Latest news with #testimonials
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Will Client Testimonials Catch On With Advisors?
Leaving a customer review has never been easier, though not so much for wealth management clients. Fewer than 10% of SEC-registered firms reported using testimonials in their marketing materials, even after the Securities and Exchange Commission allowed advisors to use endorsements in advertisements as long as they were accompanied by proper disclosures. It remains a largely untapped strategy, one that advisors are seemingly hesitant to explore. 'In the early days, because the rule hasn't really been around for that long, we are seeing less adoption,' said Gary Foodim, CMO of Mercer Advisors, which recently partnered with Testimonial iQ to promote client reviews online. 'But over the course of the next 24 to 36 months, you'll see the velocity increasing in terms of adoption.' READ ALSO: Advisors Scrutinize Bill to Ease Rules for Accredited Investors and 3 Financial Planning Urban Legends Testimonials have certainly proven effective in other sectors, such as online retail and healthcare. Some 70% of customers refer to online reviews before finalizing their purchase decisions, per a report from the Journal of Retail and Consumer Services. Under the SEC's latest marketing rule, which went into effect in 2021, testimonials (given by clients or former clients) and endorsements (given by non-clients) can be included in advertisements so long as they disclose: Whether it was given by a current client or a non-client; Whether the person was compensated for the testimonial or endorsement (and as long as the compensation was less than $1,000); And whether or not there was a conflict of interest on the part of the endorser or testimonial provider. Let's Be Reasonable. RIAs also have to have a 'reasonable basis' to believe that their testimonials are in compliance with the updated rule. Brian Thorp, the founder of Wealthtender, said his company lets firms screen testimonials that clients submit to make sure they're SEC-compliant. 'At first, there were more compliance concerns: firms saying, 'Well, we don't want to be first, let's see how others do it.'' Others said they were looking for additional guidance on creating testimonials before using them. 'Now it's a little bit more imposter syndrome,' he said, adding that firms are worried about getting negative reviews. 'You don't get negative reviews. People are with you for a reason.' This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive financial advisor news, market insights, and practice management essentials, subscribe to our free Advisor Upside newsletter. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Entrepreneur
22-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Real Stories, Real Change: What Freedom Debt Relief Reviews Reveal About Debt
One of the best ways to gauge a company's impact is through customer reviews, where people share unfiltered experiences of how debt relief changed their lives. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Asia Pacific, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The first step toward relief is often the hardest for anyone struggling with debt. In a world field with big, bold promises, it's natural to be skeptical. That's why honest customer stories matter—people want to hear from others who've been in their shoes. One of the best ways to gauge a company's impact is through customer reviews, where people share unfiltered experiences of how debt relief changed their lives. In the case of Freedom Debt Relief, those reviews speak volumes. Why Reviews Matter in the Debt Relief Journey Debt is personal. It affects mental health, relationships, and daily life. That's why transparency is crucial when selecting a debt relief partner. Verified testimonials offer more than just five-star ratings: they provide insight into a company's process, values, and actual results. Freedom Debt Relief clients consistently describe the same things: respect, empathy, simplicity, and real progress. This type of social proof builds trust, especially for those who are ashamed of their financial situation. What Freedom Debt Relief Clients Are Saying A Common thread in Freedom Debt Relief reviews is the kindness and professionalism of the support team. "Everyone from start to my finish line—the counseling, the customer care—was so amazing," shared Mary Stephens. "You never feel like a number. Everyone is terrific. Anyone who needs help, you need to contact them. They will help you in every way you need." For many, the emotional relief was as powerful as the financial gains. "They didn't just help me with my debt," confirmed Jane M. from Arizona. "They helped me get my life back." Others highlight how simple the process was. "They make it nice and easy by doing all the work for you," wrote David Innings. "The only thing you need to do is put the money into your account. Very satisfied with my experience so far." Charlie Lopez raved, "This program helped me gain my financial independence. I didn't have to take a loan or anything. It just helped me budget and maintain to get a piece of my life back. I just recently did it. It took me only 18 months to get rid of $20,000 in debt. That's really good." How to Spot Real Reviews If you're reading reviews to make a decision, there are certain things to look for to tell they're genuine: Look for details that describe the whole journey. Pay attention to tone—genuine reviews often express emotion and gratitude. Check for consistency across platforms like Trustpilot, BBB, and ConsumerAffairs. Volume matters: a company with thousands of detailed reviews usually has a strong track record. Authentic reviews help reduce the noise and build confidence when taking that all-important first step. What Makes Freedom Debt Relief Different Freedom Debt Relief has helped over 850,000 people tackle more than $15 billion in debt. With over 20 years of experience, they've become one of the most established names in debt relief. But it's not just about the numbers. It's about how those numbers change lives. By providing easy-to-understand plans and ongoing support, Freedom Debt Relief stands out as a company that listens, adapts, and delivers. Their model doesn't involve pushing loans or quick fixes but instead helping people create real change through negotiation, structure, and empowerment. Your Story Starts With a Step Everyone's financial journey is different. But the path to peace of mind often begins similarly—with a simple decision to explore options. Reading a few reviews might be the first step toward your success story. If you've been carrying the weight of debt alone, there's help available—thousands of people just like you have found it. Maybe your very own five-star review is right around the corner.
