New Planner Podcast

What if you could experience multiple financial planning firms, real client meetings, and industry experts all in one internship? In this episode, Hannah Moore, CEO of Guiding Wealth Management and creator of the Amplified Planning Externship, shares how a unique program started during the pandemic and quickly grew into one of the most recognized learning experiences for aspiring financial planners. Listen in to learn how the Externship works, what participants actually do during the eight-week program, and why the community and real-world exposure make such a big impact on career direction. You'll learn who the Externship is for, what skills participants develop, and what to expect this year in terms of timing, pricing, and registration. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/727erpwe

What happens when your career doesn't go according to plan? Today, James Conole and Erin Varghese join the show to share their very different paths into the financial planning profession. They talk about career setbacks, getting fired, starting over, and ultimately finding the right firm and culture to grow their careers. Listen in to learn how Erin transitioned from banking into financial planning, why starting at a small RIA can accelerate your learning, and how James went from being fired to starting his own firm from scratch. You'll also hear what it takes to build a strong company culture, attract top talent, and embrace imposter syndrome to become a better advisor. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/yxa685fy

What does it really take to leave a stable, high-level career and start over in financial planning? In this episode, Lisa Schaefer shares her journey from working in public policy to becoming a financial advisor. You'll learn how mentorship played a critical role in her transition, why starting with the Series 65 helped her test the waters, and how she navigated the uncertainty of breaking into a completely new industry. Listen in as Lisa opens up about the realities of taking a pay cut, working in a high-pressure, commission-based environment, and ultimately finding the right firm fit that prioritized mentorship and long-term growth. You'll hear about the pivotal moments that helped her make the leap and get practical insights for anyone considering a career change into financial planning. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/bdz8p7dm

How do you build confidence and a successful advisory business when you're just starting in financial planning? In this episode, financial planner Landon Warmund shares his journey into the profession, from growing up with a father who was a financial planner to developing his own path in the industry. You'll learn how an early curiosity about money, a chance discovery of a CFP program in college, and a willingness to put in the reps helped Landon begin building his own client base shortly after graduation. Listen in to hear how he found traction by focusing on a niche serving teachers, nonprofit employees, and clients navigating specific retirement plans, as well as the challenges he faced during his first few years in the business. Landon also opens up about how long it took to feel confident in client conversations, why professional communities played such a pivotal role in his growth, and why helping clients achieve loan forgiveness has become one of the most rewarding parts of his work. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/2mb7vp72

What would make someone walk away from a 21-year engineering career and a good salary to start a financial planning business from scratch? In this episode, Aubrey Williams of Open Path Financial opens up about the personal and professional journey that led him to leave engineering and pursue financial planning full-time. You'll learn how his role gradually shifted from technical work to management and financial decision-making, sparking an interest in personal finance that would ultimately change his career path. Listen in as Aubrey explains how a difficult life transition pushed him to educate himself about money, which eventually led him to help others in similar situations. He walks through the steps he took to launch his firm—including starting as a financial coach while still working full-time, building a client base from scratch, and finding his niche within communities of engineers and DIY investors. He also shares how speaking at events, creating content, and embracing an advice-only hourly model helped him grow his practice to $20K per month in revenue, and why combining the emotional side of money with clear financial guidance can truly change people's lives. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/3k3jd64r

What happens when a retired military officer and his son decide to build a financial planning firm together and do it their own way? In this episode, Joe and Spencer Turkal, co-founders of Sierra Hotel Financial, share how they transitioned from the insurance channel to launching an independent firm aligned with their long-term philosophy and values. You'll learn how they evaluated their next move, divided responsibilities based on complementary strengths, and built a client experience rooted in clarity and structure. They also break down how they charge, their three-meeting planning process, the tools they use, and why they chose to remain a virtual firm serving military families. This conversation is packed with insights on succession, adaptability, client acquisition, and how contrasting strengths can become a competitive advantage. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/3abyz4p6

