

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 15, 2024 • 6min
Building Your Dream RIA and Debunking the Perfect Balance Myth
In this recap episode, Amber shares highlights about the world of independent advisors and the oh-so-elusive work-life balance (spoiler alert: it might not exist!). On Monday, Ryan Morrissey joined Matt and kicked off our week by sharing his journey from advisor to independent RIA owner, proving that sometimes the scariest leaps lead to the best rewards. His secret for success? A combination of educational marketing through classes (with a dash of direct mail that actually works) and implementing key strategies from The Perfect RIA, like Surge meetings. Thursday’s episode brought Jamie's honest take on what she calls the "work-life balance myth." She shared how being an advisor means accepting that you can't give 100% to everything all the time. Think of it as a lever - when you're pushing hard at work, especially during Surge seasons, something's got to give on the home front. Her solution? Transparent conversations with family and a strict "no drama" policy at the office. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - Education, Independence, and Growth with Guest Ryan Morrissey [Episode 282] - Drama, Drama, Drama

Nov 14, 2024 • 32min
Drama, Drama, Drama
Think "work-life balance" is achievable? Jamie Shilanski has news for you—it's time to ditch that myth along with the office drama. Jamie spills the tea on building a financial planning practice that actually works, minus the theatrics. She breaks down how surge periods can transform client engagement from a constant juggling act into a well-oiled machine. And while everyone's entitled to a bad day (we're human, after all), bad behavior gets no free passes. By fostering emotional intelligence and creating a culture where accountability meets support, she shows how letting go of drama-prone team members isn't just acceptable—it's often the secret sauce to leveling up your practice. Drama, Drama, Drama

Nov 11, 2024 • 25min
Education, Independence, and Growth with Guest Ryan Morrissey [Episode 282]
From cubicle to cornerstone: Ryan Morrissey shares how he transformed his practice into a success story on this episode of The Perfect RIA. Joining Matthew Jarvis, Ryan opens up about weathering the 2008 financial storm and making the calculated leap to launch his own RIA. Who says you need a traditional marketing playbook? Ryan reveals how teaching classes and seminars became his secret weapon for client acquisition. He breaks down the productivity-boosting power of Surge meetings, shares his approach to streamlining investment management, and explains how retirement guardrails help clients navigate their spending without losing sleep. Ryan also walks through the realities of going independent and demonstrates how modern marketing tools like podcasting and YouTube can elevate your practice from standard to standout. Education, Independence, and Growth with Guest Ryan Morrissey [Episode 282] Resources in today's episode: - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn - Ryan Morrissey: Website | LinkedIn

Nov 8, 2024 • 8min
Power Moves: Smart Business Planning and Savvy Hiring
Discover key strategies for enhancing a financial advisory practice, including the importance of dedicated business planning. Emphasis is placed on analyzing performance and aligning goals with a vision for life. Gain insights on effective hiring in a competitive job market, focusing on processes that seek passionate candidates. Learn about salary structures and career advancement opportunities, highlighting how professional growth can significantly increase an employee's value within the organization.

Nov 7, 2024 • 38min
What Are We Paying Employees?
In this episode, Jamie Shilanski pulls back the curtain on hiring in financial advisory firms. Diving headfirst into the talent pool, Jamie reveals why cookie-cutter recruiting doesn't cut it anymore. She challenges listeners to flip the script on traditional hiring methods, advocating for out-of-the-box strategies that can unearth hidden gems in unexpected places. But it's not just about getting top talent through the door - it's about keeping them from walking out. Transparency takes center stage as Jamie makes a compelling case for open compensation talks. She argues that laying all the cards on the table isn't just fair play; it's a great plan for building unshakeable trust with your team. What Are We Paying Employees? Resources in today's episode: - Janine Driver - Ritz Carlton Training - Udemy - Dale Carnegie Training

12 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 29min
A Failure to Plan is a Plan to Fail [Episode 281]
Successful financial advisors share a crucial secret: effective business planning. The hosts challenge listeners to assess their current trajectory and align professional goals with personal dreams. They highlight the importance of measuring progress with actionable metrics and transforming ambitious plans into tangible results. Proactive planning boosts productivity, reduces stress, and enhances communication. Listeners are urged to prioritize business planning and continuous professional development for long-term success in the fast-paced financial advisory world.

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