the original post inquired how one gets started in this biz.  i posted how i’ve done it, and how i’d recommend others to do it.

  as far as A shares, why would any semi-intelligent client buy a loaded fund when they could get no-loads from fidelity/vanguard or I-shares in an institutional wrap fee account from an advisor?   my opinion is that loaded funds' days are numbered   i didn't intend to bash jones, i just don't get the biz model.   the program with wachovia isg pays a salary while offering a book to work with. you could build 200m in fees over the 2 year salary term.  toss in a few insurance tickets, and you've built a nice biz