Behind The Advisor

We're excited to introduce you to Cathy Curtis, founder of Curtis Financial Planning, a fee-only firm out of Oakland, CA. Cathy has run her firm for over 20 years and shares just a sliver of her experience on the show today. Cathy is a solo advisor—and always has been. She serves women, specifically breadwinning women, and to this day, finds 1:1 client work her favorite part of running her firm. Cathy discusses flow and how to find it, the kind of insecurities women face as they try to understand their finances, and what it's like to vision board your future. She reminds listeners that outsourcing should be considered an investment, and there's no reason to try to do everything on your own, whether you hire or not. Cathy shares that her imposter syndrome went away when she finally niched, and since then, has found major success and fulfillment. Cathy has some incredible advice to share with you today, and if you're interested in what it's like as a solo advisor 20 years in, then this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/313

We're excited to welcome Vinicius "V" Hiratuka, founder of Elevated Retirement Financial Services, on the show today. V serves just over 50 client households on an AUM basis, folding his financial planning and investment management into a single comprehensive fee. Despite being relatively young, V serves almost exclusively pre-retirees—and loves doing it. He talks about the oh-so-familiar feeling of wanting to do things differently and why breaking out on his own was so important to him. He reminds listeners to pay themselves first, from his own experience to not to be in a rush to venture out on your own. He talks about why his previous experience was integral in his decision to focus on this niche, how he's been able to leverage his youth as a value to his clients, and why he continues to work for a different business owner on the side. V's simplicity to his approach, along with his dedicated focus on the things that matter, is truly inspiring. If you're interested in the pre-retirement and retirement space but want to do it your way, then this episode will be for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/312

We're excited to have Alan Moore, the CEO and Co-Founder of XYPN, on the show today. XYPN just celebrated its 7th year, and it's been about a year and a half since Alan hosted his last #XYPNRadio episode. Today, he joins us to discuss what this whole journey has been like—from starting the business to managing a team through COVID, all while being a dad (now with three kids). Alan opens up about nerves, some worries that have lingered over the years, and reminisces on some of his favorite times at XYPN. He talks about the importance of hiring a team that complements his strengths and weaknesses and what it's been like to work alongside Michael Kitces as a co-founder. Alan gives valuable advice to our listeners through telling his stories—from which books helped him change his perspective to how to think of entrepreneurship as a creative outlet. If you want to know how XYPN and Alan Moore have evolved over the years, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/311

We're excited to welcome back Shane Mason and AJ Ayers, co-founders of Brooklyn FI, for a check-in on their growth trajectory since we last spoke with them on episode #221. Brooklyn FI now has 10 fully remote employees, serves over 200 client households, and is pushing the two million dollar mark in revenue. On the show today, we discuss what that growth has been like—from identifying great new talent for their team to handling the crazy demands of this year's tax season. They talk about why hiring an operations teammate was vital for their scalability and how their fee calculator helps with transparency. Shane and AJ share their take on their impact, why they got into this business, and how they've managed to keep up with the demands of their growing firm. You can sense their authenticity and their passion for what they do in this interview, and it's hard not to want to be part of their superstar team. If you're looking for some advice about growing and scaling your business, then this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/310

We're excited to have four XYPN members and firm owners on the show today. Becky Meats, Bonnie Arnold, Molly Laughter, and Adrienne Ross were introduced to each other during their XYPN Launcher program in 2019 and have met every week since then as a mastermind group. We dig in and discuss what makes this group work—from the framework to the attitudes, and how they ensure the meetings and group are helpful for each of them. We talk about imposter syndrome, pivotal points in the group's history, and how being part of a group of others at the same level is helpful instead of being competitive. You'll hear them share stories of how the group has been a lifeline (in every sense) and how they couldn't imagine running solo firms without the support of a group like theirs. The laughter and energy this group shares is contagious and motivating. If you're not yet part of a study group or worry about the challenges that come along with running a firm on your own, this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/309

We're honored to welcome Vince Hockett, XYPN's Chief Revenue Officer, to the show today. Vince joined the XYPN team just about one year ago and has brought decades of experience working at rapidly growing companies along with him. Today, Vince shares what it's like working with Alan and Michael as a fellow executive and what it's been like to manage the group of young leaders that ultimately deliver the promise of XYPN membership (and then some). Vince pulls the curtain back on his management style, which is unique and powerfully productive. We draw some similarities between the XYPN Network and the member firms that make up our community—specifically related to the building and scaling phases of the firm owner's journey. He talks about what it's like to work with the EOS model, what he sees as some of XYPN's business challenges, but most importantly, what it's been like to work at a progressive, disruptive company that lives and breathes its core values. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/308

