New Planner Podcast

Nathan Gale is the Founder of Fleur De Lis Financial, and he joins the show today to share his story of transitioning into the financial planning profession after a 17-year career in the military. If you're struggling to break into the financial planning profession then this is an episode for you! Listen in as Nathan shares his journey into financial planning, discussing his education, early experiences, and why transitioning careers was the right move for him. He opens up about the trials of landing entry-level, part-time virtual work, revealing his persistence through 100+ job applications, the rejection he faced, and the strategy that ultimately led to his first successful hire. We also shed light on the challenges and rewards of working for multiple firms virtually, how Nathan brings value to his employers, and the circumstances that compelled him to establish his own firm before hiring a new planner. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/43XXY7O

Taylor Demars is a financial planner with Mars Financial Group based out of Washington, and he joins the show today to share his path to entering the financial planning profession and being thrust into the position of primary client advisor just a year into his tenure. If you're a new planner being pushed out of your comfort zone then this is an episode for you! Listen in as Taylor shares why he joined his grandfather's family-owned financial planning business, how he became the primary client advisor a year into his time there, and how he managed the client load while getting up to speed in the business. We also discuss the challenges and fears that Taylor faced and how he overcame them, how he developed his leadership skills, and tips for new planners dealing with uncertainties and stepping out of their comfort zones. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3NZZQYS

Alli Masoero is the Founder of Money Conscious, and she joins the show today to share her career path, starting from first becoming interested in financial planning to starting her own firm. If you have found yourself questioning your passion for serving high-net-worth clients and are considering a different path, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Alli shares the sequence of events that led her to shift her focus from majoring in mathematics to financial planning despite the disapproval from her parents, how she found her first mentor, and how that mentor led to a job offer. We also discuss how she was inspired to start a new venture blending her twin passions of financial coaching and planning, the operational details of her firm, and valuable advice for those new to the field of financial planning. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/43etuyG

Deanne Rosso and Chuck Vickery from Elevate Wealth Advisory, based out of Athens, GA, join the show today to discuss the challenges and wins of their successful partnership and buyout. If you dream of buying out your firm's founder, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Deanne and Chuck take us on a journey through their partnership in financial planning, starting with Deanne's beginnings in the field, how she and Chuck met, why she decided to join Chuck's team (despite more lucrative offers), and how she was able to bring value to the table while carving her own path. Chuck also shares why he believed that Deanne would be a good fit for his firm, how Deanne built trust with him and their clients, the economics behind Deanne purchasing the business, and the ups and downs they have faced in their partnership journey. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/41H97IA

Mark Maurer is the President and CEO of LLIS, an insurance brokerage and consulting firm that was founded to be a resource and advisor to fee-only financial advisors and their clients. If you are interested in becoming a Certified Financial Planner but don't see yourself as a lead planner, then this is an episode for you! Listen in as Mark shares his unexpected journey in the financial planning profession, starting with a phone call from a family member, and leaving his previous career to join the family business and eventually become the succession plan. We also discuss the challenges and rewards Mark faced leading his own parents, how he worked his way up from reviewing disability policies to becoming a subject matter expert in insurance lines, and insights on AI's impact on the insurance industry and financial planning. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3WfRIFZ

Kevin Dunford is an Associate Financial Advisor at Switchpoint Financial Planning, and he stops by the show to share his story of pivoting to financial planning from his dream of being an ophthalmologist. If you are looking for a great fit Associate Planner position, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Kevin shares the events that led him to switch his major and explore career paths outside of ophthalmology, how his interest in financial planning was sparked, and how his undergraduate program helped him secure an internship with a broker-dealer firm. We also discuss how relocating to Arizona to be closer to family turned out to be a great career move for him, what his career path looked like after leaving his job at a large asset manager, and of course, tips for new planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/44OftZJ

Ariana Alisjahbana is an Associate Advisor at North Berkeley Wealth Management, and she stops by the show today to share her story of transitioning to financial planning after five years in marketing roles in big tech companies. If you are in a big tech firm and seeking to make a change to financial planning, then this is an episode for you! Tune in to hear Ariana share the pivotal moment when she decided to pursue financial planning full-time, why big tech wasn't fulfilling for her, and how she approached her transition by conducting a series of small experiments. We also discuss how she passed the CFP exam, how she narrowed down the type of financial planning firm she wanted to work for, and how she found career opportunities within the industry. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3VxHTCU

