Experienced Financial Advisor:

Helping Clients Live with Purpose

Happy senior couple looking at mobile phone

For retirees, having a purpose is as essential as financial security and good health for living well in retirement. According to our own research, in partnership with Age Wave and The Harris Poll, 40% of retirees said that being generous and giving back to their community is their greatest source of purpose, meaning and fulfillment in retirement. That’s why charitable giving should be part of the holistic financial conversation.

“As we enter the fall giving season, we have a great opportunity to partner with our clients to determine the appropriate giving strategies for them.”

-Ken Cella, Principal, Client Strategies Group

Charitable Giving and Complete Wealth Management

Depending upon the individual investor’s goals and tax situation, there are a variety of charitable giving strategies to consider.

For example, in 2021 only, those taking a standard tax deduction can deduct up to $300 ($600 for joint filers) in cash contributions to an IRS approved charity. If investors are looking to make a more sizable contribution, donating appreciated securities directly to qualified charities can be win-win. The charity has the potential to receive an even larger gift if the donated securities continue to appreciate, and the investor can take both a tax deduction and avoid paying capital gains taxes on the donated securities.
Investors over age 70½ may also have the option of giving up to $100,000 directly from their retirement account to a qualified charity. This strategy allows the investor to avoid paying taxes on the portion of their required mandatory distribution (RMD) that is transferred to the charity.

The Edward Jones Charitable Gift Fund

Contributing to a donor-advised fund (DAF), such as the Edward Jones Charitable Gift Fund, is another way to give back. DAFs are a charitable-giving tool that allows our clients to make irrevocable contributions to the Fund—usually of appreciated securities–and receive an immediate tax deduction. As the fund grows, clients can request distribution in the form of grants to IRS-approved charities of their choice.

DAFs offer a variety of advantages depending upon the client’s portfolio, preferred charities and desired giving practices. For example, DAFs allow clients to grow their charitable gifts over time, tax free, evaluate their favorite charity’s fiscal responsibility over time, and remain anonymous if they desire. DAFs can also streamline tax reporting and reduce tax liabilities on appreciated investments.

A DAF isn’t right for every investor or every charitable contribution, however. Grants generally cannot be used for specific fundraising events because there is a delay between the time the grant is requested and when it is given to a charity. DAFs may also have account minimums for contributions and grants, they assess a fee for ongoing administration, and cannot receive contributions directly from retirement accounts.

Navigating all the charitable giving options can be challenging. As we enter the fall giving season, we have a great opportunity to partner with our clients to determine the appropriate giving strategies for them. The timing couldn’t be better to have those important charitable giving conversations that can be so rewarding in helping our clients find and live their purpose.

Edward Jones Marketing Hub – A Resource for Our Financial Advisors

October 7, 2021/in Experienced Financial Advisor Optional /by Symphony Talent

Experienced Financial Advisor:

Edward Jones Marketing Hub – A Resource for Our Financial Advisors

Read the transcript or view the audio described video.

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At Edward Jones, we realize the importance of having accessible, turnkey tools to help grow client relationships. The Edward Jones Marketing Hub is a new, easy-to-use portal for our financial advisor marketing needs. It’s one more way we support our financial advisors with the tools and functionality needed to grow successful and sustainable businesses.

After viewing this two-minute video, consider learning more about the Edward Jones Opportunity by emailing us at JoinEJ@edwardjones.com. A representative from Branch Development will respond promptly.

Technology Strengthens Client Relationships, Attracts New Investors

September 2, 2021/in Experienced Financial Advisor Optional /by Symphony Talent

Experienced Financial Advisor:

Technology Strengthens Client Relationships, Attracts New Investors

by Ken Cella

Teamwork and technology, indispensable tools for corporate productivity

Make no mistake. We as financial advisors build our reputation on deep, trusted relationships with our clients.

These relationships set us apart and enable us to offer tailored solutions that help our clients reach their financial goals. It is in our DNA and our commitment to human-centered relationships won’t change.

However, a recent survey we conducted with Morning Consult on the digital client experience showed that 95 percent of investors polled said they feel it’s important that their financial advisors use the latest technology and tools when advising them.

“Having an integrated system to process and share insights and predictions will take our industry to the next level in understanding what is important to our clients.”

-Ken Cella, Principal, Head of External Affairs

While 83 percent of survey respondents said they would prefer working with a human financial advisor rather than a robo-advisor, they also told us they wanted digital tools and technology that help them understand if they are okay financially, how they got to where they are and where they are headed.