Today, we're excited to introduce you to Kelly Klingaman, Vice President and Regional Director of Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA). Kelly has worked in the RIA space for the past 12 years, helping advisors around the country understand and communicate investment management strategies to their clients. Kelly explains that DFA partners with advisors to educate them on the academic research that DFA builds its principal theories around and how this credibility can be infused within their planning processes. Kelly discusses the decisions advisors face regarding their investment management programs and whether to outsource or manage them on their own. Because advisors are often limited in the amount of time they have to focus on the investment management aspect of their business, as well as the fact that many feel insecure about offering investment advice to their clients, she explains that the way advisors frame their investment services—the story they tell surrounding them—is often the most important aspect of how they approach investment management. Kelly points out that using anecdotes to explain why time in the market is better than timing the market can help a diverse crowd of investors understand the value of investing and the services you offer. If you're interested in learning how to better tell the story of your investment management philosophy, this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/307

In today's episode, we're honored to speak with Cindu Thomas-George, a professor and the owner of Shakthi Diversity and Equity Training. Cindu joins us to discuss what diversity, equity, and inclusion each mean and lays out a persuasive argument for DEI initiatives as a growth strategy within a business. She discusses the concepts of power and social capital and presents the moral case for considering these concepts within your work. She gives answers to tough questions like, "Is this conversation a political one?" and "What can advisors do to move the needle forward in the DEI space?" If you're interested in learning about how DEI makes businesses thrive, then this interview is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/306

Today, we have the privilege of talking to Terria Heng and Shelby Brown, two of XYPN's Compliance Coaches who together have nearly two decades of experience as examiners and compliance consultants. Terria and Shelby discuss with us their recommended approach to compliance, the time commitment required to ensure you're creating a culture of compliance within your firm, and several other compliance considerations that keep RIA owners up at night. They give great advice like how to trust your instincts, and they deliver valuable insight into how regulators and examiners approach their jobs. They discuss the required compliance changes involved when you add a teammate, approach SEC registration, or make a considerable mistake. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/305

Today we have the honor of speaking with Chris Dale and Julie Quick, two XYPN members and RIA owners who make a tremendous impact in their clients' lives as they focus on the complex niche of people in transition, specifically those dealing with grief. If you're interested in supporting and guiding clients through transition, this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/304

Today, we have an exciting conversation with Ryan Mohr and Eric Thomas, owners of Clarity Capital Management, a fee-only firm out of Portland, OR, where we talk about all things partnering—how to do it, when to do it, and all of the potential benefits. Three and a half years ago, Ryan started his firm as the sole owner and built it to serve over 45 client households. As the pressures of growth continued, the desire to bring on a partner was at the forefront of his mind. On today's show, Eric and Ryan talk about their decision to partner together, how they established equity buy-in for Eric, and the process they followed to finalize their agreements. Eric discusses why the timing was right for him to transition into the fee-only space now vs. when Ryan originally opened the firm. Ryan shares what it was like to offer equity into the company that he built from the ground up. This discussion provides a great example of how to partner with intentionality after a strong foundation has been built. If you're interested in what it's like to bring a partner into an established firm, this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/303

Today we're excited to welcome Pearl Michalson, XYPN's Internship Coordinator, to the show. Pearl has built XYPN's internship program from the ground up and has a wealth of expertise when it comes to all things interns and internships. From identifying top talent to training managers on how to best utilize interns, a lot goes into making an internship a successful and rewarding experience for all. Pearl shares her unique theory around internship programs with us and the wide variety of work that interns can accomplish, which will be of interest to many of our listeners. Her experience in organizational leadership allows her to speak to the importance of communication within organizations and why new and diverse talent elevates a company. As opposed to thinking of interns as another person to manage, she invites our listeners to seek out what an intern can teach them, how they can improve the organization, and see the world through a different lens. Pearl has advice regarding what to look for in interns, how to train them, and how to consider what they can do within a company if given the opportunity.If you're interested in hiring an intern, then you're not going to want to miss this episode. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/302

