Financial planning remains expensive as it mainly targets the needs of the richest 1%. And unfortunately the technology we use was tailored for a passing era and has not kept up with today’s changing planning demands.  On this episode of Elementality, Reese and Carl discuss right-sized planning and bringing the cost of advice down so we can impact the 99%.

The market of people needing answers to their financial questions is enormous. But what works for the top 1% does not work for everyone.  On this episode of Elementality, Reese and Carl look at the issues preventing advisors from going downmarket—and explain why there’s a need to rethink how to capture this massive market that’s looking for our help.

As an advisor, you help your clients work towards many financial goals. One should be ensuring they aren’t overpaying the IRS.  On this episode of Elementality, Abby welcomes Steven Jarvis, founder of Retirement Tax Services. Find out what services can help grow your tax expertise and how to work more closely with CPAs to benefit your clients.

Money is the source of anxiety and angst for the great majority of Americans. So how can you provide guidance that helps clients improve their relationship with money, which is vital to finding financial peace? On this episode of Elementality, Reese and Carl reveal why, from the start, you need to alleviate client emotional worries about money. 

A single asset, a house, can become deeply tied to a person’s identity. Then, after excessive funds are committed towards the home, it is almost impossible to think objectively when it comes to wealth optimization. On this episode of Elementality, Reese and Matt talk about the Elements Real Estate (Rt) ratio and where a home fits in the measurement.

To trust you and your advice, clients need to know that you genuinely understand what matters to them when it comes to their money.  On this episode of Elementality, Reese and Carl reveal why advisors need to ask good questions, intently listen, and then probe even further into the responses to unearth the core purpose that person has for their wealth. 

What do baseball cards, consistent tracking of net worth, and the question, “Am I doing OK?” have to do with the evolution of Elements?  On this episode of Elementality, Reese talks to the clients of his RIA, Dentist Advisors, about the ideas that became Elements. It’s a unique look at the origins of the innovative system that’s changing financial planning. 

Carl Richards coined the term “real financial planning” years ago. Since then industry influencers have tried to explain what it means.  On this episode of Elementality, Reese and Carl talk about the factors that might help provide a definition—an element of trust, technical chops, emotional IQ—and ask if we, as advisors, are getting any better at it?

Sales success begins with conversations that build rapport and allow both parties to communicate what they are really thinking.  On this episode of Elementality, Reese interviews Jake Larsen, VP of Sales at Elements. Jake explains how to build trust by educating prospects about your services and aligning their needs with your value proposition.

Can you help clients make good decisions today—keeping the future in mind—while also helping them live with greater happiness in the present? On this episode of Elementality, Reese and new co-host Carl Richards discuss why your biggest challenge is helping clients make optimal decisions throughout their lives, while ensuring they enjoy the here and now.