Leighton Langan, Author at Nitrogen Wealth

The Top 10 Most Popular Nitrogen Articles of 2024

With 2024 nearly in the books, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the resources and insights that resonated with our community of financial professionals this year. From providing actionable guides to delivering industry-changing product updates, these articles are the ones that captured your attention and, of course, provided valuable takeaways for your firm.

Below we’ve rounded up and ranked our top 10 most popular Nitrogen blogs of the year based on views. Curious to know which one will take the top spot? Let’s dive in!

#10: Essential client appreciation message templates for financial advisors

In this guide, we gave away a number of easy and actionable tips for showing your appreciation for your clients. With seven ready-to-use email templates, we packed this piece full of meaningful messages that your firm can quickly and easily customize and share with your clients. From birthdays and anniversaries to major milestones, this blog gives you everything you need to foster stronger connections (without taking tons of time away from your other tasks and priorities).

#9: Client Experience Surveys for Financial Advisors: Unlocking Valuable Insights

Understanding your clients and what they value most is critical to refining your client experience. Ultimately, that experience needs to be exceptional enough for your clients to feel compelled to tell others about you—meaning mastering the client experience and referrals is a key ingredient to growth. This article is all about client experience surveys and offers tips and tricks for creating your own survey, even if you’ve never done one before.

We also explored why getting feedback from current clients is important and offered sample questions and actionable tips for gaining high-quality feedback from your clients.

#8: The Advisor’s Guide to Getting ‘Google Screened’

Being ‘Google Screened’ is an often overlooked but powerful growth opportunity that puts your firm at the top of Google search results. Alongside a green ‘verified’ checkmark and your Google review ratings, this coveted spot signals credibility and makes it easier for potential clients to find and trust you.

Local search visibility is a game-changer for growth-focused advisory firms. One of our favorite success stories? An advisor followed our guide, set up their Google profile, got verified, and landed a new client the very same week—thanks to being discovered through a Google search!

In this blog, we break down the step-by-step process to help you become Google Screened, boosting your credibility and unlocking new business opportunities.

#7: Lead Generation for Advisors: How to Optimize Your Website and Social Media

With a strong digital presence now essential to every advisory firm’s growth strategy, it’s no wonder this website-focused article earned a spot on our list.

In this guide, we laid out a clear roadmap to help advisors generate more high-quality leads through their online presence. From practical website optimization techniques to leveraging social media for attracting new prospects, this blog is packed with actionable tips to elevate your digital marketing game.

#6: A New Era of Nitrogen: Products, Pricing, and More

In July, we unveiled an exciting update that redefined how we serve our advisor community.

This article introduced our new plans, designed to provide both individual advisors and advisory teams with seamless access to our enhanced client engagement platform. We also showcased five powerful product centers, each crafted to elevate your advisory practice:

Together, these five products now enable advisors to deliver more personalized advice and a better client experience, all while setting firms up with best-in-breed technology to scale.

#5: Midyear Mastery: The Financial Advisor’s Checklist for Strategic Reflection and Proactive Growth

This mid-year release invited advisors to pause, reflect, and recalibrate their strategies before diving into the second half of the year. Packed with a practical checklist, this blog became a favorite among advisors for its quick, actionable steps to help advance their practice and achieve meaningful goals in Q3 and Q4.

#4: Empowering Advisors to Invest Fearlessly: 2024 Nitrogen Product Keynote Recap

Nitrogen’s product keynote is always a showstopper at the Fearless Investor Summit, and this year’s event was no exception. Our 2024 keynote unveiled exciting enhancements to the Nitrogen product roadmap, spotlighting the five centers designed to foster deeper, more meaningful connections between advisors and clients.

This article provides an in-depth look at these innovative tools, which go beyond just data and efficiency, empowering advisors to elevate their client relationships and deliver truly personalized experiences.

#3: Q2 2024 Product Release: Driving growth and engagement for firms with Command Center, Retirement Income By Source, and more

The Q2 product release introduced powerful new tools and features that generated buzz throughout our advisor community. From game-changing updates to the Command Center to enhanced retirement income tracking, this blog delivered a comprehensive breakdown of the innovations you needed to know.

Packed with insights, it offered a detailed look at features designed to help advisors streamline processes, achieve better outcomes, and elevate the client experience.

#2: Buying the Right Wealth Management Technology Partner: Why ‘Buying the Seller’ Matters for Financial Advisors

Choosing the right wealth management technology is about more than just software—it’s about partnering with a trustworthy, stable company that prioritizes your long-term success. Reliable technology comes from firms with a proven track record, customer-centric focus, and commitment to innovation, like Nitrogen.

Unlike platforms built through acquisitions, Nitrogen develops its tools in-house to ensure seamless integration, streamlined workflows, and advisor satisfaction. With over a decade of industry expertise, continuous innovation, and dedication to advisor input, Nitrogen empowers financial advisors to grow their firms with confidence.

#1: The Ultimate Tax Prep Checklist To Send To Your Clients

It was apparent that our readers loved this streamlined and actionable tax season resource in 2024. Designed to be customized and shared with your client list, this checklist enables you to give proactive, valuable guidance during a stressful time of year for many. By helping your clients feel prepared and supported in every facet of their financial lives, our goal for this checklist is to help position you as a trusted and caring partner with deep industry expertise.

Are you ready to make 2025 your firm’s best year yet?

This year, our community of growth-focused advisors made their priorities clear: they want tools and resources that simplify workflows, deepen client relationships, and support scalable growth.

Whether you’re celebrating this year’s successes or already setting your sights on next year’s goals, we hope these blogs continue to inspire and provide actionable strategies for your firm.

