Run.

If you are smart enough to pass the CFP exam, you are smart enough to know better than to cast your lot with Waddell…

I’m not arguing against this point, just curious why. I have the benefit of a few months on my side and while it looks like LPL under a former coworkers OSJ is the best choice, I see no reason not to at least examen alternatives.

Copy and Paste this link:  http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=m0x&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Waddell+and+Reed+"Stephen+Sawtelle"&spell=1

Happy reading!

[quote=xbanker]I have seen some negative comments in the general forum about WDR and would just like to hear from the indie guys since this is supposedly a hybrid indie platform. I’m still planning in March after getting the CFP exam out of the way to jump ship at that point. Right now it looks like running through LPL under someone else’s OSJ is the best bet, but I’d be curious to hear thoughts on WDR from anyone with experience. Is it legit to say this is “independent?”  I know that my interests involve running my ship as I choose but cutting down on as much administrative work as possible for a reasonable fee, hence the OSJ route to LPL… thoughts? [/quote]

There are two platforms within WDR, xbanker. The Pershing platform is the more “independent” route, but has some qualifications to use.

The other platform is more restrictive, but still allows you to sell a multitude of mutual funds - just no individual securities. The fee structures and “wrap” account abilities are limited as well.

You should try to use the search thread and all the information you would need you would find

I am no longer considering them for other reasons (bit less “indie” than I expected…), but thanks for the info.