Technology as an Enabler

Investing in powerful digital technologies is enabling Edward Jones to strengthen relationships with our more than 7 million clients and to connect with the 42 million investors we are looking to serve. As we move through our digital transformation, the personalized client experience remains our priority. For example, earlier this year we redesigned edwardjones.com with a modern new design and released a new app for clients. These digital tools allow prospective clients to learn about Edward Jones on their terms, and clients to track their goals and stay connected to their financial advisor through new communication channels.

Changing the Way We Work

Every year, millions of investors visit financial firms’ digital platforms because they are seeking a financial advisor relationship. In a recent survey among visitors and investors on www.edwardjones.com,19 percent say that relatability is important to them and 31 percent say that understanding the financial advisor’s approach to advice and investment strategy matters most. It’s clear investors also want to know more about the financial advisor’s areas of focus (21%) and level of experience (28%).

Recognizing the important role technology can play in building and fostering new client relationships, we developed a custom, web-based application called Edward Jones Match which was built to harness information that supports investors in their journey to connect with a financial advisor. Using a short digital quiz that takes a few minutes to complete, investors are instantly matched with financial advisors who have the profile, credentials and approach that matter most to them. This is the kind of personalized client experience technology can deliver. It’s just one example of what’s possible.

Having an integrated system to process and share insights and predictions will take our industry to the next level in understanding what is important to our clients. It will also enable us to better understand the needs of potential clients and help them identify the ideal financial advisor for them. I can’t think of a more powerful first impression that a prospective client could experience.

While having the technology capabilities is critical, it means nothing if we don’t change how we work and think. A digital transformation is as much about mindset and the way we work as it is about the technology itself. The way we approach prospecting and taking care of our existing clients must shift. In-person meetings, speaking engagements and other traditional prospecting strategies are now augmented with digital strategies that include platforms like LinkedIn Sales Navigator, among other off-the-shelf or proprietary offerings. It also means being available to existing clients through digital channels like text and chat and providing greater transparency and data access, empowering them and giving them more control of their financial future.

Our clients want a financial advisor who understands them and can help guide them to achieve their financial goals. That’s not changing. But the expectations our clients and prospective clients have for technology are continually evolving and we must evolve with them.

Firm Culture – How Important Is it to Your Success?

July 29, 2021/in Experienced Financial Advisor Optional /by Symphony Talent

Experienced Financial Advisor:

Firm Culture – How Important Is it to Your Success?

Moving firms is a highly personal decision for financial advisors. Each person places different emphasis on a variety of factors. In a recent firm culture study conducted by AdvisorHub in partnership with Edward Jones, common cultural factors emerged as a top reason for making a move.

“When I transitioned to Edward Jones, it was an opportunity to build my business, while getting the support I needed to succeed. I have the independence I was looking for, but I never feel alone.”

-Jessica Barron, Financial Advisor

The study showed other top reasons for joining a firm include the technology, a desire for independence, work-life flexibility, and supportive management.

Read the full study

Clients Want to Connect Purpose and Investing – and We Can Help Them

July 19, 2021/in Experienced Financial Advisor Optional /by Symphony Talent

Experienced Financial Advisor:

Clients Want to Connect Purpose and Investing – and We Can Help Them

by Ken Cella

Having a strong sense of purpose is important for any organization, particularly for those of us in financial services. At Edward Jones, for example, everything we do is fueled by our purpose to improve the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society.

While our company purpose is paramount to us, the focus of our purpose is outside the four walls of our organization. We’re intentionally attuned to partnering with our clients to help them discover their sense of purpose, and for two good reasons. First, it enables us to provide services that give clients an opportunity to bring their purpose to life in ways that are important to them. Second, clients are increasingly interested in working only with companies that align with their core values.

While our company purpose is paramount to us, the focus of our purpose is outside the four walls of our organization. We’re intentionally attuned to partnering with our clients to help them discover their sense of purpose, and for two good reasons.

One way in which we’re doing this is in the area of sustainable investing – offering our clients ways to consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in their portfolios. Many studies show that a growing number of individual investors want to make a positive impact with their money. In fact, 33% of total assets under professional management in the United States – that’s one out of every three dollars – is already being invested using some type of sustainable strategy, according to a 2020 report from U.S. SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment. Additionally, insights and industry studies tell us that demand is increasing, especially among certain kinds of clients.

We believe sustainable investments can help our clients achieve their financial goals as part of a diversified portfolio, and we are working to make more sustainable investments available to them while also helping them understand all the options available and any associated risks.

We’re also offering our clients opportunities to support causes that are important to them and do it in a way that helps their contributions go even further. We do it through a donor-advised fund, or DAF, that we call the Edward Jones Charitable Gift Fund. Through the Charitable Gift Fund, clients make an irrevocable contribution for which they receive an immediate tax deduction. Over time, they can then direct grant requests to IRS-approved public charities.