We're incredibly excited to have Ashlee deSteiger and David Rae—two XYPN advisors and RIA owners—on the show today to talk about everything that comes along with working having your spouse as a coworker. Ashlee's husband joined her firm, Gunder, after seeing the momentum and freedom she enjoyed while running the firm, while David hired his husband at his firm strategically to support not just his firm, but his lifestyle as well. In this episode, you'll hear Ashlee and David discuss the good, bad, and the ugly of working with your spouse—from how they take walks (alone) to tag-teaming duties. They also talk about the decision to hire a spouse generally and what it's like to market your firm with your spouse and serve clients as a team. Ashlee shares what it was like growing her firm during COVID and with three small kids at home. David reminds us of how good things can be when we define our ideal life and work towards it each day while embracing the inevitable challenges. Whether you're starting your firm with your partner or just starting your firm, you won't want to miss this episode. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/301

Today, we have two remarkable XYPN members—Tremaine Wills and Charles Ho—on the show. Tremaine and Charles both left the broker-dealer space knowing they were destined to do more meaningful work. Both ended up finding major fulfillment in being owners of their very own independent RIAs. We speak with both Tremaine and Charles about their previous professional backgrounds, including the tears that were shed, the pressure that was applied, and the emptiness they both felt around the work they were doing. We discuss the ideas of time freedom, mission-driven work, and what it feels like to burn out. Tremaine and Charles talk very transparently about what it took in terms of support, mental stamina, and confidence to make the leap and become their own bosses. They highlight what success means to each of them and how, despite the pressure they felt from their employers, it wasn't about making money. Instead, success to them is all about making an impact. If you're feeling dissatisfied or unfulfilled in your current position, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/300

We're thrilled to have four incredible XYPN members on the show with us today: Alexandra Baig, Neil Mahoney, Todd Sensing, and Matthew Ricks. Each advisor has built a practice that either focuses entirely on or incorporates special needs planning—a unique niche that brings its own challenges, and of course, rewards. From soft skills like trust and sensitivity to having deep technical expertise, specific requirements are needed to serve the special needs community. Alex, Neil, Todd, and Matthew share their individual approaches to working within this niche. Some adjust their payment structures and service models to serve their clients better, while others have developed particular marketing techniques that resonate with this community. They also touch on the importance of staying up to date on the ever-evolving nuances within the special needs space and how you should be ready to speak the language of your clients, meeting them where they are. If you're interested in working with the special needs community, or just hearing what it's all about, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/299

Today, we're excited to talk with three extraordinary people—Aaron Agte, Michael Reynolds, and Trishul Patel—with three remarkable things in common: they are all RIA owners, XYPN members, and, to top it off, podcasters. In today's episode, we discuss the intricacies of hosting a podcast as a primary component of a RIA marketing strategy. You'll learn that each of these advisors approaches their podcasts a little differently in terms of structure, format, and purpose. Aaron and Trishul team up to host their podcast together, while Michael hosts a live show and finds this to be the format that is best suited for him. These three share their experiences leveraging this intimate medium, how listeners desire insights, not information, and how podcasting has allowed them to establish credibility among their listeners and within the industry. They also offer their expertise about which platforms and technology to utilize and tips for keeping a cadence that works for you while maintaining a passion that's contagious. If you're interested in exploring what podcasting can do for your firm, this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/298

We're excited to have Cathy Morgan and James Hindes on the show today to talk about their respective firms, Assess Financial Freedom and ENOW Financial. While Cathy and James own two separate RIAs, they share many similarities, both having entered the industry from other careers (and both being XYPN members, of course!). Cathy was and is a CPA, while James spent most of his career in the tech industry. If you're contemplating a career change or have been there and done that, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/297

We're excited to have John Mason and Tommy Blackburn on the show today. John and Tommy are partners at Mason & Associates, a fee-only firm out of Newport News, Virginia. Tommy and John are friends, first and foremost, but also business partners, both working at a firm that John's uncle and father started together in the early 80s. If you're interested in what it's like to transition an existing firm into the fee-only space and to do it with a dear friend, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/296

We're honored to have XYPN Director of Brand Communications, Kelly Moorman, on the show today to talk about all things brand. Kelly is a trained chemist, but married her experience with large data sets and analytical writing with her passion for storytelling to carve out a career in marketing. Today, she shares some of her best advice as a professional marketer and brand builder. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/295

We're excited to have XYPN member Anna N'Jie Konte, the founder of the fee-only firm Dare to Dream Financial Planning out of Kensington, MD, on the show today. Anna started her firm in August of 2019 and now serves 27 clients, most of whom are business-owning women of color—clients who are just like Anna. If you're interested in what it would be like to build a business as a mom and as a woman of color, this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/294

We're excited to have XYPN member Ben Wacek, founder of Guide Financial Planning, and his firm's Operations Manager, Amy Artiga, on the show today. We discuss the EOS model, client surges, and what their future plans are for themselves and their business. If you want to learn about what it's like to go from a stay-at-home mom, to helping run a financial planning firm targeting your ideal clients, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/293