Want to see how Nitrogen’s client engagement platform can help you achieve your 2025 growth goals? Book your demo now and let’s make it happen!

The Future of Wealth Management: Trends to Watch in 2025

Your role as a financial advisor has evolved in recent years, and client expectations are changing. Not only are investment products and AI-driven financial tools more accessible than ever to the average investor, but the entire financial services landscape continues to become more competitive by the day.

By focusing on the following key trends, you can better differentiate yourself as a trustworthy financial partner—while preparing your firm to attract the next generation of wealth builders.

Financial Education

A lack of financial literacy continues to be a problem in America—leaving many investors searching far and wide for reputable sources of financial knowledge. With the rise of social media and online financial influencers (“Finfluencers”), it’s becoming more important than ever for you to take the extra time necessary to educate your clients and provide resources to help them better understand their financial standings.

The hard truth is, if you aren’t the one providing sound, unbiased advice and education, it’s possible your clients may turn to other sources who may not have their best interests at heart.

Personalized Investing and Client Experiences

Tech tools and automation have made it possible for modern advisors to scale their firms successfully while still maintaining a high-touch experience for clients. Moving into 2025, your clients and prospects will continue to expect an ultra-personalized experience—from your initial emails and phone calls to custom reports, tailored strategies, check-in emails, and more.

One reason why personalized investing is so important to investors today is, again, because of the sheer number of options available. Investors can use an online brokerage firm and begin investing tomorrow—but what they want from you is confirmation that their investment strategy aligns with their long-term goals.

More Services

For many advisors, your perceived value will likely be based more on how you help clients holistically than on achieving certain returns on investment.

If you aren’t already, consider incorporating more all-encompassing services like estate planning, tax planning, college planning, and more. Decisions in one area of your client’s financial life have the potential to impact others, meaning a piecemeal approach won’t serve their best interest.

Even if you aren’t a specialist in certain areas (like stock selection or estate planning), you can still serve as the quarterback of your client’s financial life to ensure all the pieces fit together nicely.

Emphasis on Risk Mitigation

Helping clients understand their unique tolerances for risk will continue to be a top value proposition in 2025 (and likely beyond). As you create conversations around risk, you can more effectively set expectations right from the start and wow prospects with your tailored reports and attention to detail.

ESG Investing

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing continues to rise in popularity—with sustainable investments expected to rise 20% in the next five years. As investor interest in value-driven investing continues to grow, we expect more ESG-focused products and strategies will emerge.

How Technology Will Impact Wealth Management in 2025

Your firm can stay ahead of the trends shared above—but you’ll need to leverage the right tech tools to make it happen.

Personalization, for example, becomes more challenging to accomplish on your own when you don’t have a tech stack that supports scalability.

But if you incorporate tools that can quickly and effectively pull client data into custom reports, send automated emails or reminders, and otherwise help you personalize every touch point… then you’re going to be well-equipped to deliver on those evolving client expectations.

How to Prepare for the Future of Wealth Management

Now that we’ve covered what it’ll take to remain competitive in 2025 and deliver greater value to your clients, the question is… what should you do to prepare?

First and foremost, embrace the notion of being a perpetual, lifelong learner. Attending conferences like the Fearless Investing Summit, keeping up to date on your continuing education (CE) credits, and simply talking to industry peers and leaders will serve you well. If you find yourself struggling to break your latest growth plateau, look for inspiration and insights from those around you.

In addition, it’s critical to keep a close eye on your tech stack and ensure it remains up-to-date. New technology is evolving and emerging fast, but you’ll need to be careful and methodical about what you choose to incorporate into your firm. Find innovative partners who can integrate with your existing systems—they should be built to support and scale your growth (not hinder it).

If you’d like to learn more about Nitrogen is helping modern advisors embrace the future of wealth management, request a demo today.

Built Together: Our Gratitude for the Financial Advisors Who Inspire Us

At Nitrogen, we’re constantly inspired by the dedication, compassion, and impact that financial advisors bring to their work. Every day, advisors empower their clients to make informed decisions, navigate life’s complexities, and pursue financial well-being with confidence. It’s a partnership that goes beyond just software and services; it’s about building something meaningful together. Today, we’re taking a moment to share some of our favorite stories and reflections from our team on why we’re so grateful to be a part of the journey of tens of thousands of advisors around the country.

Micaela, SVP of Operations

“One of the uniquely beautiful things about serving in the wealth management space is the tight-knit community that persists year after year and decade after decade. One of my favorite things is connecting with the amazing financial advisors who have brought us along as long-term partners on their journey to empower the world to invest fearlessly, client after client, and year after year.”

Justin, Chief Product Officer

“As a values-driven company, we love recognizing those same principles in the advisory firms we serve. Abound Financial comes to mind — what a great culture of client-centric, values-aligned, good people who genuinely enjoy working together. We’re grateful to serve them and tens of thousands of other advisors out there who operate in the same way or aspire to.”

Monet, VP of Account Management

“Advisors truly wear so many hats, and that’s what drives us to keep improving our tools. Hearing how advisors use Nitrogen to provide reassurance during volatile markets inspires us to push even harder to refine what we offer. They’re not just tech users—they’re advocates, coaches, and trusted mentors to their clients. Being part of that journey is something I’m incredibly grateful for.”

Carly, Director of Account Management

“Meeting with our customers re-ignites my passion for Nitrogen. What excites me most is seeing how our technology complements the expertise of advisors who are deeply committed to their clients’ success. Advisors consistently show up with passion, making dreams a reality and helping clients achieve financial peace of mind amidst a world that is often uncertain.

