New Planner Podcast

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

Shane Kozusko is a recent graduate from the University of Georgia's Financial Planning degree program. He joins the show today to talk about how he passed the Series 65 exam, including why he chose to take it, even though it wasn't a requirement for him. If you are planning to take the Series 65, this is an episode you can't afford to miss! Tune in as Shane shares the materials that he found the most helpful through the exam, as well as insider tips on the type of questions that he saw most frequently. We also discuss Shane's journey from military to financial planning, his exam prep tips for the day before and the day of the exam, and advice for new planners trying to get hired. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3OvSOsE

Jake Smail is a Financial Planning Associate at Demming Financial Services based out of Cleveland, OH. He joins the show today to discuss his entry into the financial planning profession, including the approach he took when trying to get hired in early 2020 during the beginning of the pandemic. If you are a middle-of-the-pack job seeker and want to have success in financial planning, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Take a listen as Jake shares how his experiences have helped him succeed in his career, as well as why his current firm is a good fit for him. We also talk about what he did to improve his chances of getting hired in a competitive environment and success tips for new planners as they progress through their educational program. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3OrAoIT

Matt Trogdon is a Financial Planner with Craftwork Capital based out of Washington, DC, and he joins the show today to share his unexpected journey to becoming a financial planner. If you are considering changing careers to become a financial planner, you definitely don't want to miss this episode! Listen in as Matt shares why he pursued a history degree despite having an interest in financial planning from an early age, and how a chance meeting with a friend made him start to seriously consider changing careers. We also discuss the steps he took to eventually enter the financial planning profession, how he found his first position in the industry, and tips for other career-changers seeking to become financial planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3zCb1QB

John Fennig is the Co-Founder of KFA Private Wealth based out of McLean, VA, where they serve over 800 households with $700 million in AUM. He joins the show today to share how he got his start in the financial planning industry, as well as what eventually led to him starting his own firm. Listen in as John opens up about his journey, including why he pursued the CFP and CPA designations, how he managed a large transition during a period of market and economic volatility, and the challenges he has faced while shifting the structure of his firm. You'll also hear about the valuation of his firm, why he turned down a generous offer for purchase, and his plans for the future of the firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3NW620P

Dan Weiss is an Associate Wealth Manager with PrairieView Partners in Minneapolis, MN. He joins the show today to share his path into financial planning and how he was exposed to it early on through his father's firm. He also discusses why he didn't join his father's firm when he started his career, instead moving halfway across the country to join a fee-only RIA in the Midwest. Listen in to hear how he found his job, why he knew it was a good fit, and some insights into the interview process. You'll learn how he prepped for the Enrolled Agent and CFP exams, as well as what questions you should ask a firm to help determine if it is a good fit. If you are seeking to carve your own career path in financial planning, then this episode is for you! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Mmk6jc

Stephen Nelson is a Senior Financial Planner with Mills Wealth Advisors based out of Southlake, TX. He joins the show today to talk about his path into the financial planning profession and how it led him to his current firm, which he knew was the right fit for him and his family. Listen in as Stephen shares why he pivoted away from pursuing a career in law, as well as how his early years in the insurance channel positioned him for success. You'll learn why he walked away from six years of building a business at an insurance company to jump into the RIA channel, how he narrowed down the firms that were a right fit for him, and the details of his recent partnership buy-in. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3lUEj52

Joining the show today is Alisa Nguyen, the 2021 recipient of The New Planner Recruiting CFP Program Tuition Reimbursement Scholarship. In this episode, she discusses her path into financial planning, how she leveraged her past experiences as the financial steward for her family to help other divorced women confront various anxieties around money, and more. Listen in as Alisa shares why she pursued the CFP education from Utah Valley, as well as how she has managed to attend classes full-time and work part-time—all while raising 5 children as a single mom. You'll learn how she secured her job in the Money Success Center at UVU, what she spends her time doing there, and what fears, hopes, and dreams she has about the financial planning profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3MzY4ud

