Yikes... - Financial Advisor McAdam Employee Review

2.0
Mar 5, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

This list is short. They have a great bonus structure. End of pros.

Cons

If you haven't worked in financial advising before, please do yourself a favor and go work for a bigger firm like Merrill Lynch, UBS, Morgan Stanley, etc. While McAdam may seem like a great place to get started, let me assure you it is not. They pay you absolutely nothing through the lengthy training process. Bigger firms will. They do not offer team advising. Bigger firms do. They do not offer a salary (purely commissions based). Bigger firms will start you with a base salary. In short, McAdam is a fine place to work if you have been in the industry, have an established client base, and have knowledge of how things work and what to do. But if you are relatively new to the industry, go somewhere else because you are set up to fail at McAdam. They will try to take advantage of you for your clients and not your talent. Don't let that happen.

Explore other reviews about McAdam

5.0
Apr 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Opportunities to meet with families and clients and deliver life-altering financial help and advice and build career-long bonds with new people - Collaborative culture - Company growth has been consistent with new opportunities for advancement as we help more families - If you are looking for an environment that is growth oriented & opportunity to build a business for yourself with significant internal support (leads, marketing help, leadership, etc.), this is a great place to look

Cons

- As an advisor, starting off can be difficult since it is a very entrepreneurial career. It requires a lot of mental fortitude and an acknowledgement that failure will happen more times than success - No base salary to start (at least if you are a new advisor starting their practice) but there are other bonuses that are utilized to help income at the start of the career - Emotional competence is a must. Being able to handle highs and lows is very important - If working a normal 9 to 5 is your desire, it may not be a good fit (if you are looking to be an advisor)

1.0
Jun 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Opportunity to earn licenses early in your career Flexible schedule if you're able to generate your own business

Cons

This is marketed as a great opportunity for recent graduates, but the reality is much different. The financial burden falls almost entirely on the employee. Between fees, expenses, and the costs associated with building a client base, it often feels like you're paying for the privilege of working here. The commission-only structure creates constant financial stress, especially for those just starting out with limited professional networks. There is little stability, and success often depends more on who you already know than on your actual skills or work ethic. Many new hires quickly realize that making a sustainable income is far more difficult than advertised. The pressure to sell is relentless, and the lack of guaranteed compensation makes it hard to stay afloat while trying to establish yourself.

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