Behind The Advisor

We're excited to have XYPN member Levi Sanchez, founder of Millennial Wealth, a fee-only firm in Seattle, Washington on the show today. Like many advisors, Levi got his start in this industry immediately after college at Merrill Lynch and went through their advisor training program. Although he only spent about three years there, he speaks highly of the experience and credits it for training him on establishing real personal rapport with clients. After starting his CFP® curriculum and leaving Merrill, he decided to open up his own RIA with a then-business partner, both when they were just in their mid 20s. Although the partnership only lasted for about a year, Levi serves over 60 clients today on his own. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/263

We're excited to have XYPN member Therese Nicklas, owner of Wealth Coach for Women, a fee-only firm in Rockland, MA, on the show today. With 40 years of experience in this industry, Therese has spent time working in the insurance business with employee benefits as well as a substantial stint at LPL. However, it wasn't until 2016 when Therese decided to sell her commission business and open up her own fee-only firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/262

We're excited to have XYPN member Leslie Ransom, owner of Indie Financial Planning, a fee-only firm in Chicago, IL, on the show today. Having spent nearly two decades on the sale and distribution side of the music industry, working with bands and music labels all across the nation, Leslie was first introduced to the concept of managing money and providing advice when the music economy began to move to digital and the U.S. economy headed into the 2008 recession, and found herself without a job. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/261

We're excited to have XYPN member Tyler Landes, owner of Tandem Financial Guidance, a fee-only firm in Kansas City, Missouri, on the show today. Tyler has a really unique experience building his firm. In 2014, Tyler became a founding member of XY Planning Network and joined the then-group of 30 financial advisors and discovered how he wanted to build his own firm. Being a planner, however, Tyler wanted to launch and run his firm while remaining cash flow positive, so unlike a lot of advisors, Tyler took a part-time job to make the dollars work. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/260

We're excited to have XYPN member Dave Rowan, owner of Rowan Financial, a fee-only firm in Bethlehem, PA, on the show today. Dave is a career changer; he spent a majority of his professional life at Crayola - yes, the Crayola - as the Director of Research and Development, and though he loved his work, he found that he was drawn to financial planning and decided in 2010 to start his own firm on the side. While Dave remained employed full time at Crayola for seven years while he ran his firm part time, he found that he was having trouble balancing all of his personal and professional responsibilities, and ultimately, his mental health declined. Dave became restless, anxiety-ridden and depressed, which ultimately led to his decision to leave Crayola and focus on a career that gives him the most fulfillment. Join us as we discuss the mental health stigma and Dave's career-path, from having a high-level position in a corporate environment to running his own firm. Learn how he has prioritized happiness and ways to practice self-care through meditating, eating right, and more. Finally, listen as we talk about embracing what he calls an "experimental attitude" and having fun discovering what serves you in order to ultimately serve your clients more authentically. If you're interested in hearing about how to take care of yourself personally during these turbulent times, this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/259

We are thrilled to have XYPN member, Angie Furubotten-LaRosee, owner of Avea Financial Planning, a fee-only firm in Richland, WA, on the show today. Angie shares her unique experience in the world of entrepreneurship, having launched her firm once in 2011 and then again in 2018 and she expresses the challenges she and others have faced when starting a business, particularly in those first few years. Join us as we talk extensively about niches: from 2018 when Angie's niche was college planning to today, where she now serves women in the STEM industries. Listen as she discusses how she leverages the support of coaches, training, and her network to help her not only stay motivated, but to hone her message and her niche. If you're interested in understanding how to pivot a niche, then this podcast is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/258

We're excited to have XYPN members Diana Bacon with FSG out of Dallas, TX, and Scott Bell with GDP Inc out of Manhattan Beach, CA on today's show. Both Diana and Scott started and grew their own RIAs during the 2008 recession. During this episode, we reminisce about their experiences getting started in the industry and their decision to go out on their own during such a tumultuous time in our history. You'll also hear Diana and Scott share their advice about what to consider when starting a business during a recession for those of you who are hoping to break into the industry. Finally, you'll learn about the changes that they've witnessed throughout their careers: the entrance of more women into the industry, the impact of technology, the ability to reach diverse clients, and finally, how the industry has become more and more focused and in demand of real client relationships. Although our world has changed as we're each faced with so much uncertainty around COVID-19, not much has changed for Diana or Scott; their strategies remain the same and their passion continues to drive their work. If you're interested in what it's like to launch and grow a business during a recession, this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/257