Eric Roberge is the Founder and and Kali Roberge is the COO of Beyond Your Hammock, a fee-only independent financial planning firm based out of Boston that serves professional clients in their 30s and 40s. They stop by the show today to share how they have grown their business from scratch almost 9 years ago. Listen in as we discuss why they chose to focus on a younger clientele with high incomes, what it's like working with your spouse, and what the very first role they hired for was, including all the details on how they integrated that person into the firm. They also share their tips for new planners on how to add value to their employers early on, what they look for when it comes to job seekers, and what some of the biggest lessons they learned from hiring their first employee were. If you are a new planner seeking to join a small firm where you might be one of the first hires, this is an episode for you! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3KYxwBd

My guests today are Landon Powell, Josh Brumbach, and Garrett Klinger, who are Financial Planning Students at the University of Georgia. Listen in as they explain what the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) is and why they each wanted to pursue it, what the cost and process for registering entailed, and detailed insight as to what type of material and types of questions were asked on the test. You'll hear about how Garrett had a different experience taking the exam virtually than the other two due to the remote proctoring option he selected. Make sure you check out the middle, where they describe how long it took for them to study, how Landon's approach was a little different than Josh and Garrett's, what their study schedule was, what materials they used, and how they utilized the practice exams to gauge their progress along the way. If you are considering taking the SIE exam and want to pass on your first try, then this episode is for you! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/39l6AhR

Chloe Denning is an Analyst with Wealthstream Advisors based out of New York City, and she joins the show today to talk about how she pivoted from a successful career in the hospitality industry to jump into the financial planning profession. If you are in a career that serves people but are looking for a more rewarding and fulfilling role, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Chloe discusses how she first found the financial planning industry, how she was able to complete the CFP education requirement despite being out of student mode for a few years, and how she knew that her current firm was the right fit for her. She also shares what her responsibilities entail as an Analyst, what she loves most about her job, and how she has cultivated her confidence to combat the all-too-common imposter syndrome. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3JKngvR

Every once in a while, we like to give an update on what is happening in the job market, from what we're seeing when it comes to compensation to what compensation packages are being accepted and rejected. Jesse Lineberry is a CFP and Account Executive with New Planner Recruiting, and he joins me today to talk about what he's seeing with the recruiting in the trenches. Listen in as we share what compensation looks like on both sides of the hiring process, how to streamline the process for everyone involved, and how the push to virtual has impacted the overall marketplace. We also discuss what job seekers can do to make themselves stand out and what you can expect as an average base salary if you're a paraplanner, an associate advisor, or a career-changer. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3xSblK0

Carolyn Stewart, Karlyn Jones, and Carman Franklin are financial planners with Abacus Planning based out of Columbia, SC. They join the show today to discuss their journeys in the financial planning industry, including their biggest fears about entering the profession and what the first few weeks were like at their new firm. If you are considering a career in financial planning but are concerned about the lack of female planners, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as they describe the internship and part-time job opportunities that they applied for, what they learned from those jobs, and how their experience has helped them in their careers so far. You'll learn how the pandemic forced them to approach their careers differently, how to attract more women to the industry, and tips to pass the CFP exam. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3vixDSh

Jun Shim is a financial planner with MyCFO4Life based out of Dallas, TX, and he joins the show today to share his journey into financial planning and why it is the right career fit for him. If you are stuck in a job outside of the industry and deeply desire to secure a true financial planning apprenticeship type role, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Jun shares how he got started in the financial planning industry, what he learned about himself in the various roles he has had, and why he chose to pursue the CFP while also serving in the US Army Reserves. We also discuss how he narrowed the list of prospective firms he wanted to work for, what the most challenging and most rewarding parts of his job are, and what the industry can do to improve awareness and attract more planners from underrepresented communities. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3r9oHgV

Brooklyn Brock is the founder of Ellevate Advisors based out of Tulsa, OK. Offering financial planning and exit coaching for advisors, Brooklyn joins the show today to talk candidly about how she found her niche in providing financial planning to other financial planners. Tune in to find out what her initial planning process looks like, as well as the three points she has for evaluating succession planning opportunities. Brooklyn also shares her three points for gauging the retirement readiness of firm founders, why seeking outside counsel can help both parties avoid major mistakes that can derail a succession plan, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3uIxMye