The work they do isn’t easy, but their drive for growth and genuine care for their clients is what makes the difference. It’s inspiring to support professionals who put people first and make a lasting impact on the financial futures of individuals and families.

In my role at Nitrogen, I take the same approach—people first, with a genuine care and commitment to our customers’ growth and success.”

Max, Director of Solutions Consulting

“One standout customer that comes to mind is Farm Bureau, whose team brings such dedication and passion to their work. Collaborating with them has been a rewarding experience, as they consistently push for innovative solutions to better serve their clients. It’s partnerships like these that remind us why we do what we do—helping advisors deliver fearless, personalized advice every day.”

Dan, VP of Corporate Marketing

“When I think about the incredible advisors we have the privilege of working with here, so many stories come to mind. Take Aileen Grant, an advisor in Texas, who brings goodies for our team to enjoy at every Fearless Investing Summit — a meaningful gesture that shows just how thoughtful she is. Then there’s Glen Jackson, an advisor in Washington D.C., who frequently sends encouraging notes that brighten my day and is always quick to lift others up. Domenick D’Andrea and I speak at least weekly, exchanging ideas on how to enhance Nitrogen and discussing the latest in his business. And LeRoy Bizzel, who treats everyone he meets like an old friend, and is always ready to share a bit of inspiration. Then there are Neil and Adam Howard, who bring the fun side to the business — from gracious invitations to their home to each year taking me for a spin in their latest sports car. They show that this industry can be as enjoyable as it is impactful. I could go on and on about the incredible advisors we work with daily and that go beyond just customer interactions; I count it a privilege to call them friends.”

Mitch, Managing Director

“One advisor story that sticks with me is from someone who shared how they used Nitrogen to build trust with new clients who were initially hesitant about financial planning. With the right tools, this advisor could demonstrate clear, actionable steps toward their clients’ goals, which completely changed the relationship dynamic. They’ve since become one of their clients’ most trusted resources. Knowing that we play a small part in these transformations makes all the hard work worth it.”

Stephanie, Senior Advisor Coach

“Before I started here, I knew very little about investing or how advisors serve their clients. But after working with hundreds of advisors over the years, I’ve gained so much more perspective around the importance of confidently investing for the future and the impact of how much advisors care for their clients. I’m so grateful that I get a chance to serve and learn from advisors and contribute to their success and impact in even the smallest way.”

Alex, Managing Director

“I think of the advisors I’ve met who genuinely want to change the industry for the better. They don’t just want technology to improve efficiency; they want it to enhance every aspect of their client interactions. Partnering with advisors who are that passionate about what they do inspires us to keep innovating. We’re building for people who are reshaping what it means to be a financial advisor, and that drives us every day.”

Mark, Lead Product Manager

One of the best parts of my job is meeting with advisors and hearing how they’re using Nitrogen. They’re candid with their feedback, which is invaluable. We once had an advisor point out a small feature improvement that hadn’t occurred to us, but it ended up making a huge difference in how they could manage client interactions. That feedback loop is what makes Nitrogen so advisor-centered — we’re building solutions with advisors, not just for them.

Gratitude for the Journey Ahead

As we look to the future, we’re deeply grateful for the financial advisors who inspire us, challenge us, and partner with us in our mission. It’s their feedback and dedication that drive us to create solutions that genuinely support their goals. Building Nitrogen together with advisors has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and we’re excited to continue innovating alongside them.

What Happened in 2024? A Look Back at the Biggest Wealth Management News This Year

It’s hard to believe that 2024 is quickly coming to an end. Now, as we prepare for a new year ahead, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped the wealth management industry over these past months.

From exciting mergers to the continued rise of artificial intelligence (particularly in the finance space), this year brought about important shifts that could continue impacting our industry in 2025 and beyond.

Below, we’ve gathered and summarized what we think are the 10 most significant stories of the year in the wealth management industry.

Major CEOs exited their positions

This year, we saw a wave of leadership shake-ups and changes from some of the industry’s largest institutions. Starting off in January, Bill Crager announced his plans to step down as Envestnet’s CEO after spending more than two decades at the company. As of April, he has transitioned into a Senior Advisor role and will continue working more closely with clients and partner relationships, according to the press release.

In April, Ron “Omani” Carson announced his departure from Carson Wealth Group, which had been acquired by Bain Capital in 2021. Former LPL CIO Burt White stepped in and continues serving as Carson Wealth’s new CEO.

Then in October, we were shocked to learn that former LPL CEO Dan Arnold was fired for violating the employees’ code of conduct. No additional information has been released about that situation, but the shake ups in powerful seats across the industry are still reverberating.

The rise of AI in wealth management

It might come as no surprise that artificial intelligence took center stage this year—especially as more wealth management firms embraced AI-driven tools designed to enhance client interactions and boost operational efficiency.

Platforms like Jump (an AI-driven note-taking app) are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for advisors—like converting conversations into notes, tasks, and compliance-friendly records.

The first wave of SEC Marketing Rule violations

While the SEC’s New Marketing Rule went into effect in 2021, it looks like 2024 was the year the SEC started targeting out-of-compliance firms firmly. Across the industry, we saw our first real big wave of Marketing Rule violations—and it’s likely we’ll continue to see the SEC cracking down on violations into 2025 and beyond.

As RIAs continue testing the waters and implementing new policies and procedures to address these changes, compliance-focused tech tools like Testimonial IQ and WealthTender are gaining traction fast.

