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May 01.2025
3 Minutes Read

Sandy Bolton’s New Advisory Firm: Revolutionizing Financial Planning with Indivisible Partners

Confident financial planners in a modern office setting.

New Ventures: Sandy Bolton Takes a Bold Step in Advisory Services

Sandy Bolton, formerly at the helm of wealth management solutions at Ameriprise, has ventured into the independent advisory sector, launching SanWealth Partners with Indivisible Partners, a registered investment advisor (RIA) founded by John W. Thiel, who previously led Merrill Lynch. This move comes at a time when financial advisors are seeking innovative ways to connect with clients and adapt to changing expectations.

Changing Dynamics in Wealth Management

The financial advising landscape is evolving rapidly. As the demographics of clients shift, advisors must prioritize personal connections and offer tailored solutions to meet diverse needs. Bolton emphasized this need, saying, "As assets shift hands and the demographics of those seeking advice continue to evolve, advisors will need to better understand clients' motivations and prioritize personal connection and customized solutions—an opportunity we embrace at SanWealth.” This focus on customization and personal relationship building is becoming essential in an increasingly competitive environment.

Indivisible Partners: A New Kind of RIA

Founded by John Thiel, Indivisible Partners aims to serve as an accelerator for ambitious advisors, providing comprehensive family office services, a sophisticated technology platform, and robust operational support. This unique approach gives advisors complete ownership of their practice while also offering opportunities to invest in the RIA itself. Such a model is attractive not only for seasoned professionals like Bolton but also for those beginning their careers in financial advising.

Bridge to Success: Skills and Experience

Bolton is not new to the financial services sector; her 34-year career spans several key roles, including her time at Ameriprise and Merrill Lynch. Additionally, her husband, Bill Bolton, who will assume the role of COO at SanWealth, brings over three decades of experience in building financial technology companies. This duo reflects the increasing trend of collaboration and blending skills in advisory practices to enhance service delivery.

Identifying Opportunities in the Evolving Market

The advisory sector is ripe with opportunities, particularly as more affluent investors seek bespoke financial advice. According to a recent survey, clients increasingly prefer advisors who can offer personalized services tailored to their unique financial situations. As Bolton's SanWealth Partners aims to capitalize on this trend, similar practices may emerge, promoting a shift towards more individualized financial planning and wealth management.

The Future of Financial Advising

The dynamics within the financial advisory space suggest a shift towards individualized advice and deeper client relationships. As companies like Indivisible Partners pave the way for new advisory practices, the emphasis on equipping advisors with the right tools and support will become increasingly vital. For financial planners and wealth advisors, understanding these trends is essential not just for professional growth but for meeting the sophisticated needs of today's investors.

Call to Action: Embrace the Shift in Financial Planning

As we witness significant shifts in the advisory landscape through initiatives like SanWealth Partners, it is crucial for financial planners and wealth advisors to adapt and embrace the changing dynamics of client relationships and service offerings. Explore how you can enhance your practice and better serve your clients in this evolving environment.