The money in the fund is invested based on the client’s preferences, giving it the potential to grow tax-free, thus expanding their charitable impact. It’s a great option for clients who want their charitable giving to be tax-deductible, but don’t give enough each year to itemize their deductions. It’s also helpful for clients who own investments that have significantly increased in value, or for those who have experienced an unusually high-income year, as the Charitable Gift Fund can help alleviate tax burdens while the charities receive more proceeds than if the client gifted post-tax income. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. Investors should consult their attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding their situation.

Both sustainable investing and the Charitable Gift Fund make sense because they not only give our clients opportunities to use their money in a way that is aligned with their personal purpose, but they also can help clients make progress toward their financial goals.

These are examples of the kind of service that clients throughout the industry are increasingly coming to expect. They aren’t looking for just financial advice; in many cases, what they seek is more like guidance around holistic financial wellness. If you or your firm aren’t already offering these kinds of services – or planning to – the time to start is now.

Highest in Employee Advisor Satisfaction Among Financial Investment Firms

July 8, 2021/in Awards & Accolades, Experienced Financial Advisor, The Financial Advisor Opportunity Optional /by Symphony Talent

Awards & Accolades

Highest in Employee Advisor Satisfaction Among Financial Investment Firms

For the 12th time, Edward Jones Ranks “Highest in Employee Advisor Satisfaction Among Financial Investment Firms” by J.D. Power.

Based on responses from Edward Jones financial advisors, the firm earned an overall score of 890 points out of 1,000. This compared to the average score of 743 among the eight employee-channel firms measured by the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction Study.

“This is a tremendous honor because it embodies our purpose of partnering to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, benefit our communities and society,” says Kristin Johnson, Chief Transformation Officer for Edward Jones. “It’s been a challenging year for many investors, and our financial advisors, branch office administrators and home office associates have really come together as one Edward Jones team to serve our clients’ needs in a comprehensive way. This has included going beyond finances to focus on the well-being of our clients and their families, their health and yes, connecting with their purpose.”

This is a tremendous honor because it embodies our purpose of partnering to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, benefit our communities and society.

Kristin Johnson, Chief Transformation Officer

Between January and April 2021, financial advisors were asked to rate their firms in terms of leadership and culture, products and marketing, professional development, operational support, technology, and compensation. Edward Jones ranked No. 1 in products and marketing, compensation and professional development.

“We are a place of belonging at Edward Jones – a welcoming and productive environment where people feel comfortable to bring their full selves to work and all can achieve their full potential – inclusive of their different backgrounds and experiences,” Johnson added. “That feeling of belonging translates into supportive behaviors such as willingness to recommend. It also is what enables our firm to grow its impact and add value to our clients, colleagues and communities.”

Edward Jones received the highest score among employee advisors in 12 J.D. Power advisor satisfaction studies, which were completed in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012-2015, 2017-2021. The J.D. Power U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction Studies of employee advisors’ satisfaction is distributed among those who are employed by an investment services firm. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

“The consistent success of Edward Jones in this study since it was first launched back in 2007 is a great testament to their organization’s commitment to delivering a superior experience to the advisor,” said Michael Foy, Senior Director and Head of Wealth Intelligence at J.D. Power.

Five Leadership Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic

June 25, 2021/in Experienced Financial Advisor Optional /by Symphony Talent

Experienced Financial Advisor:

Five Leadership Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Ken Cella

While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly isn’t over, it does feel as though we’ve come far enough through it to gain some perspective on what we’ve learned during this unusual and challenging period. Even when we reach the point where we can put our face masks in a drawer for good, some lessons that have emerged certainly will continue to be relevant for many years to come.

1. Have a Clear Why

One lesson is having a clear why and the importance of being very clear about why you do the work you do, and why it’s needed in the world. The pandemic truly clarified the importance of being certain about your why – your purpose. After all, that strong sense of purpose helped us all push through and learn new ways to communicate when we couldn’t see clients and colleagues face-to-face, and it’s what kept us going on long days during the pandemic when so many aspects of our work seemed so unsettled.

2. Develop a Set of Guiding Principles for Decision-Making

We all remember the early days of the COVID outbreak, when every business was in crisis mode and trying to make decisions about how to adjust. At Edward Jones, when we realized our leadership team needed to make a series of critical decisions, our first step was to establish our guiding principles for times of uncertainty.

