

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

8 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 6min
Goal Setting Gone Right: Stop Faking It, Start Making It
Discover the secrets to mastering goal achievement with insights from an executive coach. Learn about the importance of focusing on one goal at a time rather than overwhelming yourself with too many changes. Explore the four essential characteristics of successful goal achievers: clarity, confidence, courage, and consistency. The conversation emphasizes the value of coaching and regular reflections to overcome common challenges and maintain progress. Tune in to transform your approach to goal setting!

6 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 32min
From Setting to Achieving: The Four C's To Achieving Your Goals with Guest Kristin Burke [Episode 296]
Kristin Burke, a seasoned financial advisor coach, shares her expertise on bridging the gap between goal-setting and achievement. She breaks down the crucial Four C's: clarity, confidence, courage, and consistency, offering insights into building a sustainable path to success. Kristin emphasizes the power of specific, trackable activities over vague intentions, introducing her effective Friday ritual for reflection and planning. Listeners are encouraged to celebrate small wins while prioritizing ongoing personal and professional growth.

Feb 14, 2025 • 6min
Why Two Advisors Decided to Spill Their Secrets
In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn highlights the origin story of why Matthew Jarvis and Micah Shilanski started The Perfect RIA. Matt and Micah revealed how the landscape of financial advising was once shrouded in mystery, with successful advisors keeping their strategies close to the chest, and they found themselves navigating through well-meaning but often theoretical advice from people who hadn't actually implemented what they were preaching. After years of trial and error, they discovered that their unconventional approach to running their practices, though criticized by industry standards, was working exceptionally well. Their commitment to transparency and real-world experience led to their first (albeit unreleased) podcast attempt, eventually evolving into the weekly show we know today. The heart of their message centered on the importance of community and the power of shared experience. The Perfect RIA has become more than just a podcast – it's a forcing mechanism for growth and a platform for industry transformation. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - Beyond the BS: What Actually Works in Financial Planning [Episode 295 ]

Feb 10, 2025 • 29min
Beyond the BS: What Actually Works in Financial Planning [Episode 295 ]
The hosts dive deep into what truly drives success in financial planning, challenging conventional wisdom. They discuss the evolution of financial advisory practices and the need for genuine client interactions over mere metrics. The impact of community support and mastermind groups is emphasized, revealing how accountability can transform practices. Personal anecdotes add depth to the conversation, showcasing the hurdles faced in the industry. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of continuous improvement and open communication for professional growth.

Feb 7, 2025 • 6min
Estate Planning: From Checkbox to Cornerstone
In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn highlights why estate planning often becomes a mere checkbox for financial advisors despite its critical importance. On Monday, Micah shared his successful approach of making estate planning the first priority with new clients, emphasizing the value of supporting clients throughout the entire process rather than simply directing them to an attorney. He and Matt stressed the importance of advisors experiencing estate planning firsthand, demonstrating how personal experience can help advisors better relate to and guide their clients. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - A Trust Will Solve All My Problems… [Episode 294]

Feb 3, 2025 • 25min
A Trust Will Solve All My Problems… [Episode 294]
Matthew Jarvis and Micah Shilanski unpack the complexities of estate planning, emphasizing it’s more than a mere checkbox. They urge financial advisors to actively guide clients through this ongoing process. The duo shares insights on managing expectations, particularly with intricate trust arrangements. Personal storytelling is highlighted as a tool for building client connections. They advocate for focused meetings on estate planning, stressing that clarity and compassion are key to navigating this sensitive topic effectively.

Jan 31, 2025 • 6min
Beyond the Numbers: The Human Side of Retiring
In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn recaps a powerful conversation between Matthew Jarvis and financial advisor Tony Hixon, author of "Retirement Stepping Stones." The episode dives into the human side of financial advising, sparked by a personal tragedy that transformed Tony's approach to retirement planning. This devastating experience led Tony to revolutionize his approach to retirement planning where he discovered a critical gap. While financial readiness is essential, it's just one piece of the retirement puzzle. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - The Hidden Crisis in Retirement: Finding Purpose After the Paycheck with Guest Tony Hixon [Episode 293]

Jan 27, 2025 • 29min
The Hidden Crisis in Retirement: Finding Purpose After the Paycheck with Guest Tony Hixon [Episode 293]
In this episode of The Perfect RIA, Matthew Jarvis welcomes Tony Hixon for a deeply personal conversation about the often-overlooked emotional dimensions of retirement planning. Sharing the heart-wrenching story of his mother's struggle with mental health after retiring, Tony reveals how this experience transformed his approach to financial advising. He discovered that while managing money is crucial, helping clients discover their post-retirement purpose and legacy is equally vital for their wellbeing. Drawing from his experiences and insights, Tony has developed comprehensive resources including his groundbreaking book, "Retirement Stepping Stones," which offers both advisors and clients practical strategies for navigating the psychological aspects of retirement. Perhaps most importantly, Tony emphasizes a profound truth about effective advising: before guiding clients through their journey of self-discovery, financial advisors must first commit to their own personal growth and development. The Hidden Crisis in Retirement: Finding Purpose After the Paycheck with Guest Tony Hixon [Episode 293] Resources in today's episode: - Matt Jarvis: LinkedIn | Website - Tony Hixon: LinkedIn - Retirement Stepping Stones: Find Meaning, Live with Purpose, and Leave a Legacy - The Purpose Driven Retirement Coaching Guide™ Online Course For Financial Advisors *Use code: PerfectRIA for 15% off **This course is approved for 2 hours of CE credit - Being Above Or Below The Line With Guest Adam Silberstein

Jan 24, 2025 • 7min
Follow The Numbers: Why Advisors Need to Track Their Prospecting Pipeline
In this week’s recap, Amber Kuhn highlights the discussion about turning your January business aspirations into tangible growth. On Monday, Matt and Micah emphasized that successful financial advisory practices need more than just revenue goals – they need sustainable double-digit client growth to maintain and increase practice valuations. The heart of their message centered on the sometimes uncomfortable but crucial practice of "financial undressing" – laying bare your practice's real numbers rather than the ones you might be telling yourself. And when it comes to prospecting, Matt and Micah drew a clear distinction between leads and prospects, emphasizing the importance of having a well-defined process from initial contact through onboarding. They stressed that top-performing offices review their pipeline weekly, tracking everything from contact rates to close ratios, even if it means confronting rejection head-on. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - So, How Will You Get All Those New Clients? [Episode 292]

Jan 20, 2025 • 27min
So, How Will You Get All Those New Clients? [Episode 292]
In this episode, Matt and Micah tackle the age-old question: how can advisors transform their practices from good to extraordinary? They reveal why shooting for double-digit client growth isn't just ambitious – it's necessary for a thriving practice in today's competitive landscape. But it's not all about the numbers (though they're pretty important). The episode unpacks the critical role of financial addressing – think of it as your practice's GPS, helping you navigate through potential gaps and opportunities. Matt and Micah emphasize the value of having someone who'll challenge your figures and push back on your assumptions because, let's face it, sometimes we all need a reality check. The conversation takes a practical turn as they dissect the prospecting process, showing how tracking metrics can transform your client acquisition strategy. They stress that your prospect process shouldn't be a well-kept secret – it should be as clear as day to your entire team. So, How Will You Get All Those New Clients? [Episode 292] Resources in today's episode: - Micah Shilanski: Website | LinkedIn - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn