Why Women Financial Advisors Succeed at Edward Jones

When considering a career move, many dream of not just financial stability but also the freedom to manage your own schedule while feeling immense professional support. At Edward Jones this isn’t a dream – it’s reality. As the #1 employer of women financial advisors in North America*, Edward Jones has consciously worked to create an environment where over 4,500 women financial advisors have the flexibility, choice, and support they need to define their own success.

Flexibility: The Core of Success

One of the most striking features of practicing at Edward Jones is the ability to manage your own schedule within the framework of the firm’s supportive structure. Financial advisors have the flexibility to tailor their workday to align with personal and family commitments, allowing for a balanced approach to career growth. For many women, particularly those with young children or elder care responsibilities, this entrepreneurial model is invaluable. Edward Jones provides the tools to maintain a high level of client service while accommodating the individual needs of each financial advisor.

Jennifer Schoonmaker-Dasch, an Edward Jones financial advisor with 19 years at the firm shares her experience: “I got to pick when I was present and when I wasn’t. I didn’t have to attend every birthday party, but I got to be at my son’s DARE graduation and all of my daughter’s lacrosse games.” This personal control over your schedule is often cited as the top benefit of working at Edward Jones.

Independence with a Safety Net

Edward Jones’ business model empowers financial advisors to run their businesses independently, giving them the freedom to make decisions that best serve their clients. However, independence doesn’t mean working alone. Quite the opposite, there’s comprehensive support through a client support team, phenomenal home office resources, and pre-approved marketing tools to attract and engage clients. Our women financial advisors tell us this efficient and constantly improving infrastructure enables them to focus on what they do best—building relationships and delivering exceptional financial advice.

As Jennifer notes, “I can’t imagine doing this job without my branch team. They’re the frontline with my clients. The support from the home office team is unmatched, offering services like pre-approved social posts, legal support, and so much more. If I were independent, I’d have to do so much more that would take time away from growing my business.”

A Culture of Equity and Community

At the heart of Edward Jones is an inclusive organization that ensures everyone has a fair shot. This means that success is based on each financial advisor’s own work ethic, individual results, and ability to lead their branch. The company fosters a culture where women are visible, lead and thrive, particularly at the local level.

Women financial advisors at Edward Jones often form their own mastermind groups, creating strong networks outside of their immediate work environments . These groups often meet for lunches, to share business building ideas, chats, and even the occasional spa day, fostering an even deeper sense of camaraderie and mutual support that extends beyond professional development. There are countless stories of lifelong friendships, traveling together and supporting each other through life’s challenges, such as divorce or raising children.

Financial Empowerment and Growth

The compensation model at Edward Jones is another significant advantage because earning potential is based on the individual financial advisor’s efforts and achievements, man or woman. “Financial advisors can choose when to lean into their business, with higher earnings as the reward for hard work, or focus more on their personal life when needed. “After you achieve what you think is success, continue to lean into your business – you still have so much potential,” Jennifer shares.

In addition to bonuses and variable compensation tied to production, Edward Jones offers profit-sharing and travel programs. The firm ranks No. 1 in compensation on Financial Planning’s ‘2024 Best Advisor Pay’** list in the $600k, $1M and $2M annual producer categories and No. 2 in the $400k annual producer category.

It’s no surprise women financial advisors prefer a business model that beautifully marries independence with support, making it an ideal choice for those who expect a rewarding and flexible career. The company’s commitment to equity, robust support systems, and opportunities for financial growth create an environment where financial advisors can thrive. Whether it’s enjoying the freedom to manage demanding schedules, benefiting from exponential compensation growth, or being part of a strong, supportive community, Edward Jones’ women financial advisors truly have the best of both worlds.

The culture of caring makes Edward Jones a great place to work for all. In 2024, Edward Jones was named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For® by Fortune® magazine and Great Place To Work®***.