Do you think introversion may keep you from a successful financial planning career? Turns out that isn't the case! Joining me on the podcast today is Emily Haberkern, a financial advisor with Evangelista & Associates in Ann Arbor, MI who has proven that being an introvert doesn't mean you can't have a successful planning career. In this episode, she talks about getting started in financial planning, how she worked her way up through the ranks over the last 14 years, and how her career exploded after she ultimately embraced her own introversion. Listen in as Emily opens up about her early realization that she wanted to be a financial planner and how she racked up almost four years of planning experience while attending college at the same time. She also discusses how she found the right position and firm where she could use her strengths and skills, how she got 35 referrals from her clients last year, and other ways she has found to grow and contribute to the success of her firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3utEBn4

Sandy Russ is an aspiring financial planner based in Raleigh, NC. She joins the show today to talk about her career path and the transition she is going through right now to become a financial planner. She also shares what led her to start her own property and casualty insurance agency, the challenges she had to overcome with the PNC business, and what it is like to shut down a successful business because it's not your passion. Listen in to hear how Sandy's CPA has helped her throughout her career thus far, as well as why being an entrepreneur is no longer a fit. You'll learn the timeline for her pivot into financial planning, what she has been doing to prepare for her first day at the financial planning firm, and more. If you are a successful business owner in another industry, but know it's not your passion and want to pursue a truly fulfilling and rewarding career in the financial planning profession, this episode is for you! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3NcqZFA

Maria King is the President and Founder of TranscendPM, a practice management firm based out of Boston, MA that coaches and consults with financial advisory firms. Before making the transition to entrepreneur and launching TranscendPM, Maria was an employee at CommonWealth Financial Network and has valuable insight into hiring in the financial planning industry. Listen in as she shares her journey, learning the ropes of practice management as an employee before deciding to branch out on her own. You'll hear about how she has navigated the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the common characteristics that the most successful firm owners have, what sets job seekers apart in the industry, and what skills are crucial to having a successful financial planning career. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3sX0kEn

Stephen Maggard is a Financial Planner with Abacus Planning Group based out of Columbia, SC. He joins the show today to discuss his background and how he made the transition to financial planning from the military. If you are serving our country and eventually want to transition to the financial planning profession, then this episode is for you! Listen in as Stephen describes why he became interested in financial planning, as well as how he got his foot in the door. You'll learn why he was drawn to the fee-only model and how he has found his right-fit firm. He also opens up about how his military experiences and skills have carried over to add value in a financial planning firm, which has accelerated his success after only a few short years in the business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3pvMS8p

Matt Elliott is the CEO of J.F. Williams & Company based out of Denver, CO. He joins the show today to talk about making the leap to financial planning from a career in IT, including how he secured a job with a firm he had previously been rejected from. Listen in as Matt shares how he secured his first job in the industry and why he left that position to pursue an employee career path at an ensemble firm. We also discuss how he was able to develop his skills throughout his career, how he eventually bought into his firm to become the majority shareholder, and how he continues to use the original founder's mentorship and advice to steer the firm forward. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3HeeB3x

Jason Black is a Financial Advisor, and Lee Strongwater is a Senior Advisor and Partner, both at Colorado Capital Management in Boulder, CO. Jason and Lee join the show today to share their individual career journeys, including how they got started in the industry and the pivots they've made along the way. Listen in as they discuss what brought them to financial planning from other careers, as well as how they overcame the challenges that come with a career change. You'll hear their advice for anyone looking to switch careers and great tips for new planners on achieving success in this field. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3v0Al0o

Nate Nassif is a Talent Management Consultant with a specialty in organizational design, career development, diversity and inclusion, performance measurement, and employee life cycle management. He joins the show today to share his perspective on hiring, culture, and leadership within a large RIA firm. Listen in as Nate shares why culture and culture fit are crucial elements to a successful employment relationship, how job seekers can find the best opportunities with top firms, and how they can negotiate for a larger compensation. If you want to know what it takes to get hired by a large RIA firm, this episode is for you! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3gTlGM2

