Secrets of Successful Advisors℠ with Ken Haman

In this fast paced conversation, Ken and Alex discuss the role of annual family meetings as an important part of a family's Legacy work. In this approach to doing Family Legacy, the Family Meeting represents a great opportunity for the advisor to work more closely with family members that they may have never connected with before. Not just the "Next Generation" clients, the annual Family Meeting gives the advisor a chance to work more closely with the spouse who may be highly interested in creating a meaningful family experience. One of the key ideas that emerged from the conversation was the role of an annual Family Meeting in helping families "develop the muscles" they will need to have in place when difficult decisions need to be made. By starting with a simple and fun Family Meeting experience and committing to a meeting every year the family benefits from learning how to work together, grapple with important decisions and experiencing the value of their financial advisor as an important, multi-generational resource. Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Financial Advisors feel enormous pressure to discount their fees when on-boarding new clients into their practices.For most advisors, once they have established a price with a client - even an inappropriately low price - they feel it is impossible to change the financial structure of the relationship even when they are providing a superior value. For most advisors the thought of raising their price feels them with dread. Fortunately, insights from the behavioral sciences provide powerful guidance that makes it easy and safe for an advisor to raise their fee. Really. Important Information: It is important to note that not all Financial Advisors are consultants or investment managers; consulting and investment management are advisory activities, not brokerage activities, and are governed by different securities laws and also by different firm procedures and guidelines. For some clients, only brokerage functions can be performed for a client, unless the client utilizes one or more advisory products. Further, Financial Advisors must follow their firm's internal policies and procedures with respect to certain activities (e.g., advisory, financial planning) or when dealing with certain types of clients (e.g., trusts, foundations). In addition, it is important to remember that any outside business activity including referral networks be conducted in accordance with your firm's policies and procedures. Contact your branch manager and/or compliance department with any questions regarding your business practices, creating a value proposition or any other activities (including referral networks). It is important to remember that (i) all planning services must be completed in accordance with your firm's internal policies and procedures; (ii) you may only use approved tools, software and forms in the performance of planning services; and (iii) only Financial Advisors who are properly licensed may engage in financial planning. For financial representative use only. Not for inspection by, distribution or quotation to, the general public.

For many years most legacy work was done by high-level, bespoke consultants or teams, was very expensive and offered only to families with enormous wealth. All of that is changing today. In this fast-paced conversation, Alex explains how legacy work is now available to families at all levels of wealth and can be provided by financial advisors as part of their Standard of Care of wealth management advice. Alex uses the metaphor of power windows to illustrate how legacy is expanding to more families: when power windows were first introduced they were available only on the most expensive models of cars. Today, with advances in technology, power windows are commonplace. In the same way, support for families that want to create a legacy is now available at scale through a technology-based solution at Total Family. Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Today there are millions of households in the United States that have accumulated more than $10 million in net worth - with about 2 million having $20 million or more. This huge and growing population of clients is being chronically - and tragically - undeserved by advisors who continue to engage them as if they have the same financial needs as they did before they achieved this level of success. In this conversation Ken and Alex begin to explore the implications of wealth, how the needs of families predictably change as they accumulate wealth and how advisors need to evolve their business model to embrace the emerging point of need of uniquely successful people: "what will be my legacy?" "What do I want this wealth to be doing for the next several decades?" and "How do I want my children and grandchildren to participate in that legacy?" Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Advisors often dread introducing changes to established clients. A great strategy is to start discussions with clear, observable agreements, reducing client resistance. Ken highlights the power of framing advice around a client’s life stage, making new recommendations feel natural rather than critical. Positioning changes as an evolution of practice can build trust. He also stresses the importance of combining emotional and logical reasoning to enhance receptivity. Clear communication about complexities and next steps is key to successful client transitions.

It seems that every month or so a new "killer app" is launched with expectations that it will soon revolutionize the financial services industry. In spite of obvious benefits, most advisors seem to be "late adopters" of new technologies. Scott and Ken explore why it is hard for most people to embrace new ideas, and consider what an advisor can do if they want to accelerate their use of technologies in their business. Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Too many financial advisors fall into the same trap: slashing fees to win business, then spending years overdelivering for a client who's paying far too little. The result? A regretted acquisition. Raising your fees should be the obvious next step. But the fear of rocking the boat—and losing a valued client—keeps most advisors stuck. Using insights from behavioral science, this master class will show you how to align your pricing with the true complexity of your clients' lives and the full value of your services. Raising fees doesn't have to feel risky. Done right, it reinforces your value, strengthens the relationship, and ensures that you're compensated for the quality you deliver. Download content here: https://info.alliancebernstein.com/3Q25ABAI.html?partnerref=Podcast Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

One of the fastest growing opportunities for advisors who are committed to growing their business is the acquisition of retiring advisors' businesses. In the 1980's and 1990's thousands of advisors started new businesses, and these are all now coming of age with advisors who are eager to sell. There are few opportunities more motivating to a growth-oriented advisor than the chance to add hundreds of new clients to their practice funded by a declining pay-out over 4-5 years. Unfortunately, there is more to acquiring a practice and benefiting from the acquisition than many advisors assume. In this deep-dive Ken looks at the challenges of acquiring a business that is actually worth buying, and provides guidance on asking the kinds of questions early in the process that reveal the quality of the business that is being offered – and the ability of the advisor who is offering it to partner well over the time it will take to transition the clients into the new practice. Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Life is complicated and it moves very fast. To cope with complexity the human brain learned long ago to create a model of the world from experiences and to use that model to understand everything that happens. What a person believes about the world (their model of the world) defines everything decision they make and every action they take. Unfortunately, beliefs are often the result of a few, unfortunate experiences rather than a carefully selected series of events. In this fast-paced conversation, Ken and Scott explore how beliefs are formed, how beliefs determine what an advisor is willing to charge – or not charge- for their services. Importantly, Ken provides some practical advice on how an advisor can change their beliefs about the way they charge for their services. Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Most advisors know that clients don't walk into their office with their financial hopes, dreams, goals and concerns all neatly organized on a mental spreadsheet. New, prospective clients especially experience their financial lives as a jumble of competing priorities and wishes. In this deep-diver conversation Scott and Ken explore how advisors can use a simple exercise with 5x8 cards to help clients clarify what they want their future to look like and how to define and organize their priorities. Not only does the exercise help the advisor understand the client more deeply, but it also helps the client understand themselves. As Ken explains, one client who went through the exercise exclaimed, "You have bound the chaos of my life!" to their advisor – all this in the second meeting they had with each other. Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.