Valerie A. Rivera, CFP®

WARNING - Your advisors are not helping you… Now that I have your attention here is the point. Your advisors are not helping because they are not working together to get you what you need. They don’t communicate with each other and everyone wants to be in control. This is not helping you. You deserve advisors who check their egos at the door and who don’t lead with solutions before defining the problems and the work to be done. Siloed advisors are dangerous and they can cause unintended consequences. It is your business, your family and your stakeholders. When your advisors agree to work together then you will be closer to being Exit Ready and closer to being Emergency Exit Ready. #businessplanning #businessprotection #businesssuccession #businessexit #bvpp #seattle

6

🔑 The BRAG Framework: A Blueprint for Client Advocacy 🔑 Every financial professional knows that managing meaningful relationships is just as important as managing portfolios. One of the most effective ways to strengthen those relationships and turn clients into referral-generating advocates is by following a structured approach. That’s where the BRAG framework comes into play: B: Belonging – Clients need to feel they’re part of something significant, beyond just transactions. Establish a sense of community and safe harbor. R: Recognition – Acknowledge and celebrate important milestones in your clients' lives, creating deeper connections along the way. A: Appreciation – Consistent gratitude ensures your clients know they’re valued, guarding against loyalty fatigue over time. G: Gratitude – Build a culture of appreciation and gratitude into every interaction, demonstrating the value of being part of your practice. BRAG is more than a methodology—it’s about ensuring your clients know they’re in good hands, and empowering them to share that confidence with others. To learn more about deploying BRAG in your practice, watch my recent conversation with Cathi Durrell where we discuss How to Turn Clients into Advocates Using BRAG. Link to the YouTube video in the Comments 🔽 #practicemanagement #businessdevelopment #thenextlevel

15

5 Comments

We all make mistakes… My mistake this week? Entering the room length and width into a square footage calculator instead of measuring the walls for wallpapering! Long story short, I now have way less wallpaper than I need and get to wait until Wednesday to finish the job. 😂 Lesson learned: Measure twice, check your math, and always have a backup plan! Anyone else have a good “DIY disaster” story? Let’s hear them! 👇 #MistakesHappen #DIYFails #LessonsLearned

5

2 Comments

BeeKrowd Financial Model is built with the mission of making financial modeling easy for almost anyone. You don't have to be a finance expert to create a financial plan for your company. We empower founders and business owners to make this a reality with our formula-free platform. Not only can you build a financial model in under 10 minutes, but more importantly, we help you understand how to build any simple financial model you want. Watch our tutorials on YouTube for more details. #FinancialModel #BeeKrowd #Startups #Valuation Justin Ly, CFA, ACCA, MSc Long Phan Vo Doan Trong Nguyen Thanh Canh Nguyen

53

8 Comments

One thing I can’t do as an advisor is give my clients more time. You can always make another dollar, but your time is the only resource that's truly finite - and that makes it your most precious asset. And when it comes to your family, friends, and community… Your time is the most valuable gift you can give. Want to be truly generous in retirement? Share the skills and wisdom you've spent decades building. Mentor others. Volunteer. Make a difference. That's real wealth. And that's real giving.

12

I just wrapped up a bootcamp for financial advisors looking to level up their video marketing for 2025. The biggest takeaways? Plan Ahead: A content calendar is your best friend. Without one, you end up winging it—and that means inconsistency and burnout. Know Your Audience: Speaking to everyone means you end up reaching no one. Define exactly who your ideal client is and create videos that speak directly to them. Keep It Simple: You don't need fancy gear to get started.  Case in point, this video was filmed on my iPhone!  The message matters more than the equipment. These steps are what will set advisors apart in 2025. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, just remember: simple steps, clear direction, and a bit of planning can make all the difference. Curious about how to get started? Shoot me a message—I'd love to help. #advisormarketing #videocontent #financialplanning #wealthmanagement

68

12 Comments

Core values aren’t just words on paper—they define the everyday actions, choices, and atmosphere of your firm. When values are genuinely practiced, they create a culture that resonates with both your team and your clients. It’s easy for values to drift or become misaligned with day-to-day realities, to prevent this, the values need to be embodied in what we do on a daily basis. Reflection Time: Are the values your firm stands for truly reflected in your team’s daily work? Which values feel authentic, and which might need a refresh to align with your firm’s goals? I'd love for you to share one core value that your team lives by and how it influences your business's success!

