Not all financial advisors are created equal. Before you hire one, make sure you’re asking the right questions. Use my structured interview worksheet to compare advisors and avoid costly mistakes. Get it free.
Vanguard’s Advisor’s Alpha framework just turned 25—and few people know its impact better than Fran Kinniry, the study’s original architect. In this episode, we explore how Advisor’s Alpha reshaped the value of financial advice, why its lessons are more relevant than ever, and what it means for investors today.
Listen now and learn:
► The hidden costs that quietly erode portfolio returns
► Why after-tax wealth matters more than pre-tax gains
► How advisors act as “behavioral circuit breakers” in volatile markets
► The overlooked complexity of turning a portfolio into retirement income
Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.
(02:30) The Origins of Advisor’s Alpha
(05:00) Three Transformative Shifts in Financial Advice
(15:00) Investment Selection and Market Cap Awareness
(22:00) The Complexity of Retirement Income Planning
(26:00) Total Return vs. Income-Only Investing
(29:00) Why Professional Financial Advice Still Matters
(33:00) Closing Thoughts
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this “post” (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.
References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.
Please see disclosures here.
The Long Term Investor 
