The Perfect RIA

In this episode of The Perfect RIA podcast, Matthew Jarvis sits down with Duff Tucker from BELAY to tackle a topic that makes many financial advisors squirm: bookkeeping delegation. They dive into why clean books aren't just about avoiding audit headaches but are fundamental to running a thriving practice. The conversation reveals the psychological tug-of-war many advisors experience—feeling they should handle their own books while simultaneously drowning in tasks that pull them away from revenue-generating activities. Duff expertly dismantles common objections around security concerns and the "I can do it myself" mentality that keeps advisors chained to QuickBooks instead of meeting with clients. From the initial investment in training to the exponential returns of reclaimed time and reduced stress, Matt and Duff make a compelling case that professional bookkeeping isn't just an expense—it's a strategic growth decision. As they note, once advisors taste the freedom of delegation, they rarely turn back. Bookkeeping Breakthrough: Why Financial Advisors Who Delegate Win Big With Duff Tucker [Episode 301] Resources in today's episode: - Matt Jarvis: LinkedIn | Website - Duff Tucker: LinkedIn | Website - Text RIA to 55123 to access BELAY’s resources on delegation and to connect for your free delegation consultation.

In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn highlights succession planning and the lessons learned from a successful merger. On Monday, Matt sat down with Jenny Martella from Modera, who shared her remarkable journey of growing her advisory firm from $19 million to $250 million before joining a larger organization. Jenny reflected on the key lessons from her career, emphasizing that success comes through meaningful connections. When developing her succession plan, maintaining client experience quality remained her top priority. Jenny emphasizes that finding the right cultural fit was crucial in their decision to join Modera, where shared values, respectful treatment of colleagues, and assumptions of positive intent aligned with their own philosophy. She notes that this culture-first approach continues today, with team meetings regularly highlighting values in practice. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - The 'Bus Ready' Advisor: Building Firms That Outlast You With Guest Jenny Martella [Episode 300]

In this episode of the Perfect RIA Podcast, Matthew Jarvis sits down with financial powerhouse Jenny Martella, whose journey from managing $19 million to $250 million before joining Modera is nothing short of inspirational. Jenny shares wisdom that goes beyond numbers, revealing how meaningful connections shaped her success story. She unpacks the secret of effective succession planning (hint: it's not just about retirement) and why creating the right firm culture can make or break your practice. Jenny offers refreshing insights on why women advisors bring distinctive strengths to the table that boost bottom lines and how finding your niche can transform casual prospects into devoted clients. The conversation weaves through practical advice on building leadership teams, embracing mentorship, and staying "bus ready" to protect client interests. Perhaps most compelling is Jenny's philosophy that when your team thrives, your clients flourish – suggesting that the path to profitability might be paved with purpose rather than just profit margins. The 'Bus Ready' Advisor: Building Firms That Outlast You With Guest Jenny Martella [Episode 300] Resources in today's episode: - Matt Jarvis: LinkedIn | Website - Jenny Martella: LinkedIn | Website

In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn highlights advisor mindsets and M&A strategies in the financial advisory world.  Monday's episode featured Matt and Micah reflecting on insights from their recent mastermind event, where "financial undressing" revealed a fundamental truth: no two practices are alike. They challenged advisors to abandon the "I'm the best" mentality, warning that pride creates a dangerous blind spot. Instead, they advocate seeking out advisors who are achieving superior results and learning from their approaches—while still maintaining a critical eye for those who might be all talk with little substance to back up their claims. The week's bonus episode featured Ted Jenkin from JPTD joining Matt to cut through the noise in the M&A space. Ted highlighted a common pitfall: advisors often lack the market context to properly evaluate deals, potentially leaving money on the table. He emphasized that beneath splashy headlines about practice valuations lie complex deal structures that demand specialized knowledge. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - You’re Not Taylor Swift [Episode 299] - Exit Strategy Excellence: Building a Practice Worth Buying With Guest Ted Jenkin

In this episode of the Perfect RIA Podcast, Matthew Jarvis is joined by Ted Jenkin to discuss the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions in the financial advisory industry. They expose the gap between self-proclaimed M&A "experts" and those with genuine deal-making prowess. They highlight how proper negotiation tactics can transform a mediocre deal into a goldmine—and why having a professional negotiator in your corner might be the best investment you'll ever make. They tackle the uncomfortable truth that many advisors don't actually know their practice's real revenue numbers (hint: it's probably not what you think). Matt and Ted also challenge the common wisdom of waiting until reaching a specific size before selling, warning that this "someday" strategy could leave you with nothing but regrets and missed opportunities and reveal that many financial advisors are missing a crucial opportunity to add value during their clients' business sales—a process that's far more complex and emotionally charged than most realize. Exit Strategy Excellence: Building a Practice Worth Buying With Guest Ted Jenkin Resources in today's episode: - Matt Jarvis: LinkedIn | Website - Ted Jenkin: LinkedIn | Website - Get your practice valuation here

In this episode of the Perfect RIA Podcast, hosts Micah Shilanski and Matthew Jarvis discuss humility and why even advisors with the fanciest letterheads need it. The duo dives into the ecosystem of advisory practices (spoiler alert: not all are created equal) and unpacks the sometimes brutal realities of mergers and acquisitions. Whether your practice is a boutique operation or an industry behemoth, Micah and Matthew insist there's always something to learn from your peers—even if that something is "what not to do." They warn against the "know-it-all" syndrome that plagues many successful advisors and explain why understanding your practice's true value is essential before you start dreaming about that yacht-worthy exit strategy. Plus, they remind us that clients don't care about your impressive credentials if their experience feels like a trip to the DMV (and we don’t mean Delivering Massive Value). You’re Not Taylor Swift [Episode 299] Resources in today's episode: - Micah Shilanski: Website | LinkedIn - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn- Get your practice valuation here

The journey of an advisor breaking free from corporate constraints is explored in depth. Insights from Carmine Corino, a seasoned CEO, reveal the trials of embracing independence in financial advising. The discussion helps listeners assess their motivations and options, whether to venture into independence or stay with their current practices. Personal stories and expert advice guide aspiring advisors, making it an invaluable listen for anyone considering a shift in their career.

Join Carmine Corino, author of 'Broken Dealer' and CEO of Cornerstone Planning Group, as he shares his journey from the broker-dealer world to establishing his own RIA. Discover the challenges he faced, including the allure of recruiting incentives and the impact of private equity on the industry. Carmine emphasizes the importance of aligning professional choices with personal values over mere financial incentives. His reflections on loyalty and independence provide valuable insights for those considering a similar pathway in their financial advisory careers.

Amber Kuhn tackles the challenge of advisory fees and how client perceptions impact value. Matt and Micah assert that it’s not just about percentages; it’s the consistent delivery of value that matters. They highlight the need for advisors to help prospects see the full range of services offered, rather than just fixating on costs. The discussion underscores that belief in one's fee structure and having clear processes are essential for building trust and conveying worth to clients.

Dive into the debate on advisory fees and the true value they represent for clients. The hosts address the assumption that rising market values should automatically lead to higher fees. Discover the art of crafting a compelling value proposition that resonates with clients, emphasizing the need for clear communication and understanding. The discussion highlights the necessity of delivering real, perceived value while navigating the complexities of fee structures and enhancing client engagement. A fresh take on elevating the advisory experience waits!