Today I'm joined by Liz Plot, the Founder of Primas Financial Planning. After spending 10 years as a financial coach for members of the military, Liz made the decision to start her own firm. If you think you might be an accidental entrepreneur, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as we discuss the differences between financial planning, financial coaching, and financial counseling, as well as the struggle that Liz had being rejected by employers early on due to her need for a virtual position. You'll also hear about her experience working at a virtual firm as a client services associate before becoming a lead planner, why she left that role to start her own firm, the challenges she faced in the first few months of starting her firm, and tips for new planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3UzMTqa

Hannah Moore is the owner of Guiding Wealth, a financial planning firm based out of Dallas, TX. Also the creator and facilitator of the Financial Planning Externship Program, Hannah joins the show today to talk about what she has been up to over the last 2 years. If you're interested in participating in the Externship program, be sure to listen in and sign up today! Join us as Hannah talks about the Externship program, sharing exciting updates for its fourth year. She also provides details on the revamped format, logistics, and cost, as well as the value that participants can receive no matter their career stage. You'll learn her personal motivation for creating the program and how it's making a positive impact on the profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3LejTjk

Alex Hopkin is the Founder of Simply Paraplanner, an online job board that connects virtual paraplanners with firms seeking virtual hires nationwide. If you are seeking a virtual paraplanner role, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Alex talks us through her path to becoming a financial planner, starting with the scholarship she received and the challenges she faced as a military spouse seeking a virtual position in a field that had few options for remote work. You'll learn about her online platform, the benefits of virtual work for both job seekers and firms, and how this will continue to shape the industry moving forward. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3MMAbCy

Ryan Rasmussen is a Trust and Estates Coordinator for the University of Georgia, and he joins the shows today to share his story of how he became a financial planner. If you are seeking a career path outside of one of the main points of entry into the profession, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Ryan shares his career journey, from his start in the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program to his current role as an academic financial counselor at the University of Georgia. You'll hear about his experiences of securing a financial planning resident position with a high-profile RIA firm in San Francisco, the challenges of moving to a higher cost-of-living area, and what he learned during his tenure. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3G7ftJp

Patrick Yaghoobians is an Associate Advisor at Horst & Graben Wealth Management, and he stops by the show today to share his story of becoming a financial planner. If you are in the wirehouse channel but desire a more independent and planning-centric approach, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Patrick opens up about his journey to becoming a financial planner, from his earliest memory of money when his parents immigrated from Canada to what eventually led him to pursue a career in finance. We also discuss how he found an internship during his last semester in college, how a mistake he made during the internship helped shape his career, and what led to a full-time offer. Patrick also shares how he bounced back after a job offer at an RIA was rescinded during the pandemic and how he ultimately found a good fit with his current firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3G2Z4Wp

Tom Rasmussen is a Financial Advisor at BlueSky Wealth Advisors, and he joins the show today to discuss how he fell into his career as a financial planner and why he left a great fit firm after they were acquired. If your firm has been acquired and is no longer a good fit for you, you won't want to miss this episode! Listen in as Tom shares his journey of how he stumbled upon his career by luck through his academic advisor, how he landed his first job at a large financial services firm while still in college, and the challenges of juggling studying for finals, the CFP exam, and job interviews—all while having a newborn at home. We also discuss Tom's experience working at a firm that was eventually acquired and why it wasn't a good long-term fit for him, how he transitioned to working as a financial advisor in the bank channel, and how he found his current firm, which is 100% virtual. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3yYLX4K

William Thompson is a Financial Planner at Valor Wealth Partners, and he joins the show today to discuss his career journey from loan officer to financial planner. If you are thinking of giving up because you are struggling to get an employer to say "yes" to you, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as William shares his journey from starting as a loan officer in a credit union to becoming a Client Services Associate for a wirehouse, as well as how he pursued the CFP but struggled to transition into an advisor role and faced rejection in interviews. We also discuss how he ultimately landed a job at his current firm through a successful interview process, what his career trajectory has looked like since starting there, and tips for new planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Jtaioa