Doing so made it clear what was most important to us – taking care of our clients, valuing the contributions of each of our colleagues, and so on. These principles became a litmus test for all our decisions and allowed us to move quickly. Every financial advisor’s practice, no matter the size, can benefit from this kind of clarity in a crisis.

3. Be Comfortable Leading Without a Playbook

During a crisis, you will rarely have the luxury of time. And in some cases, the information you have at hand will be incomplete, or will conflict with other information you received from other sources. Your clients and your team won’t be able to wait. During times like this, you need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Making decisions in these conditions can be unsettling, but if you have your guiding principles in place, they will guide you – and the people around you – to help you get it right.

4. Communicate With Knowledge and Empathy

As you likely heard when talking to clients and colleagues in recent months, the pandemic caused many people to feel anxious or even frightened. As a financial advisor and a leader, you have to keep in mind the emotions your stakeholders may be feeling, and adjust your interactions with them accordingly. Be patient. Listen more closely to what people are telling you. That empathy will go a long way with your clients and with your colleagues.

5. Be Purpose-Driven in Everything You Do

Finally, and most importantly, be purpose-driven in everything you do. Work with like-minded people who share your sense of purpose and are fully in it with you. When you’re fully purpose-driven, you’re better equipped to deal with rapidly changing circumstances, because you have a clear focus. That purpose serves as your north star, guiding all of your actions, allowing you to be decisive and effective.

An Alternative to Going Independent

April 26, 2021/in Experienced Financial Advisor Optional /by ndowney

Experienced Financial Advisor:

An alternative to going independent

Woman conversing with couple over coffee

For many wirehouse financial advisors, the consideration of going independent begins with a desire for more control over how you work, how you serve clients, and how your practice evolves.

You’ve built momentum and strong client relationships. As expectations change and the industry continues to shift, it’s natural to reassess whether your current firm structure still supports where you want to take your practice next.

But the independent model isn’t the only way forward.

What operating an independent model requires
The independent model is often explored as a way to gain greater flexibility and control. At the same time, many financial advisors discover that operating an independent practice also means taking responsibility for the full business — from day-to-day operations to regulatory requirements and the technology that keeps everything running.

For wirehouse financial advisors — whether you’re focused on building momentum or sustaining what you’ve already built — the real question becomes how to work with confidence and intention within a structure designed to support long-term success.

That’s what leads many financial advisors to look beyond a single model of practice and consider alternatives that offer both freedom and support.

Flexibility and support — working together
Edward Jones offers a different way to structure the business of your practice.

As an Edward Jones Financial Advisor, you lead your practice within a structure built to support your success. Financial advisors often manage their practice from a firm provided office in the community they choose, supported by client support team members and backed by a national home office infrastructure.

Seamless, integrated technology plays a key role in that support. Financial advisors are equipped with tools designed to simplify daily operations, client engagement, and practice management — without the need to build or maintain systems independently. This allows more time and attention to remain focused on clients and relationships.

Compensation and transition support are part of the model, designed to provide stability and continuity as your practice evolves.

Building a practice designed to last
At the center of many conversations about the independent model is a desire for alignment — especially when it comes to clients.

Financial advisors want flexibility to serve clients holistically, make thoughtful decisions and build lasting relationships. Edward Jones is built around a client first philosophy, supported by infrastructure and technology designed to reinforce consistent, professional client experiences.

For experienced financial advisors, these considerations naturally extend to the future. Succession, continuity, and protecting the long-term strength of the practice matter — whether retirement is on the horizon or simply part of thoughtful planning. Edward Jones offers pathways that support intentional succession planning and smooth transitions, without limiting future options.

For wirehouse financial advisors evaluating whether the independent model is the right next step, Edward Jones represents a strong alternative — bringing together flexibility, integrated support, seamless technology, client centric service, and long-term continuity.

Sometimes the next step forward isn’t choosing the independent model — it’s choosing the right partnership.

Learn more about taking your practice to the next level at Edward Jones.

Balancing Freedom with Compensation Certainty

April 26, 2021/in Experienced Financial Advisor Optional /by ndowney

Experienced Financial Advisor:

Balancing Freedom with Compensation Certainty

It’s no surprise that compensation is a leading factor when financial advisors are considering changing firms. In the AdvisorHub study on brokerage-firm culture, done in partnership with Edward Jones, financial advisors said compensation was the top reason they’d consider leaving their current firm. While going independent is tempting for financial advisors looking to make a change, it may present considerable compensation uncertainty.

In a competitive landscape, recent enhancements to Edward Jones’ compensation structure are giving experienced financial advisors a strong reason to consider moving their practice to Edward Jones. The difference? Edward Jones compensation plans are designed to set up experienced financial advisors for success, individually evaluated and providing a competitive salary based on the assets they bring to the firm.

