Behind The Advisor

The path to success requires entrepreneurs to weather many storms, and Andrew's story and his advice for other financial professionals considering launching their own RIAs make for a must-listen-to podcast. He dives into the realities -- both good and bad -- about self-employment and owning your own business. In addition, you'll learn how Andrew pushed passed the reluctance to narrowly define a target audience and how that's generated opportunities that he would have otherwise missed. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/62

What if taking over a firm through a succession plan was just the beginning, not the end, of the story? When Hannah Moore entered into a succession plan in her early 20s, she wasn't just buying a financial planning firm; she was stepping into a future she planned to rebuild from the ground up. Today, Hannah owns Guiding Wealth Management, a thriving RIA she reimagined after purchasing the business from a retiring advisor. In this episode of Behind the Advisor, she shares how she navigated the transition from broker-dealer to RIA, revamped the brand to reflect her vision, and made bold decisions, like reducing her client roster from 300 to just 18, without losing revenue. We talk about the power of knowing your value in negotiations, filtering out unhelpful advice, and standing firm in a male-dominated industry. Hannah's story is a masterclass in taking over and taking control. If you're eyeing a succession path or wondering how to reshape an inherited firm to reflect your voice, this conversation is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/61

Garrett launched Be Awesome Not Broke, a financial coaching firm that helps clients identify their goals while establishing a firm financial foundation based on building cash flow and debt management skills. Garrett's business model is one that financial planners will find intriguing. There's tremendous potential to improve the client pool of those seeking comprehensive financial planning services from efforts like Be Awesome Not Broke. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/60

If you're having a difficult time valuing your time or lining the services you provide up with an appropriate pricing structure, tune into this episode. And make sure you take plenty of notes on this great information that will surely help you build a profitable practice that serves your ideal clients at the highest level. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/59

Do you want to start your own fee-only RIA, but aren't sure how to break away from a current employer or stay profitable without selling products? This week's conversation with Kenneth Klabunde is loaded with valuable information that you don't want to miss. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/58

Stephen Alred is the founder of Ignite Financial, a financial planning firm that uses philosophies and tools borrowed from tech-savvy startups. This week, Stephen shares his thoughts on the newest trends currently developing in the industry and poised to make a big impact. He also provides advice on how fellow advisors can best prepare for them. Stephen also details his career path, including how he started his own financial consulting business in college and what he did to make sure that the business became successful. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/57

This week, we address questions about how to value your time, price your services, and develop new, niche pricing models. Michael and Alan also share tips on how to jump start your career and make progress in your work. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/56

On today's episode, Alan answers some of your listener questions from Episode 50 and speaks in detail about how he transitioned his business from in-person to virtual. He also goes in depth with the decisions and mistakes he made along the way, what he learned, and his recommendations for advisors looking to make the transition into a virtual business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/55

This week, we're excited to welcome Jennifer Harper to XYPN Radio. She's a CFP and the founder of Bridge Financial Planning, a fee-only financial planning firm that caters to business professionals. Tune in for Jennifer's insights, advice, and thoughts on her career path, starting her own RIA, and managing an organization dedicated to making financial knowledge accessible to everyone. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/54

Anjali shares her work experience as a CPA and explains what motivated her to create her own financial planning firm. She gives an inside look into how she operates her RIA, including the details of her fee structure and why she uses the model she chose. We also cover the enormous benefits inherent in running a virtual practice. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/53

Chris joins us today to detail the marketing strategies he used to drive early growth and success in his business. If you're considering making the leap to starting your own firm but you are uncertain of how to balance digital marketing with more familiar strategies, tune in: Chris has some incredibly valuable in-person networking tips that you can start using today to go from struggling to bring in clients to having the clients come to you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/52

Michael Kitces joins Alan for a mailbag episode, where we answer your questions from the #XYPN Radio VIP community, email, and social media. We look at tools that promise to simplify your life and determine whether or not they actually live up to that promise, and dive into the exact tasks computers should be in charge of doing and which tasks you should keep on your own to-do list. You can find show notes and other information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/51

Today, Alan shares his career experiences, time in the financial planning industry, and all the obstacles he overcame to help in founding XY Planning Network. He discusses getting his college education in financial planning, starting XYPN, and everything in between. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/50

This week, we're hearing about the career of a financial advisor who started a firm from scratch and is now excited to share his experiences and insight with you. Scott Frank, the founder and owner of Stone Steps Financial, joins us to give a realistic look at what it takes to succeed in creating your own business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/49