Antonio Montes De Oca Jr is a Financial Analyst at Rock House Financial based out of Farmington, UT, and he joins the show today to discuss how family stress around money growing up prompted him to pursue a career as a financial planner. If you are graduating from a CFP program and want to know how to find a great fit and add value right out of the gate, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Antonio shares his journey into the world of financial planning, how he decided which CFP program to attend, his internship experiences, and how he knew that the fee-only RIA channel was the right structure for him. We also discuss what it took for Antonio to get hired by his current firm, how he knew they were a good fit in the interview process, and what a Financial Analyst does to support the more senior planners on the team. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3myfvTI

Eric Joynt is an Associate Financial Planner at Prospettiva Financial, and he joins the show today to talk about how he became interested in investing and financial planning while in college. If you are in a different channel within financial services and want to transition to an RIA firm, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Eric shares how he started his career with a property and casualty-focused organization, as well as how he moved up the career ladder. You'll hear about his transition to a financial coaching role, the differences between financial coaching and planning, and what he learned during his tenure. We also discuss how he found his current firm and how the hiring and interview process helped him better understand himself to become a better planner. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3SEiNAZ

Liv Olson is the Founder of Liv Olson Consulting, based out of Seattle, WA. She helps teams and individuals build lasting capabilities and positive organizational culture that enables people to thrive. If you're looking to join an existing team or build one yourself, you don't want to miss this episode! Listen in as Liv shares from her 20 years of experience in human resources, organizational development, and talent development roles in the RIA channel, highlighting the top mistake firm owners make in managing their businesses. You'll learn the warning signs of disengagement among team members, the most harmful thing for company culture and teams, and how new planners can identify firms with strong cultures and high-performing teams. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3EuLOt2

Stephanie Van Albert is an Associate Advisor at Monaco Advisors based out of New Haven, CT, and she joins the shows today to share how her love of math and problem-solving drew her to a career in financial planning. If you didn't graduate with a financial planning degree but want to become a financial planner, this is an episode you can't afford to miss! Listen in as Stephanie shares how she landed her first job and navigated the challenges of working full-time while completing her CFP coursework and passing the exam, as well as why she made the decision to leave her previous firm after two years and join a larger firm. You'll hear her reasons for making the move and how it has allowed her to progress in her career and support six advisors. We also discuss Stephanie's daily workload, how she manages multiple client meetings per week, and her plans to become an advisor in the future. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3lIpuWj

Jordan Haines is Director of Customer Success with Elements based out of Orem, UT. He joins the show today to talk about his career journey, from first learning about financial planning to working in a financial planning technology company where he trained other planners on financial planning software. If you are interested in what other positions are available in the financial planning industry, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Listen in as Jordan shares how he got hooked on financial planning, how he found internships and passed the CFP exam in college, and what it's like being a full-time advisor. We also discuss Jordan's various career moves, the difference between the Elements software system and traditional software, and his tips for new planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ROTbAW

Michael Branthover is a Financial Advisor with Day Financial Group based out of Columbia, MD. He joins the show today to share how he went from earning a full-ride scholarship to play football at Virginia Tech to his eventual transition into the financial planning program. If you are interested in how to use your background as an athlete to succeed in financial planning, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Michael talks about the influence the financial planning firm owners who visited the campus had on him, as well as the steps he took to overcome his lack of internships. You'll learn how his experience playing football has helped him become a better financial planner, how he found his first job and moved up the career ladder, and his tips for new planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3JG94aL

Channon Cain is a Financial Advisor with Raymond James Financial based out of Austin, TX. He joins the show today to walk us through his career boomerang, from starting as a financial advisor right after college to transitioning to a successful wholesaling career—and then returning to his current position as a financial advisor with an independent broker-dealer. If you are unsure about what type of position you might want in the financial planning profession, then you don't want to miss this episode. Listen in as Channon shares the challenges of building his own book of business in a new area, why he decided to pursue wholesaling, and his roles and experiences at different levels of the career path. He also talks about why he decided to transition back to financial planning, explains how he found his current firm, and offers tips for new planners on building referral sources and networks for new clients. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ZZDKtv