Transitioning experienced financial advisors can own their success on day one and avoid the compensation risk of independent practice. It’s the best of both worlds – support from a home office and autonomy to grow their practice independent of firm sales goals. Edward Jones financial advisors run their own offices, set their own goals and partner with clients on achieving their financial and life goals – and compensation reflects success in those efforts.

There are no loans in the Edward Jones compensation package. No upfront or back-end payments requiring certain production levels. No claw backs and financial advisors are not contractually bound to the firm for the long term.

As a private partnership, Edward Jones has long held a transparent compensation philosophy – with less complexity and fewer modifications compared to the industry – that helps financial advisors uniquely realize their potential. First and foremost, compensation is commensurate with a financial advisor’s experience and practice maturity. New plan features are designed to optimize the financial opportunity and are tailored to support an individual’s unique practice. Key features include:

12 Months Salary: The firm will provide salary for the first 12 months based on the portability of the financial advisor’s previous assets. All commissions and fees are additive, so it closes the gap between prior year income and the commissions earned during the transition.

New Asset Compensation: Edward Jones will compensate financial advisors for new assets gathered and brought to the firm for the first 24 months.

Bonus Compensation: Financial advisors are eligible for profitability bonuses on their start date, which are paid on a trimester basis.

No “Loans”: There are no loans in the Edward Jones compensation package. No upfront or back-end payments requiring certain production levels. No claw backs and financial advisors are not contractually bound to the firm for the long term.

This “no ceiling” compensation approach is why some come – and stay. In fact, since 2016, approximately 80% of financial advisors who joined Edward Jones from other firms remain today.

For experienced financial advisors considering a transition, Edward Jones balances freedom and flexibility with the certainty of a salary. Edward Jones financial advisors are rewarded for their hard work in the short-term and provided with the support they need to reach their full potential long-term. Learn more about compensation for experienced financial advisors at Edward Jones.

Building a Long-Term, Client-Centric Investment Business: Kevin O’Hagan

October 22, 2020/in Experienced Financial Advisor Optional /by myto

Experienced Financial Advisor:

Building a Long-Term, Client-Centric Investment Business: Kevin O’Hagan

Kevin was with one of the Canadian banks before joining Edward Jones four years ago. He felt restricted in his personal and professional growth when he started to explore other avenues. After speaking with several Edward Jones advisors in his region, the opportunity began to feel like a perfect fit, and years later, he is sure he made the right decision.

“Prior to Edward Jones, I worked for one of the big five Canadian banks in a business development role sourcing new investment relationships. I did this for over eight years, but over time, I felt the excitement and mental growth component diminish as did my desire to keep doing this for another 20 years. I was no longer challenged intellectually and wanted to continue growing personally.

“I explored a variety of opportunities that would allow for my personal growth and ability to serve clients. I evaluated bank brokerage channels, insurance companies as well franchise models in the financial industry. None really fit the ability to service clients in a manner that appealed to me, as the corporate agenda always seemed to overshadow my needs and those of my prospective clients. I always wanted to work for a firm that would value my input. I also knew I wanted to be a part of a larger organization to satisfy my need for the social aspect of professional life, which was important alongside my career growth objectives.

“I was approached by Edward Jones, and not knowing a lot about the firm, to be honest, initially I didn’t give it much consideration but told myself to be open-minded as good things can come from new experiences.

“It was only after the regional leader challenged me to explore the opportunity that I started to see that it was exactly what I’d been looking for. The region’s financial advisors took the time to answer all my questions and explain the Edward Jones opportunity so that I could make an informed decision.

“After some time, I realized that Edward Jones was the right place for me: I felt that I could work within the independent model that also allows for guided support. It took me some time to understand the way the firm operates as it was a big step away from a corporate environment. I started to see that it was not only about profit at Edward Jones. I came to understand that the firm is all about partnering with you to build a long-term client-centric investment business.

“It’s been almost four years since I started, and I know that I made the right decision to join this firm. I look forward to many more years of helping the firm build a stronger position in the Canadian investment landscape whilst servicing more investors as we continue to hire new and develop existing financial advisors in pursuit of this dream opportunity.”

If you’re ready for a rewarding career as a financial advisor, you can learn more about the opportunity or find an opportunity near you to connect with a recruiter. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.

Helping Clients Live with Purpose

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Charitable Giving and Complete Wealth Management

The Edward Jones Charitable Gift Fund

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1. Have a Clear Why

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5. Be Purpose-Driven in Everything You Do

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