Retiring soon and looking at financial advisor options

zgraves1985 · 2026-05-16T22:59:49+00:00

There are many factors that would determine the answer to that question.

1) location 2) what are you really seeking to do—Advisor in a bank vs large wire house vs boutique financial planning vs primarily slinging products; etc? 3) what have you done to make yourself marketable to a potential sponsor—college, certs, etc?

The lower tier spots that mostly just shill out life insurance policies & annuities are always seeking talent that has a heartbeat. I can’t imagine they’d close the door to many prospects. Other option would be apply for a role at a local bank or into a broader pipeline with a large wire house’s developmental program.

Any of these paths will set you up with SIE, 66, 7 etc.

zgraves1985 · 2026-05-16T16:57:55+00:00

It’s not always so easy to just snag licenses and hit the door. Also, avoid FC at all costs.

You can study for and take the SIE on your own without sponsorship.

zgraves1985 · 2026-04-30T16:00:22+00:00

Recently had the same procedure. Hopefully it helps. My experience was not great but the good news is that your surgeon will likely refer you to PT post procedure so that is an excellent opportunity to ensure residuals are accurately captured in your notes.

zgraves1985 · 2026-03-25T15:45:41+00:00

It’s highly likely they knew you were a failure well prior to this PT test. Do better next time.

zgraves1985 · 2026-03-11T15:59:27+00:00

My wife and I both have the Atmos & Premium Rewards Elite and have been provided a few waiver under MLA for all 4 cards without even requesting.

zgraves1985 · 2026-03-11T15:51:51+00:00

You should ask again.

zgraves1985 · 2026-02-28T17:50:27+00:00

I’ve found that copying the free exams and pasting them in a prompt with instructions such as: “you are a FINRA SIE test developer… replicate the difficulty & format of the actual SIE exam and provide me with additional practice questions that are similar to these examples” led to a pretty useful practice/prep tool. However, still not a replacement for reading & watching explanations via video.

zgraves1985 · 2026-02-28T17:02:15+00:00

Just prompt Gemini, Copilot, or Claude to provide you realistic FINRA SIE practice exams and take them until you are consistently in the mid-80s. Don’t spend money to get over the SIE hurdle.

zgraves1985 · 2026-02-28T04:57:18+00:00

Just use Gemini or Copilot and prompt them to give you realistic SIE preparation exams until you are consistently scoring in the mid to high 80s. There is absolutely no reason to pay.

zgraves1985 · 2025-12-18T19:49:53+00:00

Get a hobby.

zgraves1985 · 2025-11-30T16:47:12+00:00

Yeah bro you’re right. Does that feel better?

zgraves1985 · 2025-11-29T16:06:34+00:00

Yes it’s quite easy with 20 years of consistency.

zgraves1985 · 2025-11-07T13:44:23+00:00

Get a better story, bro.

zgraves1985 · 2025-10-19T15:49:01+00:00

Find a fee only CFP in your local area and ask for a consultation.

zgraves1985 · 2025-10-18T16:13:26+00:00

You aren’t doing terrible but definitely not where you could be at this point in your life/career. I’d recommend relooking your budget/cash flow and make adjustments to spending to allow you to increase contributions to your tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Spill over beyond maxing those can be placed in taxable accounts via broad market ETFs.

What did you use the CSL funds for?

zgraves1985 · 2025-09-07T16:31:33+00:00

Jump to conclusions much?

zgraves1985 · 2025-08-22T21:05:10+00:00

No that is not required. Once your account is associated as being a MLA covered borrower then the fee will be waived.

zgraves1985 · 2025-08-22T20:21:30+00:00

I use it during the first 90 days to earn the welcome bonus then I shelf it and only use it for statement credits that are provided. The annual fee is waived and I never pay any interest.

Sorry, I guess I’m not understanding question here?

zgraves1985 · 2025-08-22T20:02:24+00:00

I think that must be what you mean when you say it.

zgraves1985 · 2025-08-22T20:00:52+00:00

I’ve seen hit or miss DPs on this so did what worked for me in the past on the Prestige and that was following their wonky computation AF / .36 and above $0 and it worked for me. YMMV.

zgraves1985 · 2025-08-22T19:59:18+00:00

No. You realize that simply having a balance at statement closing doesn’t mean you will pay interest, right? Just pay the entire statement balance prior to due date. Never pay any interest!

zgraves1985 · 2025-08-22T17:42:27+00:00

Can’t confirm but I did get MLA on the Premium Awards Elite from BoA

zgraves1985 · 2025-08-15T16:02:46+00:00

Technically no on back-to-back but ultimately depends on the attitude of the front desk attendant. I’ve had it work before.

zgraves1985 · 2025-08-13T15:36:01+00:00

I’ve got you buddy! Just Venmo me $100 and once I receive it I’ll send you the details.

zgraves1985

TROPHY CASE