This week, we're changing things up and are excited to have XYPN coaches Emily Purdon, Arlene Moss, Carolyn Dalle-Molle and BB Webb on the podcast today. Once COVID-19 became recognized as a global pandemic, the XYPN team recognized that advisors were going to be facing new experiences, opportunities, and hardships. As we braced for a new reality, the XYPN Advisor Success team rolled out "The Way Forward", an initiative that leans on the expertise of all of these coaches to provide advisors with the tools they need to handle the 2020 market disruption and beyond. Today, Emily, Arlene, Carolyn and BB share what they've built for our advisor community, including the resources and programs that comprise "The Way Forward." From providing open coaching opportunities to webinars and educational courses around how to market in our new world. Emily and Arlene speak directly about actionable steps advisors can take to plan for and build a business in today's environment while Carolyn and BB discuss changes to your marketing/sales processes. What they do all agree on is keeping the human component of the advisor client relationship front and center. There's no denying that we're in a shared crisis with our clients for the first time ever. This provides a meaningful opportunity for advisors to be seen as solution providers to their clients, but more importantly, a real human that understands what it's like to wake up every day right now with uncertainty. If you're interested in what XYPN has done and continues to do to support advisors in a time of crisis, this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/256

We're thrilled to share the story of XYPN member, Chuck Donalies, on the show today. Chuck is the owner of Donalies Financial Planning, a fee-only firm in Washington DC. Chuck started his career in the biotech space, but while pursuing his MBA, he was drawn to financial planning. Shortly after graduating, Chuck changed careers by taking a position at a fee-only RIA—what he describes as the perfect entry point into this space. In today's episode, Chuck details his six-year journey developing the skills and tools needed to run an RIA while pursuing his CFP designation. As a self-described introvert, Chuck has leaned into a community of like-minded financial advisors with the belief that the more willing you are to put yourself out there, the more you'll get back in return. Through his journey, Chuck felt the itch to go out on his own—to serve clients he wanted, on his terms—which led to his decision to open up his own RIA. Launching a firm provided Chuck the flexibility to focus on his priorities—spending time with family and staying mentally and physically healthy—and to ramp up his firm now that his kids are getting older. Whether you're an introvert wondering if you can create a path in financial planning or a career changer looking to make the switch, this episode has something for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/255

Today, I'm excited to welcome Kenneth Klabunde, founder of Precedent Asset Management in Indianapolis. When we last spoke with Kenneth four years ago, his firm was just getting established. Now, he's returned to share how his business has not only survived but thrived through recent market volatility. What struck me most during our conversation was Kenneth's remarkable achievement: amid significant market turbulence, his firm didn't receive a single panicked client call or email. This wasn't luck—it was the result of a deliberate strategy. Kenneth shared fascinating parallels between client responses to COVID-19 market conditions and what he witnessed during previous downturns in 2001 and 2008. He's identified consistent patterns in investor psychology and developed a communication approach that addresses concerns before they escalate into panic. If you're interested in how to run a hyper-efficient team while giving your clients an unprecedented level of comfort, you won't want to miss this episode. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/254

We're honored to have XYPN members Ian Bloom, Meg Bartelt, Brian Thompson and Leighann Miko on the show today as they talk about communicating authentically with clients during a time of crisis. This group of members have invested heavily into themselves, their business and their clients by engaging in the George Kinder's "EVOKE® 5-Day Life Planning Training" program, where they learned the tenants and foundational principles of life planning, a process that has fundamentally changed the way each of them works with their clients. As we continue to navigate through life during the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll hear us cover: the importance of showing empathy, compassion and patience to your clients; how Meg, Ian, Brian and Leighann have facilitated conversations with current clients and potential clients that have created deep and lasting meaningful connections and trust; and Kinder's "turnaround" approach as a means to refocus the conversation on how the client really feels. You'll hear the passion in each of their voices, become inspired by their commitment to serving clients wholeheartedly, and learn how you too can improve the discourse between you and your clients long into the future and hopefully keep our profession moving in the right direction. If you're interested in improving your ability to connect meaningfully and authentically with your clients during this time of COVID and into the future, then you won't want to miss this episode. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/253

We are excited to have XYPN members Sean Gillespie and Paul Allen - founders of the fee-only firm Redeployment Wealth Strategies, located in Virginia Beach, VA - on the show today. Both Sean and Paul served in the Navy for over 20 years, and chose financial planning as their encore careers. We discuss at length how Sean and Paul teamed up to rebrand Paul's RIA into their own three years ago after meeting by chance through a Facebook Group and how they began to serve their people: former and active military members. We also talk about the benefits of the monthly retainer model and how charging their clients on a monthly fee has insulated them from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With COVID-19 changing many aspects of our lives, learn how Sean and Paul have managed to stay successful because of their choice in niche (military personnel), their active participation within their online communities, and their partnership. If you're interested in how to build a business that protects you, your business, and clients during turbulent and uncertain times, then this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/252