We're excited to have XYPN member Todd Pouliot, owner of Gateway Financial, a fee-only firm out of Northfield, OH, on the show today. Todd started his career spending time as a captive insurance agent and a long-time rep at a broker-dealer. In this episode, Todd talks about his evolution to understanding the responsibilities of being a fee-only advisor, and how that drove his ultimate decision to open his own firm. He walks us through his experience firing clients, transitioning them over, and eventually acting as a fully independent RIA. Todd speaks to the movement within our industry as being an evolution—not a revolution—and how he feels more deeply committed to his duty as an advisor than ever before. Todd serves nearly 60 clients and utilizes the support of virtual assistants to maintain balance and efficiency within his firm, but plans to hire virtually as he continues to grow. Todd shares his experience of finally finding a community of like-minded advisors, and how giving back, learning, and growing stay at the forefront of his purpose. Todd's fee-only and fiduciary commitment to his clients drives all aspects of his business. If you want to learn about what it's like to transition from a broker-dealer to an independent RIA, and the fiduciary and fee-only commitments that come along with it, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/292

We're excited to have XYPN members Dan and Natalie Slagle, owners of Minnesota-based fee-only firm, Fyooz Financial Planning, on the show today. Dan and Natalie are partners in life and business, and together have nearly 20 years of industry experience. Today, they talk about how they built Fyooz intentionally to reach their target market: successful, fun, and authentic couples. They discuss what sparked the fire to launch their firm, the sacrifices they made along the way, and how their relationship has allowed them to serve their ideal client base. Together, they serve 30 clients—and have the capacity to serve 50-70 more. Dan and Natalie walk us through how they delineate roles and responsibilities, and the inherent challenges of working with your spouse. They share their candid thoughts about the pressures of the fiduciary oath they've taken, how they manage anxiety, and, on a lighter note, discuss what they've loved most about building Fyooz. If you want to learn about what it's like to go into business with your partner, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/291

We're excited to have XYPN teammate, Taylor Deardorff, on the show today. Taylor currently manages XYPN's Tech Team as the Product Owner, a role that allows her to leverage her deep understanding of member needs to design and create cutting-edge technology solutions for the Network. Taylor pivoted into this industry when she joined Team XYPN back in 2018 as one of the original team members. We cover a lot of ground in this episode as we talk about the tech tools Taylor recommends for all advisors, insights into the role technology can play in scaling large business, and, how as someone who has managed anxiety her whole life, she's been able to make decisions and move projects forward even when she's not 100% confident. As an avid reader and efficiency whiz, Taylor shares her words of wisdom about uncovering your "why" and leaves listeners with some great book recommendations. If you're interested in how to leverage a technology mindset in this industry or your practice, this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/290

We're ‌excited‌ ‌to‌ ‌have‌ ‌XYPN‌ ‌member‌ ‌Lamar‌ ‌Watson,‌ ‌owner‌ ‌of‌ ‌Dream‌ ‌Financial‌ ‌planning,‌ ‌a‌ ‌fee-only‌ ‌firm‌ ‌out‌ ‌of‌ ‌Reston,‌ ‌VA,‌ ‌on‌ ‌the‌ ‌show‌ ‌today.‌ ‌ Lamar‌ ‌started‌ ‌his‌ ‌career‌ ‌in‌ ‌this‌ ‌industry‌ ‌before‌ ‌he‌ ‌even‌ ‌went‌ ‌to‌ ‌college‌! ‌He‌ ‌was‌ ‌an‌ ‌avid‌ ‌follower‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌stock ‌market‌ ‌and‌ ‌reader‌ ‌of‌ ‌Warren‌ ‌Buffet.‌ ‌While‌ ‌he‌ ‌was‌ ‌in‌ ‌college,‌ ‌he‌ ‌secured‌ ‌an‌ ‌internship‌ ‌at‌ ‌a‌ ‌diverse‌ ‌Scottrade‌ ‌branch‌ ‌where‌ ‌he‌ ‌received‌ ‌valuable‌ ‌insight,‌ ‌training‌, ‌and‌ ‌mentorship‌ ‌in‌ the ‌financial services industry.‌ ‌Lamar‌ ‌walks‌ ‌us‌ ‌through‌ ‌his‌ ‌career‌ from ‌how‌ ‌he‌ ‌pitched‌ ‌himself‌ ‌in‌ ‌an‌ ‌interview‌ ‌before‌ ‌he‌ ‌even‌ ‌graduated‌ ‌from‌ ‌college to how‌ ‌he‌ ‌climbed‌ ‌the‌ ‌ranks‌ and finally to ‌how and why‌ he‌ ‌decided‌ ‌to‌ ‌open‌ ‌his‌ ‌own‌ ‌RIA.‌ ‌Lamar‌ ‌talks‌ ‌about‌ ‌what‌ ‌it‌ ‌was‌ ‌like‌ ‌to‌ ‌move‌ ‌from‌ ‌a‌ ‌steady‌ high-paying ‌job‌ ‌to‌ ‌working‌ ‌one-on-one‌ ‌with‌ ‌his‌ ‌ideal‌ ‌types‌ ‌of‌ ‌clients‌—the newbies ‌who‌ ‌have‌ ‌never‌ ‌worked‌ ‌with‌ ‌a‌ ‌financial‌ ‌planner before.‌ ‌ If‌ ‌you‌ ‌want‌ ‌to‌ ‌learn‌ ‌about‌ ‌what‌ ‌it's‌ ‌like‌ ‌to‌ ‌work‌ ‌your‌ ‌way‌ ‌up‌ ‌through‌ ‌this‌ ‌industry‌ ‌and‌ ‌then‌ ‌launch‌ ‌your‌ ‌dream‌ ‌firm,‌ ‌this‌ ‌show‌ ‌is‌ ‌for‌ ‌you.‌ ‌ You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/289

