The Human Side of Money

Winning more clients and creating a more client-centric planning experience requires a shift. A shift away from the numbers. A shift towards the human. In this episode, Tim Maurer, Chief Advisory Officer at Signature FD shares his insights on building a human-first approach to transform both your prospecting and your planning. Instead of relying on advisor-driven presentations, Tim focuses on connecting with what truly drives people – values, stories, and emotions – so that clients feel ownership of their plan. And they trust that you’re the person to guide them along the way. You’ll Learn: Tim’s 4 steps for human-first prospecting that converts Ideas for building plans that clients embrace and act on How to shift from advisor-driven to client-inspired advice Why removing emotions from money is actually a mistake A philosophy for using money to create memorable experiences  *To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here Resources: 55: Infusing Life Into The Financial Planning Process with Tim Maurer 141: The Power of Storytelling: How To Craft Stories That Convert Prospects Into Clients with Stacy Havener Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman  Blink by Malcolm Gladwell Die With Zero by Bill Perkins Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein  Give to Grow by Mo Bunnell The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga  The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof Connect with Brendan Frazier:  RFG Advisory LinkedIn: Brendan Frazier Connect with Tim Maurer:  SignatureFD LinkedIn: Tim Maurer About Our Guest:  As the Chief Advisory Officer at SignatureFD, Tim acts as the coach and advocate of their experienced corps of advisors in pursuit of the optimal delivery of their unique client experience. They partner with clients to “activate” their wealth in four key areas: Grow, Protect, Give, and Live. Anchoring in these core pillars offers a level of transparency to wealth management, enabling clients to better understand how they can use their wealth to achieve their goals and impact the things that matter most to them – what SignatureFD calls Net Worthwhile™. A graduate of Towson University, Tim taught financial planning at his alma mater for seven years. His third book, Simple Money, is an exploration of prescriptive personal finance through the lens of behavioral science. He is a regular CNBC contributor and writes for Forbes.com. A central theme drives his writing and speaking: Personal finance is more personal than it is finance. Regardless of income or net worth, Tim believes it is our underlying values and goals that drive our behavior with money, which ultimately determines our satisfaction in work and life. Couching timely application in timeless wisdom, he educates at private events as well as in television, radio, print, and online media. With a passion for relational communication, he has been featured on NBC’s TODAY Show, CNBC, and ABC’s Nightline; on NPR programs The Diane Rehm Show and Marketplace; as well as in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, U.S. News & World Report, and Money magazine, among others. Tim is a husband and father first and lives in Charleston, South Carolina, where his wife Mika and two boys, Kieran and Connor, are active members of their community. Outside of personal finance, his favorite pursuit is music, whether consuming or contributing on the drums, keys, or, only occasionally, the upright bass. He is also part of a group dedicated to serving the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere, Nicaragua, through micro-finance and entrepreneurial ventures. – Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy. Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place. RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

Most Advisors rely on technical expertise (IQ). But when you work with human beings, IQ alone often isn’t enough. You have to combine IQ and EQ (Emotional Intelligence). Shannon Harris, Managing Partner at Ecclesiastes Wealth Partners, has developed an approach that blends IQ with EQ by delivering values-based advice designed to reshape every client conversation. In this episode, she shares why she completely rebranded her firm to focus on values-based advice and the framework she uses to deliver that value in every conversation. You’ll Learn: Why IQ alone often isn’t enough and how EQ can elevate your business How she applies values-based conversations in every meeting How she uncovers a client’s top 5 values with a simple exercise How she uses the client’s values to help them make better decisions The common quantitative and qualitative results of embracing this approach To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here Resources: Values Exercise – Think2Perform The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Equipping for Impact – Coaching program tailored to financial professionals Connect with Brendan Frazier:  RFG Advisory LinkedIn: Brendan Frazier Connect with Shannon Harris:  Website: Ecclesiastes Wealth Partners LinkedIn: Shannon Harris About Our Guest:  Shannon Harris is the Managing Partner and an advisor at Ecclesiastes Wealth Partners, recognized by Forbes as one of the Top Women Wealth Advisors. With over 25 years of experience, she blends financial planning with emotional intelligence, delivering values-based advice that aligns money with what matters most. Her unique approach is rooted in behavioral finance and life coaching, helping clients make meaningful, purpose-driven financial decisions. – Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy. Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place. RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

