In The News
The Wealth Management Growth Formula with Brett Bernstein
Our CEO and Co-founder, Brett Bernstein, CFP®, recently had the pleasure of joining The Connected Advisor podcast hosted by Kyle Van Pelt, CEO of Milemarker Brett shared insights into his industry journey, his unique approach, the future of financial planning, the crucial role of technology investment in firm growth, and much more! Listen now:
Bitcoin ETFs bring new questions, worries to advisors
RIAs’ tech wish list for 2024
What To Do About Financial Advisors In Cognitive Decline
XML CEO and Co-founder Brett Bernstein, CFP®, offered his take on how to approach financial advisors who are in cognitive decline in a recent Financial Advisor Magazine article. With an aging population, Brett recommends treating advisors the same as clients are treated – that includes starting early and finding a solution that works for everyone. Read More:
Opinion: How RIAs can attract and hire young talent
XML CEO and Co-founder Brett Bernstein, CFP®, provided insights in his recent Citywire article on how RIAs can attract and hire young talent. In a world reshaped by the pandemic, Brett highlighted the changing priorities of young professionals—seeking balance, a supportive culture and a clear growth path. He emphasized the power of clear communication, showcasing the importance of aligning values, vision and culture. Read More:
Opinion: Is an affiliated broker-dealer right for your RIA?
Young advisors welcome AI, but regulatory concerns restrict its use
Although young advisors are open to adopting AI, worries about security, privacy, and regulatory issues are causing some to reassess the advantages of its implementation. XML CEO and Co-founder Brett Bernstein CFP®, recently discussed his perspective with InvestmentNews “I’m too concerned about compliance and cybersecurity,” he said. Read more
Giving Tuesday
The Thanksgiving holiday is a good reminder to be thankful for what we have. The National Day of Giving is our opportunity to help those less fortunate than us. This National Day of Giving, we hope you will consider offering any support you can to those in need. Visit to learn more
5 Major Savings Roadblocks Women Face — and How To Overcome Them
Modern women face unique financial roadblocks – especially when it comes to saving. Learn how to overcome these hurdles in this GoBankingRates article featuring XML Senior Wealth Advisor Lauren O’Brien, CFP®, RICP®, CPA Read More
Gen Z: Here’s How You Can Establish Impactful Savings Habits Today
Struggling with savings while juggling financial priorities? Hear from our President Curtis Congdon CFP®, CRPC®, as he talks with GoBankingRates about how young adults can establish impactful savings habits to achieve financial success. “The best habit is to systematically increase the percentage of your income that you save… [This] will produce a lifetime of wealth accumulation, which creates far more opportunities for your future,” he said. Read more
Why Gifting To Clients Is Still Key For Retention, Referrals
TOP FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS IN NOVA
TOP FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS IN NOVA
Private Wealth Management Summit
50 Growers Across America 2023
Do Americans Really Need $4.3 Million To Retire?
Estate Planning And Its Role Within Our Life Transitions With Michelle Cooper (Ep.10)
How Much Insurance Do Your Clients Really Need?
Learn more about Energy ETFs
7 Best Biotech ETFs to Buy Now
These communications are for informational and educational purposes only. No content or reference to a third-party article is intended to be a recommendation for the sale or investment in any product, strategy or service nor should it be perceived as individual advice. XML Financial Group and its affiliates (“XML”) are not responsible for any actions taken related to this information. Content does not reflect the strategies, opinions or investment approach of all XML Advisors. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market or economic conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. XML does not provide tax or legal advice and we encourage you consult with tax or legal professional advisors before implementing any legal or financial planning strategies.
