Tools & technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What technology does H.D. Vest provide its Advisors?

Technology improves efficiency, vital to the success of a busy tax professional, and H.D. Vest provides our Advisors with the best technology possible. Our Advisor website HDVLink.com, online account setup system, VestPlan Solutions financial planning software, Integrated Broker Workstation, Client Marketing System and Paperless Office are indispensable for building your business. By choosing to partner with us, our technology will ensure greater efficiency and, therefore, more success.

Does H.D. Vest have financial planning software for its Advisors to use?

Yes. Our Advisors have access to VestPlan Solutions, a comprehensive financial planning software package that helps you analyze and present your recommendations to clients. The core modules are free, saving you time and money obtaining your own software.

Is there a charge for using VestPlan Solutions?

Most Advisors find that they only need to use the core modules, which are free. Advanced modules are available for $20 per month, but they are priced well below comparable programs.

What is HDVLink?

HDVLink is our Advisors' main connection to H.D. Vest, giving you access to the latest corporate and financial news, client account setup, views of client accounts and statements, the ability to place trades, access to VestPlan Solutions and much more. You can stay in touch with H.D. Vest and access the information you need to be successful.

Can I create my own website to promote my financial services?

We understand the importance of an Internet presence; therefore, we offer our Advisors a free MyHDVest.com customizable business website for marketing your services to clients and prospects. You can also showcase information about your practice, investment philosophy, photos, directions to your office and more. Clients can use MyHDVest.com to access their accounts, place trades and get financial news.

If an Advisor would like to develop a more comprehensive website, he or she can do one of two things:

Work with one of our preferred vendors, Emerald or Live Office/Advisor Square, financial services web design specialists, who will help design and build the website, route it through Compliance and get it running. The annual fee for this service is around $700.

Advisors can design and build their own website. Once it is designed, they must send it to Compliance for approval and make any changes Compliance requests. Compliance will bill the Advisor an annual fee to review the website.

Can I put information about my financial services on my tax website?

Due to compliance concerns, you cannot place information about your financial services on your tax website. Since it is important to be able to market your financial services via the Internet, you can place a link to your MyHDVest.com website on your tax website.

Can I set up accounts online?

Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it! Advisors can set up both brokerage and direct fund accounts online for their most popular fund companies, saving time and reducing paperwork errors.

Am I required to set up accounts online?

No; however, we do charge a $20 service fee if you don't set up the account online. If the account cannot be set up online, the service charge does not apply.