What if everything you’ve been taught about preparing clients for retirement is only half the story? Fritz Gilbert spent a decade writing over 400 articles about life after work on his blog The Retirement Manifesto. But the real transformation happened after he actually retired. In this episode, Fritz reveals the surprising emotional challenges retirees face — from losing structure and identity to silently wondering, “Is this all there is?” If you want to help clients move from simply retired to truly thriving, this conversation will teach you how to guide clients through the non-financial side of retirement. You’ll Learn: The 4 psychological phases of retirement The 90/10 rule of retirement no one prepares you for How Fritz shifted from a saving to spending mindset The #1 mindset that helped him create a thriving life after work The emotional transition most retirees go through and how to prepare for it         *To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here Resources: Book: Keys to a Successful Retirement by Fritz Gilbert Book: Control Your Retirement Destiny by Dana Anspach Book: Purpose Code by Jordan Grumet Charity: Freedom for Fido Connect with Brendan Frazier:  RFG Advisory LinkedIn: Brendan Frazier Connect with Fritz Gilbert:  LinkedIn: Fritz Gilbert Website: The Retirement Manifesto About our Guest:  Fritz Gilbert is a writer focused on helping people achieve a great retirement. Following his 33-year career in Corporate America, he has dedicated his retirement to writing on the topic and has become one of the leading bloggers on the subject of retirement, with a focus on both the “harder” (financial) and “softer” (lifestyle) issues that are critical to success after crossing “The Starting Line”. His award-winning blog, The Retirement Manifesto, captures “the present before it becomes the past” as it chronicles his journey to and through retirement. His large following is primarily comprised of people approaching, or living in, retirement. His first book, Keys to a Successful Retirement, is a summary of the 24 keys he has identified and experienced in his own successful transition to retirement and is a “must-read” for anyone within five years of retirement. Fritz and his wife, Jackie, reside in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia with their four rescue dogs. They enjoy cross-country travel in their RV to visit their daughter and her family in the Pacific Northwest and are active in charitable work in their local community. When he’s not writing, Fritz enjoys a focus on physical fitness and spends as much time as possible in the mountains surrounding their retirement cabin. – Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy  Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place. RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

What if the most important trust-building moments with clients aren’t during meetings, but actually in between them? It turns out that your communication between meetings ( texts, emails, calls, etc.) can significantly impact trust, satisfaction, and client retention. In this conversation, Dr. Megan McCoy shares her breakthrough research on the power of between-meeting communication and how Advisors can create a “web of support” plan to help improve trust, satisfaction and client retention. You’ll Learn: Ways to personalize communication at scale A framework for “between meeting” communication How to balance task-based and relationship-based outreach Signs your client has financial anxiety (even when they say they’re “fine”) Why you need the right message delivered through the right medium *To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here *To get the “Affiliation Guide” outlining a business model designed to help build your business ->Click Here Resources: Book: Financial Planning Counseling Skills Book: Facilitating Financial Health: Tools for Financial Planners, Coaches, and Therapists Book: Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending Connect with Brendan Frazier:  RFG Advisory LinkedIn: Brendan Frazier Connect with Dr. Megan McCoy:  LinkedIn: Dr. Megan McCoy About Our Guest:  Megan McCoy, Ph.D., LMFT, AFC®, CFT-I™, is an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University’s Department of Personal Financial Planning. She teaches courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels focused on financial well-being, financial therapy, and couple dynamics regarding finances. Dr. McCoy holds a B.A. in Psychology from The University of North Carolina and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Drexel University. Dr. McCoy also attended the University of Georgia, where she earned a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an Accredited Financial Counselor®, and a Certified Financial Therapist-I™. During her doctoral program, she developed a specialization in financial therapy and client psychology. She had the opportunity to work with clients alongside financial planning students to treat clients’ financial well-being together. Observing and learning from financial planners’ work with clients enabled Dr. McCoy to gain more insights into the psychology of financial planning. She serves on the Financial Therapy Association’s Board of Directors and was the past Associate editor of the Journal of Financial Therapy. She is currently co-editor for the Financial Planning Review. She was also a guest editor on a special issue on finances for Contemporary Family Therapy. Dr. McCoy’s research interests focus on financial therapy, financial well-being, and financial communication, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. She has published over forty articles in top-tier mental health, family science, financial counseling, and financial planning journals. This year, her research has won awards from the National Council of Family Relations and the Financial Therapy Association. Dr. McCoy has been awarded grants from the Financial Planning Association, the National Endowment for Financial Education, and FP Canada to continue research on how to integrate client psychology topics into financial planning to foster trust and commitment with clients. Dr. McCoy has also been featured as a financial well-being expert on the Today Show, NPR, BBC, the Wall Street Journal, and many other media outlets. – Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy. Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place. RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

