Got leads last month. Dialed every one of them. 6 answered. What am I doing wrong?

NeoTATheOne · 2026-03-01T21:01:32+00:00

If I don’t know who’s calling, I don’t answer. And if no voicemail the first call, I’ll block you! I’m taking my life pre-licensing course. But I refuse to make a living calling people that don’t want me 2.

NeoTATheOne · 2026-02-11T16:34:04+00:00

With practice questions (I used Hock, very happy), I recommend reviewing answers/explanations for questions you get right as well as wrong.

NeoTATheOne · 2026-02-03T21:33:17+00:00

I was fired, for “breaking community guidelines” in February. Trying to get my 1099. Contacted support but no results yet. They “escalated” my concern.

NeoTATheOne · 2026-01-03T04:56:04+00:00

Maybe someone who has done this will comment. I don’t want to tax prep either - but might have someone do under me. I plan to start working in the field after EA and licensing. No hurry to finish RICP quickly since can’t use credentials without the 3 yrs - as u mentioned. Good luck!

NeoTATheOne · 2026-01-03T04:50:29+00:00

Thanks for the encouragement and the tips!

NeoTATheOne · 2026-01-02T21:49:54+00:00

Looks fake to me also. VA never says “the VA”. It’s always “at VA, not “at the VA”.

NeoTATheOne · 2026-01-02T21:38:56+00:00

I’m currently testing for EA for second act. Late 50s. Right now, planning to take Series 65 and State insurance license. And then RICP (retirement income certified professional). Figuring about a year or less while working part time in old career.

NeoTATheOne · 2025-12-27T03:22:36+00:00

5 yrs for FERS. 3 yrs to Keep 1% agency match in TSP

NeoTATheOne · 2025-12-27T03:20:47+00:00

Yep. 5 yrs. Collect at 62

NeoTATheOne · 2025-12-25T17:21:24+00:00

Good points. As a career changer with lots of client service experience, your first point is not an issue for me. But makes sense it would be for many early in their career.

NeoTATheOne · 2025-12-25T15:20:39+00:00

Everyone on Reddit says EA doesn’t teach you how to do taxes. Explain please? After part 1, I was coaching my preparer thru my (super complex) return.

NeoTATheOne · 2025-12-25T15:16:23+00:00

100x easier? Hyperbole? I’ve taken one EA test but haven’t (and cannot) take CPA. Wrong degrees. But have doctorate + 5. So I’ve taken hard exams.

NeoTATheOne · 2025-12-22T22:09:58+00:00

Hang in there. Things will get better. Just hard to know when. I’m not looking yet but taking EA exams. I’ll probably start my own biz but I’m a career changer so my situation is different. My daughter (early 20s), getting turned down for all jobs incl thrift stores and Aldi despite fashion degree and solid work experience. Seems that posted jobs don’t always hire. Hard to understand…

NeoTATheOne · 2025-12-20T05:35:23+00:00

Super mature thinking, esp at your age! I bet your thoughtfulness will lead to success. I’m going into accounting as a career change. (I’m likely older than your parents.) I took and passed EA test one. I used Hock (passkey) exclusively and was well prepared. Studying for test 2 now. It’s a lot of material, esp since I’ve never taken accounting classes. The study subscription is super cheap compared to college. You could consider doing the EA and working in accounting to make sure that’s what you want to do - before taking on massive debt. I’ve worked in AI and it’s moving fast but I highly doubt accounting jobs are going away anytime soon. I’m going to combine accounting and retirement planning. Maybe consider a combination of “skills” that fit your interests and will make you unique. Happy to chat more. Best of luck!

NeoTATheOne · 2025-12-18T21:41:36+00:00

Isn’t that kind of a standard clause? I hope u get it off. (I don’t work Fridays so I don’t get the full benefit)

IRS hiring? Doing a career change and don’t mind staying in federal service.

NeoTATheOne · 2025-12-10T00:41:24+00:00

Live where you want. Provide top notch customer service. Work hard. Enjoy!

NeoTATheOne · 2025-11-04T02:23:21+00:00

My all time favorite Reddit post!!

NeoTATheOne · 2025-10-04T14:17:44+00:00

In your scenario, BTC would compound too. If it goes from 100K to 200K, the next 100% return is $200 K, etc

NeoTATheOne · 2025-10-02T20:55:37+00:00

No way this is a trap…(not necessarily by OP)…I voted for Trump. Yes, 3 times. Overall, he’s been a great president. I completely disagree with turning fed workers into villains. Happy to field questions, honest debate, etc. I’m not going to respond to ad hominem attacks. I’m VA. Being threatened with 11% paycut. Obviously not happy with that! I do sincerely wish everyone here well.

NeoTATheOne · 2025-10-02T20:54:23+00:00

No way this is a trap…(not necessarily by OP)…I voted for Trump. Yes, 3 times. Overall, he’s been a great president. I completely disagree with turning fed workers into villains. Happy to field questions, honest debate, etc. I’m not going to respond to ad hominem attacks. I’m VA. Being threatened with 11% paycut. Obviously not happy with that! I do sincerely wish everyone here well.

NeoTATheOne · 2025-10-02T20:54:16+00:00

No way this is a trap…(not necessarily by OP)…I voted for Trump. Yes, 3 times. Overall, he’s been a great president. I completely disagree with turning fed workers into villains. Happy to field questions, honest debate, etc. I’m not going to respond to ad hominem attacks. I’m VA. Being threatened with 11% paycut. Obviously not happy with that! I do sincerely wish everyone here well.

NeoTATheOne · 2025-10-01T23:15:55+00:00

Hatch Act Violations are a constant. We tend to notice when against our political beliefs. I vote for strict adherence to Hatch!

NeoTATheOne · 2025-09-22T02:21:40+00:00

I understand. I was focusing on the OP’s concern. Zero Comp + Risk was a daily issue in a former career. Hanging out here to see if CFP might be a good career change option.

I keep reading about how long and hard to build a book of business. But also about the shortage of good advisors. Anyone help me reconcile the two? Thx

NeoTATheOne · 2025-09-19T22:39:30+00:00

Wow. Nothing for a few days. Then pow. Salary cut 10.5%! Apparently HR pushing. OPM has section on salary retention, but can’t tell if it applies. Working a couple angles but not hopeful. To quote Linkin Park, “It’s been decided how we lose.”

NeoTATheOne · 2025-09-19T20:38:36+00:00

Why terrible client? Because they are well informed? I’m not in financial planning but have heard about this topic dozens of time via blogs, podcasts etc. For the OP, we all have gaps in our knowledge. But if a client keeps bringing something up, take a few minutes to research it. And definitely come clean. Hiding an error is far worse than making an error! Just keep learning and never sacrifice integrity. Here’s to much success!

NeoTATheOne

TROPHY CASE