John Goralka

expert panel

Building customer relationships is easier when you start from a place of trust and empathy. Whether someone is a financial adviser, planner or financial business owner, being new to the industry comes with its own set of challenges — especially when it comes to finding that first client. While you may have the right credentials and the passion for helping others with their money, you must also work to convince potential clients that you’re the right person for the job.  But unlike entrepreneurs who have a particular product to sell, you won’t be able to rely on your product's features and benefits to help persuade them. You’ll instead need to focus on what you can offer that no one else can. To help get you started, the financial leaders of Kiplinger Advisor Collective offer their best advice for securing your first client — and what worked best for them — no matter the niche you serve.

expert panel

Trust, like in any relationship, takes time to develop. There are few topics more personal than someone’s finances. Money determines the way someone is able to live their life, and the various experiences, issues and successes they have with it can impact not only what they do but also who they are. Accepting guidance and advice on how to best handle money can be a big ask, so building trust as an adviser and/or financial services expert is essential if you want to succeed in this career path. But building this type of deep trust doesn’t happen right away; it must be earned, and the best advisers know what it takes to do so. Here, nine members of Kiplinger Advisor Collective share their best advice for building a trusting relationship with a client and how doing so will enhance your credibility and success in the financial industry.

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Why wait until January to get a head start on your goals? As the new year quickly approaches, people are readying their New Year’s resolutions and goals, hopeful for a brighter year and a new-and-improved self. But you don’t have to wait until January to start making a change. There are many steps you can take right now to get ahead on your goals and start 2025 off with a more impactful bang — especially when it comes to your finances. From designing a comprehensive financial game plan to automating your savings and investments, taking these steps now will ensure you set yourself up for success in 2025. For deeper insights into these steps and more, read on to hear from the members of Kiplinger Advisor Collective and their best tips for a prosperous new year.

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Consider this expert advice before you make the leap into property management. Many people are drawn to the world of real estate investing and the dream of making passive income through rental properties. It’s an attractive prospect, as there’s certainly plenty of money to be made if purchased with considerable thought. However, other potential investors are equally nervous about the idea of owning real estate, as the amount of work and knowledge required can seem daunting or out of reach. Influencers and reality TV shows make it seem easy — but is real estate investing right for you? As leaders in the financial space, the members of Kiplinger Advisor Collective are familiar with what it takes to succeed in real estate, and here, they share their expertise by outlining eight signs that investing in real estate may be a good fit or the right next step for you.

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Few trusts provide this level of multigenerational asset protection.

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There’s no shame in asking for help, especially when it comes to your finances. Personal finance is often just that: personal. Not only is it meant to adapt to your own needs, goals and wants, but it also can often be done on your own, with no outside help needed to succeed. However, finance can sometimes get complicated, especially as you start exploring more in depth with topics like investing, planning for retirement and estate planning. While you may be tempted to take on these complex areas on your own, it can sometimes be wise to bring professional help on board. As financial experts themselves, the members of Kiplinger Advisor Collective have helped countless people navigate the complexities of the financial world. Here, they discuss 10 important instances when you may want to consult a professional and why doing so will save you a lot of hassle — and money — in the long run.