

The Human Side of Money
Brendan Frazier
Are you ready to delve into the emotional side of money, enhance your practice, and forge deeper connections with your clients? The Human Side of Money Podcast offers actionable ideas and strategies to empower financial advisors with the skills needed to excel in understanding the behavioral aspects of finance. Join Chief Behavioral Officer Brendan Frazier as he shares invaluable insights, tips and strategies. Subscribe now to elevate your practice and client interactions!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 19min
144: How To Stay Connected (And Deepen Trust) Between Client Meetings With Dr. Megan McCoy
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.
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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.

Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 33min
143: Why Every Retirement Plan Needs Purpose Before Portfolios with Tony Hixon
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.
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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.

32 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 33min
142: Transform Your Onboarding Process with Libby Greiwe
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!

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 47min
141: The Power of Storytelling: How To Craft Stories That Convert Prospects Into Clients with Stacy Havener
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.

Jun 4, 2025 • 57min
140: The Human Side of Retirement with Dan Haylett (Part 2)
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.

May 21, 2025 • 1h
139: The Human Side of Retirement with Dan Haylett (Part 1)
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.

May 7, 2025 • 1h 40min
138: How To Communicate The Intangible Value of Financial Planning with Michael Lecours
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.

Apr 29, 2025 • 50min
137: A 4-Step Framework To Guide Anxious Clients Through Uncertain Markets
The conversations you have with clients during uncertain markets are the most important you’ll ever have.
Helping them safely and confidently navigate times like these is likely the single most important thing you’ll ever do…
If you know how to do it!
In this episode, Brendan walks through a 4-step framework to equip you with everything you need to confidently guide your clients through uncertain markets
You’ll Learn:
The critical mindset shift you must make before these conversations
What goes on inside the mind of your clients when they call
Why your charts and graphs are a waste of time (unless used correctly)
*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
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.

Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 43min
136: A Process For Rewiring Financial Behavior and Identity with Danielle Howard
Most advisors know they need to integrate the human element into their practice.
But, it’s hard to decide WHAT to do and HOW to do it.
Fortunately, Danielle Howard has successfully studied, tested and integrated the human element into her practice for over 30 years.
And, through those years of learning and testing, she built the “Journey of Financial Health” process.
In this conversation, Danielle reveals the steps of this process and how it helps her uncover client’s mindsets, beliefs, and identities around money.
You’ll Learn:
The role of identity in financial decisions
The “Journey of Financial Health” Client Process
The surveys she uses to facilitate deeper conversations
A question to help clients focus on their financial “wins”
How to run group workshops and hands-on client experiences
*To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here
Resources:
“The Soul of Money” by Lynne Twist
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
“The Body of Money” by Gayle Colman
Connect with Brendan Frazier:
RFG Advisory
LinkedIn: Brendan Frazier
Connect with Danielle Howard:
Website: Danielle Howard CFP®
LinkedIn: Danielle Howard, CFP® CKA®
danielle@wbd4u.com
970-927-3909
About Our Guest:
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ author, speaker and founder of Wealth By Design, LLC and Danielle Howard, CFP®, she is a catalyst for change around the financial tools, techniques and temperaments that construct a person’s financial life. She is a blogger, podcaster and outspoken advocate for people heading into their fall season of life.
Bridging the gap between Wall Street and Main Street, she brings complex financial topics and concepts down to earth. She opens the door to new conversations around money. Her engaging workshop – “Financial Fingerprints to Footprints™” provides an opportunity for people to look at their mindsets around money and learn how to build on the wins or rewrite the scripts. With on-line tutorial opportunities and in person educational events, she brings a fresh perspective to the pecuniary world.
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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.

Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 22min
135: Breaking Money Silence with Kathleen Burns Kingsbury
Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, a wealth psychology expert and author of "Breaking Money Silence," shares her insights on the challenges of discussing finances. She highlights the generational silence around money and offers practical strategies to foster open conversations, especially for women. Personal anecdotes illustrate the empowerment gained from breaking these taboos. The discussion also covers family finances and the emotional complexities tied to wealth, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding in financial dialogues.