Today, XYPN co-founders, Alan Moore and Michael Kitces, join us for a special episode to discuss the findings of XYPN's 2020 Benchmarking Survey. Each year, XYPN members participate in a comprehensive survey about their businesses, and each year, Alan and Michael discuss the trends they see, the themes that emerged, and their perspective on where the industry is headed. If you're interested in hearing about what XYPN member firms are experiencing this year, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/288

We're excited to have XYPN member Natalie Taylor, owner of Natalie Taylor Consulting Services, on the show today. Natalie is only 10 months into building a fee-only RIA business, but she has already served nearly forty clients since opening her doors in early 2020. Natalie walks us through her professional background, which includes substantial experience in the financial industry, both on the private side and in the fintech space. Natalie credits her ability to scale her firm so quickly to the scrappiness she garnered while at a startup paired with the intentionality she places around how she executes her meetings and financial plan delivery with clients. Natalie talks about why she had to put potential clients on waitlists, and why she always prioritizes her family time and her client experience and will sacrifice neither to earn more money. If you're interested in how you can grow your business organically while remaining true to your goals, this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/287

We're excited to have XYPN member Helen Ngo, Founder of the Atlanta-based RIA, Capital Benchmark Partners, on the show today. A lot has changed for Helen since she was last on the show in 2017; she got married, had a baby, and has transitioned her firm to 100% virtual. What hasn't changed at all is her passion for growing her business. Today she serves over 70 client households, the majority of whom are attorneys. She's settled into a pricing structure that is niched to the needs of her attorney clients, and finds the conversation around pricing to be (surprisingly) simple. Helen reminisces on what it was like to start her firm, and how her priorities have shifted from being the planner to being a real business owner: managing people issues, learning how to communicate more softly, and graduating clients, all while giving her new baby some love in between calls. Listeners will be particularly interested in Helen's discussion about the pushback she continues to receive around being in the driver's seat of her own career. As a young woman in this industry, people still ask her who she works for when the real question is not who Helen works for, but who works for Helen. Helen's commitment to her business and this space remains strong, and she's a fabulous example of what life looks like when you chase your dreams. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/286

We're excited to have XYPN member Ashley Murphy, Founder of Areté Wealth and the Global Financial Planning Institute (GFP), on the show today. This is Ashley's second time sharing his career journey and expertise in the expat space on XYPN Radio. Today, he joins us to give us an update on how a niche can turn into a full-blown industry-shaking initiative. After recognizing a gap in technical training for cross-border and international planning, Ashley spearheaded an initiative to create content, training, and a designation around the expertise. As Ashley discusses on the podcast, advising in this space is complicated and, like other niches, demands a specific level of competence. Ashley shares how the GFP, which once was a passion project, is now changing the direction of his firm and encourages anyone who wants to get into this space to do so. According to Ashley, the number of clients in dire need of cross-border planning from an advisor who has done their research is unlimited, to be exact. If you're interested in turning your passion project into a successful second business, this is the episode for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/285

