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Also this week, Raymond James draws from Commonwealth again amid that firm's absorption by LPL Financial, and Osaic adds advisors with nearly $800 million in AUM.

Investors have several different types of real estate funds to consider, but the elements that make a good investment remain consistent.

Even as interest rates fall, investors keep piling into money market funds. Advisors think many could be putting their money to better uses.

Erin Daiber is the founder and CEO of Well Balanced Accountants, consultants helping independent CPA firms grow revenue, retain top talent and build firm value. She began her career in the audit practice of EY, then spent several years in private industry working as a financial analyst. She is a graduate of John Carroll University with a degree in accountancy, and is both a CPA and a Professional Certified Coach.

Sara Dressler serves as the CEO, and was previously director of operations, at Indigo Marketing Agency, a full-service marketing consulting firm serving financial advisors.

Take Financial Planning's latest self-study continuing education quiz for an hour of credit toward maintaining professional certifications.

Robin Hughes is the president and CEO of Housing Partnership Network.

Independent financial advisors get a lot of flexibility, but a study by Deloitte and Wells Fargo FiNet delves into the complexity of expanding successfully.