Going independent

Former Morgan Stanley advisers discuss the pros and cons of leaving a wirehouse.

Former Morgan Stanley advisers discuss the pros and cons of leaving a wirehouse.

This group of planners can thank the Department of Labor for the new business.

Three advisers opened a new office for the independent firm, which is affiliated with Raymond James.

Turn these major fears into motivators for pursuing greater success, says Scott Collins, director of brokerage independence at TD Ameritrade Institutional.

Turn these major fears into motivators for pursuing greater success.

Experts weigh in on the pros and cons of leaving the employee channel.

Experts weigh in on the pros and cons of leaving the employee channel.

The advisory group decided that operating as an RIA was a better option.

The planner, who oversaw $132 million in client assets while at the wirehouse, is starting out on his own with help from Raymond James, the firm said.

Should advisers opt for better platform options or losing back-office and administrative tasks?

Make sure to devise a clear, easy-to-understand plan that correctly values the practice.

Advisers shouldn’t let fear of the unknown stop them from breaking out on their own.

Here are three important factors to take into consideration when breaking away.

Here are three important factors to take into consideration when breaking away.

Advisers shouldn’t let fear of the unknown stop them from breaking out on their own.

Going independent is alluring, but it also has its quirks. For instance, there is usually no support staff. Finding new clients while properly serving existing ones is “a juggling act,” CFP Tom Fredrickson says.

Advisers shouldn’t assume that all their favorite clients will follow them out the door.