If you serve Gen X and Gen Y clients in your firm, you need to listen to this episode and bring yourself up to speed on everything you need to know about one of the biggest financial burdens many of your clients will face. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/48

On this episode, Pam shares her career path, her service model, and how she charges for financial planning. She also shares her tips for parents who struggle to find balance between family and career. If you have a family or are thinking of starting one, then this is one episode you cannot afford to miss. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/47

On this episode, we're diving into behavioral finance and how you can start helping clients make good decisions. Daniel's message is incredibly powerful and he explains how you can better help clients understand the financial effects their choices have on their lives. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/46

If you're new to the industry or considering financial planning (to make it official, since your friends all come to you for financial advice already!) and want to take a non-traditional, completely unique path to success, Pam's career story and experience will leave you inspired. And if you're an established pro, Pam's perspective can help you see your own business in a whole new, fun, and creative light. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/45

Today, Michael Kitces joins me, not as a co-host but as an interviewee, to pick his brain on some recent changes in the area of financial planning. I am sure a lot of you are like me -- you know something is going on with the recent announcement that the Department of Labor Fiduciary made, but you are not entirely sure what it all means and just how these rule changes affect you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/44

We also talk about how to encrypt your data and the ways you access your data, such as cell phones, laptops, and desktops. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, but on every topic we cover, Blane has actionable advice that can be easily adopted by any Financial Planner this week. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/43

Today, we have another mailbag episode of Alan and Kitces Unhinged for you. Michael Kitces joins us to answer your questions that came in from the XYPN VIP community, email, and social media. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/42

f you struggle with lead conversion, Nancy breaks down how to build a thoughtful, effective sales process that actually reflects how advisors want to serve. She shares the powerful frameworks she's developed and used with advisors around the world to help them have better conversations and close the right clients, the right way. If you're ready to feel more confident about how you bring new clients into your firm, this episode is packed with insight you can put into action right away. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/41

In this episode, we talk about the different types of imposter syndrome and how to recognize when you start to fall into this mindset trap. Carl also shares how to move past imposter syndrome so you can learn to enjoy and accept your success. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/40

Mary Beth gives an informative overview of just what it takes to bring a book from an idea to launch. She shares how to form a team of experts to help with the process, and why it is so important to hold yourself accountable in your writing to stay on schedule. Mary Beth then dives into how long it took her to write Work Your Wealth and exactly how much she spent to get it published. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/39

On this episode of #XYPNRadio, I am excited to finally bring on a very special guest that I've been working on for months, Andrea Eaton. Andrea is a financial planner and financial planning mentor with Cornerstone Wealth Advisors. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/38

This episode is full of insight into a situation that a lot of planners face. Before building his successful firm, Will was part of a firm whose partnership fell apart. He joins us to share his unique, first-hand perspective on how a partnership fallout can happen. Will goes into why he started Halcyon after his failed partnership and shares his ideas on how to buy a firm from an older planner who is getting ready to retire. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/37

Matt's experience is an awesome example of a firm within a firm concept that Kitces and I have alluded to in past episodes. If you are interested in building out a nexgen service model inside your existing firm but are unsure of where to start, then you need to listen in. This interview is full of actionable advice and one I am excited to finally bring you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/36

How is it possible to build a career you love, own your own RIA, and be there for your family? This interview gives insight into how one financial advisor does it -- and how you can apply her ideas, thoughts, and tips to your own life. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/35

This week on #XYPNRadio, I'm excited to bring you an interview with Wealthbox CRM's co-founders, John Rourke and Dan Ferranti. I have known these guys for several years, and every time we talk, I learn something new about technology. Typically when you speak with tech vendors, you don't get to talk to the lead developer, but today you will. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/34

This week, we are back with another mailbag issue. Kitces and I really enjoy these episodes because it really helps us to identify and address your biggest problems. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/33

This week, J.D. Bruce joins me on #XYPNRadio. J.D. is the president of Abacus Wealth Partners, based out of Santa Monica. J.D.'s firm manages over $1.5 billion. Abacus is the firm that bought my RIA, Serenity Financial Consulting, in 2015. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/32

Today, we are talking about what expectations are realistic to have in your first year of business, regarding income, and why a side hustle is vital to your success. We then dive into the four areas that we believe you need to focus your marketing efforts on in your first year. If you are in your first year of business, feeling the pressure, or you want to start a business and want to know what to expect, you need to listen to this episode. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/31