Most retirees prepare financially, but still feel lost when they step away from work. Why? Because emotional readiness is just as critical as a fully funded retirement account. Tony Hixon, CIMA®, RFC® knows this firsthand. After a personal tragedy reshaped his view of retirement, he realized that wealth without purpose leaves a void. Fortunately, Tony created an innovative solution.  In this episode, he shares how his Refocus Coaching Academy helps retirees find meaning, fulfillment, and purpose in life after work.  He also reveals the four emotional pillars that guide his process—and how adding a life coach to the financial planning team has transformed client outcomes. You’ll Learn:  How a life coach fits into financial planning  The four pillars of emotional retirement preparation A step-by-step process to create a purpose-driven retirement How his mom’s retirement changed his outlook on retirement Why 89% of clients are emotionally unprepared for retirement  *To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here Resources: Retirement Stepping Stone: Find Meaning, Live With Purpose, and Live a Legacy by Tony Hixon Refocus Coaching Academy Connect with Brendan Frazier:  RFG Advisory LinkedIn: Brendan Frazier Connect with Tony Hixon:  Hixon Zuercher LinkedIn: Tony Hixon TonyHixon.com About Our Guest:  Mr. Hixon is Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hixon Zuercher Capital Management. In addition to leading the firm, Tony also serves on the firm’s Wealth Management Team and is a Co-Portfolio Manager on the Asset Management Team. Tony has had experience providing investment services since 2003 and providing financial advisory services since 1999. Prior to co-founding Hixon Zuercher Capital Management, Tony worked at a CPA firm for nearly four years specializing in accounting, tax planning, and tax preparation for high-net-worth individuals. In 2021, Tony released his book: Retirement Stepping Stones: Find Meaning, Live with Purpose and Leave a Legacy.  In it, he shares the heartbreaking story of his mom, Pam Hixon, who tragically took her own life after struggling to find purpose in retirement. Tony instructs his readers on how they can prepare for a meaningful retirement beyond the numbers.  He continues to write weekly articles on topics like family, finances, faith, and retirement at TonyHixon.com. – Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy. Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place. RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

Join Libby Greiwe, founder of The Efficient Advisor and author, as she unpacks the secret power of onboarding in financial advising. Discover how to overhaul your onboarding process to boost client confidence and satisfaction. Libby shares tips on aligning the experience with client emotions and creating memorable connections. Learn about innovative strategies like 'Domino’s pizza tracker' systems and hosting signing parties to enhance engagement. It's all about transforming uncertainty into loyalty and a steady stream of referrals!

Stacy Havener, Founder and CEO of Havener Capital Partners, specializes in using storytelling to drive engagement for boutique asset managers. In this conversation, she reveals why emotional connections beat logical pitches every time. Discover how to create compelling offers that resonate with prospects, the neuroscience behind effective narratives, and strategies for building trust through authentic conversations. Stacy also emphasizes the art of vulnerability and preparation in client meetings, showcasing storytelling as a powerful tool in business.

What if retirement planning wasn’t just about saving but about learning how to spend? In Part 2 of The Human Side of Retirement,  Brendan Frazier continues his conversation with Dan Haylett to explore the emotional and psychological aspects of decumulation. They dig into the behavioral side of this transition, why a “save, save, save” mindset can hold clients back, and how to reframe retirement as a time to pursue fulfillment. And they offer practical strategies advisors can use to guide clients through this transition so retirement becomes not just a financial milestone, but a fulfilling new chapter. You’ll Learn:  Mastering the skill of spending money in retirement  Creating intentional spending habits to smooth the transition  Reframing the success rates of financial plans  The significance of the 50 to 70 “sweet spot” years for optimal life experiences  *To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here Connect with Brendan Frazier:  RFG Advisory LinkedIn: Brendan Frazier Connect with Dan Haylett:  Humans vs Retirement LinkedIn: Dan Haylett TFP Financial Planning About Our Guest:  Dan Haylett is the director, Head of Growth, and financial Planner at TFP Financial Planning. As a co-director of TFP, Dan’s “pull back the duvet every morning” purpose is helping our clients spend their time and money on what’s truly important. His passion for understanding and learning about the emotional, behavioural and financial challenges of life after work makes him a true specialist in helping clients have the freedom and confidence to take advantage of their ‘window of spending opportunity’ and live their best life. – Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy. Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place. RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

Retirement isn’t just about reaching a number – it’s a deeply personal transition that requires more than financial planning. By understanding what truly matters beyond the numbers, you can better support clients in creating meaningful and fulfilling retirements. In Part One of this episode, Dan Haylett emphasizes the importance of shifting the focus from financial figures to human connection, purpose, and lasting memories. And he walks through the Retirement Planning Workbook he uses with clients to help them live with purpose, joy and meaning in retirement You’ll Learn:  The importance of understanding the emotional aspects of retirement and his own experiences helping clients navigate this transition The revolutionary “Retirement Planning Workbook” he developed to address the human side of retirement How to help clients spend their savings meaningfully to create lasting memories *To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here Connect with Brendan Frazier:  RFG Advisory LinkedIn: Brendan Frazier Connect with Dan Haylett:  Humans vs Retirement LinkedIn: Dan Haylett TFP Financial Planning About Our Guest:  Dan Haylett is the director, Head of Growth, and financial Planner at TFP Financial Planning. As a co-director of TFP, Dan’s “pull back the duvet every morning” purpose is helping our clients spend their time and money on what’s truly important. His passion for understanding and learning about the emotional, behavioural and financial challenges of life after work makes him a true specialist in helping clients have the freedom and confidence to take advantage of their ‘window of spending opportunity’ and live their best life. – Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy. Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place. RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

Michael Lecours, a financial advisor and co-founder of fpPathfinder, shares his expertise on making the invisible value of financial planning more tangible. He discusses innovative strategies like using client journey maps and insights from marketing that highlight the emotional connections clients seek. Drawing parallels with a dental practice designed for anxious patients, he emphasizes understanding deeper motivations. Lecours also explores how effective communication can enhance client engagement and trust in the crowded finance sector.