--- title: Commonwealth Guide to Independence | Resources description: Commonsense Guide to Independence | Breaking Away --- [![blue lockup](https://learn.commonwealth.com/hubfs/BLC/Logos/blue%20lockup.svg)](https://www.commonwealth.com/) - Your Journey - [Breaking Away](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/breakaway) - [Researching Options](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/research) - [Choosing a Partner Firm](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/firm-partner) - [Opening Your Doors](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/launch) - [Growing Your Business](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/business) - Key Topics - [The Economics of Independence](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/economics) - [The Client Experience](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/clients) - [Transitioning Your Business](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/transition) - [Choosing the Right Firm Partner](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/firm-partner) - [Running Your Business](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/business-management) - [Marketing Your Business](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/marketing) - [Managing Your Risk](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/risk-management) - Your Toolbox - [Videos](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-video) - [Quizzes](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-quiz) - [Checklists](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-checklist) - [Guides](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-guide) - [All Resources](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources) - [About Commonwealth](https://www.commonwealth.com/why-commonwealth/about-us) [Let's Connect](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/contact-us) Close - Your Journey - [Breaking Away](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/breakaway) - [Researching Options](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/research) - [Choosing a Partner Firm](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/firm-partner) - [Opening Your Doors](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/launch) - [Growing Your Business](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/business) - Key Topics - [The Economics of Independence](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/economics) - [The Client Experience](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/clients) - [Transitioning Your Business](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/transition) - [Choosing the Right Firm Partner](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/firm-partner) - [Running Your Business](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/business-management) - [Marketing Your Business](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/marketing) - [Managing Your Risk](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/key-topics/risk-management) - Your Toolbox - [Videos](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-video) - [Quizzes](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-quiz) - [Checklists](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-checklist) - [Guides](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-guide) - [All Resources](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources) - [About Commonwealth](https://www.commonwealth.com/why-commonwealth/about-us) SEARCH [Let's Connect](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/contact-us) ##### [Commonsense Guide to Independence](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence) - [Home](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence) - [Journey](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey) - [Breaking Away](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/breakaway) #### Taking the First Step Are you where you want to be in your career? Maybe you’ve thought about going independent and owning your own firm. Consider the pros and cons—and what you need to do to make your dream a reality. Explore the materials below to start understanding what it means to be independent. #### Researching Options What fears do you have about going independent? Learn more about what kind of support you'll need. #### Choosing a Partner Firm When breaking away from your wirehouse, the right partner can make all the difference. Here's what to ask when interviewing firms. #### Opening Your Doors Do you know what to do to be ready for your clients? Read more about the steps to take before you open for business. #### Growing Your Business What does success mean to you? Learn more about what to consider as you grow your practice. true {val=stage-breaking-away} [Type: Guide](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-guide) ### [Taking Control: Exploring Independence](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/exploring-independence) [Although the benefits of being an independent advisor are clear—better economics and greater control—the path to get there ...](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/exploring-independence) [Start Reading](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/exploring-independence) [Type: Article](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-article) ### [5 Tips for Retaining Clients After Leaving the Wirehouse](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/5-tips-for-retaining-clients-after-leaving-the-wirehouse) [You’ve decided to break away from your wirehouse to establish your own firm. So, the next big question is: how will you get ...](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/5-tips-for-retaining-clients-after-leaving-the-wirehouse) [Start Reading](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/5-tips-for-retaining-clients-after-leaving-the-wirehouse) [Type: Infographic](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-infographic) ### [Financial Snapshot: 4 Steps to Professionalize Your P&L Statement](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/professionalizing-your-pl) [Planning for your future as an independent financial advisor. If you're considering a transition from the wirehouse to the ...](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/professionalizing-your-pl) [Start Reading](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/professionalizing-your-pl) [Type: Quiz](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-quiz) ### [5 Quick Questions to Help You Break Away the Right Way](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/5-quick-questions-to-help-you-break-away-the-right-way) [Is there life beyond the wirehouse? For some advisors, the answer is yes. But how do you know if you’re cut out to break away? ...](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/5-quick-questions-to-help-you-break-away-the-right-way) [Start