Stock Funds Rally to 12.4% Gain for 2023 So Far
Stock-Market Bulls See Room to Run
Some Good News (At Last) For Long-Term Care Insurance
Stocks Rise on Hopes for Debt-Ceiling Deal
The Nasdaq Composite gained momentum to close out trading ahead of the holiday, leading investors to feel confident that an agreement for a debt-ceiling deal would pass Congress. CEO and Co-Founder of XML Financial Group, Brett Bernstein, recently spoke with The Wall Street Journal about the market rally as a potential deal began to take shape. Read More:
7 Dividend ETFs for Retirement Investors
President of XML Financial Group, Curtis Congdon, recently spoke with U.S. News and World Report about the potential benefits of investing in dividend-paying stocks. “While there is a temptation to move to ultraconservative assets in retirement, this comes with its own risks,” says Congdon. “Dividend-paying stocks offer a fairly predictable income stream and can add a differentiated source of return to a portfolio of bonds.” Read More:
Tax-loss harvesting produces bumper crop of charitable cash contributions
Succession Planning For Financial Advisors
A $2.5B branch moves to Cetera for RIAs, flexibility and growth
Passive Income in 2023: Are These 7 Investments Worth Considering?
How to Track Congressional Stock Picks With 2 New ETFs
XML Financial Group Named Official Wealth Management Sponsor of Hoop Culture Capital Classic
How To Help Clients Who Own Businesses In Declining Industries
Annuities Are Popular Amid Volatility. But Critics Remain.
The complexity of annuities continues to increase as they become more attractive. CEO and Co-Founder Brett Bernstein explained in a recent Financial Advisor Magazine article that the ambiguity often arises because insurance carriers offer an abundance of annuity benefits based on different types of annuities. Read the full article
Estate Planning And Its Role Within Our Life Transitions With Michelle Cooper (Ep.10)
The NextGen Boom: Are You Ready?
Financial planning and wealth management are often associated with older generations, but millennials can also benefit from financial advisors. In a recent Financial Advisor Magazine article, President Curtis Congdon discusses the importance of gaining and maintaining the trust of younger clients. Read the full article here
M&A Decline: New Trough Or Brief Bump?
What To Do With Client Cash Now That Interest Rates Are Up
What are the professionals saying about higher interest rates and cash? Our CEO and Co-Founder Brett Bernstein chimes in with other professionals on popular cash options in this Financial Advisor Magazine. Read the story:
Companies Are Still Boosting Capital Spending Despite Higher Rates
Keep Your Eye On The Prize: Financial, Energy, & Industrial Stocks
Top Financial Professionals
FAs Weigh In: Transitioning Clients Through a Merger or Acquisition
When financial advisory firms are planning a merger or acquisition, it’s critical to prepare clients for the pending changes. Mark Samson is a senior partner at Samson Wealth Management Group, a division of XML Financial Group. Samson’s firm, Samson Wealth, merged with XML earlier this year. Samson recently told Financial Advisor IQ that clear and concise communication with clients throughout the process is essential. His firm was sure to explain the benefits of the merger, along with the new tools and resources to which they will have access. Read the story here
FAs Weigh In: Transitioning Clients Through a Merger or Acquisition
America’s Top RIA Firms
XML is thrilled to announce we have been named to the inaugural list of Top RIA Firms in America by Forbes and SHOOK Research. It is an honor to be in the top 100 firms. We appreciate the commitment of our advisors to our client relationships through both the prosperous and turbulent times.
Read More
Data as of December 31, 2021. Coverage period is 2021. America’s Top Registered Investment Advisor Firms ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on data submitted by the participant, in-person, virtual or telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerance vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Neither SHOOK nor Forbes receive compensation from XML in exchange for its Registered Investment Advisor Firm placements or rankings, which are determined independently. Participation in this directory is limited to ranked firms; once placed on a ranking, firms may choose to pay fees to Forbes and Shook for premium listing features as indicated by highlighted names. XML paid no such fees. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor or firm and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Investors must carefully choose the right advisor or firm for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com , SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
For Some Retiring Clients, Paying Off The Mortgage No Longer The Best Advice
The LTCi evolution: insurers search for a successful formula
How to Prepare and Protect Your Finances as the Economy Shifts
So What Else
We are excited to support the 2022 So What Else Palooza! This Friday, our community will celebrate the efforts So What Else has made to improve the lives of children and families through its services and resources. To learn more, visit:
How to avoid the dividend stock ‘yield trap’
THE BULLIS ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THEIR ENTREPRENEURS IN RESIDENCE FOR 2022-2023
Birth of LTCi: Fatal miscalculations spur decades of angst
Many people purchase long-term care insurance to prepare for old age. In a recent InsuranceNewsNet article, Wealth Advisor Kevin Peters shares his professional and personal experiences helping clients understand the misconceptions, risks and benefits of long-term care insurance. Read the full article here
IBD Elite 2022: Which independent brokerages have the biggest RIAs?
