

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

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.

7 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 - Learn More about our Coaching Programs

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!

Dec 1, 2025 • 29min
Navigating Tax Planning: Insights from the Jarvis Brothers [Episode 337]
Steven Jarvis, CPA and founder of Retirement Tax Services, teams up with his brother Matthew to dive into the nitty-gritty of actionable tax planning. They emphasize the importance of basic tax strategies over complex ones, offering insights on how to work closely with CPAs. Topics include common pitfalls in equity compensation, the value of 1099 letters for smooth tax preparation, and the use of a 37-point checklist to enhance client satisfaction. Their practical office hours aim to demystify tax questions and provide timely guidance for financial advisors.

Nov 28, 2025 • 38min
Encore Episode: What Are We Paying Employees?
In a deep dive into hiring for financial advisory firms, Jamie Shilanski challenges cookie-cutter recruitment methods. She emphasizes the importance of transparency in salary discussions to build trust and retain talent. Old-school outreach tactics, like direct calls, are highlighted over job boards. Jamie shares lessons from hiring mistakes and outlines clear compensation ranges for various roles, advocating for merit-based raises and tailored training programs. This fresh perspective could revolutionize how firms attract and keep top talent.

Nov 24, 2025 • 34min
Culture and Communication With Jacqueline Benjamin Hatherley [Episode 336]
Jacqueline Benjamin Hatherley, a seasoned operations and people-management expert with over 25 years in wealth management, joins the discussion to delve into enhancing team culture and communication in small businesses. She emphasizes allowing employees space to thrive and the power of effective one-on-one meetings. The duo explores the importance of understanding different communication styles, using assessments to foster collaboration, and addressing team conflicts to improve retention and productivity. Their insights provide actionable strategies for cultivating a strong workplace culture.

Nov 21, 2025 • 40min
Encore Episode: You May Be The Problem
Jamie emphasizes the value of practice in personal and professional growth. She discusses raising young leaders through teaching foundational values and responsibilities. Navigating social media and curating relationships are highlighted as essential for youth development. Jamie also proposes setting five-year goals and maintaining discipline in parenting. The podcast stresses the importance of guiding young adults until age 25, combining rigor with flexibility for balanced growth.