Jayla Blakemore is an Account Executive at New Planner Recruiting, and she joins the show today to talk about how she made her way into financial planning at the University of Georgia—and eventually found her way to my team. If you're in a CFP program and are looking at alternative career paths outside of the lead advisor role, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as we discuss what made Jayla change her major from psychology to financial planning, what made her realize she didn't want to become an advisor but still wanted to be involved in the profession, and what she has learned in her transition from student to professional. You'll learn some of the characteristics that set top candidates apart from the rest and how to know when you come across a good opportunity with a good firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3gm01fc

Paul Brown is the Founder of Clearstone Wealth Management and Clearstone Business Advisors based out of Spokane, WA. He helps clients manage and grow their entire net worth through comprehensive and strategic financial planning, and he has helped me immensely with my own business over the years! Listen in as Paul shares how he first got started in financial planning, how he eventually became a consultant to financial advisors, and why he pivoted to start his own financial planning firm. You'll learn how he structures his firm, how he finds and charges clients, and what he believes are the keys to success for new planners just starting in the profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ufHsBO

Welcome to part two of my conversation with Antonio Tovar, an Associate Wealth Manager with Stone Wealth Management based out of Austin, TX. We pick up the conversation by discussing what role Antonio began in at the large financial services firm where he started, how he was able to move up within that firm, and the valuable skills he was able to hone while there. Listen in to learn why he chose the CFP, how he passed the exam on his first try, and what a typical day at an RIA now looks like for him. If you are a recent graduate just starting out with a large firm and are wondering whether it's the right fit for you, this is an episode you can't afford to miss! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3AEYjPC

Antonio Tovar is an Associate Wealth Manager with Stone Wealth Management based out of Austin, TX. He first got his start in financial planning during a tough job market caused by the coronavirus pandemic. If you are a recent college graduate that joined a large financial services firm but are wondering if it's the right fit, this episode is for you. Listen in as Antonio discusses how he overcame the difficult job market—including what he said to potential employers once he got them on the phone—and how he secured a full-time position after graduating. You'll hear about the ups and downs of being a new advisor in an entirely virtual environment, why the large broker-dealer firm wasn't the right fit for Antonio, and why he wanted to pursue a position within an RIA. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3FHCu2A

Matt Goren is the Program Director for the American College of Financial Services, and he joins the show today to discuss his transition into financial planning from his previous background in psychology. If you are a career-changer looking to get into the financial planning industry, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Matt shares what his career trajectory was like prior to getting into financial planning, as well as the struggles he faced while changing careers. He also shares how saying "yes" helped to jumpstart his financial planning career, how to turn your prior career experience into assets that firm owners would value, and his thoughts on some of the designations that new planners should consider pursuing. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3zBwvv0

Carol Ann Casebolt is a Wealth Advisor at Martin & Company Tax and Wealth Advisors based out of Valencia, CA. She joins the show today to share what led her into the financial planning field, as well as how her career has evolved since securing her first internship. Listen in as Carol Ann opens up about her career trajectory, from starting at a large investment company to moving to a broker dealer firm, then ultimately landing at a small, family-owned RIA. You'll learn how her experiences at those organizations helped to shape the ideal client experience she was striving to provide, what new planners can do to free up time for their senior planner, and what the industry can do to attract more women to the profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3HtTM4N

Kim Basenback is the Director of Financial Planning at Financial Services Advisory in Rockville, MD. She joins the show today to share how she became interested in financial planning, how she found the financial planning major at Virginia Tech, and how she secured her first position during a global financial crisis. Kim also talks about her career path and how she gained confidence with clients. Listen in as we discuss how she has worked her way up from Associate Planner to Director of Financial Planning, as well as her primary responsibilities in her current role. You'll learn how she had to shift her management style during COVID, how a job in high school prepared her for taking on significant responsibilities within her firm at a very young age, and her tips for new planners just starting out. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3EfxNgz

