Is the grass greener in the independent channel? If you’re a wirehouse advisor today, it’s something you may find yourself wondering about more and more.

If you’re thinking about going independent or are ready to make the leap, there are a few important (and exciting!) steps to consider next. Of course, you might worry about losing name recognition after leaving the wirehouse. But just think about what you get to do now: create and tell your brand story for the first time. Why do you do what you do? Whom do you do it for? What support do you rely on from the new firm you’ve partnered with, and how does it help you better serve your clients and evolve as an advisor and business owner?

This Thanksgiving, may you reflect on all you’ve been given, be grateful for what you have, and share what you can with those most in need.

When you hear the words “information security,” firewalls, antivirus programs, and multifactor authentication may come to mind. But what you might not think about is the one major vulnerability that every security system has: people.

Millennials are commonly seen as tech savvy because they’re the first generation to grow up with computers. As children, they had their own AOL screennames; as preteens, they lived on Myspace; and as teenagers and young adults, they were early adopters of Facebook. These early-age technological experiences just weren’t possible for Gen Xers and baby boomers.