Author: Investor Magazine Staff Contributor

The SEC says scammers used its own filing system to manufacture credibility. Here is how investors can verify an adviser beyond a database search. By Investor Magazine | August 28, 2026 For years, one of the most common pieces of investor protection advice has been simple: Before trusting a financial adviser, look up the person or firm in a government database. That remains good advice. But a new enforcement action from the Securities and Exchange Commission reveals why it cannot be the final step. On August 27, the SEC charged 38 entities with allegedly placing false or unsupported information in…

By Investor Magazine | August 27, 2026 Charles Schwab is expanding its push into cryptocurrency, giving investors more ways to buy digital assets within the same financial ecosystem where many already hold stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and cash. The company announced Thursday that it plans to add solana, avalanche, and chainlink to Schwab Crypto in the coming months. The platform, which began rolling out to clients in May, already provides direct access to bitcoin and ether. The bigger story is not simply that three more cryptocurrencies are coming to Schwab. It is that crypto continues to move closer to the…

Vanguard has agreed to acquire Altruist, one of the fastest growing technology and custody platforms serving independent financial advisors. The transaction may sound like an industry story, but its effects could eventually reach millions of individual investors. It brings together one of the world’s largest investment managers and a technology company that helps advisors open accounts, manage portfolios, execute trades, deliver tax strategies, and communicate with clients. The acquisition is expected to close later in 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Vanguard and Altruist have said Altruist will continue operating as a standalone business under its existing brand, leadership, and operating…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? When I started in a support role in the early 90’s, there were limited options for women in the financial services industry. But the women who stepped out of the standard roles broke the glass ceiling to open opportunities for me and future generations of women. I feel I’m standing on their shoulders and continuing to break glass for the incredible women coming behind me. When you first entered the industry, what did the landscape look like for women, …

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? To me, being a trailblazer means enduring and honoring the test of fire forged by those who came before us. We have so much to learn on this journey, and most of it wouldn’t be possible without the mentors, friends, and role models who began clearing the way, giving us the courage and clarity to carry the work forward. I owe my start in wealth management to one of those mentors who helped me land a role on a…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? To me, being a trailblazer means creating your own path when there isn’t a clear roadmap, and then helping light the way for others who follow. Before entering wealth management, I built and led teams in large-scale national events, including PGA tours and major music festivals. When I became a mother, I wanted to translate that leadership and operational background into a more traditional career that allowed me to stay closer to home. I joined a local wealth management…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? To me, being a trailblazer means creating a new path instead of following an existing one and making it easier for those who come after me. My path into wealth management was unconventional. I have known several members of the Cyndeo team for years and, while working as a teacher, I supported them during their June 2020 transition over my summer break. I remained connected with the team, and when I was ready to pivot careers in the summer…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? To me, being a trailblazer means creating space where it did not previously exist and then holding the door open for others behind you. I entered wealth management early in my career in a support role and worked my way up by staying patient, being open to learning something new and challenging every day and leaving my ego at the door (which took time). I refused to believe my starting point defined my ceiling. I also learned early on…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? My father is in personal finance so I grew up in a home where we talked freely about money- I remember looking at stock prices in the newspaper at my kitchen table when I was maybe 5 or 6. My dads parents divorced when he was young and he witnessed the challenge his mother experienced as she picked up the mantle of financial responsibility unexpectedly. Borne out of that, my parents raised me to value financial independence and preparation…

In a few words, what does being a “Trailblazer” mean to you, and how did your path into wealth management begin? Being a trailblazer means having the confidence to follow your own path toward the destination that’s right for you.  Just as no two women are the same, neither should their journeys be.  My career path has been anything but linear giving me to opportunity to gather a unique perspective.  I’ve gained experience in banking, insurance, employer branding, recruiting, and nonprofit fundraising before ultimately finding my niche in wealth management.  Along the way, I also stepped away at times to…