News from the Home Team

Two Important Asks This Quarter

I have two important asks of you this quarter (I’ll probably have more, but I’ll try and spread the rest out!). I know none of us has time—I have 7+ outstanding CE courses myself—but I’d truly appreciate it if you read the info below.

1. Protecting Your Practice: Continuity Agreements

While you’re busy taking excellent care of clients, please don’t forget the importance of taking care of yourselves.

It’s critical to understand the difference between a continuity agreement—which acts as a temporary, protective measure or "Band-Aid"—and a true succession agreement.

The biggest hesitation I see is that most advisors don't know exactly when (or if) they want to retire, and they don't want to be pinned down to a date they might want to change. We get it. That is the entire point of a continuity agreement.

Cantella has a Continuity Agreement available that can protect your practice until you're ready to replace it with a succession agreement. Our goal is to help you identify a suitable long-term partner when you desire, but we want you protected in the interim.

Remember, without a proper agreement, your family or heirs cannot be paid for the value of your business. 

2. The Next Cambridge Satisfaction Survey

On November 3, Cambridge will be sending out another satisfaction survey. Your responses are taken very seriously; this is one of the most tangible ways I can work with their executive team to ensure your expectations are being met and advocate for your needs.

I’m meeting with their board at the end of October to review the results of the last survey. While satisfaction has increased, they hope to see it rise further. While I'd like to see that too, my bigger concern is having more of you complete it.

Tech Tips 

Meet Indy

Indy is an AI-powered chat assistant built to support the way you work—providing quick, reliable answers to your brokerage servicing questions. Indy empowers you with instant access to trusted guidance, giving you back the time to focus on what matters most.

Several updates to Indy were recently released, bringing enhancements to improve the user experience—especially around terminology and chat performance:

• Improved Understanding of Financial Terms: Indy now better recognizes and responds to terms like Clearing Firm, Registration, Contra Firm, Transfer, and TOD (Transfer on Death)
• Smarter Context Handling: Indy avoids repeating confirmations for Clearing Firm or Registration when that information has already been provided
• Better Search Results: When asking about transfers, Indy now surfaces more consistent and relevant articles, especially those involving Contra Firm and Transfer scenarios
• Enhanced Client Deceased Question Handling: Responses to sensitive topics like client deceased status are now clearer and more accurate
• Faster and More Responsive Chat: Spinning/loading delays have been eliminated and significantly improved chat responsiveness
• Category Descriptions: Indy now uses category descriptions to better understand user questions and provide more accurate answers
• Smarter Context Detection: Indy can now detect missing context more intelligently and avoids repeatedly asking for details like clearing firm, account type, or registration type

Why This Matters
These updates are part of our ongoing effort to make Indy smarter and more dependable, helping users get faster, more accurate answers with less friction in their workflows.

To Access Indy

1. Log in to cir2.com 
2. Click the Indy tile on the homepage near the Featured Announcements section 
3. In CLIC^® Workstation, open the chat window along the right side of the screen and start typing—or choose a pre-drafted prompt 

Compliance Corner

Staying Safe Online: What to Do When You Suspect a Security Issue

Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, and it’s important to stay vigilant. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about handling suspicious emails, phishing attempts, and potential data compromises.

How can I determine if an email is legitimate?

If you’re unsure whether an email is legitimate, forward it to securityreview@cir2.com.
The Cambridge Security Team will review the message and determine its authenticity.

As always do not click any links or open attachments if you weren’t expecting the email.

What should I do if I clicked on a phishing email and entered my credentials?

1. Change your password immediately
2. Run a full virus scan on your computer
3. Contact the Security Team at security@cir2.com to confirm that no further action is needed

What if I clicked on a phishing email but didn’t enter my credentials?

1. Change your password as a precaution
2. Run a full virus scan on your computer
3. Contact the Security Team at security@cir2.com to confirm that no further action is needed

What should I do if a client’s personal information has been compromised?

If a client informs you that their personal information may have been compromised, contact Operations Risk at ops-risk@cir2.com. They can take steps to place restrictions or add additional security measures to the client’s account.

If a vendor I use is compromised, what do I need to do?

Report any vendor compromises to the Security Team (security@cir2.com) and notify us and the Cedar Team.

Should I use a VPN?

Cambridge recommends using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when:

1. Using public Wi-Fi
2. Traveling abroad
3. Accessing sensitive data while on the go

While the Security Team at Cambridge does not endorse specific providers, here are some popular options to consider:

• NordVPN
• Surfshark
• Norton
• Private Internet Access
• ExpressVPN

Can I access cir2.com from outside the country?

