AFO|Wealth Management Forward

In this episode, Rory speaks with Whit Lanier, CEO of Amplify Reviews, about how advisors are leveraging the power of online reviews to grow their practice. Discover Whit's journey from building and selling his medical review tech company and the lessons he learned that have helped him develop the current platform. Uncover best practices for effectively leveraging testimonials and understand how Amplify Reviews is reshaping the way financial advisors utilize client feedback in a way that is compliant with the new SEC marketing rule. Are you curious about enhancing your practice's visibility and credibility through online reviews? Do you want to grasp the best practices for requesting and managing client reviews in a compliant manner? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this insightful episode with Whit Lanier.

In this episode, Rory and Julie speak with Dr. Mary Bell Carlson, President of the Financial Keynote Behavior Group, to talk about taking evidence-based research and putting it into practical application. Discover how Dr. Carlson bridges the gap between academia and real-world financial planning through financial behavior insights. Listen as Dr. Carlson talks about her experience working in Washington and how she went about counseling individuals holding top-secret security clearances at the Pentagon and CIA. Find out how to create a safe space for clients using a framework of acceptance, relating, and connecting. Listen as Dr. Carlson discusses ways in which we can attract more people of diverse backgrounds into the profession and ways we can improve the attrition that is leading people to leave. Do you want to know how to set up in-person or virtual meetings to reduce a client's stress level? Do you want to know why Dr. Mary Bell asks clients, "What does money smell like to you"? Find out the answer to these questions and more on this Financial Behavior episode with Dr. Mary Bell Carlson.

In our latest episode, Rory engages with Robert Kirk, founder and CEO of IntergenData, to discuss the revolutionary impact of AI and machine learning on financial services. Discover how Robert and IntergenData are using AI to predict significant life events, empowering financial advisors to provide guidance on clients' healthcare, insurance, and financial planning needs. Learn about ways in which they are using AI to gain insight into people’s predisposition to certain diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. Robert highlights the data behind peak earnings ages and the impact a person’s marital status on longevity, showcasing the depth of analysis possible when using billions of data points. Find out ways to transform your advisor-client relationships by providing personalized and timely advice to help clients plan for their future. Do you want to know how AI is reshaping the landscape of financial services? Are you interested in learning what choices can lead to longer lifespans? Find out the answers to these questions and more with financial services veteran Robert Kirk.

In this episode, Rory and Julie speak with Amy Mullen, President of Money Quotient, to shed light on the vital role that personal values and life experiences play in financial planning. Amy discusses the results of a recent study conducted in collaboration with the Financial Planning Association, titled 'Developing and Maintaining Client Trust and Commitment in a Rapidly Changing Environment.' The study reveals a significant gap between what advisors think they are providing and what their clients actually feel they are receiving. Discover how the pandemic and global events have shifted clients' perspectives, priorities, and values, underscoring the importance of ongoing discovery in a client-advisor relationship. Are you intrigued to find out how your early childhood money stories can influence your current decisions? Curious about how to execute a values-based planning exercise? Tune in to uncover these insights and more with Amy Mullen!

In this episode, Rory and Julie speak with Inga Rachwald, Senior Investment Portfolio Strategist at Schwab Asset Management, to discuss women in investing. Discover why women tend to view investing more as a life skill rather than a competition, and the potential benefits of their generally more risk-averse nature. Explore how employing a holistic approach, by uncovering a client's values and life goals, can more effectively engage women in financial planning conversations. Uncover practical tips for onboarding women clients, ranging from communication preferences to ensuring both partners in a couple are equally involved in the decision-making process. Interested in recognizing and overcoming unconscious biases when working with women, or in fostering open and reciprocal dialogue? Find out the answers to these questions and more with insights from Inga Rachwald of Charles Schwab!

In this episode, Rory and Julie speak with Dr. Emily Koochel, the Head of Financial Wellness at eMoney. Listen as they discuss how to help clients use intrinsic motivation to increase the likelihood of success in reaching their goals. Discover ways to use solution-focused therapy to help clients identify their strengths andovercome new challenges. Learn more about eMoney's latest study on financial psychology actions and the top 5 most impactful for clients. Find out about the latest in the evolving world of financial planning and psychology with tips on increasing client engagement and well-being. Curious about how to initiate meaningful financial wellness conversations? Interested in understanding the link between personal well-being and financial health? Tune in for enlightening insights with Financial Psychology Thought Leader Dr. Emily Koochel!

Explore the concept of human-first financial guidance with Ross Marino, discussing the importance of understanding clients' aspirations. Learn about a four-question process to help clients open up and the shift from traditional planning to a more personal approach. Discover strategies for deepening client relationships and the significance of including significant others in financial discussions.

In this episode, Rory sits down with Laurence Whittam, the Managing Director at Impact Global Solutions, a strategic outsourcing advisory firm. Discover how Laurence is helping firms maximize efficiency through global teams. Listen as they discuss the staffing shortage challenges CPA firms face and how these firms are tackling the problem through the increased adoption of outsourcing. Learn about best practices for embracing alternative staffing solutions, both domestically and internationally and hear about the latest trends in M&A activity in the accounting profession. Find out why it's vital to take a strategic approach and understand the need for internal change management and comprehensive communication strategies. Are you curious about how top CPA firms are integrating global teams into a firm-wide culture? Interested in the future of outsourcing and offshoring in the accounting profession? Find out the answers to these questions and more with leading global teams advisor Laurence Whittam.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Rafael Casas, formerly of Sage and Oracle, and now a Director at QuickFee, as they discuss the evolving world of AI, the importance of relationships, and strategies for avoiding burnout. Discover Rafael's perspective on the latest AI developments and approaches for adopting this impactful technology. Hear about Rafael's personal encounter with a health scare and professional burnout, and learn the valuable lessons he learned in balancing work and life. Discover ways in which you can embrace technology while preserving the essential human element in your work. Are you curious to find out how technology companies are using F.U.D. (Fear, Uncertainty, & Doubt) to fuel the latest AI hype cycle? Do you want to find out what McKinsey said in their 2023 Gen AI research? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this informative episode with Rafael Casas.

In our Best of 2023 Part II, Rory brings together more great moments and insightful commentary from leading minds in accounting, wealth, and behavioral finance. The episode features a look into vulnerability and leadership with keynote speaker Amy Vetter and Intergenerational and Gender Communication specialist Julie Johnson. Listen as folks like Jody Padar, "The Radical CPA," talk about how AI is revolutionizing professional services. Discover why attorney and legacy planner Matthew McClintock thinks there is potential for a dawn of a new era in Bitcoin. You'll hear John Fenton discuss the power of discovering your "Why" to better connect with colleagues and clients. Hear from Dr. Kristy Archuleta discuss how we can use a more holistic approach when working with clients and why the "Sassy Septuagenarian," Keena Pettijohn believes we can all become more Sympathetic, Memorable, and Empathetic. Join us as we revisit the most impactful episodes of 2023.