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 17, 2025 • 27min
Discipline Equals… Money? [Episode 335]
Discover how discipline is the secret sauce for success in finance, transforming small victories into a winning mindset. Learn practical daily habits that boost productivity, like setting routines and eliminating decision fatigue. The hosts delve into the importance of deliberate practice, highlighting what distinguishes top advisors from the rest. Explore actionable tips for measuring progress, reclaiming your evening for productive activities, and starting every morning with a win to accelerate your journey toward your goals.
Nov 14, 2025 • 21min
Encore Episode: Team Building For Financial Advisors With Guest Christine Timms
Christine Timms, a former financial advisor who grew her client book to $400 million, now helps others build successful teams. In this engaging conversation, she shares her journey from rookie to pro, emphasizing the importance of delegation for improving advisor life and client outcomes. Christine discusses early mistakes in team structure, the value of having associates as primary contacts, and strategies for scaling capacity. She also introduces practical tools like her business models checklist, designed to help advisors clarify services and enhance efficiency.
Nov 10, 2025 • 33min
Hiring an Executive Assistant With Karen Stewart [Episode 334]
Join Karen Stewart, an Executive Assistant expert and former Belay client success consultant, as she shares her insights on hiring and managing executive assistants. Discover the key traits to look for in an EA, like proactivity and accountability. Karen outlines a rigorous vetting process with a mere 3% hire rate. Learn about effective onboarding strategies, feedback cycles, and maintaining open communication to build trust. Plus, tips on handling turnover and crucial documentation ensure that transitions remain smooth. It's a masterclass in maximizing productivity!
11 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 29min
Encore Episode: Measure What Really Matters?
Dive into the world of advisor effectiveness as hosts peel back common misconceptions about metrics. They expose how traditional indicators like AUM can mislead, revealing the importance of tracking revenue per hour instead. Hear why office hours and household counts are merely trophies rather than true measures of success. Gain insights on how precise record-keeping uncovers inefficiencies and how accountability can accelerate improvement. Embrace continuous learning to drive your practice forward and prioritize what really matters.
7 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 27min
Unlocking the Secrets of Practice Valuation With Scott DiGiammarino [Episode 333]
In this engaging conversation, Scott DiGiammarino, an M&A advisor at JPTD Partners, shares his wealth of knowledge on practice valuation for financial advisors. He dives into current market trends and emphasizes the importance of structured sales processes. Scott details how to match sellers with the right buyers and the crucial steps in due diligence. He candidly discusses the emotional challenges faced by sellers and the potential pitfalls of self-representation, highlighting why having a broker can safeguard value during negotiations.
Oct 31, 2025 • 28min
Encore Episode: Leveraging Technology With Guest Ben Goss
Ben Goss, CEO and founder of Dynamic Planner, shares insights on leveraging technology to enhance financial advising. He discusses the importance of balancing technology with human empathy to improve client engagement. Ben highlights how their software boosts productivity, allowing advisors to serve more clients without extra effort. He emphasizes measuring tech effectiveness by time saved and how smart scaling can significantly impact revenue. Lastly, he encourages ongoing professional development as a vital aspect of success in the financial sector.
10 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 29min
Revolutionizing Financial Advisory with AI With Liam Hanlon [Episode 332]
Liam Hanlon, Head of Insights at Jump AI and former management consultant at EY, joins the discussion on transforming financial advisory through technology. They delve into the psychological barriers that hinder advisors from adopting new tools and the surprising insights drawn from advisor-client interactions. Hanlon shares how AI note-taking can significantly enhance client focus and boost prospect conversion rates. They also emphasize the rapid rise of AI adoption among advisors, urging firms to leverage these innovative tools for better outcomes.
Oct 24, 2025 • 28min
Encore Episode: So Is This What You Do In YOUR Practice?
Matt and Micah dive into the art of asking the right questions to enhance learning from industry peers. They highlight the risks of relying on unsolicited advice and stress the importance of verifying claims before implementing strategies. The duo emphasizes transparency, discussing failures alongside successes for meaningful growth. They also explore the significance of accurate practice metrics and how real numbers can transform decisions. Plus, they share insights on effective marketing tracking and the value of connecting with proven advisors.
Oct 23, 2025 • 31min
The Importance of Risk Management in Financial Planning With Justin Smith
In this engaging discussion, Justin Smith, a life insurance and risk-management specialist, collaborates with Matthew Jarvis to emphasize the vital role of open conversations about risk management in financial planning. They delve into strategies for initiating discussions around sensitive topics like disability and estate planning, encouraging advisors to use simple visual aids for client communication. Justin also highlights the importance of annual policy reviews and pre-underwriting to secure the best options in complex scenarios, ensuring clients' needs are continuously met.
Oct 20, 2025 • 35min
Demolishing Comfort Zones: A Path to Growth With Art Turock [Episode 331]
In this intriguing conversation, Art Turock, a performance improvement coach and author of 'Demolish Your Comfort Zones,' shares powerful insights on escaping comfort zones for personal and professional growth. He discusses the dangers of comfort zones, the importance of setting audacious goals, and how embracing risk aligns with one's core values. Art offers practical tips on finding elite coaches, the significance of mindset rehearsal, and how to transform discomfort into opportunity. His approach not only fosters individual growth but also elevates expectations for those around you.
