AFO|Wealth Management Forward

In this episode, Rory speaks with Dr. Michael Thomas, lecturer at the University of Georgia, accredited financial counselor, and author of Black Financial Culture: Building Wealth from the Inside Out. Known for his TED Talk on financial empathy, Dr. Thomas explores how financial decisions are shaped not just by personal choices but by the systems we navigate—familial beliefs, societal norms, technological influences like social media algorithms, and even the way physical environments encourage spending. Discover how financial socialization—the way we inherit money beliefs—impacts behaviors, and why financial empathy, incorporating cognitive, emotional, and compassionate understanding, is essential for building trust. Dr. Thomas also shares the NURSE acronym (Name, Understand, Respect, Support, Explore), a powerful framework for financial advisors to deepen client relationships and foster behavioral change. Learn why businesses leverage psychological triggers to influence spending habits, how advocacy can drive financial literacy reform, and how financial professionals can move beyond just education to empower real action. Are you curious about how systems shape our behaviors? Want to learn how financial empathy can help clients overcome shame and take control of their financial future? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Thomas. Book: Black Financial Culture: Building Wealth from the Inside Out https://www.amazon.com/Black-Financial-Culture-Building-Wealth-ebook/dp/B0BY1SLHRJ Hire Dr. Michael: https://www.modomsolutions.com/

In this episode, Rory speaks with George Kinder, author, mindfulness teacher, and founder of the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, widely known as the father of life planning. George shares how his journey from tax professional to global leader in life planning was driven by his passion to align finances with freedom and fulfillment. Discover the power of his three life-planning questions, which help clients prioritize what matters most, and learn about the EVOKE process—a framework combining trust-building, deep listening, and actionable steps to design and live ideal life plans. George also highlights the importance of mindfulness in transforming suffering into wisdom and unlocking the freedom of the present moment. His latest book, The Three Domains of Freedom, explores how we can unlock the freedom of the moment, develop a life plan, and improve civilization. Are you curious about how life planning fosters clarity, confidence, and gumption? Do you want to learn how to craft your ideal day, week, or year? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this thought-provoking and inspiring conversation with George Kinder.

Industry leaders discuss the future of accounting, revealing the growing influence of private equity and potential IPOs. Insights on value acceleration emphasize the importance of attractiveness, owner readiness, and financial preparedness for business owners. Explore how behaviorally-driven client communications and generative AI boost productivity and engagement. The evolution of CPA firms leading up to 2030 hints at a shift towards business-oriented models. Additionally, effective storytelling techniques are spotlighted as a crucial element in successful fundraising.

In this special episode Rory highlights the most impactful conversations of 2024, featuring insights from leaders in behavioral finance, accounting, and wealth management. Discover how Amy Mullen’s values-based planning can deepen client connections, Dr. Preston Cherry’s “Secure the BAG” framework fosters financial compassion, and Nathan Astle’s practical framework navigates financial relationships. Learn about Bari Tessler’s approach to aligning money with emotions through mindfulness, Jeff Bartsch’s insights on storytelling, Alan Whitman’s call to challenge industry norms, and Samantha Lamas’s advice on preparing for retirement with emotional readiness. Are you curious about how to use storytelling to build trust with clients? Want to learn how aligning financial decisions with personal values can lead to greater satisfaction and success? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this best-of behavioral finance compilation.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Yuri Kapilovich, better known as “The Fun CPA,” about how he’s transforming the accounting profession by rejecting the traditional burnout culture and embracing work-life synchronicity. Discover how Yuri built a thriving practice that allows him to work fewer than 40 hours a week during busy seasons while staying highly responsive to his clients. Learn how his strategic approach to client selection and his focus on efficiency have helped him maintain a manageable workload and attract ideal clients. Yuri shares the power of personal branding, detailing how his engaging social media presence of over 10,000 LinkedIn followers has become a referral magnet. Are you curious about how to escape the grind and create a more rewarding practice? Want to learn how accountants can thrive by breaking outdated industry norms? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this engaging conversation with Yuri Kapilovich “The Fun CPA.”

In this episode, Rory sits down with Dr. Preston Cherry, founder of Concurrent Wealth Management, director at the Charles Schwab Center for Personal Financial Planning at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, and author of Wealth in the Key of Life: Finding Your Financial Harmony. Discover how financial wellness isn't just about numbers—it's about aligning your values, goals, and money decisions to create a life of purpose and meaning. Learn how tools like the "honest self-audit" and identifying your "money story" can help you build a stronger relationship with your finances. Dr. Cherry also shares his insights on creating financial compassion, embracing flexibility amidst uncertainty, and understanding the role of gratitude and grace in financial planning. Learn how how writing a financial purpose statement can illuminate your true priorities. Do you want to know why Dr. Cherry wrote about Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror" metaphor? Are you ready to uncover the deeper connections between wealth and well-being? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with author Dr. Preston Cherry.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Chris Tabb, founder of Inevitable Sale and a certified exit planning advisor who specializes in white-label exit planning solutions for accounting firms and professional advisors. Discover why thinking about exit planning from day one can significantly improve business value and ensure a smoother transition. In fact, five out of six business owners currently do not have an exit plan, highlighting the importance of proactive planning to ensure successful outcomes. Learn about the three assessments Chris uses to evaluate businesses: attractiveness to buyers, personal readiness, and financial readiness. Chris also shares his expertise on how to create a value-creator business rather than just a lifestyle business, highlighting the importance of leadership, transferable value, and removing owner dependency. Are you interested in how to make your business more attractive to potential buyers? Do you want to know how to grow your audience on LinkedIn and via newsletters? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this engaging discussion with Chris Tabb.

In this conversation with Mary Schmid, a communication and leadership educator, listeners explore the neuroscience behind trust and dialogue. Mary reveals that 85% of conversations are often superficial, lacking depth in connection. She shares how practitioners can enhance client interactions through curiosity and effective body language. The episode highlights the impact of neurochemicals like oxytocin and dopamine in conversations, and the transformative power of storytelling to deepen relationships in both financial and personal contexts.

Reyes Flores, founder and CEO of Platform Accounting Group, shares insights from his journey transforming boutique accounting firms. He discusses how combining AI technology with rich, multi-generational relationships enhances service quality. Reyes explains why family offices are ideal partners for patient capital, enabling long-term planning. The conversation covers staffing challenges, the retirement of senior partners, and innovative strategies for firm acquisitions, all aimed at ensuring local firms can evolve without losing their personal touch.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, recognized as one of the most influential figures in the accounting profession. Allan dives into the dramatic changes reshaping the profession—from the rise of private equity to the war for talent. Learn how firms are adapting to increased demand for capital, leveraging technology, and rethinking traditional business models to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Discover Allan's perspective on why being adaptable is more crucial than ever and what firms need to stay relevant. Find out why Allan believes that accountants can move from the most trusted advisor to being the most valued and the importance of guiding clients through significant business and personal decisions. Curious about how to future-proof your firm in an evolving landscape? Want to understand the impact of private equity on the accounting world? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this conversation with Allan Koltin.