Tamsie Black, Annie Gray, and Marianne Alamos are recent graduates who have stepped into their first full-time financial planning roles at Wealthway Financial Advisors, and they join the show today to share their journeys into the profession. If you're interested in navigating the transition from student to professional, building confidence early, and preparing for the CFP exam, this episode is for you! Listen in as Tamsie, Annie, and Marianne talk about how each of them discovered financial planning, why they chose it as a career, what excites them most about the profession, and what drew them to Wealthway. You'll hear about gaining early exposure to client meetings and building confidence, CFP study processes and exam goals, and managing the shift from college to full-time work. They also offer practical advice for new planners just starting in the profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4aDpAEd

Brennon Holleb is a Financial Planning and Wealth Management student at Virginia Tech, and he joins the show today to share why he chose to pursue a career in financial planning. If you're interested in how to intentionally prepare for a financial planning career from the very beginning, or what top students are doing to stand out in today's competitive hiring landscape, this episode is for you! Listen in as Brennon shares how his grandparents introduced him to saving, investing, and the stock market—even arranging a meeting with their financial advisor when he was just 13. You'll learn why he chose to pursue the Virginia Tech financial planning program, the intentional steps he's taking to become a strong entry-level candidate, what he hopes to find in a full-time role after graduation, and his advice for other aspiring planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Mt0Pm9

Matt Higbie is the Managing Director of Birchwood Capital, and he joins the show today to talk about his transition from investment banking to financial planning. If you're interested in what it takes to pivot into financial planning from a high-demand field, navigate a major pay cut, or build your skills in a fully virtual advisory model, this episode is for you! Listen in as Matt shares how he began his career in investment banking before realizing he wanted a more client-centered path, ultimately leveraging his network to secure his first financial planning role—even while taking a significant pay cut to make the transition. You'll hear what his early responsibilities looked like, how he learned the business, and the benefits and drawbacks of developing as an advisor entirely in a virtual environment. Matt also opens up about the challenges he's faced over the past year and how he's preparing himself for continued growth and long-term success. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4rCnAmQ

Robert Jeter is the owner of Back Bay Financial Planning & Investments, and he joins the show today to talk about his career journey to becoming a financial planner and firm owner. If you're interested in understanding how to navigate career decisions, grow within a firm, or eventually make the leap to starting your own, this episode is for you. Listen in as Robert shares how he first became interested in financial planning while in college, what he hoped to find in his first job, and how he convinced his parents that the profession was far different from the stockbroker stereotype. He also talks about beginning his career in a specific channel, finding early success, leveraging mentors, and ultimately working his way up to partner in an existing firm before deciding to leave and launch his own. You'll hear how he now gives back to the profession and practical tips for new planners entering the field. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4bkex4Z

David Tenerelli is a financial advisor at Values Added Financial, and he joins the show today to share his transition from middle school band director to a career in financial planning. You'll hear about his pivotal decision to leave after 10 years for a new opportunity, why—despite his experience—he chose not to start his own firm, and what ultimately shaped his path forward. Listen in as David talks about how he discovered his passion for personal finance early on, yet initially dismissed financial planning as a career because of the sales-driven stereotype often associated with advisors. You'll hear how he eventually embraced the idea of becoming a CFP, landed his first position, developed his technical and client-facing skills, and advanced within his firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4sJpof0

Sten Morgan is the Founder of Legacy Investment Planning and the Elite Advisor Network, and he joins the show to share his journey to becoming a firm owner. If you're interested in what it really takes to find your place in the profession, build a thriving firm, and expand your impact through leadership and coaching, this episode is for you. Listen in as Sten opens up about why he began his career as an intern in the insurance channel, what kept him there for so many years, and what prompted a search for the right fit across several firms. You'll hear how he came to the decision to start his own firm, how he grew the business, and the mistakes he made along the way. Sten also shares why he launched a coaching network, as well as how it helps other advisors streamline their path to success. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4qNDxWA