Demographics are shifting

You’ve likely heard that the Great Wealth Transfer has already started—the period of time in which $84 trillion in wealth will trickle down from Baby Boomers to their Gen X and Millennial children or grandchildren. For financial advisors, preparing for this shift is paramount to attracting future wealth builders and investors.

Another important demographic to continue addressing? Women, particularly those who outlive their spouses. Around 70% of women actually leave their financial advisor within a year of their spouse’s death, indicating that their previous advisor wasn’t meeting expectations.

Major industry mergers and acquisitions continued

In May, it was announced that Buckingham Strategic Wealth and Colony Group were merging. While certainly not the only acquisition announcement of 2024, this one was headline-worthy. Representing hundreds of billions in AUM and tens of thousands of clients, this merger made a big impact across the wealth management space.

Clients are clear: Holistic planning is in

The next generation of investors grew up in a much different world than their parents and grandparents, and they expect their advisors to adapt their firm to meet their expectations. For example, younger clients expect a digitally driven client experience, as well as more holistic planning services (beyond portfolio management).

Plenty of surveys and studies have been conducted in recent years, including this report by Morningstar. The takeaway? As more options for DIYing investments become available and accessible to the masses, clients expect their advisors to help in other areas of their financial lives as well.

Robinhood buys TradePMR

In November, Robinhood certainly shook the finance world with news that it had negotiated a $300 million acquisition of TradePMR. This seemingly marked the consumer financial technology giant’s strategic pivot toward the wealth management and RIA markets.

Advisors may want to watch closely as this acquisition unfolds—it could very well mark a new era of financial service offerings for investors (particularly those who prefer to begin with a DIY investment approach).

Wealth management returns to working in-office

Several major firms, including Fidelity, Orion, and Altruist, made headlines when they instructed employees to officially return to the office in 2024.

While some transitions were smoother than others, this shift in remote work policy follows suit with other large tech companies and corporations outside of the wealth management space.

Bain acquires Envestnet in multi-billion dollar deal

In perhaps one of the year’s largest WealthTech deals, Bain Capital acquired Envestnet in a multi-billion dollar deal this past September. As a take-private deal, this strategic move was done in an effort to further Envestnet’s mission of supporting RIAs with their growth and productivity goals.

Nitrogen’s Fearless Investing Summit revealed exciting updates

At this year’s annual Fearless Investing Summit, we unveiled our latest updates—showcasing the tech-driven tools advisors can leverage to deepen client relationships and streamline workflows. Among the highlights, we introduced enhanced functionality across the platform’s core products, including Risk Center, Income Center, and Research Center.

Through our ongoing commitment to innovation, our goal is to help advisors simplify and streamline operations—all while delivering a more personalized experience that attracts and converts high-quality prospects into long-lasting clients.

From newsworthy changes in leadership to evolving client needs, 2024 appeared to be a year of transformation in the wealth management industry. At Nitrogen, we’re committed to empowering your firm with the tools and insights needed to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Learn more about how we can support your firm’s growth goals in 2025. Schedule a demo today to get started.

The Ultimate Guide to Cancelling a Timeshare: What Every Investor Needs to Know

Looking to get out of a timeshare contract? This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire timeshare cancellation process, from understanding your legal rights to executing a successful exit strategy.

Understanding Timeshare Contracts
Legal Rights and Cooling-Off Periods
Valid Reasons for Timeshare Cancellation
Step-by-Step Cancellation Process
Working with Exit Companies
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Alternative Solutions
FAQs

Understanding Timeshare Contracts

Timeshare contracts are legally binding agreements that can be complex and challenging to navigate. Before pursuing cancellation, it’s essential to understand the key components of your contract:

Ownership type (deeded vs. right-to-use)
Maintenance fee obligations
Contract duration
Transfer and resale rights
Cancellation clauses

Many timeshare owners find themselves surprised by rising maintenance fees and difficulty booking desired dates. Understanding your contract is the first step toward successful cancellation.

Legal Rights and Cooling-Off Periods

Most states provide a “cooling-off” period after signing a timeshare contract. During this time, you can cancel without penalty. Key points include:

Cooling-off periods typically range from 3-15 days
Some states offer extended periods for specific circumstances
Written notice is usually required
Delivery method requirements vary by state

State-Specific Cooling-Off Periods

Florida: 10 days
California: 7 days
Nevada: 5 days
Hawaii: 7 days

Valid Reasons for Timeshare Cancellation

Common legitimate reasons for timeshare cancellation include:

Misrepresentation during the sales presentation
Financial hardship
Health issues preventing usage
Significant fee increases
Breach of contract by the resort
Fraudulent practices
Death of a co-owner

Documentation supporting these reasons strengthens your cancellation case.

Step-by-Step Cancellation Process

1. Review Your Contract

Locate your original contract
Identify cancellation clauses
Note any deadlines or requirements

2. Gather Documentation

Sales presentation materials
Communication with the resort
Financial records
Evidence of misrepresentation
Medical documentation (if applicable)

3. Write a Cancellation Letter

Include contract details
State clear reasons for cancellation
Request written confirmation
Send via certified mail

4. Follow Up

Document all communications
Keep delivery receipts
Monitor your credit report
Maintain detailed records

Working with Exit Companies

When considering a timeshare exit company:

Red Flags to Watch For:

Upfront fees without guarantees
Pressure tactics
Unrealistic promises
No physical business address
Limited or negative reviews

Legitimate Company Characteristics:

Transparent pricing
Written contracts
Clear timelines
Escrow payment options
Strong references
BBB accreditation

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Stopping maintenance payments without legal cancellation
Falling for scam relief companies
Signing over power of attorney without proper vetting
Accepting verbal promises without written documentation
Missing response deadlines
Failing to document communications

Alternative Solutions

If cancellation isn’t possible, consider these alternatives:

Resale Options
- List on specialized timeshare resale sites
- Work with licensed real estate agents
- Consider timeshare resale companies
Deed-Back Programs
- Research resort-sponsored programs
- Understand qualification requirements
- Review all associated costs
Rental Strategies
- Cover maintenance fees through rentals
- Use rental management companies
- List on vacation rental platforms
Donation Options
- Evaluate legitimate charities
- Understand tax implications
- Verify organization credentials

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I cancel my timeshare after the cooling-off period?
A: Yes, but it may require proving misrepresentation, fraud, or other valid reasons for cancellation.

