January 2, 2026 | Issue 1-26

The Year Ahead: What Will You Do - and What Will You Stop Doing?


As 2025 came to a close, many of us were left wondering where the time went. The end of one year and welcoming in of the next naturally invites reflection - and, for better or worse, New Year’s resolutions.


How did 2025 go for you? Did you accomplish what you set out to do?


At a recent online meeting with my advisor study group, we were asked a simple but powerful question:


What are you going to do next year - and what are you not going to do?


I loved the question.


Much of our conversation focused on what we plan to add in the year ahead - new technology to enhance the client experience, tools to create efficiencies, or systems to improve organization. These are all worthwhile goals. I’ve been working on implementing several great ideas myself, particularly around onboarding and offboarding processes, and I remain a strong believer in continuous improvement.


But as the conversation evolved, it became clear that the second part of the question may be even more important.


Growth doesn’t only come from adding more. Sometimes it comes from having the discipline to stop doing things that no longer serve our clients - or ourselves.


As we move forward into 2026, I encourage you to think intentionally about both sides of that equation: what you will add, and what you will subtract.


Here are a few questions worth pondering as the new year begins:


  • Which clients needed reassurance last year - and did I reach out before they called me?

If not, what got in the way?


  • Where did I add the most value that had nothing to do with returns?

How can I create more space for that?


  • Which conversations did I avoid because they were uncomfortable - and why?


  • If a client summarized my value in one sentence, what would they say?

Is that the sentence I want them to say?


  • What took the most time last year while delivering the least value to clients?


  • Which 20% of my work created 80% of the impact - for my clients and for me?


  • If I stopped doing one thing this year, what would clients barely notice?



As you reflect on these questions, I’ll leave you with two final prompts - perhaps the most important ones of all:


What is one thing I will do more intentionally this year?


What is one thing I will stop doing - even if it feels uncomfortable at first?



Sometimes progress isn’t about doing more.

It’s about doing what matters - and letting go of the rest.



Warm regards and Happy New Year,


Angela

New in Pinpoint: Quarterly Electronic Communications Compliance Attestation


Starting January 2026, all associated persons (both registered and non-registered) are required to complete a quarterly Electronic Communications Compliance Policy attestation. If you are associated with Cetera, you must complete the attestation every quarter.


To access go to AdviceWorks > Apps > Pinpoint. You should see the attestation on the Pinpoint landing page.


Note: This requirement cannot be delegated. Each associated person must complete their own attestation.

The 2026 Downloadable and Customizable Tax Fact Guide is Here!

Just in time for tax season, we are sharing a quick-reference guide created and used by the Prosperity Advisors' client practice. We enjoy providing tools like this with the valued members of our OSJ branch and hope you find it beneficial!

 

If you would like to use this document internally, please feel free to use the Prosperity-branded PDF version within your office. Click HERE or on the top image for the PDF.

 

If you wish to use the document with clients, we have also provided the Microsoft Publisher template, which you may customize with your own branding, state-specific information, and required disclosures in the areas with red text. Click HERE or on the bottom image to reqeust the customizable Publisher template via email.


Please remember to submit any customized versions through Ad Review and obtain approval prior to first use with clients. Please let us know if you have any questions.


Electronic Signature Reminders


Cetera allows electronic signatures via AdviceWorks through the approved vendor, Docusign.


It is not permitted for you or your client to sign forms electronically using any other method other than Adviceworks-Docusign.

Mandatory Roth Catch-Up

Contribution Provisional Requirement


Final regulations issued in September of 2025 have confirmed a new upcoming requirement under the SECURE 2.0 Act. This requirement is effective as of January 1, 2026.

FINRA Rules and Policies - Do They Really Matter?

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December 2025 FINRA Real-World Discipline Examples


If you ever wonder whether all the rules and policies really matter, they DO! Let's look at some recent FINRA enforcement cases. 

Securities and advisory services offered through Registered Representatives of Cetera Advisors LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGA Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC, a broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor.

Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

For internal use only.

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