Tess Downing is the Founder of Complete View Financial based out of San Antonio, TX. She joins the show today to talk about her journey in the financial planning industry, including what she would have done differently if she could do it all over again. If you want to know what it is like to work your way up in a firm over 10 years—and then leave to start your own firm—this episode is one you won't want to miss! Listen in as Tess shares how she got started, as well as how she secured her internship. You'll learn what it was like for her landing her first financial planning position, her biggest challenges when starting out, why she made the decision to leave her firm after 10 years and start her own, and how the XYPN network and community have helped her. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3GTCkYx

Jessica Harrington is an Executive Business Coach at Carson Coaching in Dallas, TX. She joins the show today to share her story of becoming interested in financial planning and working as a coach for financial planners, as well as what she has learned throughout her career. If you are starting a new position and are looking for some inside information on how to have success, then you won't want to miss this episode! Listen in as Jessica divulges the valuable lessons she has learned from her experiences helping over 200 planners, including the differences between coaching and consulting. Additionally, she highlights the top traits she believes lead to success in the field, offers suggestions on what qualities new planners should look for in hiring firms, and breaks down what separates the best career opportunities from the rest. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3vWnOu1

Matt Benson is the Founder of Sonmore Financial based out of Chandler, AZ, and he joins the show today to share how he got started in the financial planning profession, why he hired an intern after starting his own firm, and why that intern is a rockstar. If you are seeking an internship or entry-level role in a financial planning firm, then don't miss this episode! Listen in as Matt talks about how he knew he wanted to pursue a career in financial planning while in high school, as well as what skills his mentors encouraged him to develop to achieve this goal. We also discuss how he built his network in a new area, how he paid his way through college by selling books door-to-door (and overcoming the fear of rejection!), and why he ultimately decided to start his own firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3inJ5cX

Devoda Owens is an Analyst with Linscomb and Williams based out of Houston, TX. He stops by the show today to share how he recently passed the CFP exam and tips for anyone looking to do the same. If you are not sure of what your path to a career in financial planning might look like, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Devoda opens up about his experience passing the CFP exam and offers advice for others who plan to take it, as well. We also discuss Devoda's personal journey, including how his college and military experiences shaped his career path, the challenges he faced starting his career, and his plans for the future. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3GzianN

Dana McNulty is an aspiring financial planner out of Boulder, CO, and she joins the show today to share her experience attending a financial planning program and securing multiple internships. If you're a college student seeking to prepare yourself for your first opportunity in the financial planning industry, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Dana shares how she found her way to the financial planning program at the University of Colorado, what part of the coursework she has found the most difficult, and how she secured multiple internships for herself. We also discuss what she is looking for in an entry-level financial planning position when she graduates, what resources she is using to connect with firms and secure interviews, and how she is using her experience working in the university career center to her advantage during her job search. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3htqcVt

Brittany Schultz, Director of Investment Research and Operations, and Michelle Kuehner, President at Personal Money Planning, both join the show today to discuss their unique paths into the financial planning profession. They share how they transitioned out of banking careers, why they believe financial planning was a better fit for them, and how they overcame the challenges often associated with a career change. Listen in as Michelle explains how she developed her skills as an advisor, as well as how she became the generation 2 succession plan for the founder. Brittany opens up about what it was like joining a small RIA firm, what she feels she needs to work on to continue progressing, and how she is being groomed to become a generation 3 owner. Both also talk about what flexibility means in their firm, how to develop communication skills to be successful, and their tips for new planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3YFGs6P

Michael Kitces and Alan Moore are the co-founders of XY Planning Network, and they join the show today to discuss their journey through entrepreneurship. If you desire to excel in the financial planning profession, then this is an episode you definitely won't want to miss! Listen in as Michael and Alan share how they entered into entrepreneurship, what they like (and don't like) about being entrepreneurs, and how they were able to work together to build several successful businesses even though they are wired differently. We also discuss how they handle the stress of running multiple companies, how they cope with the pressure of having several hundred employees who rely on them, and the one thing that firm owners sometimes do that keeps their organizations from growing. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3huR7QH