We're excited to have XYPN member Brooklyn Brock, Founder of Ellevate Advisors, a fee-only firm in Tulsa, OK, on the show today. Brooklyn is a third-generation CFP® and after several years of working at her family Ameriprise office, Brooklyn got the itch to start her own firm. But Brooklyn took an unconventional route when she launched a part-time firm. That's because she's still working for fee-only advisors as a paraplanner, a position that allows her to gain deep experience working for her ideal clientele, financial advisors, and exit coaching, a passion of hers. In efforts to combat imposter syndrome as she builds her business, Brooklyn hones her skills and has sought and achieved four different designations. Although building a part-time firm is a slow process, Brooklyn is thrilled with the way her part-time firm fits into her life in the COVID era, and has offered her opportunities she never knew existed. If you're interested in launching your firm in an unconventional way, this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/284

We're excited to have XYPN member Pierre-Emmanual Jovue, owner of InsuraWealth, a fee-only firm out of Tampa, FL, on the show today. Pierre started his firm in 2016, and today, serves 85 clients, most of whom are young professionals. Pierre talks about how and why he "niched" his client base to focus on a specific employer and explains how a narrow niche and use of LinkedIn and referrals have allowed him to grow his firm rapidly. We also dive into Parkbo, the app Pierre recently created to help his clients with cash flow, and how he plans to build out that business to better serve the masses. We dig into his pricing structure, and what Pierre has to say to advisors who challenge his low fees. Pierre doesn't hesitate to discuss the things that have been challenging: compliance, working alone, and balancing essentially two businesses, but as he says, he loves his work so it doesn't feel like work. If you're interested in what it's like to start not one but two businesses while continuing to serve a large client base, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/283

We're excited to have XYPN teammate, Dan Keslin, on the show today. Dan is the Director of XYPN Books and he joins us today to shine light on the responsibilities of an RIA owner when it comes to keeping books and financial records accurate and updated—a task many advisors underestimate when starting out. Dan talks about how having a deep understanding of your accounting allows you to make strategic decisions about your firm, compare yourself to benchmarks, seek credit, and even know when it's the right time to hire. He walks through best practices for reconciling books and creating a chart of accounts, and breaks down what XYPN Books can offer advisors—and what to consider when outsourcing certain aspects of your business. If you're interested in what it may be like to balance your own books, or outsource it to the pros, then this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/282

We're excited to have XYPN member Britton Gregory, owner of Austin-based fee-only firm, Seaborn Financial, on the show today. Britton had a long career as an engineer before catching the personal finance bug and deciding to chase his encore career. Today, he stays connected to his career roots by serving engineers. Britton describes the mental and emotional process he went through as he switched his careers, and explains how being a former engineer has been helpful in building a business that serves them so effectively. Britton spends time talking through his decisions about how he prices and delivers his services, and why and how he's tailored both to the needs of his unique clients. He also talks about the KPIs he tracks, and how the rhythm of the Entrepreneurial Operating System has helped elevate and structure his year. Britton also provides his take on where he envisions the financial services industry heading in the years ahead. If you're interested in pursuing a career as an advisor but wonder if the leap is worth it, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/281

We're excited to have XYPN member Justin Brownlee, owner of the Houston-based fee-only firm Brownlee Wealth Management, on the show. Justin started his own firm last year after spending nearly a decade in the insurance and brokerage world. If you're wondering what it really takes to build an intentional and niched firm, this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/280

We're thrilled to have Lucy Robeson, the Managing Director of AdvicePay, a compliant payment processor for financial advisors, on the show today. Like many others on the show before her, Lucy took a meandering path to where she is today. She started her career as a retirement actuary, spent some time as a non-profit coordinator in Fiji, then moved into the RIA space and pursued her CFP® designation. Now several years later, Lucy lives in Bozeman, MT, where she leads a 14-member team. Lucy discusses how she was able to successfully make those career pivots (hint: it involved a lot of hustle and leaning in) and how those pivots have brought her to where she is today—a place and position she really loves. She shares when she questioned her "why" and how she continued to imagine and work towards a better, more fitting position for herself. Lucy's tips aren't just limited to those in the financial services industry; they're universal. Listen in as she shares how to carve out a place for yourself, how to hone your mental resilience, and how to manage a high-performing team. As someone who was always used to executing, Lucy also offers sage advice about how to transition from a doer to a manager of doers. If you're struggling to find a position that's the right fit for you, then you won't want to miss this episode. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/279

