

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

Nov 1, 2024 • 6min
Bitcoin Battles and Value Add Victories
In this recap episode, Amber shares highlights of a heated debate about Bitcoin's place in financial advising and an insightful exploration of value add strategies during surge periods. Monday's episode featured a face-off between Matt and guest Isaiah Douglass from Swan Bitcoin, moderated by David Decelle from Model FA. The debate centered on Bitcoin's role in investment portfolios, with Matt expressing skepticism about its utility beyond gambling and criminal activity. In contrast, Isaiah passionately argued for Bitcoin's potential as a transformative technology in human history. Thursday's encore episode featured Jamie's insights on implementing value adds during surge periods and optimizing post-surge activities. Jamie stressed the importance of planning value adds a year in advance, rotating them every few years to accommodate changing client needs. Post-surge activities include thorough debriefs, analyzing trends in client questions, and fostering team collaboration. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - The Bitcoin Debate: Risks and Benefits with Guests Isaiah Douglass and David DeCelle [Episode 280] - Encore Episode: Managing Value Adds In Surge

Oct 31, 2024 • 24min
Encore Episode: Managing Value Adds In Surge
Explore the art of surge scheduling in financial planning to boost client engagement and team efficiency. Discover the importance of refreshing value adds regularly and the benefits of post-surge debriefs for continuous improvement. Learn how effective communication and a keen understanding of client assets can unveil new opportunities. Collaboration among advisors is key, enabling constructive feedback and enhanced service delivery. Emphasize teamwork and reflection to elevate the client experience and streamline operations.

Oct 28, 2024 • 52min
The Bitcoin Debate: Risks and Benefits with Guests Isaiah Douglass and David DeCelle [Episode 280]
Isaiah Douglass, an account executive at Swan Bitcoin and former financial planner, passionately advocates for Bitcoin's transformative potential in finance. Moderated by David DeCelle from Model FA, the discussion dives into Bitcoin's role as both a store of value and medium of exchange. The pair face off on the risks, such as government regulations, versus the benefits of navigating the cryptocurrency landscape. Their insights highlight the balancing act for financial advisors in a volatile market and the evolving acceptance of Bitcoin as a serious asset.

Oct 25, 2024 • 8min
Leading with Integrity: Balancing Team Management and Client Relationships in Financial Advising
In this recap episode, Amber shares highlights about effective leadership in your practice with your team and maintaining professionalism in client relationships. Matt and Micah kicked off the week by emphasizing the importance of mastering essential skills to elevate your practice. They stressed the significance of setting clear expectations when bringing on new team members, whether they're junior advisors or support staff, highlighted common pitfalls in leadership, such as failing to establish firm boundaries and non-negotiable standards. The conversation then shifted to professionalism in financial advising, with Jamie Shilanski joined by her father, Floyd. They discussed the unique challenge financial advisors face in succinctly describing their profession compared to other professionals like doctors or lawyers. Floyd shares insights on effectively communicating the value of financial planning services, emphasizing the importance of putting clients first and charging according to the value provided. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - Learning Opportunity or Time To Go [Episode 279] - A Tangent with Floyd Shilanski

Oct 24, 2024 • 36min
A Tangent with Floyd Shilanski
Floyd Shilanski, an experienced financial advisor and co-founder of Shalansky and Associates, joins his son Jamie for a deep dive into professionalism in financial planning. They discuss the evolution of the advisory landscape and the importance of recognizing one's value. The duo tackles building trust with clients and the emotional aspects of financial decisions. They also explore generational differences in career aspirations, advocating for a compassionate approach towards client relationships that extend beyond mere transactions.

Oct 21, 2024 • 28min
Learning Opportunity or Time To Go [Episode 279]
Explore the critical role of leadership and team management in financial advisory practices. Discover how clear expectations and firm boundaries can transform team dynamics. Uncover the importance of punctuality, integrity, and respect in fostering a productive environment. Learn the consequences of vague boundaries and the need for accountability, all while balancing cautionary tales with inspiring insights on effective leadership.

Oct 18, 2024 • 7min
The Devil's in the Details: Mastering Professionalism and Digital Discipline
The discussion highlights the crucial role of professionalism in advisory practices, stressing that small details like punctuality and dress code can influence success. Navigating the digital landscape is a double-edged sword, offering both convenience and distractions. The importance of maintaining human connections in financial advising is emphasized. Practical strategies for creating a healthy digital balance are shared, such as setting time limits and focusing on personal values rather than comparing oneself to the highlights of others.

Oct 17, 2024 • 30min
Is This The Grind?
Feeling stuck in life while everyone else seems to be racing ahead? In this episode of The Perfect RIA podcast, Jamie Shilanski peels back the curtain on the illusion of progress and the pitfalls of comparison in our digital age. Jamie exposes the hidden costs of our attachment to electronic devices and the illusion of others cracking the code. She shares her personal success filters and introduces the game-changing CHER test, a powerful tool to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters in the long run. Is This The Grind?

Oct 14, 2024 • 26min
Yes, It Is Your Dress [Episode 278]
In this episode, Matt and Micah unpack the power of professionalism in the industry. They reveal how the often-overlooked details – a sharp outfit, punctual arrival – can significantly shape client perceptions and build lasting trust. They explore how these seemingly small touches can have a profound impact on client relationships, potentially making or breaking crucial business connections. They also dive deep into the art of leading by example, offering practical advice on how to set and maintain high standards for yourself and your team. Yes, It Is Your Dress [Episode 278] Resources in today's episode: - Micah Shilanski: Website | LinkedIn - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn

Oct 11, 2024 • 7min
Avoiding Common Advisor Pitfalls and Embracing Sales Excellence
Financial advisors often stumble into common traps that can hinder their success. Effective communication and leveraging wholesaler relationships are essential for growth. It's crucial to recognize that everyone in the industry is essentially in sales, emphasizing integrity in every interaction. Building genuine connections with clients can significantly impact retention and closing prospects. The importance of teamwork and strategic time management also shines through, guiding advisors toward enhanced practices.


