inStream abandons free plan, introduces subscription pricing

Financial planning software startup inStream Solutions drops its free pricing plan, switches to annual subscription model

inStream Solutions made a splash in late 2011 with the introduction of its free financial planning software tool for financial advisers (watch Video Spotlight: inStream Solutions CEO Alex Murguia on achieving proactive financial planning).

But like many startups, inStream just made a pivot in its business model that eliminates the free plan altogether for some 2,000 users.

inStream No Longer Free

This week, inStream announced that it is switching to an annual subscription model, with retail pricing set at $2,400 per user.


inStream Solutions CEO Alex Murguia introduces the startup at FinovateSpring 2012 (watch on YouTube)

Volume discounts will be available for large firms, and existing users of the free plan will be offered the chance to subscribe for just $1,000. Also, as an incentive to new users, inStream is offering 50% off the retail subscription fee to any new adviser who signs up prior to June 30, 2014.

Not only that, inStream is also changing its positioning in the market by calling the solution a “wealth management platform” in favor of its former financial planning software heading.

More than Financial Planning Software

inStream replaces the financial planning software terminology in favor of a wealth management tool

inStream replaces the financial planning software terminology in favor of a wealth management tool

In an interview with Financial Advisor magazine tech editor Joel Bruckenstein, Alex Murguia, founder and CEO of inStream, said, “We are not trying to create financial planning software; we’re creating a wealth management platform that financial planners can use to run their businesses.”

To its credit, inStream has recently added features that transcend beyond traditional financial planning to increase the value and utility of the solution.

In recent months, inStream brought on Dr. Wade Pfau, Professor of Retirement Income for the American College, to lead its new Financial Planning Research division (watch FPPad Bits and Bytes for August 2nd for more details on Pfau’s involvement).

Out of this partnership, inStream will soon release what it calls the industry’s first “Safe Saving Rate” planning tool developed under the guidance of Pfau.

Existing Updates, Too

inStream is also upgrading many of its existing functions, which include mind map plugins, proactive alerts, and custom reports for financial plans.

For more information on the new pricing plans, as well as feature enhancements, visit inStream online at www.instreamwealth.com

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