On this special episode centered around COVID-19 and XYPN's pro bono effort, we are joined by long-time XYPN members Kevin Mahoney, founder and CEO of Illumint, and Dana Menard, founder and CEO of Twin Cities Wealth Strategies. Kevin and Dana, who have been running separate fee-only firms for several years, discuss how they have made their advice available on a pro bono basis for consumers around the country who have been impacted by the coronavirus global pandemic. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/251

Scott Weiss is the owner of Weiss Financial Group, a fee only firm in Mahopac, NY. In today's episode, we discuss Scott's previous career as an art director in the magazine world, as well as why he decided to leave that industry and enter into the financial planning profession. Listen in as we delve into Scott's story: what it was like joining a family firm, how they broke the business into a tax firm and a financial planning firm, the experience of earning his CFP®, and what he's doing to stay relevant to his ideal client base. We recorded this episode March 20, 2020, when the world started to spiral into this state of uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Scott talks about where we are today as a country and as an industry, and he shines light on how he's been able to leverage a community, his network, and his education to ensure that he can show up for his clients, himself, and his family. If you're interested in how to grow a family business or how to just keep your head above water during these wild times, this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/250

Martha Williams is the owner of Williams Wealth Services, a fee-only firm in Ann Arbor, MI. Like many advisors, Martha began her career in this industry, from the bank channel to broker-dealers and independent BDs to eventually running her own firm. Martha shares her journey with us and how the underlying desire to help people followed her with every career move she made. In 2017, she finally broke out on her own and was able to transition and continue to serve over 40 client households from her previous firms, preserving the long-term relationships that she had built over those years. Listen in as she delves into the flexibility that owning her own firm affords her and how she dealt with the imposter syndrome, as well as the role of women in this profession and where she thinks the industry is heading. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/249

Trent Porter is the owner of Priority Financial Partners, a fee-only firm in Durango, CO. Trent began his career in this industry and, after graduating with a financial planning major, started his first RIA while still in his 20s. Trent provides an especially interesting perspective on the show today about having built not just one firm over the years, but two. Join us as we talk about his investment in networking and how it paid off big time as he progressed through his career, as well as Trent's sage advice around goal setting, being okay with goals not working out, and creating a firm that allows you to live your best life. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/248

Cliff Downie is the owner of Downie Financial Group, a fee-only firm in Orange County, California. Cliff has spent his career in this industry, going from Merrill Lynch to an independent big broker-dealer, and then ultimately becoming the owner of his own RIA. He joins the show today to discuss his unique perspective on running a firm that serves over 100 clients while still maintaining valuable time to spend with his wife and family. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/247

Kelly Luethje is the owner of Willow Planning Group, a fee-only firm in Holderness, New Hampshire. Kelly spent most of her early career working in investor relations at a bio-tech company and after getting her own financial house in order she was drawn into Financial Planning industry. After working at another fee-only firm, she decided to start her own RIA and today she runs a completely virtual business with over 50 clients of her own. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/246

Joe Morgan is the owner of Best Financial Life, a fee-only firm in Danville, California. Joe has spent his career on the corporate side of this industry and after nearly 20 years, he is experiencing the most joy he ever has - joy he credits to his firm. Today Joe joins the show to share his advice for advisors breaking out on their own and reminds us how great it can be when you push through the hardships of getting started. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/245

Rooted Planning Group is a firm started by XYPN member Amy Irvine, and it consists of financial planners Kate Welker, Kerrie Beene, and Becky Partridge-Eason. Amy found herself hitting capacity a few years ago—both in terms of sanity and time—so she decided to start laying the foundation for what is now a four-person company. Today Amy and her team join the show to discuss their unique experiences joining a rapidly growing practice. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/244

Denise Downey is the owner of Financial Trex, a fee-only firm located in Spokane, Washington. One of the first 50 women to join XYPN, Denise has worked on the trading floors of the Chicago Stock Exchange, pursued her CFP, and gained a deep understanding of financial planning. Today she joins the show to discuss why she decided to move on from her 9-5 job to make time for her family and the lifestyle she wants to lead. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/243

Today XYPN member Rob Brown, owner of Brownsboro Financial, joins the show. After starting his career in the film industry as a production manager, he craved something new and decided to start a career path as a financial advisor. In this episode, he describes the challenges of starting a new business, as well as what it's like running a business while being a first-time father. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/242