Q: Will cancellation affect my credit score?
A: Proper legal cancellation shouldn’t impact your credit score. However, stopping payments without cancellation can damage your credit.

Q: How long does the cancellation process take?
A: Timeline varies from 3-12 months depending on circumstances and resort cooperation.

Q: Can I sell my timeshare instead of canceling?
A: Yes, but the resale market is challenging. Most timeshares sell for significantly less than the purchase price.

Q: Should I hire a lawyer for timeshare cancellation?
A: Legal representation can be beneficial, especially for complex cases or when dealing with uncooperative resorts.

Conclusion

Timeshare cancellation requires careful planning, documentation, and often professional assistance. Understanding your rights and following proper procedures increases your chances of successful cancellation. Remember to:

Act quickly once you decide to cancel
Document everything
Research thoroughly before hiring help
Maintain payments until legally canceled
Seek professional advice when needed

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for specific guidance regarding your situation.

Ready to deliver the kind of clarity clients actually value?
Nitrogen equips advisors with interactive planning, risk, and client-engagement tools that turn complex conversations into confident decisions. See how our platform helps you keep clients invested and your firm growing at nitrogenwealth.com.

Buying the Right Wealth Management Technology Partner: Why ‘Buying the Seller’ Matters for Financial Advisors

For financial advisors, any tool you bring into your practice is more than just software — it’s a long-term partner in your firm’s success. Whether you’re acquiring portfolio management tools, retirement planning tech, client engagement solutions, or risk assessment software, choosing a partner you can trust is as important as the product itself. After all, reliable software can only be built by a reliable company.

Why “Buying the Seller” Matters in WealthTech

The adage “Buy the seller” holds true — you trust the individual behind the product before trusting the product itself. You know the experience you’re going to receive when you walk into an Apple Store. You understand how the Ritz-Carlton is going to respond to a service request. You know the attention to detail and precision you can expect when you buy from Rolex.

At this year’s Fearless Investing Summit, Rise Growth Partner’s Joe Duran shared, “A trustworthy brand delivers a promise that is consistently kept, again and again.” The same principle applies in SaaS: you’re not just buying software; you’re buying the values, stability, and track record of the company that built it. Your tech partner should not only support your current goals but also be invested in growing alongside you for years to come.

Trustworthy Software is Built to Last

How can you tell if a technology partner is built to stay? Here are three key questions to consider when evaluating long-term reliability:

Are they in it for the long haul? Look for companies with a history of sustainable, long-term growth over quick exits or speculative expansions.
How’s their track record? Metrics like historical uptime, transparency in operations, and reputation for reliability say a lot about stability.
Are they customer-centric? Companies truly invested in their clients’ success offer exceptional, consistent support and robust resources. They make it easy for you to succeed.

For instance, Nitrogen’s dedication to building a trustworthy business for financial advisors is reflected in key indicators:

Over a decade of service to tens of thousands of advisors nationwide.
99% historical uptime and a transparent product roadmap that advisors trust.
An extensive learning library and dedicated customer support team designed to set you up for success.
Leadership with deep industry expertise and tenure, ensuring financial expertise and operational excellence guide every product decision.
Continuous innovation driven by advisor input – We prioritize feedback from advisors to shape our product roadmap and ensure our solutions evolve to meet real-world needs. Share your insights anytime at hello@nitrogenwealth.com—we’d love to hear from you!

Commitment to Innovation, Not Bolt-On Solutions

Unlike firms that rely on acquisitions to patch together technology stacks, Nitrogen is dedicated to developing its technology in-house and with trusted partners. This approach means our platform is built with integration and user experience as foundational pillars, not as afterthoughts. When companies rapidly acquire disparate technologies, they frequently struggle to offer a seamless experience, leaving advisors and their clients with disjointed workflows, compatibility issues, and frustration.

Financial advisors deserve better than the inefficiencies that come with hastily acquired software. By developing our tools in-house, we ensure that every feature works together, offering a streamlined and cohesive experience. Simply, it looks and feels the same across the platform, and that fosters advisor productivity, workflows you can count on, and client satisfaction.

Our dedication to innovative development reflects our commitment to providing a holistic, reliable, and future-ready platform that evolves with your needs — empowering you to deliver the best possible experience for your clients.

Stability is a Feature — the Most Important One

Just as you focus on building relationships with your clients, look for technology partners who prioritize relationships over quick wins. When it comes to mission-critical software, a stable, well-run company is the foundation of reliable, evolving solutions. At Nitrogen, we believe in a commitment to stability and growth, ensuring our advisors have the support they need to grow their businesses with confidence.

Choosing the right software partner means aligning with a company as dedicated to your long-term success as you are to your clients. So, when evaluating your options, remember that stability is a platform feature — and it’s one that truly matters.