Jenny Hood is a Financial Planner with St. Clair Financial based out of Roseville, CA. She stops by the show today to discuss not only how she first got started in financial planning, but also how she managed to find her first real financial planning position—and why she stayed in that role for over 11 years. Listen in as we discuss Jenny's experience with managing her career while also raising small children, why she first got involved with the Financial Planning Association, and some of the pros and cons of both large and small RIA firms. You'll learn some of the reasons why more women are not entering the financial planning profession and Jenny's tips for younger women who are just entering the industry. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3rLMqET

Karly Holland is an Associate Financial Planner with Divergent Planning, a fee-only financial planning firm. Having developed a niche in tax planning, Karly joins the show to share how she got her start in the financial planning industry and how she landed where she is today. Listen in as she talks about the main functions of her role, how she adds value to the firm, and how her role has grown throughout the years. We also discuss how she found her first job, as well as what made her leave that job to join her current firm, which is a much better fit for her. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/302hi8K

Erin Bruce is an Associate Planner with Cannon Financial Strategists based out of Athens, GA. She joins me in this episode to share what an associate's day-to-day life looks like, including the three things that make up most of her day, and why financial planning is a great career fit for her. Listen in as we dive into her experience transitioning from student to professional, how other planners can make the transition as smooth as possible, and what Erin did while still in college to set herself apart. Erin also shares why she decided to pursue both the AFC and CFP credentials, how she found her internship, and how she splits her time currently between the retirement and financial planning sides of the business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3EjhIGH

Juan Guevara is a Financial Planner with JF Williams & Co. in Denver, CO. After immigrating to the US from Ecuador, Juan finished off his last year of high school, began college, and got into the financial planning field. He joins the show today to share his journey and the success he has found in the industry. Listen in as Juan talks about how he got his start in financial planning, why the first channel he started in was not the best fit for him, and how he secured his position within an RIA that provided a better fit. We also discuss the characteristics of an effective mentor, tips for new planners, and what Juan thinks the industry can do to attract more minority financial planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3rktRay

Nick Prigitano is a Financial Advisor with Milestone Financial Planning based out of Bedford, NH. He first got started in financial services by interning at several tax preparation firms, and he joins me today to discuss how he eventually pivoted to financial planning. Listen in as we discuss how Nick found his first position with a large financial institution and what that role entailed, as well as why he went after the CFP designation and how his career focus shifted after going through certification. You'll learn why he sought out a fee-only RIA firm to work for, the pros and cons of a large institutional firm vs. a small boutique RIA firm, and why the smaller firm is a better fit for Nick despite the step back in compensation. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3cnaaX9

In this episode, we pick back up with Karina Linehan, an Associate Advisor with SAGEbroadview Wealth Management. Today we dive further into her experience transitioning from corporate America to the financial planning world and how her previous roles have helped her to succeed in her current position. Listen in as Karina shares how she started her career in audit at Johnson & Johnson before eventually pivoting to an insurance firm, as well as why she decided to make the change. She also discusses why she left a $90k per year salary to take a commission-only position and offers her best tips for getting started in a financial planning career. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3kI3jwa

Karina Linehan is an Associate Advisor with SAGEbroadview Wealth Management based out of Morristown, NJ. She joins me on the show today to share her career journey from corporate America to the financial planning world. Listen in as she shares how she started in financial planning, what her responsibilities are as an Associate Advisor, and what the first few meetings of the new client experience are like at SAGEbroadview Wealth. We also dive into how her role with the firm shifted as a result of bringing a new growth idea to the owners, and why she volunteered to document processes as a way to help the firm grow to the next level. If you're in corporate America and are considering a career in financial planning, this is an episode you won't want to miss! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3BN7dJB