Financial Planning

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09.22.2025

How the $9B Merger of Financial Firms is Reshaping Wealth Management

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09.22.2025

Navigating the Great Wealth Transfer: Essential Insights for Financial Advisors

Update The Great Wealth Transfer: A Historic Philanthropic OpportunityThe Great Wealth Transfer (GWT) represents a seismic shift in the landscape of philanthropy. Spanning over a decade, this phenomenon will see the highest degree of wealth distribution in history, particularly when considering that Baby Boomers control approximately $13.8 trillion, a staggering amount that will direct a notable portion to charities. Yet, why are nonprofits not pivoting more emphatically to address this impending shift?Understanding the Underlying ChallengesDespite the enticing potential of the GWT, many nonprofits remain steadfast in outdated fundraising methods. Traditionally, organizations rely on loyal donors, but the passing of Baby Boomers will leave a significant gap. It is crucial for nonprofits to adapt their strategies to engage Millennials and Gen Z, who view philanthropy through distinct lenses compared to their predecessors. This generational shift necessitates a reevaluation of modern fundraising practices.Building Bridges with Future DonorsThe emotional and social connection to potential donors is vital. Nonprofits must invest in relationship-building that resonates with younger audiences. According to industry reports, this generation is more inclined to invest in causes that align with their values, emphasizing transparency and accountability in fundraising efforts. Organizations that pivot towards these principles may find themselves on more stable grounds as wealth transitions hands.Effective Strategies to Maximize the Great Wealth TransferAddressing looming challenges requires innovative fundraising strategies. Organizations could benefit from implementing tech-driven solutions that streamline the donation process, making it more user-friendly for new generations of donors. Additionally, forming partnerships within diverse sectors will enhance outreach and assist in cultivating engagement with younger demographics who will eventually inherit this wealth.The Final Push: Capitalizing on Supportive TrendsThe philanthropic field stands at a precipice, and organizations that capitalize on smart strategies, technology, and connections will undoubtedly reap the benefits of the GWT. It is not merely about receiving donations; it is about forging meaningful partnerships that can ensure sustainability in a rapidly evolving landscape.In summary, financial planners and wealth advisers are in crucial roles where they can guide nonprofits, highlighting the urgency of adapting fundraising strategies today. The impending wealth transfer represents a unique opportunity that necessitates action—nonprofits cannot afford to delay. For anyone working in financial planning or wealth advisory roles, now is the time to initiate talks with charitable organizations. Help them refine their approaches to fundraising. The future of nonprofit financing hinges on preparation and innovation in their outreach.

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Why Moneta's Focus on Personal Relationships Impacts Financial Planning Trends

Update Understanding the Shift: Moneta's Unique Acquisition Strategy In a landscape where many registered investment advisors (RIAs) are heavily influenced by private equity, Moneta Group Investment Advisors stands out with its commitment to partnership over profit. Recently, Moneta acquired Lane Hipple Wealth Management Group, a New Jersey-based firm overseeing $520 million in assets. Unlike many firms that opt for private equity backing, Lane Hipple chose Moneta specifically for its partner-owned structure, emphasizing a values-based approach. According to founder Thomas Lane, the discussions with private equity firms felt transactional, focused solely on financial terms. Such a sentiment encapsulates the growing concern among wealth managers: is the industry losing its personal touch? The RIA Landscape: A Shift Towards Private Equity As reported by AdvizorPro, there's been a significant increase in RIAs seeking funding from private equity firms. This influx has led to a paradigm where almost 295 RIAs are under such ownership—an increase of 16% over the last year alone. While these partnerships often provide much-needed capital for growth, they also shift the focus away from clients to shareholders. This growing trend necessitates a closer examination of how financial advisors prioritize clients' needs over corporate interests. Waverly's Aggressive Expansion: Is It Sustainable? Similarly, Waverly Advisors has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Brass Tax Wealth Management, formerly associated with LPL Financial. The firm, founded by Neal Schulte, brings renewed energy to Waverly's growing influence in Ohio, now boasting nine offices in the state. However, with Waverly’s aggressive strategies—reportedly its 25th acquisition since 2021—questions arise about whether such rapid growth is sustainable in the long run. Clients might ponder how that many transitions affect their service quality and advisor stability. Why Financial Planning Needs Personal Touches More Than Ever This wave of acquisitions reflects broader industry changes that could influence how financial planning is delivered. For planners and wealth advisors, the personal relationships maintained with clients remain paramount amidst these shifts. Further, understanding clients—not just as portfolios but as individuals with unique goals and concerns—has never been more essential. Wealth advisors must adapt their strategies, ensuring they don't sacrifice quality service while navigating capital pressures. Opportunities for Growth Beyond Acquisition Interestingly, recent partnerships such as those seen with Carson Group and Creative Planning indicate that growth can be achieved through strategic alliances without compromising core values. For firms like Lane Hipple, finding a partner like Moneta who prioritizes culture and client relationships can be a game-changer. Financial planners should evaluate similar paths that focus on long-term relationships rather than quick gains. This week's deals illustrate both challenges and opportunities facing RIAs today. They highlight a critical tension within the industry: balancing rapid growth with sustained client relationships. Advisors must remain vigilant, ensuring they choose paths that align with their core mission—enhancing financial health for their clients, not just their firms’ bottom lines.

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