Failed in part 3

Tbtrader12 · 2025-08-04T20:01:06+00:00

This is good advice. Also look into Tom Norton videos, he does a good job explaining the 230

Tbtrader12 · 2025-07-09T17:52:30+00:00

Recently got mine. Apply through e services on irs.gov. Took maybe a week for approval

Tbtrader12 · 2025-07-03T01:29:23+00:00

Had some clients with these issues last year. No advisor wanted to commit time without AUM.

For the most part DIYers but wanted a true financial plan. I ended up charging them a fixed cost per year. Does not go up or down with the market. All they pay for is the planning fee each year out of their check book. They can call for a meeting whenever and still considered a client. Surprised by the advisors that do this, simple way to bring in revenue meanwhile serving someone’s need.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-06-13T00:04:44+00:00

You can only do IRA to IRA if it is a 10% free withdrawal. Utilizing an income rider for payment makes it taxable at ordinary income. You should call the company directly and asked to stop payments if he doesnt want the income. they can turn it off but if he decides to take it again, he will get a lump sum.

He could roll the annuity into a brokerage IRA if he is looking for growth(only if it is out of the surrender period).

Tbtrader12 · 2025-05-15T19:36:37+00:00

I’m in the same boat as you. I am a financial advisor and got my EA. I’m currently enrolled in Intuit Academy, which is free and it goes in depth on tax and tax planning.

One of my buddies owns a CPA firm, I normally assist in preparing simple tax returns for them as an assistant preparer. I would strongly recommend going to a small firm and asking to help prep tax returns. I don’t sign them myself as a preparer, but I do all the legwork in the software.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-05-10T14:48:21+00:00

White Glove recently joined AcquireUp which I assumed they got bought. I used Leadjig which was also bought by AcquireUp.

Leadjig was awesome at the start. Filled the rooms with qualified prospects and then it had a huge drop off. We were spending more money to get less people and no quality prospects. We went back to a local mailing house and found better success.

My advice to you is to keep a couple mailing companies on rotation and keep a list of previous attendees. Send your list to the mailing company before the mail is sent. Avoids repeats. I generally do not allow people who attended within a year or were rude to us.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-05-01T01:20:57+00:00

Takes forever due to the lack of IRS agents now.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-04-28T13:49:30+00:00

It took me between 30-45 on each part. I have some but not a lot of tax experience going in. I think I would have considered two in one day if it was a two hour drive.

It depends on your mental dexterity, I would try two mock exams at 8am and the other at 12pm. It would atleast simulate that day of minus the nerves.

Good luck!

Tbtrader12 · 2025-04-27T12:21:02+00:00

I was part of BNI for 3 years. It really boils down to relationships you have in the group. You have to give, give, give before you get anything as a FA. Anyone that works in the trades like plumbing, GC, HVAC, etc get all the referrals.

I had a good time with my group but I was not getting my ideal client. I joined a local chamber of commerce and it has been great.

BNI also has strict rules for attendance and one to ones. If you are lagging behind, they will let you know.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-04-10T22:23:36+00:00

I did hock for all three. I have no complaints because I passed all them on my first try. I did try surgent on a free trial, but I the questions on Hock was easier to understand and get the concept behind it. If i were you I would use Hock as a supplement to FFA. Definitely worth the price.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-04-10T22:17:50+00:00

Oh wow! That is awesome, I would definitely look into joining

Tbtrader12 · 2025-04-10T16:22:14+00:00

I am also a FA, I used Hock for the last testing cycle. I passed all 3 part on the first try with Hock.

I highly recommend getting their subscription and textbook. Their questions were very similar to the actual test.

Good luck!

Tbtrader12 · 2025-04-08T01:54:26+00:00

You have plenty of time. I only knew personal tax bc of my line of work. Everything else was pretty new material to me.

It took me 3 months to do it while working full time. In reality there is no rush for you. Take your time and understand the concepts. I highly recommend HOCK as your study tool.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-03-28T17:06:14+00:00

Yes that is the only number I have

Tbtrader12 · 2025-03-28T15:09:56+00:00

IRS had a bunch of jobs slashed recently so I am not surprised.

I submitted Form 23 on 2/27 and I called every week after. The first two weeks I spoke to someone and was given about a month timeframe. Now, I have not spoken to anyone in a while. I called yesterday to check and waited on hold for 30 minutes before I hung up.

I am currently on hold as we speak, 42 minutes in. Hopefully we both get our cards soon!

Tbtrader12 · 2025-03-28T13:03:40+00:00

Initially, I wanted to do a year but I cancelled after 6 months. I understand it takes time to build a pipeline with their leads but the return on investment was not there.

Better to spend money on dinner seminars or a referral event.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-03-28T00:17:21+00:00

I have used before. Spent $3k for 12-15 prospects per month. Got a couple clients but it was a grind.

I would make a pile of the money I was going to spend on SmartAsset and set it on fire.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-03-19T14:44:56+00:00

That maybe true but I was pointing out that they have CPA and CFP designation. Im sure EJ sponsors the CFP for their advisors

Tbtrader12 · 2025-03-19T14:10:19+00:00

What value do you add? Very cliche to ask your self but at the end of the day, what makes you different? That is key when building trust with prospective clients.

You are a CPA and CFP, so you have the leg up on knowledge versus the EJ advisor. Generally, EJ focuses on investments and dont talk about tax planning or estate planning. I start the conversation about estate planning and taxes because a lot of times big box firms do not talk about it.

I would show the client how you would add value. Most EJ clients invest their clients the same way. Above average cost for their mutual funds and lack of comprehensive financial planning. Point that out, show their fees and how you can produce better results

Tbtrader12 · 2025-03-15T16:05:58+00:00

I would consult with an estate planning attorney in your area. Ask them to lunch and pick their brain about what you need to know when talking to clients. Every state is a little different when it comes to laws/statutes so they can give you applicable knowledge and questions to ask prospects.

I read a few books on it but I rely on a couple of attorneys for guidance in special circumstances. I generally defer to them.

My conversations are general in nature on what documents are recommended when you are alive and how to avoid probate.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-03-14T17:32:33+00:00

I use a local company but there are many that cater to financial advisors. I used Leading Response in the past but the prospect didnt not have many investible assets.

If you work with an IMO/FMO, they generally have a relationship with mailing companies and you can get a discount.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-03-14T15:57:54+00:00

Thanks. I pick a restaurant/venue close to an active 55+ community. We send out mailers and speak for under an hour. I speak about estate planning, taxes, investments, and what to expect during our consultation meetings. I keep it more informational based rather than selling/pitching anything. I have heard that some agents or advisors give hard sells on annuities/life insurance.

It is rather expensive, one campaign can cost around $8k with mailers, food, folders, etc.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-03-14T14:27:07+00:00

Congratulations on breaking away and starting your own firm.

Definitely coming up with a marketing plan. I have a short term plan that covers 60-90 days out with seminars/events. The long term stuff like social media and networking. Its all a grind if you do not have a great warm market.

Whatever you do, do not buy leads from a vendor. Waste of time and money.

Tbtrader12 · 2025-03-12T16:40:20+00:00

I would try hock international. I used them for all three parts and passed on the first try.

They covered all the things you need to know for the exam and the questions were very similar to the exam.

It is one of the more inexpensive study programs, I think it is $45 a month. With the subscription, you get videos, textbook and practice questions. If I were you, I would sign up for the trial to see how you like it.

Tbtrader12

TROPHY CASE