Before traveling, contact the Security Team at security@cir2.com and let them know which country you’ll be visiting. Additional verification steps may be required to maintain access.

Your actions matter – every click counts in protecting your clients

Security starts with you, and your vigilance helps protect your clients, your business, and Cambridge. If you ever have doubts or questions, as always please reach out to us – we’re here to help!

Opportunity of the Month

National Financial Planning Month: Help Clients Choose the Right Financial Planning Path

As a financial professional, you understand that choosing the right financial planner profoundly impacts a client’s long-term well-being. With year-end approaching, Financial Planning Month offers an ideal opportunity to reconnect, reaffirm your value, and guide clients on their financial journey.

Whether engaging new prospects or reconnecting with long-time clients, now is the time to position yourself as their most trusted resource. Here are five key points clients consider when selecting a planner and how you can leverage them to start meaningful conversations:

1. Clarify the Scope of Your Services
   Many clients don’t distinguish between investment management and comprehensive planning. Use this opportunity to highlight the full range of your services from retirement and estate planning to tax integration, risk management, and legacy strategies.
2. Help Clients Cut Through the Noise
   “Top Financial Planner” lists and online rankings may attract attention, but they rarely capture what truly matters: trust, service, and results. Be ready to explain how your approach, credentials, and experience distinguish you beyond what a simple search can show.
3. Showcase the Human Side of Your Firm
   Clients often review your website or LinkedIn before making contact. Ensure your messaging is clear, up-to-date, and client-focused. Communicate your process, values, and how you support clients effectively.
4. Be Transparent About Compensation
   Clients appreciate clarity. Educate them about your compensation model and fiduciary standards. This builds trust and differentiates you from others focused solely on product sales.
5. Invite Genuine Conversations
   A first meeting reveals far more than a resume. Use initial and follow-up meetings for fact finding, uncovering clients’ priorities, and demonstrating that your advice is personalized. Since many clients remain uncertain about the planning process, positioning yourself as the knowledgeable professional who clarifies and simplifies every step will set you apart from the competition.

Ultimately, your role is not just about numbers and projections; it’s about building trust, guiding decisions, and improving lives. National Financial Planning Month is the perfect time to deepen client relationships and invite prospects into a comprehensive planning partnership.

Your partners at Cambridge and Cantella are here to support you. Whether you need assistance refining messaging, updating marketing materials, preparing for client reviews, or exploring new planning tools, we offer the resources you need to enhance your outreach and client conversations.

Save the Date

• Cambridge’s annual compliance training requirements for both registered and non-registered individuals due October 31
• November 5 Webinar 11:00 a.m. EST
  Symmetry Partners - Managing Investor Behavior Across the Investor Lifecycle
• November 19 Webinar 11:00 a.m. EST
  Jackson National Life Distributors LLC - Best Sales Ideas for wrapping up the year aligning with their annuity spectrum

Recipe of the Month

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour; substitute 3 3/4 c Pamela’s Baking Mix for gluten-free
• 1 tbs cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie seasoning
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup canola oil
• 3 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Filling

• 3 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese at room temp
• 4 oz ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3 tsp vanilla paste or extract

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• Using parchment paper, prepare your baking sheets
• In a large bowl, whisk the flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda and salt
• In a separate bowl, mix the white sugars and the oil together. Add the pumpkin, mix to combine. 
• Add eggs and vanilla and mix until combined
• Add the flour mixture about 1 cup at a time to the pumpkin mixture and mix until thoroughly combined
• Use a small ice cream scoop to make mini whoopie pies (but you can also use a larger scoop for larger cookies)
• Drop rounded, heaping scoops of the dough onto the baking sheets, about 1 inch apart
• Bake for 8-10 minutes if making mini-sized whoopie pies (regular-sized whoopie pies will take 10 to 12 minutes). Cookies are done when a toothpick comes out clean or if you press on the top they spring up and do not sink.

Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Filling:

• In a medium bowl using a hand mixer, beat the butter until smooth. The butter should lighten in color, about 3 minutes.
• Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, then add the vanilla and beat until smooth.

To Assemble the Whoopie Pies

• To assemble the whoopie pies, place one cookie upside down and top with filling. Place a second cookie on top. Pressing gently to distribute the frosting. 

Notes

• If you do not have Pumpkin Spice seasoning you can use 1 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ginger and 1 tsp cinnamon.
• I like to have the pumpkin puree refrigerated before making the recipe, it helps the dough to keep its shape.
• Store in the refrigerator and eat often! 
• It may be wise to conceal them in a box marked “broccoli” to deter whoopie pie thieves.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal

Source: Pinterest

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