We're excited to have XYPN member Morgen Rochard, owner of Origin Wealth Advisors, a fee-only firm out of Austin, TX, on the show today. Morgen joined us on episode 178 to share her journey transitioning from a trader to a firm owner. Today, Morgen joins the show to share what she's been up to over the past few years, specifically how she continues to run a high revenue business with just 25 clients, working 8-10 hours a week. Morgen discusses what it was like to delegate some of the major responsibilities to one of her teammates, why she limits the number of clients she takes, and how she has incorporated life planning into her firm for a more authentic relationship. Most importantly, she gives great advice to any working parent out there who dreams of one day starting a firm. If you're interested in what it's like being a parent and business owner, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/278

We're excited to have Emily Purdon, Director of XY Tax Solutions (XYTS), and Sara Williams, Operations Specialist at XYTS, on the show today. We dive into what it's like to roll outsourced tax prep under an RIA - specifically how to leverage experts to deliver great client experience, and how outsourcing can help you stay sane as you continue to scale your firm. Today, Emily and Sara talk to listeners about compliance concerns related to offering outsourced tax prep, the pricing considerations when offering the service, and advice on how to generally ensure that you're outsourcing at the right time. Be sure to explore the three new options for engaging with XYTS, because this year, XYTS is preparing to complete over 2000 tax returns, and they already have 700 secured. If you're interested in what it's like to outsource tax preparation in your RIA, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/277

We're excited to have XYPN member Cady North, owner of North Financial Advisors, a fee-only firm in San Diego, California, on the show today. Cady joined us on #XYPNRadio nearly four years ago, during Episode 79, to share her journey transitioning from the corporate world into that of an entrepreneur. Today, she talks about what she has been up to since then: establishing a great work-life balance, moving across the country, and most impressively and recently, writing a book. Writing a book was always one of Cady's goals, but one she never made any progress towards achieving. With some soul searching and an author's program at her alma mater, Cady was able to write the book of her dreams in just 8 months. Cady talks today about why she chose the topic she did (surprise, it's not about financial planning!), the actual process she went through to write and publish it, and most importantly she shares some of her tips that she uses with her financial planning clients who want to achieve goals but haven't yet been able to move towards them. If you're interested in what it's like to actually go after your dream, whether it's launching a firm or writing a book, or both, this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/276

We're excited to have student loan expert, Heather Jarvis, and college funding expert, Joe Messinger, on the show today. This year for #XYPNLIVE(ish), XYPN's annual national conference turned virtual, Heather and Joe are offering a combined Post-Con for advisors interested in learning about the dynamic landscape of college planning and student loans. Today, Joe and Heather highlight the issue of students and parents making unprepared and uneducated decisions around these nuanced and evolving topics of college planning and student loans due to a lack of clear and concise information. Joe and Heather challenge advisors to raise the bar of advice in this space by equipping themselves with the tools and resources that their clients deserve. Most importantly, Heather and Joe remind us that clients need advisors who can listen, sympathize, and shine light on the potential long term impact of decisions around paying for college. If you want to be prepared to discuss college and student loan planning with your clients, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/275

We're honored to have George Kinder, who many know as the founder of life planning, and Lora Woodward, Communications Director at the Kinder Institute, on the show today to discuss the Seven Stages of Money Maturity Post-Conference they have planned for XYPN LIVE. On today's episode, we hear from George and Lora about what advisors can expect during the two-day training and what they can expect out of incorporating life planning into their firm. Lora and George discuss how life planning has the power to transform the standard client/advisor relationship and turn a financial planning engagement into a long-term, meaningful relationship. George and Lora remind us that listening and mindfulness are fundamentals of the client/advisor relationship. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/274

We're excited to have Candice Carlton, a digital marketing expert, on the show today to talk about her upcoming #XYPNLIVE(ish) Post-Con, a workshop titled: A Blueprint for Kickass Video. Candice is a pioneer of video in this industry and has begun to share her passion for it with other advisors. Today, you'll hear Candice talk about how advisors use video as a way to effectively communicate with their prospective clients, as well as their ongoing clients. She discusses how pivoting to video communication can help advisors establish deep credibility, save time, and expand their reach. Candice talks a lot about how video is all about authenticity, not the gear. If you're interested in how to incorporate video into your practice and learn it in a workshop fashion at a steeply discounted price, then you'll want to attend her Post-Con, and tune into today's episode. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/273

We're excited to have XYPN member Wendy Marsden, owner of ProsperiTea Planning, out of Greenfield MA, on the show today. Wendy is currently in what XYPN calls the "scaling phase," she has hit capacity to serve her clients on her own and is facing a whole slew of different challenges ranging from hiring to processes. Today, Wendy talks to us about how she's built two businesses, a robust tax planning firm and an RIA. She talks about the history of both businesses and how unlike other planners, she uses tax planning as a ramp down from her comprehensive planning. Wendy shares with us some of the mistakes she made and what she has mastered in her practice since starting out. If you're interested in what it's like to hit the scaling phase, this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/272