When you partner with Nitrogen, you’re choosing technology that’s built to last, crafted in-house with your success in mind, and backed by a team committed to your firm’s long-term growth. Experience the difference that trusted technology can make in your practice.

Schedule a demo with Nitrogen today and discover how a true wealthtech partner can help you elevate your client experience and drive meaningful growth.

Empowering Advisors to Invest Fearlessly: 2024 Nitrogen Product Keynote Recap

A highlight of every Fearless Investing Summit is the annual Nitrogen product keynote, and this year’s presentation did not disappoint. With over 1,100 in-person attendees and another 1,000 tuning in online, the keynote showcased Nitrogen’s unwavering commitment to innovation and its mission to empower advisors with technology that builds trust and scales personalized advice. Serving as the backdrop for Nitrogen’s highly anticipated fall product launch, the conference featured powerful sessions from NFL legend Emmitt Smith and industry thought leader Joe Duran, setting a new benchmark for wealth management. Here’s a look at the most exciting announcements from Nitrogen’s product keynote.

A Foundation of Trust

CEO Dan Zitting opened the keynote by emphasizing Nitrogen’s mission to serve as a “Trust Platform” for advisors. “Trust is our industry’s most valuable asset, and building digital experiences that enhance trust for advisors is in the DNA of Nitrogen,” Zitting shared. The product updates announced this year aim to foster more meaningful connections between advisors and clients, creating tools that go beyond data and efficiency to elevate advisor-client relationships.

Highlights from Nitrogen’s Fall Product Launch

Research Center: Equity Exposure and Portfolio Comparisons, Simplified

Chief Product Officer Justin Boatman revealed new features in Research Center, addressing some of Nitrogen’s most requested capabilities. Financial advisors can now use Stock Intersection to break down the equity exposure within funds, providing clients with a clearer understanding of portfolio composition. Alongside this, Stats Multiview allows for detailed, side-by-side portfolio comparisons, giving advisors a powerful tool to showcase investment options and align client portfolios with their goals.

“The ability to illustrate underlying equity exposure and showcase deep portfolio comparisons has been the #1 request from advisors. We’re thrilled to deliver these to Research Center,” said Boatman.

Additionally, advisors can now analyze trailing returns in Discovery, Nitrogen’s intuitive fund screener, and “favorite” securities for faster proposal creation.

Risk Center: Driving Conversations with AI-Enhanced Insights

In a powerful step forward for Risk Center, Nitrogen unveiled AI Statement Capture, now available for beta testing, which leverages artificial intelligence to convert client statements into actionable portfolios in seconds. This tool streamlines data entry, enabling advisors to engage in more meaningful discussions with clients about their portfolios, rather than focusing on administrative tasks. With new, customizable Check-ins and the release of Nitrogen’s State of Investor Sentiment report, Risk Center gives advisors greater control over client communications and sentiment analysis.

Income Center: Income by Source for Smarter Decumulation Planning

Managing Director Stephanie Walker introduced Income by Source, an innovative addition to Income Center that addresses one of advisors’ most-requested features: detailed retirement income modeling. Income by Source allows advisors to visually map out decumulation strategies and illustrate income sources throughout retirement. Clients can see exactly how their income needs will be met, bringing peace of mind and a clear roadmap for their retirement.

Marketing Center: Content Designed to Delight

Marketing Center received new AI-powered features, including a library of over 80 pre-built marketing assets that help advisors enhance their client engagement. Advisors can access email campaigns, social content, and best practices curated from industry experts. Additional updates include the ability to instantly add disclaimers to assets, and generate images via AI prompts. With Marketing Center, advisors can effortlessly connect with clients and stay top-of-mind, boosting retention and client satisfaction.

Command Center: Oversight and Customization for Wealth Management Firms

For enterprise firms, Nitrogen’s Command Center now includes Advisor Filters, Subdomains, and Securities Builder for better oversight and customization across teams. Firms can now filter insights by advisor, manage compliance with household-level risk alignment, and create reusable custom securities with historical performance data. Command Center ensures every team, from small RIAs to firms with over 1,000 advisors, can work efficiently and stay compliant.

A Vision for the Future

As Dan Zitting noted in his closing remarks, Nitrogen’s innovation journey is far from over. We plan to continue delivering quarterly updates, with advancements in AI, risk analytics, and tax planning integrations on the horizon. With this year’s product keynote, our mission remains committed to supporting advisors with innovative tools that drive growth and deepen client trust.

The next Fearless Investing Summit is set for October 22-24, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, at the award-winning Hyatt Regency. We’re already looking forward to raising the bar for the tens of thousands of advisors around the country who use Nitrogen.

For more details or to schedule a demo of Nitrogen’s latest features, visit nitrogenwealth.com.

Why 40% of Clients Say an Advisor’s Value is Emotional Support

Money is emotional for everyone, and watching the volatility of the market can be both exhilarating and hard to watch for your clients. In fact, those emotions and psychological makeup play a big role in how investors make decisions and how they perceive your value and relationship.

A recent Vanguard study found that clients believe 40% of their advisor’s value comes from the emotional support they provide—as opposed to portfolio returns or other financial gains.

An advisor can serve as a crucial sounding board, voice of reason, and unbiased expert when it comes to making informed investment decisions. Your challenge, however, is helping current and prospective clients understand these benefits.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at investor psychology and the strategies you can use to address client reactions to market changes.

How Investor Psychology Impacts Financial Decision-Making

Psychology is prevalent in financial decision-making, thanks to a few common emotional or behavioral biases. Investors are humans, after all, and that means they’re going to make decisions based on their past experiences or expectations for the future.