Cole Christian is a Wealth Strategist based out of St. Louis, MO, who initially began his financial planning career pursuing an accounting degree and becoming a Certified Public Accountant. He joins the show today to share his journey into the financial planning world and how his career has pivoted from accounting to financial planning. Listen in as Cole shares his beginning in financial planning, including the very unique internship situation he found himself in and why he chose to work for a smaller accounting firm over a large Big 4 firm. We also dive into why it's often a good idea to try out multiple jobs before committing to one career path, how to gain confidence in your role, and where the future of the profession is headed. If you are in the accounting field and sensing that it isn't quite the right fit for you, this is an episode you won't want to miss! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3nx2W7W

Jen Goldman is a Certified Financial Planner and Business Transformer with Jen Goldman Consulting based out of Boston, MA. Jen knew she wanted to be a financial planner when she was 19 years old, and she joins the show today to share her story of how she thrived as a young woman in a male-dominated industry. Listen in as we dive into how Jen brought in clients during her early days as a wirehouse advisor, the things she learned about herself and her skills after a few years on the job, and why she decided to move to the operations and management side of business. You'll learn how Jen managed having a family and two small kids while also pursuing her career, as well as what she would like to see change within the financial planning profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3jKfGqH

Tina Mistry is a Financial Advisor with Portfolio Advisors in Fresno, CA. She joins the show today to share how she found her first job in financial planning while she was still a college student, as well as what she did to progress to become a Lead Advisor and, ultimately, the owner of the firm. She also describes how she passed the CFP exam and gained confidence as a newer planner. Listen in as Tina opens up about the challenges she faced and how she overcame them, plus specific ideas for improving the softer skills that planners need to guide clients effectively. You will learn about the process of becoming a generation 3 owner, how she balances running the business while serving 120 clients, and what aspect of running the firm she enjoys the most. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3lmgfZ4

Luis Rosa and Emlen Miles-Mattingly join the show today to discuss the BLX internship program they co-created with Chloe Moore and Shawn Tydlaska. In this episode, Luis and Emlen share the "why" behind the BLX program, which stems from their personal struggles in entering the financial planning profession, a desire to increase the number of Black and Latino financial planners, and wanting to make advice more accessible to Americans who desperately need it. Listen in as they share the qualifications for the interns (as well as the firms that hire them), the training they provide to help ensure a successful internship for both parties, and what they have planned for next year. You'll learn how to get involved, as well as what it will take to educate and attract more minorities to the financial planning profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3iYz2In

Deanna Tomasetti and Sophie Leahy of Burt Wealth Advisors join me today to discuss the ins and outs of re-entering the workforce after an extended leave of absence. If you're a career changer and you're looking to pivot to a financial planning career, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Listen in as Deanna and Sophie discuss how they got started in the financial planning industry, and how their previous experience and education in different fields helped to set them up for success in financial planning. We also dive into why they left the workforce and decided to re-enter over 10 years later, how they made the transition as seamless as possible, and the pros and cons of changing careers later in life. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3F9wCjH

Emily Boyd and Brandon Gutierrez are Financial Advisors with Browne, Draper & Land Financial Concepts in Dalton, GA. Today they join the show to discuss how they learned about the profession, including what intrigued them to become involved in the industry, what their roles look like day-to-day, and how these tasks have changed as their careers have progressed. If you are in an associate planner role and want to move into a lead planner role, then this episode is for you. Listen in as Emily shares what benefits she received from shadowing an advisor while still in school, why her first firm wasn't the best fit for her, and why she left to join her current firm. Brandon describes his process for determining what job opportunities he wanted to pursue, what he was looking for in a firm, and why his current firm was a good match for him. You'll learn why they remain happy with their firm, as well as what they hope to achieve in the next few years and several tips for newer planners who are just starting out. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3iCCj03

Dr. Jared Pickens is the Director of Applied Economics at Texas A&M University - Commerce, and he joins the show today to share why he pivoted away from a teaching and football career to get his start in the financial planning industry. If you're on the fence about whether a lead financial planner position is the right fit for you, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Listen in as Jared shares his reasons for changing his major and moving away from his aspirations to be a history teacher and football coach, how he was able to convince a firm owner to hire him, and his biggest fears as a new planner. We also discuss why he made the transition to academia full-time, what he likes most about his job now, and what separates the top 10% of his students from the rest of the pack. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2VMXK68