Jennifer Anderson is the co-owner at McClarren Financial Advisors based out of State College, PA, and she joins the show today with paraplanner Rose Porter to discuss the ins and outs of hiring new paraplanners right out of school. If you are joining a small RIA firm directly after graduating from a CFP program, this is definitely an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Jennifer shares the "why" behind her firm seeking to hire new paraplanners out of school, how they executed a successful search strategy by reaching out to local CFP programs, and what made them interested in Rose as a potential candidate. You'll also hear Rose discuss the biggest challenges and fears she had coming out of school and starting in the paraplanner role, her tips for new planners seeking to get hired, and why she knew that her current firm was the right fit for her. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3UwugSy

Bethany Park is a paraplanner at Stonebridge Financial Planning Group based out of Orlando, FL. She joins the show today to discuss her path into the financial planning profession from a teaching career. If you are considering changing careers and joining the financial planning profession, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Bethany shares why she transitioned out of her teaching career and into financial planning, what got her interested in financial planning as a profession, and how she secured her first position in the industry. We also discuss the reasons she joined her current firm, why working with a 'women in transition' client niche is a perfect fit for her, and the most difficult part of transitioning into the financial planning profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3i7y92P

Abby Bennett is the Director of Financial Planning and Bret Tagg is an Associate Advisor with Verum Partners based out of Charlotte, NC. They both join the show today to share their journeys and experiences through the financial planning industry. If you are looking to get out of a Big Four accounting firm and begin adding value to a financial planning firm right off the bat, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Abby walks us through her career path, from leaving a great-fit firm early in her career to getting connected with her future partners and co-founders to start Verum four years ago. Bret shares his own career journey, including how he made the transition from tax to financial planning, what he did to get Abby to take a chance on hiring him, and the biggest hurdles in his career so far. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Vjx8TE

Ethan Pepper is the Founder and CEO of Orchard City Wealth based out of Los Gatos, CA. He joins the show today to share how he got started as a financial planner—and eventually started his own firm. If you are considering giving up ownership in a firm to start your own, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Ethan shares how family members influenced his career early on, why he pivoted from majoring in corporate finance to personal financial planning, and what it was like transitioning to an employee role at a fee-only RIA and a paraplanner role that set the foundation for him to become partner. We also discuss why he gave up partnership and left the firm for a larger organization, how he settled on starting his own RIA, and some of the biggest challenges that he had to overcome to get his firm going. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3WVfXsQ

Kelli Cruz is the Founder and CEO of Cruz Consulting Group, a consulting firm that specializes in human capital and compensation consulting for the financial planning profession. Kelli joins the show to chat about what she is seeing from the trenches of her consulting work, including the biggest struggle that her clients are facing right now. If you are considering a new opportunity or preparing for a job interview, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Kelli shares the type of team management that is no longer effective, what clients are looking for in new team members, and how career paths have evolved over time. We also discuss the biggest mistakes that planners are making in their careers, what job applicants should be asking in interviews, and the timelines for progressing through the ranks of an advisory firm career ladder. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3WrKDlo

Scarlett Che is a Wealth Planning Senior Associate at Austin Asset based out of Austin, TX, and she joins the show today to talk about how she is progressing in her financial planning career. If you are trying to figure out where you would like to be on the advisory career track, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Scarlett shares her story about immigrating from China, how she got interested in financial planning over other career choices, and how she snagged her first financial planning job. We also talk about why Scarlett eventually left her first firm, how she built her skills and confidence in a support role, and why she recently joined a new firm in a lateral move. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3DEBEWE

Dan Malone is a Partner with WDW Financial based out of Dallas, TX. He joins the show today to talk about how he transitioned into financial planning after a career as a firefighter. If you are interested in becoming a partner at an established firm, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Dan shares how he became interested in becoming a firefighter, why he chose to also become a paramedic, and how he pursued a college degree while also working full-time. We also dive into why financial planning is the perfect career for him, how he secured the CFP certification, and how he made partner after only three years. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3DrYf8U

James White is a Wealth Advisor with Weaver Capital Management based out of Atlanta, GA, and he joins the show today to discuss how he went from a dream of becoming a pro golfer to pursuing a career in financial planning. If you are in a large firm and seeking a more expanded role in a smaller firm, this is an episode for you! Listen in as James shares how a middle school assignment first sparked his interest in financial markets, how investing and investment management was a passion for him even while he was playing golf full-time, and how he was able to get hired at a financial firm without any prior experience. We also discuss why he left his first firm to join a smaller organization, what he now spends most of his time doing, and how anyone can succeed in the financial planning profession—even without bringing in clients. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3rQ6Dbs

