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In September 2025, AOL will finally shut down its dial-up internet service, ending more than 30 years of a connection method that once defined how millions experienced the online world. For those who remember the whirring modem tones and the thrill of seeing “You’ve Got Mail,” dial-up was more than a technology — it was a gateway to a new era. But as the internet evolved, so did the ways we accessed it. Dial-up’s dominance faded, replaced by broadband and Wi-Fi, which transformed not just the speed of connection but the very nature of what the internet could do.
The story of dial-up is more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It is a case study in how something once revolutionary can become outdated, and how the decision to embrace or resist change shapes the opportunities available. That same lesson applies directly to the financial services world and how advisors serve their clients.
When “Good Enough” Feels Right
In the 1990s and early 2000s, dial-up was the standard. For many households, it was their first introduction to the internet, opening doors to email, online shopping, and new ways to communicate. At the time, it was both cutting edge and all that we knew, and more than enough to meet most needs.
In the financial advisory world, the same is true for many advisors and the broker-dealer technology stacks they have used for years. These platforms have supported client communication, portfolio management, and compliance in ways that once felt cutting-edge. They are familiar, reliable, and, for some, still “good enough.”
But “good enough” can be deceptive. It can mask the reality that the world has moved forward and that newer tools are not simply upgrades but gateways to entirely different possibilities.
The shift from dial-up to broadband did not happen overnight. For years, both existed side by side. Some users jumped to high-speed internet as soon as it became available, while others stayed with what they knew, even as broadband users began streaming video, hosting virtual meetings, and storing massive files in the cloud.
Similarly, in financial services, technology adoption varies widely. Advisors who embrace newer, more sophisticated platforms find that they can automate administrative tasks, integrate real-time data into client conversations, and offer a far more seamless digital experience. Those who stick with older systems may not feel they are missing much, until they see what is possible.
The Slow and Fast Pace of Change