Travis Hibbard is a financial advisor at Fiduciary Financial Advisors, and he joins the show to share his transition from engineer to financial advisor after 18 years in a large manufacturing company. If you're interested in making a mid-career transition, leveraging financial independence to create flexibility, or understanding the real-world decisions involved in starting a firm, this episode is for you. Listen in as Travis shares how guidance from his mother, a financial planner, set him on a path toward financial independence and made his transition into the profession smoother. He also walks through the key decisions involved in launching his own firm—including choosing the right channel and operating structure—along with the pros and cons of his setup, how he found clients, and key lessons he learned along the way. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4qh3MVv

Emily Koochel is the Manager of Financial Wellness at eMoney Advisor, and she joins the show to share how she found her way in the financial planning world. If you're interested in exploring non-linear career paths in financial planning, blending education and technology, or understanding how fintech is shaping the future of the profession, this episode is for you. Listen in as Emily shares how she was drawn to financial planning for its blend of numbers and people, and how a mentor encouraged her to pursue a master's degree before starting her career at a small firm. She also talks about becoming increasingly interested in the relational side of the profession, which led her to earn another degree and spend time teaching in a CFP program. You'll hear about her current role in fintech, where she helps firms scale through technology, and her thoughts on where fintech is headed next. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/45d8laU

Andrew Sivertsen is a shareholder and Senior Financial Planner at The Planning Center, Inc., and he joins the show today to share how he found financial planning through one of his siblings and has never looked back. If you're interested in discovering financial planning through a non-traditional path, balancing work and CFP coursework, or growing into ownership and leadership within a firm, this episode is for you! Listen in as Andrew shares how he began his career studying biology before finding his way into financial planning by following in his brother's footsteps. You'll hear how he started in a part-time role, transitioned to full-time work, and balanced going back to school while earning his CFP designation. Andrew also reflects on developing both technical and client-facing skills, becoming a shareholder, and how he now gives back by mentoring newer planners at his firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4q5Hnu2

Mark Hansen is a financial advisor at Second Comma, and he rejoins the show today to talk about the ups and downs he has experienced—and how he has shifted his business—since last being on the show two years ago. If you're interested in strengthening your value proposition, reducing client churn, or learning from the real-world lessons of an advisor-turned-entrepreneur, this episode is for you! Listen in as Mark shares how a period of losing clients pushed him to change his business model, hire a coach, and get hyper-clear on his value proposition and service offering. He also opens up about the lessons he learned through the decisions he made, including the mistakes that contributed to an unsustainably high churn rate. Don't miss hearing key insights from Mark's entrepreneurial journey, as well as what any business owner can take away from the challenges he faced and the growth that followed. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/48zziYI

Lillian Turner is the Founder of Daring Greatly Wealth, and she joins the show today to share how her interest in financial planning in high school turned into owning her own firm. If you're interested in the realities of career pivots, early leadership roles, and building a firm from scratch, this episode will be especially valuable. Listen in as Lillian opens up about how growing up watching her parents struggle with money disagreements shaped her desire to help others, leading her from an accounting major to finance and into her first financial planning internship through a career fair. You'll hear how she was unexpectedly pushed into a lead advisor role at a large RIA when her boss left—which ultimately showed her it wasn't the long-term fit she wanted—as well as what led her to start her own firm and how she's navigated both the flexibility and challenges of entrepreneurship. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Kl736Q

Charlotte Morgan is a financial planner at Creative Planning, and she joins the show today to share her career journey from college student to successful practitioner. If you're interested in navigating early career uncertainty, taking a break and re-entering the profession with confidence, or understanding what it's like to experience an acquisition from the inside, this episode is for you! Listen in as Charlotte shares how she began college planning for a career in accounting or finance, but ultimately discovered financial planning through a family friend. You'll hear how she stepped away after a few years (and later returned by joining her second firm), what it was like when her firm was acquired by a large RIA aggregator, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4iC3UMD

Kelly Metzler Randall is a Principal and Lead Advisor at Burton Enright Welch, and she joins the show today to share how she transitioned to financial planning after earning a chemistry degree. If you're interested in exploring career pivots into financial planning, understanding how to grow within an RIA, or seeing what it really looks like to rebuild your career after a relocation, this episode is for you! Listen in as Kelly shares how her love of science and math initially led her into lab work—until she realized it wasn't fulfilling and began exploring business and finance. You'll learn how an internship at a large bank became a full-time role, what motivated her transition to the RIA space, and how she advanced in her first firm before relocating to California and starting over at her current company. We also discuss how her responsibilities expanded as the firm grew, as well as which parts of her career she finds both the most fun and the most challenging. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4if1nYz

