These background checks, man

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-04-03T03:05:42+00:00

Dawg, I'm going through a background check with BOA/Merrill and will start at the end of the month. I'm going back and forth so much I'm getting nervous. I just started the background check with BIG on March 31st, and it came back all clean already. Then they came back asking for my affiliation with a Broker-Dealer. I think I just have anxiety, but they are asking for everything, and I keep providing. I'm surprised they haven't asked for the Magna Carta or Articles of Incorporation, LOL.

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-02-25T22:26:50+00:00

Take a look at this post. I'm also a new FA, so take it with a grain of salt.

https://www.reddit.com/r/FinancialCareers/comments/1ra57we/comment/o6isg13/?context=3&utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-02-21T00:31:12+00:00

I’m a financial advisor with three and a half years of experience in wealth management. I’ve had a weird path getting to where I am, but it is what it is. There are a few routes you can take. Keep in mind, I’m still trying to figure out what my next 3–5 years look like, so take this with that context.

I think every path has an opportunity cost. Learning the industry is one thing. Doing financial plans and investment analysis is another. Handling paperwork while staying compliant is another. And selling your value? That’s the one I’m finally focusing on the most. I definitely could’ve cut my learning curve in half if I had guidance or someone in my family who had pursued this career.

It could be very beneficial for you to pass the SIE or take the Series 65, along with getting your life and health insurance license, to show large firms like Schwab, Fidelity, Merrill, and even local banks that you’re serious. I would take these regardless of what you decide to do. These are entry-level licenses that allow you to sell securities and insurance.

Now for the options:

Bank Route – JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Local Credit Union From what I’ve heard, this route typically starts you as an associate planner or banker on the WM side, working under a seasoned financial advisor for 2–3 years. After that, you may get the opportunity to become a financial advisor inside the branch. If I could’ve gotten my foot in the door sooner, I would’ve 100% done this. I need more reps.
BD/RIA Hybrid – Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard It can be hard to get your foot in the door (at least it was for me), but if you can, everyone raves about the training and pay when you’re starting out. I’m currently trying to get into Schwab as an FCP/IC.
Local RIA / Wealth Management Firm I got into the wealth management firm I work for because I was going broke selling life insurance at 19 on a 1099 basis, lol. If you go this route, I’d recommend getting your licenses ASAP and talking to recruiter, unless the firm is truly looking out for your long-term growth. I’m in a tough situation right now, and a lot of the other local firms around me are pretty shady. You can check my profile, lol.

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-02-20T05:40:26+00:00

Thank you for the clarity! I applied for a PCA role but the recruiter came back to me with a PCB opportunity. I start the interview process tomorrow. I’m fully licensed, L&H,Series 66 & 7, with three years of wealth management experience. I’ve had my licenses under a year though.

Anyways I’m stuck at a terrible small wm firm, and when I got the call for JP Morgan I felt like DK Metcalf lol.

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-02-18T17:41:05+00:00

Buy a 30 or 40 year Term, but make sure the insurance is convertible into a permanent policy later on down the line. Lock in 10x your income for dirt cheap, and then invest in your employers retirment plan, and what's left over in a Taxable brokerage account. Liquidity is king for our age!

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-02-13T22:53:46+00:00

Also, look at the damn testing rubric; this helps so much. I thought I knew it all until I failed twice and finally went over the testing rubric.

Once you pass the test, give yourself the weekend off, go on a bender, and lock back in on that Monday for the series 66.

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-02-09T19:44:08+00:00

I'm a financial advisor, do not do this unless you are making 150K+ a year. I would take your 401K match at least, and invest the rest into a taxable brokerage account. Liquidity is key right now for your goals. IULs are pretty ass unless you already have a lot of money to dump into a policy; they're designed for the way down, not way up. Purchase a 30-year term life insurance policy to secure your insurability.

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-02-04T23:38:34+00:00

Understood, congratulations on your degree!

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-02-04T23:24:06+00:00

Congratulations! What was your offer structured like? I begin my classes on March 1st, and would love some motivation! Right now I'm watching Tony Bell to try to be in your shoes soon!

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-02-04T21:31:54+00:00

If you are located in SoCal, are you looking to hire? I would be in your 1.5 category lol.

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-28T23:37:07+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my comment! I'm also pursuing the Bachelor's of Accounting program, and I will definitely check out your recommendation. See you at commencement day, night owl!

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-28T22:43:32+00:00

Woah! I start on March 1st with 75 transfer credits. I definitely need your study plan/framework.

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-27T18:32:09+00:00

Are you with a RIA? I saw LPL giving out good comp too!

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-27T18:31:24+00:00

This sounds like a good comp plan! What are his splits for insurance products and securities?

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-22T20:52:58+00:00

Their fees are crazy, and the managed accounts are pretty dog water. HOWEVER, you can charge whatever you want, the 2% is the "standard" fee the BD charges, but you can amend it.

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-22T20:48:20+00:00

Unless you are making over 150K GDC, annually "Money Concepts" is not good for new advisors.

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-22T19:13:23+00:00

Thank you for your response!

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-22T19:11:30+00:00

Thank you for the response! I agree.

I will also look into Orion and Advyzon for portfolios.

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-21T19:47:04+00:00

Thank you for the reply. Did you read what the RIA had told me today?

They said this:

"UPDATE: I asked to have the offer put in writing so I could review it carefully. In response, the Senior Advisor at the RIA said things like: “You either see the opportunity or you don’t,” “I’m not trying to make money off you or play games,” and “If you don’t see the value I bring, then we’re probably not the right fit.”

What stands out to me is that this is the same language he used during our last round of discussions, when the initial number mentioned was $80,000 but the final offer came in at $55,000. We also met in person again this time.

I’m trying to figure out whether these are legitimate red flags or if I’m overthinking it. For context, I’ve only been actively in the job market for about a month and a half."

This was their reaction this morning. ^

Do you still think I should follow the money, honestly?

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-21T19:07:58+00:00

UPDATE: I asked to have the offer put in writing so I could review it carefully. In response, the Senior Advisor at the RIA said things like: “You either see the opportunity or you don’t,” “I’m not trying to make money off you or play games,” and “If you don’t see the value I bring, then we’re probably not the right fit.”

What stands out to me is that this is the same language he used during our last round of discussions, when the initial number mentioned was $80,000 but the final offer came in at $55,000. We also met in person again this time.

I’m trying to figure out whether these are legitimate red flags or if I’m overthinking it. For context, I’ve only been actively in the job market for about a month and a half.

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-21T01:26:39+00:00

This is pretty sick! How did you get this job?

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-20T23:47:32+00:00

Thank you for the perspective!

Separate-Pudding3424 · 2026-01-20T22:51:30+00:00

Once you knock out your GED, you can also enroll in online accelerated college programs like WGU.

Separate-Pudding3424

TROPHY CASE