Had a nice discussion about that with an indy advisor today - older guy riding solo. I, too, believe that this is a moment of great opportunity. Not just because people want services, but mostly because people will NEED service given the changing landscape we're bound to see the next many years.

An advisor author, named Dan ____________?, says something like:

" The problems of complexity are the biggest opportunity. Clients want sanctuary from complexity, therefore we as advisors need to be offering simple solutions to their money problems.:

For a b/d affiliated advisor, you can offer investment and insurance solutions with a financial planning "wrap" - illustrations, projections and such, keep it simple.

It's an opportunity to aquire clients, provide solutions, build your business, get paid.

If this is the career for you, anything you invest will provide a return - over many, many years. Returns can be satisfaction, freedom, intellectual satisfaction in following the economy and markets and solutions, and of course ownership and monetary rewards.

Good news is, while you are launching, you won't be paying much in taxes.