Vincent Clark is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Elwood & Goetz Wealth Advisory Group, and he joins the show today to share how his career trajectory brought him from an information systems major to financial planning. If you're interested in redefining your career path, moving from technical roles into client-facing planning, or learning what it takes to evolve into a mentor for newer planners, this episode is for you! Listen in as Vincent shares how he first chose his career path based on income potential—but soon discovered a deeper purpose after helping a star athlete's family member navigate complex financial decisions. You'll hear how he started his career at a large firm, later pursuing a client-facing position, and ultimately found the right fit at his current firm. Vincent also reflects on his transition into a leadership role, where he now mentors younger planners and helps guide the next generation of professionals. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3LIED6P

In this special episode, Jesse Lineberry, Program Director of the CFP program at Virginia Tech, returns for our annual deep dive into the New Planner Recruiting 2025 Salary Report. If you're interested in salary trends, comparing compensation expectations across channels, or understanding what firms and candidates are prioritizing in today's hiring market, this episode is for you! Listen in as we unpack this year's findings, from average salaries across experience levels to regional trends and differences between RIA, broker-dealer, bank, and insurance expectations. We also explore why paraplanner salaries jumped, why student expectations stayed flat, and what's fueling the surge toward the RIA channel. You'll hear actual offer data from this year's placements, as well as how AI and internship compensation are shaping entry-level roles as firms plan for 2025. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4p6NmOx

Have you ever had to take a step back to move forward? That's exactly what Emily Green did when she left her career as a surgical assistant to pursue financial planning. After realizing she wanted more client connection, Emily explored entrepreneurship, discovered her passion for finance, and found her way to MY Wealth Planners. In this episode, Emily shares what it was like to start over in her 30s, the lessons she learned from her mentor, and how asking the right questions helped her grow into her role as an associate planner. Her story is a reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to something even more fulfilling. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfyd3pu

Daniel Stefanski is an Associate Wealth Planner at MY Wealth Planners, and he joins the show today to share how he accidentally discovered financial planning and how his career has progressed so far. If you're interested in breaking into financial planning, navigating a career transition, or learning how to strategically pursue opportunities that align with your values, this episode is for you! Listen in as Daniel shares how he initially dismissed financial planning as just investment sales but discovered his passion for it after landing a co-op position with a financial planning firm during COVID-19. He explains what he learned through that experience, why he decided to move on, and how he strategically targeted the RIA channel—even relocating across the country and accepting a pay cut to pursue the right opportunity. You'll hear about the mentorship and growth he's experienced at his current firm, the lessons that have shaped his career path, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3WytKH8

Patrick Moore is the Founder and a Wealth Advisor at Ironclad Wealth Management, and he joins the show today to share his financial planning journey. If you're interested in starting your own firm, learning from early entrepreneurial challenges, or building a career grounded in mentorship and growth, this episode is for you! Listen in as Patrick shares how his father introduced him to the financial services industry through the insurance channel, where the two worked together after Patrick graduated from college. You'll hear how that experience inspired him to pursue more comprehensive financial planning, ultimately leading him to start his own firm. Patrick also reflects on the mistakes he made early on, the lessons learned, and how he successfully grew his business over time. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/43tluf5

Haley Ellis is the Director of Operations at Allegiance Financial Group Advisory Services, and she joins the show today to share her transition into the financial planning profession. If you're interested in navigating career moves with confidence or overcoming challenges as a young professional, this episode is for you! Listen in as Haley shares how she discovered financial planning later in her college career and secured an internship that confirmed her passion for helping others. She also talks about her move across the country to start her first full-time role, the process of earning her licenses and completing CFP coursework, and how her responsibilities have evolved as her career has grown. You'll learn how Haley faced and overcame age discrimination and turned it into motivation for success. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3W5H31t