We're excited to welcome our one-thousandth XYPN member, Luis Rosa, owner of Build a Better Financial Future, a fee-only firm in Las Vegas, Nevada on the show today. Due to the state of Nevada's registration process, it took Luis 7 ½ months to launch his own firm and transition two dozen clients. Listen as Luis talks about what it's been like to make that transition while dealing with a global pandemic. Luis speaks to the underrepresentation that the financial planning industry has and he hypothesizes that as advisors continue to break out on their own and develop specific niches, this industry will continue to grow and reach more and more diverse populations. Although Luis feels he is only making a small impact, he has developed a podcast and service model to help make his firm more accessible to people without assets that need financial help. Luis also talks about what it's like to be an entrepreneur running a firm as a solo-advisor, and how already, he feels the pressure to hire despite only being 6 months in. If you're interested in what it's like to start your firm and transition clients during a global pandemic, this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/271

We're honored to welcome Scott Gill, XYPN Senior Compliance Consultant, and Abby Morton, an XYPN member and partner of Goldman Financial Planning, a fee-only firm out of Maine, on the show today. Through XYPN's Compliance Coaching Program, Scott and Abby have been able to work together to help Abby scale her compliance program as she continues to grow as a firm owner. Join us as we talk about Abby's specific compliance needs as she's grown over the years, but most specifically, her looming SEC registration. We discuss how Scott and Abby have been able to implement a culture of compliance within her firm that has her focusing on compliance for only certain days and times each month. Along with helping Abby gain confidence and experience with her processes, Scott has helped her not fear an audit. If you're interested in how you can scale a compliance program within your growing firm, this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/270

We're excited to have both Travis Johnson, XYPN's Director of Compliance, and Kendra Rehm-Dehn, an XYPN Compliance Specialist, on the show today. Simply put, starting your journey towards running your own RIA can be stressful, and one of the most stressful parts of it is just getting started with compliance. There's so many unknowns: how you will charge, what services you're going to offer, and there's so many to do's. Join us as Kendra and Travis walk through XYPN's Initial Registration process and remind us how the goal of the process isn't just to get someone registered at the state level, but to help them feel confident and comfortable with their compliance program. Listen as they share how to prepare for the compliance process, what to expect during it, and what to do afterwards. And finally, learn from Travis and Kendra, who have registered hundreds of firms around the country, as they ensure advisors that they have the support they need to feel prepared and confident with their compliance program. If you're interested in what it takes to have a successful initial registration process, then this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/269

We're honored to interview Emily Purdon, XYPN's former Financial Planning and Process Coach (transitioning to Director of XY Tax Solutions), on the show today. Having just finished her first year at XYPN, Emily has been the mind behind our XYPN Financial Planning & Process. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/268

We're honored to interview the leaders of the XYPN Diversity Committee - Shehara Wooten, Miguel Gomez, Ryan Frailich, and Abel Soares - on the show today. These wonderful XYPN members have all served on our Diversity Committee over the past 12 months and are on the show today to discuss: the value of the CFP® designation; their own personal journey pursuing it; and ultimately the scholarships and opportunities the XYPN Diversity Committee offers to advisors both in and out of the Network to make the CFP® more accessible, achievable, and utilized within our industry. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/267

We're honored to have XYPN members Jan Schalkwijk and Erica Blake on the show today to talk about how they've incorporated Socially Responsible Investing (SRI/ESG) into their firms. While Erica and Jan run their own RIAs, they met each other when Jan put a call out in the XYPN Member Forums about forming a study group around this investment focus. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/266

Join us as we discuss Jocelyn Wright's experiences being the first and only Black person in many rooms over the years in her industry, and how she has viewed it as an opportunity to lean in by networking. Learn from Jocelyn's passion for her work and the importance of our current environment for making real change in our industry. Finally, listen to her message around diversifying the industry and how if we don't act now, we may lose this opportunity forever. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/265

We're thrilled to welcome back XYPN co-founder and Industry Guru, Michael Kitces, to the show today to talk through XYPN's lawsuit against the SEC. As you may be aware, in September 2019, XYPN challenged the Regulation Best Interest rule in federal court. After months of litigation, we officially received a ruling against us in late June 2020. Today, Michael shares what that ruling means and how XYPN plans to respond to it. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/264