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Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake is a retirement, investing and estate planning expert who has been writing about personal finance for a decade. Her expertise in the finance niche also extends to home buying, credit cards, banking and small business. She's worked directly with several major financial and insurance brands, including Citibank, Discover and AIG and her writing has appeared online at U.S. News and World Report, CreditCards.com and Investopedia. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and she also attended Charleston Southern University as a graduate student. Originally from central Virginia, she now lives on the North Carolina coast along with her two children.

Posts by Rebecca Lake

Strategic portfolio management refers to a suite of processes advisors can use to streamline and grow their businesses.
Advisor Resources

Guide to Strategic Portfolio Management for Your Advisory Firm

Building a successful—and sustainable—business often begins with developing systems that allow you to operate as efficiently as possible. Strategic portfolio management (SPM) encompasses various processes that financial advisors and other organizations can use to ensure that their actions align with their goals. Pursuing this type of approach can facilitate growth and allow you to better… read more…

Financial advisors discussing rules for reportable securities.
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What Are Reportable Securities for Financial Advisors?

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) imposes certain rules on registered investment advisors governing ethical behavior. Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act outlines minimum standards for establishing an advisor code of ethics, including the treatment of reportable securities. Ensuring these standards are met is critical for remaining compliant with federal regulations. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform… read more…

Financial advisors looking at a post from a personal finance influencer.
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7 Personal Finance Influencers to Follow If You’re an Advisor

Personal finance influencers are becoming increasingly popular on social media as people seek out straightforward, practical financial advice. While many influencers cater to a consumer-facing audience, some offer tips and strategies that are directed toward financial services professionals. Getting to know some of the most impactful personal finance influencers can be a terrific way to… read more…

A financial advisor analyzing market sentiment indicators to grow client portfolios.
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How to Analyze Market Sentiment Indicators to Grow Client Portfolios

Market sentiment can be integral in determining how stock prices move at any given time. Being able to gauge the mood of the market is a valuable skill, as it can allow you to make the most informed decisions possible when guiding client portfolios. A market sentiment indicator can help you conduct your analysis. SmartAsset’s… read more…

An advisor taking a financial planner course online.
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Where to Find Financial Planner Courses Online

Certified financial planners must meet continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their certification. If you’re interested in completing financial planner courses online there are plenty of options to choose from. When comparing financial planning classes, it’s helpful to consider the format, the time commitment required, and what you’ll pay. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform can help… read more…

An advisor setting expectations for clients in a discovery meeting.
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How Advisors Can Run an Effective Discovery Meeting

Scheduling a discovery meeting with a prospective or new client is an opportunity to get to know them a little and establish the ground rules for your interactions going forward. Setting an agenda for the meeting can ensure that you’re covering the most important topics. You should also be prepared to ask the client some… read more…

A registered advisor looking up SEC rules to draft a code of ethics.
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Guide to Code of Ethics for Financial Advisors

Financial advisors are expected to uphold certain ethical standards when managing client finances and offering advice. Establishing and adhering to a code of ethics can allow you to build a more sustainable business if you’re able to foster trust and client loyalty. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform can help you add new clients at your desired… read more…

A CFP financial advisor working with a client remotely.
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How to Find a Remote Job as a CFP Financial Advisor

Becoming a certified financial planner (CFP) can open new career opportunities, including the possibility of remote work. While some firms that hire financial advisors prefer them to work in-house, others are comfortable allowing them to work virtually on a part-time or full-time basis. If you’re interested in CFP remote jobs, it helps to know where… read more…

A financial advisor researching regulations that ensure industry standards.
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Understanding Common Financial Advisor Regulations

Financial professionals are subject to regulation to ensure that they’re following industry standards at all times. Several organizations are responsible for establishing and enforcing financial advisor regulations in the U.S. If you’re interested in a career as an advisor, it’s important to understand the guidelines that you’re expected to adhere to. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform can… read more…

A financial advisor using a risk curve to tailor advice for clients.
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Using a Risk Curve to Simplify Retirement Planning for Clients

Risk is an important consideration when helping clients shape their retirement plans to achieve the outcomes they desire. One tool you may rely on to help clients visualize potential outcomes is the risk curve. In simple terms, a risk curve illustrates the tradeoff between risk and reward. When used in a financial planning context, risk… read more…

A man creating a financial advisor resume.
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Example of How to Build a Strong Financial Advisor Resume

Whether you’re looking for your next role as a financial advisor or your first one, a carefully crafted resume is a must in a competitive job market. If you haven’t updated your resume in a while or you’re creating one for the first time, it’s helpful to know what to include that will grab a… read more…

Financial advisors reviewing a storyselling marketing strategy to attract new clients.
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What Is Storyselling for Financial Advisors?