Mary Ann Sullivan is the Founder of 395 Financial Planning, and she joins the show today to share how she was able to go from a 20-year career in public education to becoming a financial planning firm owner. If you're interested in making a mid-career transition, starting a firm that serves everyday professionals, or learning how certification can build confidence and credibility, this episode is for you! Listen in as Mary Ann shares how she discovered her passion for financial planning, took the initiative to pursue her education, and landed her first position. You'll learn how she passed the CFP exam, how her firm is structured, and the details of her service model and fee schedule. She also opens up about what inspired her to launch her own firm just six months ago, as well as how earning her CFP certification boosted her confidence as a planner and business owner. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4h8W5NI

Keith Wayne, Senior Financial Planner at Mercer Advisors, returns to the show to share how his career has progressed since he first joined us back in episode 97. If you're interested in advancing your career within a firm, developing specialized expertise, or understanding the realities of moving from analyst to senior planner, this episode is for you! Listen in as Keith shares how his role has evolved over the past three years from analyst to financial planner to senior financial planner, where he now builds financial plans in a centralized planning role. He also explains how he pursued additional technical specialties, including college and student loan planning, to deepen his expertise and expand the value he brings. You'll learn how long it took him to feel comfortable with the software, the challenges he's faced, and his advice for navigating the learning curve. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4nrWEEz

Today I'm joined by two guests from Strategic Financial Planning: Bryan Lee, the firm's founder, and Valerie Carpenter, a financial planner on the team. They share their career journeys and key insights for anyone interested in launching and scaling a firm, growing as a new planner with the right mentorship, or picking up practical tips for entrepreneurial success. Listen in to hear how Bryan launched his own firm at just 27, grew it strategically, and focused on hiring and developing new planners. Valerie reflects on what inspired her to pursue the financial planning program, how she connected with Bryan, and why their professional partnership has been such a strong fit. You'll learn how Valerie has grown her confidence, Bryan's perspective on sustaining and scaling a firm, and the lessons they both learned along the way. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3K9sozB

Jeanna Fifer is a partner and Kristin Baker is an associate financial planner with Cordis Financial, and they join the show today to talk about their distinct paths into financial planning. If you're interested in exploring career pivots, finding the right professional fit, or learning how collaboration can create long-term success in financial planning, this episode is for you! Listen in as Kristin reflects on her career in banking, corporate America, and her time as a stay-at-home mom before stepping into her current role. Jeanna explains how starting right after college and working at two RIAs positioned her to join Cordis, transition the firm from a broker-dealer to an RIA, become a partner, and eventually buy out the founding partner. Together, they discuss why Jeanna hired Kristin, why their collaboration has been such a strong fit, and what they've learned while growing in the profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/4np6rc9j

Caroline Piehl is a partner at TimeWise Financial, and she joins the show today to share her non-traditional path to financial planning. If you're interested in navigating career pivots, building a family-founded firm into your own, or learning what it takes to merge and grow a business, this episode is for you! Listen in as Caroline shares how she went from pursuing her dream job at Nike in brand management to realizing it wasn't the long-term path she wanted. She explains how she pivoted to join her father's financial planning firm, starting from the ground up before becoming an advisor, then a partner—and eventually buying the firm. Caroline also opens up about merging her firm shortly after, as well as the challenges she's faced along the way. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/46syJ1D

Today I'm joined by Kaitlyn Carlson, Founder of Theory Planning Partners, and Jordan Paul, Lead Advisor there. Kaitlyn and Jordan share insights on navigating career pivots and key lessons they learned on their journeys in the field. If you're interested in launching a firm and fostering a culture built for long-term success, you won't want to miss this episode! Listen in as Kaitlyn and Jordan talk about how their distinct paths led them into financial planning, as well as the challenges that come with starting and scaling a firm. They also open up about rethinking career choices and finding the right fit in the profession. You'll learn how they've grown their firm together, built a strong culture, and created a quality control plan to support future growth. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/45T8hNk