Molly Rimes is a Financial Planning Associate at InsMed Loan Advisory Services who pivoted away from a career in politics to pursue financial planning. She joins the show today to discuss her journey to the financial planning industry and what she has learned along the way. Listen in as Molly shares what it was like getting hired in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, how she overcame a lack of experience and education to land an entry-level role, and what she has learned over the last 6 months on the job. We also talk about why she pivoted away from a career in politics to go into financial planning, and how her political science education has helped her to become a better planner and added value to her firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ClNUrN

Sam Nguyen is the Senior Tax Manager at XY Planning Network, an organization of fee-only financial advisors who are focused on working with Generation X and Generation Y clients. Today, Sam joins the show to share his journey from CFP educational program to getting his foot in the door with an RIA, including what it was like trying to enter the financial planning profession during a recession. Listen in as he discusses his strategy for reaching out to firms during a time when no one was hiring, his starting role, and why he saw it as the opportunity of a lifetime. You'll learn how he developed a niche and a passion for tax preparation and tax planning, as well as why he left a good position he held for 10 years so he could join XY Planning Network. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3l3vJ2Z

Dr. Vickie Hampton is a Certified Financial Planner and Department Chair for the Personal Financial Planning program at Texas Tech University. Throughout her long and tenured career in academia, Vickie has gained valuable insights and experiences, and she joins me today to share some of her wisdom. Listen in as she discusses the difference between finance and financial planning, how a certificate program differs from a degree program, and the course that everyone has to take to ultimately sit for the CFP exam. Vickie also shares how to select the best CFP program, what today's top financial graduates are seeking from employers, and the characteristics that the top 10% of new graduates have that separate them from the rest. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3zpRUpW

Taynia Vakapuna is a paraplanner with Everspire in Midvale, UT. Today she joins the show to discuss her journey going from a biology major to a paraplanner in a financial planning firm, including why she ended up not going through with a degree in the sciences and what led her to consider a change in direction. Listen in as she talks about how the initiative she took to attend a financial planning conference changed the course of her career and what it was like trying to complete the program with three small children and a military spouse who deployed often. You'll learn what changes Taynia would like to see in the profession and the things she wishes she would have done differently. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Wa6cwp

Jared Tobin is an Associate Financial Planner, and Klint Olive is the Founder and CEO of Olive Wealth Management based out of Houston, TX. Klint hired Jared straight out of school, and today he shares what stood out about Jared and what makes him such a great fit, even after just six months. If you are wondering what you could be doing in the industry in only a few short months, make sure to tune in. You'll hear Klint share his experience starting his own firm, why operating as a sole practitioner limited his growth, and how he knew it was time to hire. Jared also opens up about why he made the transition from engineering to financial planning, how he narrowed down what type of firm he wanted to work for, and why he chose to join Olive Wealth Management. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/37CtkpA

Pietro Messina is a financial planner with Christopher Street Financial in New York City. As a part of the LGBTQ+ community, Pietro wanted to join a firm that matched his values, and today he shares his path into financial planning, including why he chose the career, what education he pursued, and how he secured his internships. Listen in as we talk about how his professional goals changed as his career progressed, as well as what he enjoys the most about being a financial planner. You'll hear Pietro's tips for becoming a top associate financial planner and his ideas on attracting more LGBTQ+ planners to the profession. If you are a new planner coming out of school and looking to focus on a niche clientele, then this episode is for you! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3fRcYxE

Today we're back with part two of my conversation with Brandon Odell, a Partner at the consulting firm Ensemble Practice, which specializes in financial planning firms. In this episode, we continue the discussion on career growth for new planners. Listen in as we talk about the biggest mistakes that many new planners make when it comes to their careers, as well as how you can avoid making those same mistakes yourself. You'll learn what the most successful new planners are doing, how their mindset sets them apart, and why Brandon is excited about the future of the profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3xTVxUm