Carrie Jones is a Certified Financial Planner based out of Orlando, FL, and she joins the show today to talk about her career in financial planning, including how she knew she wanted to be a financial planner as early as 8 years old. If you are a new planner seeking unique ways to gain valuable experience in your career, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Carrie shares how she got her start in the insurance channel, why that path was not the best fit for her, and how she took time away from her career to start a family—but was able to successfully re-enter the workforce. We also discuss why many fee-only RIA firms do not want to hire people who are new to the profession, as well as how we are working together, along with Sue Chesney, to change that with the launch of our new venture, Planning Zoo. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3EwAHkc

Saki Kurose is an Associate Planner with Omega Wealth Management based out of Arlington, VA. She joins the show today to share her story of transitioning from a career as a professional musician to a career in financial planning. If you are a musician and looking to transition into a career in financial planning, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Saki shares her story of immigrating to the U.S. and going all in developing her musical career, including why a musical career ultimately wasn't the best long-term fit (and what interested her in the financial planning profession instead). We also discuss how she developed a niche in student loan planning, how she began running her own small business underneath an existing RIA, and her thoughts on how the profession can attract more women and minorities. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3fdczrY

Angie Herbers is the Founder and Senior Consultant with Herbers and Company, a consulting firm specializing in assisting financial planning firms to solve their growth challenges. If you are seeking to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack, then this is an episode for you! Listen in as Angie shares why firms with a clear recruiting strategy have an advantage over their competitors, what skills firms are looking for the most in new planner hires, and what skills are most lacking from planner candidates. We also discuss the biggest mistake that job seekers make when applying and interviewing for jobs, whether you should negotiate your compensation, and what career path Angie recommends for new planners just starting in the profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3qJkhwB

Welcome to the 100th episode of the New Planner Podcast! To celebrate this milestone, we thought we would flip things around a little bit and have Jesse Lineberry and Jayla Blakemore interview Caleb about his career and the birth of New Planner Recruiting. If you are thinking of entering the financial planning profession, this is an episode you definitely won't want to miss! Listen in as Caleb shares his unique story of finding a career in financial planning and why he decided to go into career development and recruiting within the profession and lay the groundwork for New Planner Recruiting. He also shares what he sees as the biggest challenge facing the industry over the next decade, the one key skill that every financial planner needs to succeed, and his advice for new planners just entering the profession—whether they're just out of school or changing careers! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3BkyAMP

Jeneé Murphy is an Associate Financial Advisor with Root Financial Partners, and she stops by the show today to share her story of getting started in financial planning after working for a decade in various other career fields. If you are keen to hear about how hard work, persistence, and intensity can pay off, then this episode is for you! Listen in as Jeneé shares how she hustled to secure her first several internships, as well as how those opportunities led to her getting her foot in the door. You'll hear how she leveraged those early positions to continue building her career and delivering outstanding results to her employers, how she built up a financial coaching business, and how she transitioned to her current role in a fee-only RIA. We also dive into some great tips for career-changers who are interested in financial planning. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3TSEXj4

Libby McKay and Jessi Dolmage are Financial Advisors with Penobscot Financial Advisors based out of Portland, ME. They join the show today to discuss how they got started in financial planning and what it was like getting hired without any previous experience under their belts. If you are considering a career change to financial planning, this episode is one you won't want to miss! Listen in as Jessi shares how she pivoted from the non-profit fundraising sector to financial planning, how she was able to narrow down the type of firm that would be the best fit for her, and what it was like working for a firm where she was a client. Libby gives us a look into why her life sciences career was not the best fit for her, how her interest in financial planning was initially piqued, and why she pursued the CFP certification—even though it wasn't required. Both also open up about what they would have done differently in their careers so far and offer tips for new planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Tr1HX3

Keith Wayne is an Associate Financial Planning Analyst at Mercer Advisors based out of Lynchburg, VA. He joins the show today to share how he transitioned from a 26-year career in teaching to become a financial planner. If you are coming from the education profession and want to successfully navigate the transition, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Keith talks about what originally got him interested in teaching, the valuable skills the profession taught him, and where he finds similarities between teaching and financial planning. We also discuss how Keith found his first financial planning position, what he did to set himself apart and prepare for his new career, and his advice for others who are looking to take the leap from a comfortable career to pursue their true calling. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3AkP4nU

