxes.
              • Now they find themselves with significant assets, and they want to ensure they are properly invested and not making a big mistake.

              These are typical situations that lead an AMD employee to seek out a financial planner.

              Q: What are some of the unique financial planning challenges you commonly see among your clients who are Advanced Micro Devices employees and how do you help them overcome these obstacles?

              Stu: Here are the main financial planning challenges I find with AMD employees:

              • High income can lead to higher taxes. Many tech employees miss out on proactive tax planning strategies to reduce their taxes.
              • Having a large portion of net worth tied up in AMD stock and not being properly diversified, which can create unnecessary risk exposure.
              • Organizing, managing, and navigating the complexities of equity compensation (RSUs, ESPP, Deferred Comp, etc.) and avoiding unwanted tax bills.

              Q: What questions do you recommend Advanced Micro Devices employees ask financial advisors they’re considering hiring to help them decide if they’re a good fit?

              Stu: AMD employees may want to consider asking these questions to any financial advisor:

              • What is your investment approach?
              • Are you a fiduciary 100% of the time or only some of the time?
              • How are you compensated?
              • How long have you been in the financial business, and what higher education/designations to you hold?
              • Do you specialize in the unique needs of people in tech, such as equity compensation?

              Get to Know Stu Sneen Financial Advisor for Advanced Micro Devices Employees:

              Headshot of Stu Sneen, CFP®, CFA
              TwoTen Planning Stu Sneen, CFP®, CFA
              VLG O THE HLS, Texas
              Serving Clients Nationwide
              Financial Planning For Tech Professionals
              28 Certified Advisor Reviews™
              Areas of Focus
              Employee Stock Options Equity Compensation Options High Net Worth Investment Management Tax-Smart Accumulation Planning

              Book Intro Call with Stu

              View Stu’s profile page on Wealthtender or visit his website to learn more.

              Are you a financial advisor who specializes in working with employees at Advanced Micro Devices or another large company?

              ✅ Join Wealthtender and get featured as a specialist financial advisor based on your knowledge and experience working with employees at Advanced Micro Devices or another large company. (Subject to availability and terms.)
              ✅ Sign up today and join financial advisors attracting their ideal clients on Wealthtender
              ✅ Or request more information by email:

              • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

              🙋‍♀️ Have Questions About Your Advanced Micro Devices Benefits or Career?

              financial-advisor-with-couple
              Financial Planning Top Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor
              A mature couple comfortably sitting on a couch, reviewing documents together while using a laptop, suggesting a moment of collaboration and shared decision-making.
              Financial Planning How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
              Top Financial Certifications Professionals Working Illustration
              Professional Designations Top Financial Certifications to Know Before You Hire a Financial Professional

              Are you ready to enjoy life more with less money stress?

              Sign up to receive weekly insights from Wealthtender with useful money tips and fresh ideas to help you achieve your financial goals.

              • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
              About the Author
              Brian Thorp, Founder and CEO of Wealthtender profile picture

              Brian Thorp

              Founder and CEO, Wealthtender

              Brian and his wife live in Texas, enjoying the diversity of Houston and the vibrancy of Austin.

              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.

              Connect with Brian on LinkedIn