As an advisor, you need to acknowledge the potential biases at play, educate your clients on them, and help them make decisions that ultimately support their long-term goals and tolerance for risk.

Some common biases include:

Loss aversion: Some people have such a strong emotional reaction to losing money or seeing their portfolio drop in value, that it outweighs the satisfaction they feel when gaining money. This emotional response to losing money may make them naturally averse to risk—though it can also persuade them to pursue larger gambles (think high-risk, high-potential-reward investments).
Confirmation bias: People naturally seek out information that supports their existing beliefs. If your client is interested in investing in a certain company, they may seek out articles or data that support their decision while ignoring sources that may contradict their beliefs.
Hindsight bias: There’s no way to know what the markets will do, but people who have experienced success in the past will sometimes assume they can accurately predict the future. Rather than take hindsight knowledge for what it is, they’re convinced they knew all along what the outcome would be—and they can accurately predict it again.
Herd mentality: You’ve likely heard of the phrase “herd mentality” in other contexts, but it’s something that often impacts the markets as well. If an investor hears that lots of other investors are doing something (like buying or selling a certain stock), they may be more inclined to do the same—even if it goes against their investment strategy.

Tailoring Your Advice to Address Investor Behavior

As an advisor, it’s your job to account for the psychology that goes into your client’s decision-making, so you can help them stay on track with their goals and be comfortable with regular market movements.

The key to addressing investor behavior is to communicate effectively and personally with your clients and prospects.

Make sure your clients know you’re accessible and available to discuss their concerns. Encourage them to reach out anytime they feel compelled to make an impulsive or emotional decision about their money. Being proactive with your communication better ensures your clients feel supported and cared for from an emotional perspective, which, as we discussed earlier, increases your perceived value as their financial partner.

If you haven’t already, consider creating a clear, scalable communication strategy that ensures you’re providing personalized attention to every client (without taking too much time away from other important tasks).

3 Strategies for Managing Client Reactions to Market Changes

As you work to enhance your existing client relationships with more effective communication, you may find it helpful to leverage AI-driven tech tools and platforms. Here are three strategies for managing client reactions to market changes, which you can accomplish with the help of Nitrogen’s client engagement tools.

Strategy #1: Check-in Regularly
How will you know how your clients are feeling about the markets unless you ask? Investor sentiment is incredibly important to understand, and on a larger scale, it has the power to move markets.

Nitrogen’s automated Check-ins ask your clients two simple questions, which you can use to tailor your messaging and prioritize your additional communications:

How are you feeling about the markets?
How are you feeling about your financial future?

In seconds, your clients can share critical data about their emotional well-being as it pertains to their portfolio, so you can better serve as a trusted guide and leader.

Strategy #2: Help Them Understand “What If”
By visualizing how different financial decisions might impact future outcomes, you can engage your clients in a more meaningful and impactful way. Nitrogen’s custom scenarios enable you to combine up to five key factors (proposals, indexes, blended benchmarks, individual stocks, and funds) to help your clients understand what will happen based on their financial decisions today.

Strategy #3: Use Historical Events to Stress Test Their Strategies
Did your clients experience major portfolio changes during the 2008 global financial crisis? Considering it was over 15 years ago, it’s possible your clients haven’t been through a major market event of that magnitude—or they may have forgotten just how stressful the whole situation can be.

With Stress Tests, you can run individual portfolios through historical events to illustrate those hypotheticals in a way clients understand. By proactively addressing concerns, you also empower clients to make informed decisions while managing their expectations.

Create More Effective Client Engagement with Nitrogen

Your clients are humans too, and that means they’re susceptible to emotional biases and investor psychology. As their advisor, it’s your job to help them navigate the ups and downs of the markets using research and discipline—while avoiding gut reactions and short-sighted decision-making.

Nitrogen’s client engagement tools can help you keep the lines of communication open and proactively gauge your clients’ concerns, so you can tailor your relationship to address their needs more effectively. Schedule your free demo of Nitrogen today to learn more.

Revisiting Cash Asset Assumptions: Updated Returns and Volatility in a Changing Market

Periodically, Nitrogen conducts a review of the rate and volatility assumptions for the asset type classified as “Cash.” The category includes a broad range of cash-like instruments or cash equivalents, such as certificates of deposits (CDs), savings accounts, money market instruments, high-yield savings accounts, money market deposits, cash sweep assets, money market mutual funds, and of course cash.

Each of these instruments carries its own historical return and volatility. Traditionally, the yield differences between them have been minimal, making it reasonable to assume an annual return of 0.842% (or a 6-month equivalent of 0.42%) with zero volatility. However, the spread between these products has measurably widened in recent years, and current rates for some cash equivalents are much higher, though not universally so.

As mentioned above, the current assumption is a 0.42% 6-month return with zero volatility. The illustration in Figure 1 shows that the rate spread between various cash equivalent instruments began to widen in mid-2022. Instruments like money markets and treasury yields have seen significant increases. However, others, such as interest-checking, money market deposits, and savings rates, remain at or below Nitrogen’s current rate assumption.

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and SEC.gov

By applying Nitrogen’s annual average return calculation to the 30-day treasury yield (shown in Figure 2), the result is a 1.5% average annualized return with a 1.64% annualized volatility. If this calculation is performed for the time period prior to the interest rate increase starting in June 2022, the annual average return is 1.12% with 0.75% volatility. As you can see in the chart, and as these figures demonstrate, volatility has increased noticeably over the past two years.