Erik Klumpp is the owner of Chessie Advisors, a fee-only firm in Rochester Hills, Michigan. After gaining invaluable experience at four different firms straight out of college, Erik built his practice from the ground up in 2014. Today he joins the show to talk about what pushed him to start his own firm and the sacrifices he had to make to be a stay-at-home dad while growing his business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/241

Relationships, trust, and follow-through with clients are all incredibly important in the financial advising field. XYPN member Hillel Katzeff joins us on this episode to share how he has truly taken the importance of meaningful relationships to heart and integrated it into his practice and how he works every day. Originally from South Africa, Hillel opens up about his journey to the U.S. for schooling, as well as how he eventually how he found his way into finance and discovered his passion for serving engineers and families. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/240

Scott Arnold is the owner of Impact Folio, a fee-only firm in Denver, Colorado. After starting his career in this industry—working both at Schwab and an RIA—he realized he wanted to offer impact investing to clients on a broader scale, in a personalized way. Today he joins the show to discuss how the ESG investment model impacts his business and why he decided to go from a solopreneur to a partnership structure. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/239

Leighann Miko is the owner of Equalis Financial, a fee-only firm in Los Angeles, California. Although she began her career in this industry, her money scripts that led her into this career were formed much earlier. Leighann grew up poor and was the first member of her family to graduate from high school. Because of this, she has a deep understanding of the stress that finances can have on someone at an early age. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/238

BB Webb is XYPN's sales coach, having joined the team with the unique experience of being an entrepreneur herself. Today she joins the show to discuss the challenges she faced as a business owner before becoming a part of the XYPN team and how she is helping XYPN members perfect their sales process. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/237

Kingston Hollman is one of XYPN's compliance consultants and a former regulator with the state of Minnesota. Having been a financial advisor and firm owner himself in the past, Kingston now provides firm owners with expert advice on how to embrace a culture of compliance and what to expect when it comes to audits. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/236

Today we are joined by the team from Financial Design Studio (FDS), a fee-only firm in Deer Park, Illinois. Husband and wife duo Michelle and Stephen Smalenberger started FDS three years ago with the intention of eventually growing their team, while Trevore Meyer and Rob Stoll each started their firms at approximately the same time with the intention of always being their own bosses. After knowing each other for years, the four could no longer deny their synergy and finally decided to merge into one firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/235

Today we have XYPN member David Shotwell on the show! Now the owner of Shotwell Rutter Baer, David says he feels like he is just getting started—despite beginning his career in the brokerage world over 20 years ago. He is a great example of a successful succession plan and how you never stop learning in this industry. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/234

Alex Yeager started his career out of college at Vanguard, gaining valuable experience working with clients and their investments. After feeling as though he would like to work more intimately with clients in a comprehensive way, Alex moved to Texas and started working at an independent RIA. Now the owner of Everlong Financial, he specializes in the personal relationship side of the services. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/233

Today XYPN member Craig Joncas and his partner, Jim Bradley, join the show to share their experience building Penobscot Financial Advisors. As Jim reveals how the practice originally got started and Craig discusses what it was like beginning his career interning for Jim, you'll hear about the ups and downs they faced along the way and the difficulties they've navigated over the years as they've built their business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/232

Lorri DeFoor started her career as a math teacher, and though she loved it, she became restless just a few years ago. Realizing her skills were transferable and that she had a passion for helping people with their money, Lorri decided to open up her own fee-only firm and founded Sustain Financial Inc. She joins the show today to discuss the challenges of starting a firm after only one year of experience in the business and how she navigated her way through a life-changing career change. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/231

Every year, we collect data from our members to track where they are in their business so we can better understand their journeys and what new members can do to supercharge their businesses. So today, I have Michael Kitces joining me on the show to go over this year's benchmarking survey and share the results. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/230

Today we have the founder of Holistiplan—and winner of this year's XYPNLIVE FinTech competition—Roger Pine on the show! After starting out as an energy consultant, Roger discovered financial planning through his wife and embarked on a whole new venture that he's here to tell us all about. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/229

This year, we announced that we would be suing the SEC over Regulation Best Interests, better known as Reg BI, and many people have asked some great questions about this process and what it entails. So today Michael Kitces joins the show to help answer those questions, discuss how this came about, and explain why this is so important for financial planners everywhere. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/228

Today XYPN member Miguel Gomez joins the show to share how his marketing career turned into a financial planning career. Originally from Mexico, Miguel came to the United States to work for a firm as a marketing expert before moving to a different firm and ultimately transitioning into working as a financial advisor. He now works as lead advisor for his firm, and he gives us a glimpse into how he made the switch in his career, as well why he has no plans to start a firm of his own. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/227

