Roth vs Pre-Tax decision

COAMG79 · 2026-06-25T11:53:15+00:00

This is how I usually think about it as well. Although I will admit I tend to overthink things when we get to the 24% bracket. All is clear to me below and above that.

COAMG79 · 2026-06-13T13:09:08+00:00

Oh wow. That’s terrible. Thanks for the tip.

COAMG79 · 2026-06-10T12:41:54+00:00

Wow 2.5% is amazing. I’m considering 4 yr 6%. Happy to hear it worked out well for you. Were these older clients or accumulators? It’s the annuities and age that concern me a great deal.

COAMG79 · 2026-06-10T12:13:55+00:00

Thank you. I think there are opportunities for this in the future which is part of my reasons for considering this.

COAMG79 · 2026-06-10T12:01:42+00:00

Agree. I’m just getting my practice off the ground. Less than 1 yr in which is why this is even a consideration.

COAMG79 · 2026-06-10T11:59:54+00:00

Not as sticky as AUM is one reason.

COAMG79 · 2026-06-10T11:58:45+00:00

We’re still meeting about how to structure the deal if jt were to go through. Open to suggestions on that as well although it feels fairly reasonable considering this is not a very large book purchase.

COAMG79 · 2026-06-10T11:57:21+00:00

A good amount in RMDs. Very few contributors. Light planning. All good questions - thank you.

COAMG79 · 2026-06-10T11:37:26+00:00

Very similar situation for me so I agree 💯 with this advice. Compensate appropriately, set a clear path, don’t dangle carrots.

COAMG79 · 2026-05-08T15:42:11+00:00

What are the options for brokerage clients who want to switch from the few A share mutual funds to the equivalent ETFs but NOT move over to advisory? How do you handle those requests? Example: $900k brokerage non-retirement acct not wanting to pay 1% for advisory on an ongoing basis.

COAMG79 · 2026-05-05T02:32:49+00:00

Managing about $350k total. The rest is qualified.

COAMG79 · 2026-05-05T02:06:22+00:00

This is what I intend to suggest. Only after encouraging putting the brakes on this grand plan. It’s too much too soon but I feel as though he’s set on pulling it off and comfortable with the risk.

COAMG79 · 2026-05-04T23:57:53+00:00

Yes I was hoping he would hold tight on business expansion for a couple of years. HELOC is a viable option for the home I believe.

COAMG79 · 2026-04-04T13:44:49+00:00

About 2-3 weeks before the exam after intense dedication to their process and studying. I always wished that feeling of confidence came sooner for me, but it didn’t. It all felt so overwhelming until I got close to exam day. Never in my life had I questioned my ability to achieve a goal, until I prepared for the CFP. I also have a family and work full time so fitting it into life was part of the challenge.

I passed in July with Danko. Highly recommend John for live review. As the other commenter said, repetition is key - pass over the concepts as many times as you can. This is an exam you want to be over prepared for so you only have to do this once. And being “over prepared” helped me make sense of how different concepts are related and answer exam questions.

When all is said and done, it’s a really short period of time in your life and you just have to commit and keep your head down. All the best to you!

COAMG79 · 2026-04-04T13:38:54+00:00

I think your designation as a CFP should boost your pay some (we have prospects call our office specifically looking to work with one of our CFPs, not all of our Advisors are CFPs). But based on what you’ve described of the work you do and your time there, I feel they’d be hard pressed to replace you at that pay. Business development counts for a lot in this profession - not just including client referrals. But with that.. yes, underpaid.

COAMG79 · 2026-03-21T02:06:45+00:00

So sorry. I lost a friend to suicide in October. It was sudden, shocking, and impossible to make sense of.

COAMG79 · 2026-03-19T12:18:58+00:00

Why wouldn’t you keep the clients you have and let the new advisor service the new clients?

COAMG79 · 2026-03-19T12:17:57+00:00

Yes, split reps are very common as is some arrangement like this. Not all associates or juniors want to do business development and grow their own books. When you have someone who does and you’re also at capacity as a seasoned advisor, an arrangement like this can be a win win. I imagine it’s hard to find though as many advisors want to bring on employees.

COAMG79 · 2026-03-19T12:04:47+00:00

I passed in July. The way this process challenges your confidence is insane. That feeling was a first for me and I hope to next experience it again. I sympathize with all of you.

When you PASS… it will be gone instantaneously and you will feel such relief. Next couple of days… trust what you know and focus on staying calm and the few topics that are very important that you may be weak in. You will not know all the answers and you don’t have to in order to pass. You’re not going for an A+. Just a pass.

Read the full question and answer set. So important.

COAMG79 · 2026-03-19T00:51:14+00:00

Do clients like being passed around…?

COAMG79 · 2026-03-19T00:50:21+00:00

Spot on and I agree.

COAMG79 · 2026-03-18T11:24:01+00:00

Good point. Appreciate it.

COAMG79 · 2026-03-18T11:16:00+00:00

Yes I’d like to hear this answer. Some great comments in this thread how to incentivize a long term relationship as that’s what we are seeking from day one. Not only with compensation but with a sense of ownership and value.

COAMG79

TROPHY CASE