In light of Financial Planning‘s annual IBD Elite survey, CEO and Co-Founder Brett Bernstein provides insight on the importance of RIAs maintaining broker-dealer affiliations to offer clients a comprehensive range of services and options to address their unique needs. Read the full article for more information: Read the full story
FAs Weigh In: Estate Planning Hurdles
FAs Weigh In: Crypto in 401(k)s Acceptable for Some, ‘No-Fly Zone’ for Others
Tech stocks are back in the market’s driver’s seat
FAs Weigh In: Crypto? Not Yet
Cryptocurrency has generated a lot of buzz within the financial industry. In a recent Financial Advisor IQ survey, CEO and Co-Founder Brett Bernstein explains cryptocurrency benefits but urges people to fully understand the risks. Read the full article:
FAs Weigh In: Clients Asking, ‘Am I OK?’
Can allocation shifts based on interest rates, market volatility and inflation benefit my portfolio? “Overall, through diversification and not trying to market time things, we can provide the majority of the success to your financial plan. But sometimes tweaks here and there can add alpha to your portfolio,” said CEO and Co-Founder Brett Bernstein in this Financial Advisor IQ story. Read the full story
What Does The Bear Market Mean For Retirees?
BRK/B, GS, USB: Best Stocks To Invest In Now
How Client Segmentation Can Boost Advisors’ Bottom Line
Higher pay and lifestyle benefits put wealth advisors in the driver’s seat
FAs Weigh In: New SEC Marketing Rule ‘Absolutely Beneficial’
XML CEO and Co-Founder Brett Bernstein addresses the firm’s strategy for implementing client testimonials for future marketing purposes in this recent Financial Advisor IQ survey: Read the full story
The risky side of tax-loss harvesting that advisors need to know
Top 50 Fastest-Growing Firms
Advisors Reveal Their Low-Vol Picks
In a recent interview by VettaFi, XML President, Curtis Congdon, explains why he prefers the Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF (LVHD) to minimize exposure during a volatile market. LVHD utilizes a strategy that produces increased stability and higher yield than other ETFs. Read the full story
When to Sell Stocks at a Loss
Are you thinking about selling stocks at a loss due to recent market declines? XML CEO and Co-Founder, Brett Bernstein, reminds investors about the wash-sale rule in a recent U.S. News article. To avoid missing out on possible rebounds, investors should be mindful that they cannot repurchase securities or one that is substantially similar for a period of time. Read the full story
How to manage your money during a recession, according to personal finance experts
XML Completes Merger with Samson Wealth Management Group
Worried about inflation? Here are 6 takes for retirement portfolios
Current inflation rates have sparked panic. But financial planners, like XML Financial Group, use historical averages for inflation and plan for the “what-if” scenarios. Recently, CEO and Co-Founder Brett Bernstein spoke with Financial Planning on inflation and retirement. Read the full story
5 Tips For Retiring In A Bear Market
Covid’s Effect On Long-Term-Care Insurance
The pandemic has made everyone think more about mortality and their health, which has attracted attention to long-term care insurance. Recently, wealth advisor Kevin Patrick Peters spoke with Financial Advisor on how insurance rates may increase due to COVID-19 and other factors. Read the full story
Financial Planning and Wealth Management Panel Discussion: April 27
XML Financial Group is committed to shaping future professionals by actively engaging in the community. Senior Wealth Advisor, Lauren O’Brien, is participating in George Mason University’s Financial Planning & Wealth Management networking event on April 27 to discuss opportunities the finance industry has to offer. We are thankful for the opportunity to make a difference among young professionals.
