

The Perfect RIA
Matthew Jarvis, CFP® & Micah Shilanski, CFP®
Welcome to The Perfect RIA podcast, the ultimate resource for advisors who want to master time management, optimize advisor-client interactions, achieve unparalleled profitability, and maximize value in their practice. Hosted by industry experts Matthew Jarvis, CFP®, and Micah Shilanski, CFP®, this podcast is your blueprint for success.
Matthew and Micah don't talk theory; they share what has worked for them in the real world. They cut through the noise to deliver practical advice that you can implement immediately so you can make the most of your time—allowing you to spend more of it outside the office.
Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just starting out, The Perfect RIA podcast equips you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel. Tune in and transform your advisory practice into a powerhouse of success.
Matthew and Micah don't talk theory; they share what has worked for them in the real world. They cut through the noise to deliver practical advice that you can implement immediately so you can make the most of your time—allowing you to spend more of it outside the office.
Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just starting out, The Perfect RIA podcast equips you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel. Tune in and transform your advisory practice into a powerhouse of success.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2026 • 30min
The Software Dilemma in Financial Planning [Episode 342]
Micah and Matt delve into the crucial role of foundational principles in financial planning. They critique the industry's reliance on software, urging advisors to grasp its limitations and understand outputs, rather than seeing it as a magic tool. There's a call to return to basics, such as manually filling out tax returns to master the process. The duo emphasizes that effective financial planning hinges on behavioral management, not just technical details, and shares insights on how custom software should evolve from real needs.

Dec 29, 2025 • 30min
Embracing Failure: Lessons from Million Dollar Producers [Episode 341]
Micah and Matt dive into the power of embracing failure as a vital learning tool for financial advisors. They stress the importance of intentionality in building client relationships and the benefits of accountability through masterminds. Time management and cutting failed strategies are key themes, along with the need for ongoing professional development. The duo shares insights on navigating growth stages and the significance of maintaining a proactive approach to avoid complacency. It's all about turning setbacks into stepping stones for success.

Dec 26, 2025 • 29min
Encore Episode: Why Advisors Fail
Dive into the crucial insights that can make or break an advisor's career. Discover the four essential rules that pave the way for success: integrity, intentionality, proven tactics, and the importance of accountability. Learn how to focus on delivering value while managing expectations and implementing effective routines. Explore the significance of environment design to boost productivity. This conversation is a treasure trove of actionable advice for advisors aiming to thrive and help more people.

4 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 32min
Transforming Financial Planning Practices with Sten Morgan [Episode 340]
Sten Morgan, a transformative financial advisor and practice builder, shares his journey from early struggles to industry confidence. He explores the evolution of advisory practices, emphasizing effective communication as a crucial skill. Sten discusses the debate over charging fees for planning services, the psychology behind client perceptions of fees, and the importance of creating efficient systems. He also highlights the necessity of templates and actionable deliverables to enhance client engagement and maintain practice efficiency.

Dec 19, 2025 • 4min
Encore Episode: Tips from the Trenches - Taxes
Discover quick strategies for estimating a client’s tax liability without complex software. Micah emphasizes the importance of using a current tax reference guide to verify brackets instantly. He reveals how to calculate a client's marginal tax rate by assessing fixed income plus withdrawals. Planning with the marginal rate is key, especially since new funds are taxed at the highest tier. Finally, Micah encourages proactive Roth conversions by comparing current rates with those projected for 2026.

35 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 32min
Tax Planning at Scale [Episode 339]
Tax planning can be complex, especially at scale. The hosts share insightful strategies for efficient team dynamics and the critical review of tax returns. They emphasize the importance of hands-on processes, like checklists, to enhance productivity and avoid burnout. Furthermore, they discuss the necessity of understanding client goals and using tax returns as tools for broader financial planning. Ultimately, every tax return is a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be explored.

Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 11min
Encore Episode: You Didn't Hire Idiots
Explore the importance of ongoing professional development for financial advisors. Discover how effective training boosts team performance and client communication. Delve into the firm's hiring standards that emphasize integrity and culture. Learn about tailored onboarding systems and the significance of continuous training over one-time sessions. Jamie shares insights on creating actionable training materials and the benefits of peer-led technical walkthroughs. Find out how measuring training success can enhance learning and growth.

Dec 11, 2025 • 31min
Creative Deal Structuring for Advisors With Scott DiGiammarino
In this episode of the TPR Podcast, Matthew Jarvis and Scott DiGiammarino delve into the complexities of liquidity events, focusing on the decision-making process between internal and external sales. They explore the emotional dynamics of succession planning, the importance of structuring deals creatively, and the significance of having a trained successor in place. The conversation also covers negotiation strategies, particularly around earnouts, and emphasizes the need for clarity in defining roles for the next generation of advisors. In this conversation, Scott DiGiammarino and Matthew Jarvis delve into the complexities of operating agreements, partnerships, and the valuation of financial practices. They discuss the importance of understanding historical agreements, the challenges of partnerships, and the nuances of super OSJs. The conversation emphasizes the need for objective analysis in practice valuation and the significance of ownership in enhancing business value. Scott also shares insights from his TED Talk on the psychology of video content, tying it back to the importance of effective communication in business. Creative Deal Structuring for Advisors With Scott DiGiammarino Resources in today's episode: - Matt Jarvis - Website | LinkedIn- Scott DiGiammarino - Website | LinkedIn - Get your practice valuation here

Dec 8, 2025 • 31min
The Power of Experimentation in Financial Planning With Art Turock [Episode 338]
In this engaging discussion, guest Art Turock, a seasoned author and performance coach, introduces the concept of latent needs and how addressing them can unlock significant breakthroughs. He emphasizes the importance of experimentation over failure, sharing success stories from his Intrepid Freedom Crusaders. Art also explores perceived impossibilities and offers practical accountability questions to encourage personal growth. Lastly, he outlines five daily practices to push past comfort zones, driving the message that consistent effort leads to remarkable outcomes.

Dec 5, 2025 • 43min
Encore Episode:The Godfather: Michael Kitces
Michael Kitces, Head of Planning Strategy at Buckingham Wealth Partners and a key figure in the financial advisory landscape, shares invaluable insights. He emphasizes the importance of defining a niche for financial advisors to build sustainable practices. Kitces discusses the power of community and loyalty born from clear boundaries. He offers practical advice on testing niches with existing clients and iterating based on feedback. Plus, he highlights the significance of passion paired with client needs for success. Tune in for actionable strategies!