Reading](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/5-quick-questions-to-help-you-break-away-the-right-way) [Type: Checklist](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-checklist) ### [Breakaway Implications: The Impact Your Firm Partner Can Have On Efficiency](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/breakaway-implications-the-impact-your-firm-partner-can-have-on-efficiency) [You may think that going independent means having less time for client interactions—after all, you’ll have an office to run. ...](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/breakaway-implications-the-impact-your-firm-partner-can-have-on-efficiency) [Start Reading](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/breakaway-implications-the-impact-your-firm-partner-can-have-on-efficiency) [Type: Video](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-video) ### [Will Your Clients Follow You to Independence?](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/will-your-clients-follow-you-to-independence) [Watch our video for more information about how to retain your clients when you break away.](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/will-your-clients-follow-you-to-independence) [Start Watching](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/will-your-clients-follow-you-to-independence) [Type: Video](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-video) ### [Understanding the Economics of Independence](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/understanding-the-economics-of-independence) [Evaluating the cost of independence is a key part of making the decision to break away from your wirehouse.](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/understanding-the-economics-of-independence) [Start Watching](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/understanding-the-economics-of-independence) [Type: Video](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-video) ### [Knowing When and How to Make the Leap](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/knowing-when-and-how-to-make-the-leap) [Are you thinking about leaving your wirehouse? How do you know if independence is right for you? Is now the right time to make ...](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/knowing-when-and-how-to-make-the-leap) [Start Watching](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/knowing-when-and-how-to-make-the-leap) [Type: Guide](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-guide) ### [So, You've Decided to Break Away from Your Wirehouse—Now What?](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/so-you-want-to-break-away-from-your-wirehouse-now-what) [Breaking away from your wirehouse is a life-changing decision. If you know it’s the best move for you and your clients, you’ve ...](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/so-you-want-to-break-away-from-your-wirehouse-now-what) [Start Reading](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/so-you-want-to-break-away-from-your-wirehouse-now-what) [Type: Guide](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-guide) ### [Breaking Away to Break Through](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/breaking-away-to-break-through) [If you’re thinking about leaving your wirehouse to start your own firm, there’s a lot to consider. And, while it’s not for ...](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/breaking-away-to-break-through) [Start Reading](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/breaking-away-to-break-through) ### [Breaking Away from the Wirehouse: Pros and Cons](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/breaking-away-from-the-wirehouse-pros-and-cons) [When opportunities beckon, we often find ourselves faced with difficult choices. If you’re thinking about becoming an ...](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/breaking-away-from-the-wirehouse-pros-and-cons) [Start Reading](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/breaking-away-from-the-wirehouse-pros-and-cons) ### [5 Signs It May Be Time to Break Away from the Wirehouse](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/5-signs-it-may-be-time-to-break-away-from-the-wirehouse) [Is the grass greener in the independent channel? If you’re a wirehouse advisor today, it’s something you may find yourself ...](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/5-signs-it-may-be-time-to-break-away-from-the-wirehouse) [Start Reading](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/5-signs-it-may-be-time-to-break-away-from-the-wirehouse) [Type: Quiz](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources?ty=type-quiz) ### [Are You Ready to Break Away from the Wirehouse?](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/are-you-ready-to-break-away-from-the-wirehouse) [Moving to the independent channel today poses fewer barriers than in years past. Technology advancements, compliance support, ...](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/are-you-ready-to-break-away-from-the-wirehouse) [Start Reading](https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/resources/are-you-ready-to-break-away-from-the-wirehouse) ### Connect with Us Tell us a little about yourself. We'll begin a conversation about your business and how Commonwealth can help move your practice forward. ![footer-background](https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/295024/footer-background.png) [![Full Lockup](https://learn.commonwealth.com/hubfs/BLC/Logos/Full%20Lockup.svg)](http://www.commonwealth.com/) ©2025 Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member [FINRA](http://www.finra.org/), [SIPC](http://www.sipc.org/), a Registered Investment Adviser. All rights reserved. This material is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice. Please review our [Terms of Use](https://www.commonwealth.com/terms-of-use). [![BrokerCheck - check the background of this investment professional](https://images.ctfassets.net/a320zjmb1inn/18F2QZ8je8v2yJ56ROCICc/3d91e67f251132fe5c395c9190fb2649/BrokerCheck-Small.png)](https://brokercheck.finra.org/)   **Information about securities-registered professionals may be found at** [**FINRA BROKERCHECK**](https://brokercheck.finra.org)**.** [Form CRS](https://assets.ctfassets.net/a320zjmb1inn/2i7OtNINj5zCRE0BsKWBSC/4b17ef9e2d59f665bdba69ae14e607aa/Form-CRS-Online.pdf) | [Disclosure](https://www.commonwealth.com/for-clients/disclosure/customer-id-program) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.commonwealth.com/for-clients/disclosure/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "United States", "addressLocality" : "Waltham", "addressRegion" : "MA", "postalCode" : "02451", "streetAddress" : "275 Wyman Street, Suite 400" }, "email" : "hello@power.com", "knowsLanguage" : "", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/295024/CommonwealthFinancialNetwork-Logo.png" }, "name" : "Commonwealth Financial Network", "telephone" : "+49 (0) 89 123 456", "url" : "https://learn.commonwealth.com/advisor-guide/independence/journey/breakaway" } ```