This week, we're talking with Brent Carnduff, an SEO expert and the owner of Advisor Web Marketing. I initially met Brent when he worked with me on the creation of the Serenity Financial Consulting website a few years ago; he completely blew my mind. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/30

Eric has found some truly incredible ways of integrating the traditional financial planners' face-to-face methodology with today's technology. He's had a career that many financial planners could only dream of, and today, he shares how you too can bring the same level of success into your practice. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/29

On this episode, we cover your questions about robo-advisors and how to transition from one career to financial planning, and how to best serve your niche community. We end our conversation with how large advisory firms can adopt a monthly retainer model and keep their younger advisors from leaving. While we break our record for answering the least amount of questions in an episode, this is one episode you can't afford to miss. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/28

We get a lot of questions from our community centered around marketing, and to start answering them, we invited our very own marketing guru to the show. I'm excited to bring Kali Hawlk, XYPN's Director of Marketing, to #XYPNRadio today! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/27

Jude is gifted at being incredibly authentic and has an inspiring story of what you can go through and still become a success. We discuss how he transitioned from being an employee to founding his firm, as well as the personal setbacks he experienced that shaped his journey to success. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/26

Turn up and the volume and listen in as Jim and I chat about his career path and how to get into the compliance market before diving into tips and tools for RIA compliance that all advisors need to know about. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/25

This week we aren't talking about how to help your small clients grow into big clients this week, but about how to provide financial planning to a whole new generation. With changing the way you approach financial planning, you are finding a whole new set of clients that have never been reached with traditional financial planning. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/24

Whether you are already part of the XYPN Network or are looking to join, creating your model for monthly retainers can be a daunting task if you don't understand the importance. Listen in as Kitces and I share how the monthly retainer model started and how to ensure your firm is set up to grow with your customers for years to come. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/23

Today, we tackle your burning questions on the topics ranging from compliance and regulations of bringing in an investor or advisor to monthly retainers and how to sell to younger clients. You don't want to miss this episode; we just may be answering the question that you've been dying to get an answer to. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/22

This week, I am excited to welcome Justin Rush, the founder for JGR Financial Solutions, to #XYPNRadio. I knew this interview would be great because Justin has such an awesome story, but it was even better than I had expected because there were a lot of things about Justin's career that I honestly wasn't aware of. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/21

If you're interested in variations of the retainer model, how firms like The Planning Center are changing the way planning is done, and how leaders like Andrew are carving new career paths in the industry, you won't want to miss this insightful interview! You can find show notes and more information here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/20

Katie has some pretty unique methods for getting clients, which include speaking to consumer facing groups. So if you are a speaker that is interested in using your speaking to drive leads and prospective clients to your firm, you are going to want to listen up. Katie's story will resonate with a lot of people. Her message is great inspiration for people who are taking a different path or are not sure what their next step is. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/19

This week, I am pumped to bring you this interview with Brittney Castro. Brittney is the founder of Financially Wise Women, a Los Angeles-based firm. I've actually been following Brittney ever since I first started my firm back in 2012. I only had social media interactions with her until I finally caught up with her at FinCon, down in Charlotte, where she was speaking on how to build courses to leverage your brand and increase the number of clients that you can help. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/18

Today, we get to 5 different questions from our XYPN VIP community. Starting with niche marketing to a psychographic instead of a demographic focus, we move on to how your relationships can affect your entrepreneurial plans, and end with how to calculate fees and complexities. If any of these questions are an area of interest for you, or if you have questions yourself surrounding these topics, you don't want to miss out on this episode! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/17

Steve joins us today to share an insider's perspective on technology in the financial planning space that you are not going to want to miss. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/16

Today, Michael and I just couldn't restrain ourselves and decided to come together to talk about the Financial Advisors article as well as the rebuttal article that we wrote in response. Listen in as we share our views on why financial planning is important to the next generation of clients. If you want to serve younger clients, you must entirely reconstruction your service model. So turn up the volume and get ready to take notes, because you are not going to want to miss this episode. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/15

Today's interview is with Daniel Wrenne, the founder of Wrenne Financial Planning. Daniel has an interesting story; he was building a pretty solid book of business at Northwestern Mutual before ultimately deciding to branch off and start his own firm. Daniel has built his firm over the last ten months working primarily with physicians and business owners that are striving to save for the future. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/14

This week we are back to our regular interview schedule with Matt Becker's inspirational and exciting story. Matt is the founder of Mom and Dad Money, as well as the best writer and brand builder I know in financial planning. Matt has built his entire brand and firm around Mom and Dad Money, focused primarily on the very obvious target market - new parents. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/13