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title: Make the Big Moves Intelligently description: [AFW M.1.25] Michael's Epiphany #25 published: true date: 2026-06-30T08:09:35.430Z tags: editor: markdown dateCreated: 2021-07-03T04:38:36.085Z

It is strongly recommended that you wait until you earn at least $50,000+ (preferably $100k) before actively engaging in any of the non-fundamental business activities.

1. Pursuing Non-Fundamentals


Fundamental Activities

  • Middle-class family accounts.
  • Prospecting via direct relationships (friends, family & acquaintances) and referrals.
  • Broker-Dealer retail mutual funds.
  • Variable Annuities.
  • Life Insurance.
  • Living Trusts.


Non-Fundamental Activities

  • Getting CFP, or other designations.
  • Advisory business.
  • High net-worth clients.

That doesn't mean that if you "walk into" a $20 M Advisory account you should ignore it. But it does mean that you probably shouldn't actively pursue them until you've master the basics, and earned experience and money.


2. Going Full-Time

We are defining "full-time" as an Advisor who doesn't have another job. Meaning, he or she can commit a full-time schedule to our business. With some exceptions, it also means that our business is his/her's sole income. Note, that our firm nor FINRA make a distinction between "part-time" or "full-time", it is just a label that we culturally apply to an Advisor. Also, FINRA expects every Advisor to make a "full time" commitment to their business and servicing their clients.


Eight Suggested Requirements to go Full-Time

  1. Be fully licensed. Including life insurance and all securities licenses : 6, 63, 65

  2. Have a business emergency fund of at least $20,000. This fund is just for your business, and does not include your personal emergency fund.

  3. Your self-improvement habits must be locked-in before going full-time. Example,: plugging in the Telegram "Dailies" daily basis, viewing the weekly Monday Kickoff Meeting, reading a book a week etc.

  4. Have completed the AdvisorFirst Self-Study Curriculum in it's entirety. You must have mastered all things Nick Murray and American Funds.

  5. You need to get your residual income to a level where it at minimum to pays for your monthly fees, before going full time.

  6. You should out of the "cold market". You need to have a good client base that will provide you with 50% referral-based business.

  7. Most importantly, be actively following the $50k-Income Game-Plan.


3. Opening a Branch

There are no specific requirements for opening a FINRA registered branch, but the below are highly recommended:

  • All of the requirements above.
  • Have a Series 26 license.
  • Have enough ARR to pay all your monthly fees and your rent.
  • Be committed to having your office open for at least a year.
  • Have earned over $50,000.


4. Recruiting

  • All of the requirements above.