Hui-chin Chen specializes in working with U.S. citizens around the world, as well as visa holders in the United States. Using her own experience living all over the world, she helps globally mobile clients make smart financial decisions. Now the owner of Pavlov Financial Planning, Hui-chin joins the show today to share what has changed since we spoke two years ago, back when she only owned 20% of her firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/226

After working in corporate banking for 11 years, Megan Donnelly saw a need arise as she witnessed firsthand the fear and mistakes people made during the financial downturn in 2009. That need made her decide to start her own firm, Quabbin Advisors, and she joins the show today to share why she became so passionate about who she serves and how she serves them. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/225

You have the chance to gain or lose mana with everything you do. What is mana? Today you'll find out the importance of this word, as well as the value of life planning and building a meaningful business from Mana Financial Life Design co-founders, Stephanie Bucko and Cristina Livadary. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/224

From broker-dealer to independent broker-dealer to building his own independent RIA, Adam Cmejla has had quite the journey to creating a business and lifestyle to fit his needs and the needs of his family. He joins the show today to discusses how achieved such an impressive rate of growth for his firm and how finding a niche helped along the way. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/223

Starting and running a business takes intentionality, but it's easy for that intention to fizzle in the chaos of entrepreneurship. Today Eric Roberge, successful practice owner and contributor to Business Insider and Forbes, joins the show to weigh in on the importance of keeping intentionality alive and using it to build a business that exceeds expectations. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/222

Today we have XYPN members and founders of Brooklyn FI, AJ Ayers and Shane Mason, on the show! The pair has achieved explosive growth, and they join us to share how they did it, as well as how their unique career paths ultimately led them to financial planning. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/221

Today I've got XYPN member and founder of Hyland Financial Planning, Ryan Bayonnet, on the show to share his experience moving into owning his own practice. Having had his firm up and running for about two years now, Ryan opens up about the major hurdles he's faced and his victories along the way. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/220

Daniel Hannoush is an excellent example of how well niches can work. After spending years trying to build his business, it wasn't until he met his partner and found his niche in Chick-fil-A franchises and corporate staff that he saw the rapid growth he had been searching for. Daniel is now the co-founder of One & Done Financial, serving around 300 clients and on track to reach $45 - 50 million in AUM this year. In this episode, we discuss what helped Daniel get to where he is today, including his financial sacrifices and the relationships he prioritized along the way. His amazing story encompasses both the challenges of the first several years in business and the experience of extreme growth. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/219

Today's guest has found impressive success working with retirees and soon-to-be retirees in the oil and gas industry, and by employing a unique fee structure that he has found suits his niche. Michael Rahn is the founder of The Sum, a financial planning firm he has grown phenomenally fast, and now serves 21 ongoing clients with a $4,500 annual fee minimum. In this episode, Michael shares why he decided to leave a large retail-focused firm—where he worked for over 10 years—to start his own RIA, as well as how he achieved such massive growth for his business. Listen in as he shares his best tips for growing a firm, his hiring plans for the future, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/218

Ed Coambs has had a unique journey into the financial planning field. After starting his career as a firefighter, he transitioned into financial planning before eventually completing his training in marriage and family therapy. He then decided to combine his last two careers into one to become a financial therapist. Today he joins the show to share the softer side of financial planning and why financial therapy is important. Listen in as we discuss money scripts—what they are and how they affect your clients' financial decisions—as well as the value of financial planners having their own therapists and planners. We can all benefit from Ed's background and perspective on this subject, so don't miss this one-of-a-kind episode! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/217

Kevin Mahoney started his career in sports business, working for the NFL. After years of pursuing that occupation—as well as a career in real estate—Kevin decided to transition into entrepreneurship, and is now the founder and CEO of the virtual financial planning firm Illumint. Listen in as he opens up about the challenges he faced starting his own firm, having never worked in a firm before. We discuss what he did to up his conversion rate to 75% over the past year, the biggest successes and failures he experienced while starting up his own business, and what you can learn from his wins and losses. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/216

In financial planning, you can't be all people, and you can't be all numbers. This is also true when it comes to marketing, and today you will get to hear from XYPN's Marketing Coach, Carolyn Dalle-Molle, who is fantastic at helping XYPN clients find the right marketing strategy for their practice and goals. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/215

Shawn Tydlaska is the founder of Ballast Point Financial Planning, an independent fee-only practice dedicated to helping young professionals and families set and achieve their financial goals. Shawn was on this podcast two years ago to talk about his first year in business, and he joins the show again today to share how he is progressing at the end of year three. This episode is not to be missed, as it demonstrates how businesses progress over time and how decisions that you make today are not forever. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/214