We are honored to be named as a top performing RIA firm across the country according to Charles Schwab’s independent benchmarking study. Our President and CEO, Jessica Kmetty, was asked to present to 1,300 Schwab advisors on best practices for RIA firms during the 2022 RIA Benchmarking Study webcast.
By Michael J. Searcy
Let’s talk about succession planning… As much as any business owner might want to lead their company forever, the need for an “exit strategy” is essential. Its value is clear for the current owner, for current and future team members, and the individuals, families and businesses the company serves.
Dear Friends,
Over the years, we have met with you at kitchen tables, living rooms, and multiple offices across the country as you have shared successes, failures, joys and sorrows with us. More recently, we have also connected via conference calls, FaceTime and computer screen-share video meetings. My, how things have evolved over the 46 years Searcy Financial has been in business! We couldn’t have grown into the company we are today without your faith in our ability to listen, problem-solve and provide sound advice for each of your unique situations. We enjoy every opportunity we get to stand Where You Stand®, learn about your lives, and help you plan to make a difference. We do not take our relationships for granted and we never stop striving to improve to honor our commitment to you and your families. Our future is dedicated to you…
By Michael J. Searcy
We often talk to people about how utilizing multiple financial advisors can lessen their chance for success. For example, one advisor could decide to trade out of an investment to take losses at the same time the other decides to buy into that same investment, creating a wash sale, and adverse tax consequences. Neither professional is at fault, they just didn’t realize what had occurred because they weren’t aware their client was working with multiple advisors. I started thinking about that concept differently and now want to tell you that you should work with multiple advisors, but, it’s not what you think!
By Michael J. Searcy
There has always been a divide in the financial industry between those who embrace fiduciary duty and those who skirt around it. It is a divide that can be nearly impossible for consumers to recognize and understand, leaving them exposed to potential harm depending on whose hands they find themselves in.
Am I working with an actual advisor or a salesperson? Is this person legally required to put my interests ahead of their own or are they suggesting something that’s good enough because it earns them a nice commission?
By Michael J. Searcy
Many years ago, I was an expert witness in an arbitration hearing regarding a financial matter. That experience changed me and changed the way I do business… I realized that, while there is a rightful place for mandatory arbitration clauses, that place is not in your financial planning or investment management contract. It’s simply not fair to the consumer.
By Michael J. Searcy
One of my favorite things to help clients do is prepare and maintain a roadmap for themselves and their survivors, thereby knowing we’ve helped achieve continuity for them and their loved ones. I never want someone to feel unprepared or unable to function after the loss or incapacitation of a spouse, so I work to initiate thought and conversation to keep all parties engaged in the planning process.
But if I were gone? Not only could they turn to our entire team, since each client is never working with a single person, but they would also be aware that our succession plan that has been in place for several years means there are four other principals continuing to lead the firm.
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Ryan Brooke to Principal of the firm. Ryan joined our group through our Internship Program and used that time to evidence his commitment, knowledge and desire to help families find financial freedom. He has continually grown those efforts throughout his years with our firm, and we are delighted to have him as part of our Executive Team. We believe his new role as Principal will enhance our firm’s continued commitment to our clients’ success.
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Jessica Searcy Kmetty to Principal of the firm. She has a passion for helping people manage the financial side of their lives in order to get the most out of every other piece of their lives. Her vision and drive would make her an asset to any team, and we are fortunate to have her on ours.
By Michael J. Searcy
Our firm started running Google Ads in 2018, and boy, was it eye opening.
You see, we had all the technology in place to help a large number of people, and knew that many people turn to online search when vetting candidates to help them with financial planning and investment management. We set up the ads for people to call us directly, and waited to see what would happen. The results were disheartening, but not like you’d expect…