Melissa Barron and Jordan Slingo are both Senior Wealth Advisors with Elwood & Goetz Wealth Advisory Group in Athens, GA. They join the show today to discuss their individual journeys in the financial planning industry, including what it was like entering the profession when entry-level jobs were hard to come by. Listen in as Melissa and Jordan share how they got started in the industry, as well as how they managed to get their foot in the door. We also discuss the compelling nature of the financial planning industry and how two people with different backgrounds, interests, and skill sets can find their way to the same firm and successfully operate in similar roles. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3c4nVxf

John Gugle is a Regional Growth Consultant with LPL Financial based out of Charlotte, NC. He joins the show today to share his career journey into financial planning, including how he was able to leverage his degrees in Japanese and Finance to get started with a consulting firm. Listen in as John shares how he was able to develop the trust of his co-workers who came to him for financial advice, as well as how he used his memberships in professional organizations to find a 2-year residency position. You'll hear why he left one RIA to start his own, how his mentors made a difference in his success, and the common characteristics of those who are successful in the financial planning profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3PeAZhf

Sara Stollberger is the Director of Financial Planning at Bridgewater Advisors based out of New York, and she joins the show today to share her story of how she began her financial planning career after spending more than five years as an actress. If you are a career changer seeking to enter the financial planning profession, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Sara shares how she knew it was time to pursue something outside of acting (despite having had success in the field), as well as how she leveraged her personal connections, network, and skills in the entertainment industry to get her foot in the door at a financial planning firm. You'll learn why she eventually chose to leave that firm to pursue other opportunities, how her current firm has allowed her to grow professionally, and how she took skills from her acting days and melded them with technical aspects of financial planning to achieve massive success in her career. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3zuyzoF

Frank Fernandez is an Associate Planner with Weingarten & Associates, a planning-centric fee-only firm based out of Trenton, NJ that is led by a husband and wife team. If you are seeking to add value to a small yet growing firm, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in to hear how Frank initially found the CFP program, why he pursued three voluntary internships, and how he approached taking both the CFP and the Enrolled Agent exams. We also discuss why he sought out a planning-centric fee-only firm, how his role has evolved over the years with the firm, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3PHKVka

Louis Diamond is the President of Diamond Consultants, a financial advisor recruiting firm based out of Morristown, NJ. He joins the show today to discuss the recruiting landscape from a mergers and acquisitions perspective, including how the various channels are vying for established financial advisors in a highly competitive market. If you think your firm might be acquired, this is an episode you definitely won't want to miss! Listen in as Louis shares the top reasons that financial planners seek to make a move to a different firm or channel, how to appropriately evaluate new opportunities, and how to ensure as smooth a transition as possible in the process. We also discuss what sets the most successful planners apart from the rest, what new planners should do if their firm owner sells or merges with another firm, what to expect from the economics of one RIA acquiring another RIA, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3v3P6i6

Cecil Staton is the President and Wealth Advisor with Arch Financial Planning. He joins the show today to chat about his journey in the financial planning industry, including how he got started and why ultimately decided to start his own firm. Listen in as Cecil shares why the fee-only RIA model was the best fit for him, as well as how he was able to leverage his network to find an opportunity that best aligned with his career goals. You'll learn the catalyst that led to him establishing his own firm, how he attracts clients, and tips for new planners who are just starting out. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3yT2ic8

Steve Kampschmidt joins the show today to share how he got started in the financial planning industry, including what it was like trying to enter the profession in a down market. After transitioning from his job to the bank channel, Steve used that position to leverage his way into an entry-level opportunity in a wirehouse training program before ultimately building his own RIA. Tune in as he shares what he learned from his time in the corporate world that has helped him in his financial planning career, the pay cut he navigated in his first financial planning position, and how he knew that the wirehouse was not the best long-term fit for him. We also discuss how he maintained his client base when transitioning to his own RIA, how his firm is structured in terms of pricing and service models, and why he believes that starting his own firm was his only option. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3NEXviw