6

3 Comments

What does the Federal Reserve’s “extended period’ comment mean to Community Associations?   At the start of 2024, many “experts” were calling for 3 to 5 rate cuts this year. Now, those same folks say we may only see one cut – or perhaps none this year - as decreases in inflation have stalled with the year-over-year rate at 2.7%, well above the Fed's 2% target inflation rate.   Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari said the central bank will need to hold interest rates steady for an "extended period" that may last through the rest of the year. For associations with substantial Reserve assets sitting in low-yielding money markets, this means there is still time to lock in 4% to 5% rates with a laddered CD portfolio. Contact our office for more details or for a reserve fund analysis and proposal. Securities and Advisory Services offered through Prospera Financial Services. Member FINRA/SIPC. Certificates of Deposit are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per Depositor. A single account is insured up to $250,000. Joint accounts are insured up to $250,000 for each individual on the account equaling $500,000 in total per issuer. CD rates and their issuer availability are subject to change without notice and may not be available at the time of purchase

1

🏆 Hey, CFP® Professionals! 🏆 📣 Some have noted that this image-based series lacks seriousness & professionalism, and is wildly unrelated to the real world practice of financial planning. 📣 Please know that your concerns have been heard. 📣 That said, this campaign will come to a close, at the end of the year. 📣 For now, may today's installment serve as a reminder of a market economics: A "bubble burst" occurs when the price of a good far surpasses its intrinsic value. #cfp #cfppro #cfpexam #financialplanning #nextgen #bath #bubbles #bubbleburst (note: this is a parody.)

61

38 Comments

Honored to be featured in this CNBC article discussing the tax benefits of hiring your children for your small business. Thanks to Kate Dore, CFP® for highlighting this important topic. If you're a business owner, it's worth considering how this strategy could benefit your family and your finances. https://lnkd.in/e5hCmvSk #smallbusiness #taxplanning #financialplanning #CNBC

18

6 Comments

Education is at the core of everything we do at SixPoint Financial Partners. Financial planning doesn’t have to be a mystery It doesn’t need to be overly complex We make it a priority to ensure our clients truly understand HOW and WHY we manage their money Transparency is key Money management is emotional and challenging It can make people feel vulnerable That’s why we empower our clients through education Our goal is very simple: To make sure they feel comfortable, confident, and informed every step of the way. Whether you are a current client or someone exploring your options, My team and I are here to help you navigate your financial journey with clarity and trust. 

20

When do you ask for a referral? Do you only ask for referrals during a client's annual review? You can ask more often than that, but you need to warm your client up first. For that, you need a process. Take a look at the image on this post. On the left-hand side, is a sort of checklist the IFW created for you can use. If you don't use their program, replace the concierge in #4 for a virtual assistant, and treat #5 as an educational meeting - just make sure you complete a fact finder first! On the right-hand side of this image is exactly what one advisor did to tap into $3.2M in new annuity premiums by using this process. Join us as the IFW brings that advisor and others online to share their success stories with you October 1st at 4:30 PM EDT. We'll also show you how to take this strategy one step further with an additional checklist that keeps the referral engaged leading up to their appointment with you. Save your seat at https://lnkd.in/e8HqFuRY You just might find the best prospects come from some of your existing clients. #gettingreferrals #clientactivation

15

1 Comment

More and more people are launching side hustles and it's not just young folks. Check out Fidelity's Money Unscripted to find out who else is getting in on the game and the moves you can make to make your side hustle income work harder. Watch the podcast here. #FidelityAssociate

6

What the worst financial advice you’ve ever heard? I can’t wait to tell all on an upcoming episode.

2

Sharon Epperson offers helpful tips to frame a mid-year financial checkup. CFP® professionals can help you take a holistic view of your finances, assess your progress, and establish or revisit your plan. #financialplanning #CFPPro

21

2 Comments

New Article: When your client is forced to retire, who do they call? Their financial advisor. Let’s look at the critical role advisors play in guiding clients through unforeseen retirement challenges, providing support that goes beyond traditional financial planning. 💡 Discover valuable insights on navigating the emotional and practical aspects of forced retirement, and how collaborating with retirement coaches can make a world of difference for your clients. Thanks to Robert Laura Amie Nicholson Laura Dick Power, CFP® Geoffrey Owen Michael Murray, AIF®, CPFA Rhonda Fekete, ICF PCC Larry Jacobson Joanne Waldman Steve Gresham 👉 Join the conversation! #Advisorpedia #RetirementPlanning #ForcedRetirement #FinancialAdvisors #RetirementCoaches #WealthManagement #FamilyConversations

18

12 Comments

Strategies for Business Owners: Defined Benefit Plans. Business owners, are you looking for ways to reduce your taxable income and secure your financial future? Defined Benefit Plans can substantially increase your contributions to a tax-deferred account, giving you a strategic advantage. Not only can they provide significant tax benefits, but with the right administrative partner, you can streamline the process and focus on what matters most—growing your business. Reach out to Whitwell Advisors today to learn more about how Defined Benefit Plans can benefit your business! #BusinessGrowth #TaxPlanning #WealthAdvisors #FinancialStrategies #BusinessSuccess #whitwelladvisors #whitwell

1

1 Comment