Consider Owning These ETFs
New ETFs continue to rise almost daily. Navigating which you should add to your portfolio can seem like a formidable task. Co-CIO & Co-Founder Rob Kantor discussed one of our core ETF holdings at XML Financial Group. Want to learn more? Read the full ETF.com story
Diving Into Avelo Airlines’ Big Push For Pilots
Did you join our recent webinar with Avelo Airlines? Through the webinar, Andrew Levy, CEO and Founder of Avelo, spoke with XML CEO Brett Bernstein about navigating the opportunities and challenges of introducing a new airline during a pandemic. Simple Flying covered the webinar and what was discussed. Learn more about what was covered
Using ETFs To Solve For Fixed Income
We anticipated rates would rise and acted accordingly. CIO and Co-Founder Rob Kantor saw the writing on the wall and positioned clients in shorter and medium-duration fixed income investments. He tells ETF.com how we’ve shifted toward ETFs that could benefit from inflation in the article below.
Advisory Firms Embrace Flexwork Schedules To Preserve Talent
Talent retention has always been a priority, but the pandemic has made it paramount. XML CEO Brett Bernstein discusses changes the firm has offered to keep and attract good employees during Covid-19 in this Financial Advisor story
5 expensive mistakes shoppers make during the holiday season, according to financial planners
The holiday season is upon us and sticking to a budget can be hard. To combat this, many consumers chose to buy now, pay later on purchases. While this sounds like a great option, it can hurt your overall credit. Recently, XML CEO Brett Bernstein spoke with Business Insider on the common mistakes shoppers make during the holiday season. Read more
Power Women: Michelle Cooper of XML Financial Group On How To Successfully Navigate Work, Love and Life As A Powerful Woman
XML-W Director and Co-founder Michelle Cooper was recently featured in Authority Magazine’s Power Women series, designed to explore how successful, strong and powerful woman navigate and balance work, employee relationships, love and life. Read the in-depth conversation
Should Annuity Buyers Time the Market?
When it comes to annuities, there’s no good or bad time to buy. However, a variety of factors can affect your payout. There are also many different types of annuities that can serve as bond substitutes or as accumulation vehicles. Recently, XML CEO Brett Bernstein spoke with ThinkAdivsor about how individuals should evaluate annuity investments. Learn more
Do Advisors Need a Financial Therapist on Their Team?
Psychology and investing? This could be a surprise to some but psychology and investing often go together. Recently, XML CEO Brett Bernstein spoke with Barron’s about how much psychology plays a role when it comes to investments and financial planning. Interested in learning more? Read more
XML Financial Group Named To 2020 Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers
XML Financial Group is pleased to announce it has been named to the 2020 edition of the Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers. The list recognizes top independent RIA firms from across the U.S. As of December 31, 2019. Coverage period is 2019. Eligibility criteria: SEC registered RIAs with over $300 million of AUM. The FT 300 assesses registered investment advisers based on desirable traits for investors. The Financial Times presents the FT 300 as an elite group, not a competitive ranking of one to 300. They believe this is the fairest way to identify the industry’s elite advisers while accounting for the companies’ different approaches and specializations. The formula the FT uses to grade advisers is based on six broad factors and calculates a numeric score for each adviser. Areas of consideration include AUM, asset growth, the company’s age, industry certifications of key employees, SEC compliance record and online accessibility. XML did not pay to participate in said ranking. For more information and to view the entire list, please read more here.
Avenel Living Magazine
Partner, Michelle P. Cooper, has written a book, I’ve Still Got Me — A Widow’s Journey to Love, Happiness and Financial Independence. “By sharing my story and bringing my challenges out in the open, I hope to draw attention to the common life events that we, as women, face along our life journey.” – Michelle Cooper Read More
*These communications are for informational and educational purposes only. No content or reference to a third-party article is intended to be a recommendation for the sale or investment in any product, strategy or service nor should it be perceived as individual advice. XML Financial Group and its affiliates (“XML”) are not responsible for any actions taken related to this information. Content does not reflect the strategies, opinions or investment approach of all XML Advisors. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market or economic conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. XML does not provide tax or legal advice and we encourage you consult with tax or legal professional advisors before implementing any legal or financial planning strategies.
who we are
Wondering if there might be something more you and your money could do?
There are several different ways to connect with us. Chose whichever you are most comfortable with.
let’s talk