Career Resources
Career guidance for aspiring investment adviser representatives, including salary data, job outlook, and professional development.
Investment Adviser Representative Salary & Career Guide [2026]
Complete IAR career guide with salary data by experience level ($50k-$250k+), job outlook, daily responsibilities, top employers, and career progression paths.
How to Start Your Own RIA Firm: Step-by-Step Guide
Complete guide to starting a registered investment adviser firm. Learn SEC vs state registration, Form ADV filing, compliance requirements, startup costs ($10k-$50k), and the 4-6 month timeline.
Fee-Only vs Commission-Based Advisers: What Is the Difference?
Understand different compensation models and their implications for fiduciary duty and client relationships. Learn how to identify fee-only advisers and why it matters.
Series 65 vs CFP vs CFA: Which Credential Is Right for You?
Compare the Series 65, CFP, and CFA credentials. Learn the costs, time requirements, pass rates, and career opportunities to choose the right path.
State Registration for Investment Advisers: Complete Guide
Complete guide to investment adviser state registration. Learn SEC vs state thresholds, IARD filing process, multi-state registration, fees by state, and Form ADV requirements.
Day in the Life of an Investment Adviser Representative
What IARs actually do hour by hour: client meetings, research, compliance, and prospecting. Real schedule breakdown with time allocation data from industry research.
Top Skills Every Investment Adviser Needs (Beyond the Exam)
Master the soft skills that separate successful financial advisers from the rest. Learn why communication, relationship-building, analytical thinking, and technology proficiency matter more than credentials.
Building Your Client Book After Passing Series 65
How to build a client book as a new financial adviser. Learn networking strategies, referral systems, niche marketing, center of influence relationships, and digital presence tactics to acquire your first 50 clients.