Increasing sales is a common goal for advisors and the way you approach your marketing plan can have a direct impact on outcomes. Story selling is an increasingly popular strategy for promoting services and products to clients in an approachable, relatable way. If you’ve struggled to gain traction with marketing, learning story selling for financial… read more…

A financial advisor considering the CFP Capstone course.
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What Is the CFP Capstone Course?

Acquiring a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential could broaden your career horizons and help you grow your book of business. There are several requirements financial professionals must meet, including completing the CFP Capstone course. The course is designed to enhance your knowledge and skillset in preparation for working with clients and is required for all… read more…

A financial advisor calculating individual funding ratios for clients.
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Understanding the Funding Ratio of a Defined Benefit Plan

While traditional pensions are on the decline as more employers opt to offer defined contribution plans to employees, they haven’t disappeared entirely. If you have clients who anticipate receiving a pension in retirement, it’s important to understand where those benefits might fit in. Funding ratio is a key consideration when evaluating the financial health of… read more…

A financial advisor using a direct indexing provider to implement custom strategies for her clients.
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Types of Direct Indexing Solutions for Advisors

Direct indexing is an investment strategy that aims to replicate the performance of a stock index by investing in the underlying securities that the index is composed of. Assets are held in a separately managed account which can open the door to greater tax efficiency through loss harvesting. Advisors may turn to direct indexing providers… read more…

An investment manager working with a client to help manage her investment portfolio.
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Pros and Cons of an Investment Manager Career

Investment management can be a demanding profession but one that may offer lucrative rewards. Financial managers earned a median annual salary of $139,790 in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Is investment management a good career path for beginners in the financial services industry? It could be for advisors who have the experience… read more…

Financial advisor looking up the SEC pay-to-play rule.
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What Is the SEC’s Pay to Play Rule?

A core part of running an advisory business is ensuring that your practice complies with regulatory guidelines set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). One such guideline, Rule 206(4)-5 or the SEC pay-to-play rule, governs what advisors can and can’t do when making contributions to political campaigns. Advisors who violate this rule could find… read more…

A financial advisor keeps up with industry trends by reading blogs from financial influencers or "finfluencers."
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Popular Financial Influencers for Advisors to Follow

Financial influencers or ‘finfluencers’ have proven to be a popular, though unconventional, source of information and education for people who are interested in learning more about money. While many of the top influencers tailor their content to investors and everyday consumers who are navigating the realm of personal finance, some speak directly to the interests… read more…

Financial advisors reviewing Know Your Client rules (KYC).
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What Are the Know Your Client Rules for Financial Advisors?

Financial advisors are required to meet certain standards when adding new clients to their book of business or selling regulated products to existing clients. Under Know Your Client (KYC) rules, advisors must confirm clients’ identities while assessing suitability and risk. These rules fall under the umbrella of anti-money laundering (AML) practices that banks and other… read more…

A financial advisor discussing different financial planning stages for a family.
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Understanding the Life-Cycle Approach for Your Clients

Life cycle financial planning is a multi-stage approach to helping your clients build and manage wealth. As clients age and experience life changes, their financial goals and needs may evolve, which in turn can affect the type of advice you offer. Understanding the financial planning life cycle can help you prepare for each new phase… read more…

A financial advisor reading an investment book.
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7 Investment Books Every Advisor Should Read

Knowledge is a powerful asset and one that requires ongoing cultivation as an advisor. Devoting time to reading books about investing is one way to expand your expertise so that you can better serve your clients while becoming a savvier investor yourself. With so many books to choose from (and so little time in your… read more…

A financial advisor researching wealth management technology tools for his firm.
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Key Technology Every Wealth Manager Should Consider

Incorporating technology into your advisory practice can help save money and increase efficiency, leaving you with more time to focus on your clients. Navigating the wealth management technology landscape may seem a little intimidating, but embracing the right tools could transform your business. Here are some of the most important types of wealth management tech… read more…

A financial advisor reviewing a Google Ad strategy for his firm.
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How to Leverage Google Ads as a Financial Advisor

Digital marketing has become increasingly important for advisors as more investors turn to search engines to connect with financial professionals. Investing in Google Ads can be an effective way to increase your business’s visibility and attract new clients if you know how to use them. Understanding what a Google Ad campaign might be able to… read more…

A financial planner working with clients on a plan for their finances.
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What It’s Like to Work as a Financial Planner

Entering a career in financial services can offer plenty of opportunities for advancement and high earning potential. Some professionals work as financial advisors while others choose to work as financial planners. While the titles sound the same, there are some differences in what a financial planner job entails. Add new clients and AUM at your… read more…

A financial advisor getting referrals from his top clients.
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How Financial Advisors Can Ask Clients for Referrals

Asking for referrals can be one of the best ways to acquire new leads for your advisory business. It’s cost-effective, which is an advantage if you’re hoping to keep your marketing budgeting in line. And if your current clients are well-satisfied with your services, they may be able to provide you with a steady stream… read more…