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

To better align with this data, Nitrogen is increasing the cash return and volatility assumptions to better reflect the broader range of securities included in the “Cash” category. While some security types are currently yielding 5% and higher, others are not. The overall average must account for this disparity. The cash return is being updated to an annual average return of 2.95% with an annual volatility of 1.25%. This adjustment allows for a more accurate representation of the various instruments included in the cash classification. As market conditions evolve, particularly if interest rates decline, Nitrogen will reassess and potentially lower these yields to maintain accuracy.

In addition to these updates, the return on cash is now included in the annual dividend. Previously, any yield or return from cash was not reflected in an account’s or portfolio’s dividend yield.

What impact does this change have on accounts that hold cash?

The updated assumptions have a modest impact on the overall Risk Number for portfolios and accounts holding cash. In general, increasing the cash return may reduce the Risk Number, improve the GPA, and raise the annual return midpoint. For accounts or portfolios with a large cash balance (over 50%), this change results in a modest reduction in the overall Risk Number. Accounts with lower cash balances are unlikely to see any impact to the Risk Number or GPA. The change also results in a wider distribution for the 95% range; a higher best case and a lower worst case with a higher average return. The table below demonstrates the impact on certain metrics based on the level of cash. The non-cash portion of the portfolio in these examples is allocated 50/50 between SPY and AGG.

This update reflects Nitrogen’s commitment to ensuring that our assumptions align with current market conditions and the evolving nature of cash and cash equivalent instruments. By adjusting the return and volatility metrics, we aim to provide a more accurate representation of the potential risks and rewards associated with holding cash in a portfolio. As always, Nitrogen will continue to monitor market conditions and make adjustments as necessary to maintain the accuracy and relevance of our assumptions.

Why Client Engagement Drives Firm Growth

It’s no secret that referrals remain one of the top drivers of firm growth for advisors – but how do you actually get those referrals?

In a recent survey by Russell Investments, 60% of surveyed investors indicated that “more frequent and more personalized contact would give them more confidence in their financial plan.” To take it a step further, 81% of clients are more willing to refer their advisor to others if their advisor would communicate more often and more personally.

Client engagement is more important than ever, particularly for those firms who want to continue scaling and growing. Let’s take a look at what successful client engagement looks like, how to measure your success, best practices, and more.

What Does Client Engagement Look Like in Financial Advisory Firms?

Client engagement is all about making your clients feel valued, well-cared for, and included in the conversation. It’s being proactive about checking in through market volatility or life events and responding swiftly to concerns.

Between the ever-increasingly competitive advisory landscape, robo-advisors, and other DIY or cost-effective options, clients who work with advisors want a relationship that feels personalized – they need to know you care about the person behind the portfolio.

Here are a few examples of what a strong client engagement strategy might look like:

Your clients feel comfortable communicating with you often
They voluntarily update you on important life or financial events
Your conversations go beyond investments to include personal, non-finance-related life topics
Clients interact with your messaging (including your email newsletters, social media posts, or other marketing materials)
You receive regular and relevant questions about portfolio specifics.
Clients involve their families or additional advisors in the financial planning process.

Keep in mind that not all clients have the same communication styles. For example, a client may refuse to divulge personal information but may respond to questions quickly and provide relevant information. Client engagement data can help you prioritize client communication and needs, but knowing your client’s communication style can give you context to their engagement level.

How does client engagement contribute to firm growth?

As we mentioned before, 61% of 2024 Firm Growth Survey respondents said referrals were the biggest source of leads for their advisory firms.

The great thing about client referrals is that they tend to come already familiarized with who you are and what you do – as compared to somebody who may have received a mailer or promotional email. Clients also tend to gravitate towards others who are in similar socioeconomic positions or industries, meaning their referrals are likely to be a good fit for your target audience.

But if you’re not exceeding your client expectations in terms of communication, collaboration, reporting, and accessibility, they will be less likely to refer you to others. Ultimately, your growth goals will be that much harder to accomplish.

What are the key metrics for measuring client engagement?

So, how do you know if your efforts to engage effectively with clients are working? You’ll need to decide what key metrics can most accurately measure your efforts and find a way to track and review them regularly.

Some key metrics to consider include:

Referral rates: How often are clients sending qualified leads through your doors? You’ll not only want to consider the frequency of referrals, but the close rate as well (meaning how many actually become new clients). If you notice your referral rate declining over time, it may be a good indication that your client engagement efforts are slipping.
Surveys: Sometimes, all you have to do is ask your clients for feedback if you really want to know how they feel about your efforts. A simple survey or questionnaire can help you gauge how your client engagement is being perceived and where you may be able to improve.
Content engagement: Things like email open rates or clicks, as well as interactions with social posts or other content, can help you understand what resonates with your target audience.

What are the Best Client Engagement Strategies for Financial Advisors?

The more you’re able to personalize your interactions with clients, the better – mass marketing and general communications aren’t cutting it anymore. But you can’t personalize and standardize the client experience on your own, especially as you scale.

Leveraging client engagement tools can help your advisory firm offer better client support, streamline communication, improve the overall client journey, and, of course, create more consistent and positive client engagement.

From lead-nurturing risk assessment questionnaires to personalized emails and visual reporting tools, your entire tech stack should work together to help you regularly connect and communicate with clients in a personalized way.

Fuel Your Firm’s Growth Goals with Nitrogen

The way clients perceive financial guidance is changing, and their expectations for the client-advisor relationship have evolved as a result. As you continue on your journey of growing your AUM and scaling your firm (without sacrificing the client experience), you’ll need to leverage the right tools to keep client engagement strong.

Book a demo of Nitrogen today to learn more about how our platform can support your client engagement efforts.