Behind The Advisor

Scott Weiss is the owner of Weiss Financial Group, a fee only firm in Mahopac, NY. In today’s episode, we discuss Scott’s previous career as an art director in the magazine world, as well as why he decided to leave that industry and enter into the financial planning profession. Listen in as we delve into Scott’s story: what it was like joining a family firm, how they broke the business into a tax firm and a financial planning firm, the experience of earning his CFP®, and what he’s doing to stay relevant to his ideal client base. We recorded this episode March 20, 2020, when the world started to spiral into this state of uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Scott talks about where we are today as a country and as an industry, and he shines light on how he's been able to leverage a community, his network, and his education to ensure that he can show up for his clients, himself, and his family. If you're interested in how to grow a family business or how to just keep your head above water during these wild times, this show is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/250  

Martha Williams is the owner of Williams Wealth Services, a fee-only firm in Ann Arbor, MI. Like many advisors, Martha began her career in this industry, from the bank channel to broker-dealers and independent BDs to eventually running her own firm. Martha shares her journey with us and how the underlying desire to help people followed her with every career move she made. In 2017, she finally broke out on her own and was able to transition and continue to serve over 40 client households from her previous firms, preserving the long-term relationships that she had built over those years. Listen in as she delves into the flexibility that owning her own firm affords her and how she dealt with the imposter syndrome, as well as the role of women in this profession and where she thinks the industry is heading. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/249     

Trent Porter is the owner of Priority Financial Partners, a fee-only firm in Durango, CO. Trent began his career in this industry and, after graduating with a financial planning major, started his first RIA while still in his 20s. Trent provides an especially interesting perspective on the show today about having built not just one firm over the years, but two. Join us as we talk about his investment in networking and how it paid off big time as he progressed through his career, as well as Trent’s sage advice around goal setting, being okay with goals not working out, and creating a firm that allows you to live your best life. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/248      

Cliff Downie is the owner of Downie Financial Group, a fee-only firm in Orange County, California. Cliff has spent his career in this industry, going from Merrill Lynch to an independent big broker-dealer, and then ultimately becoming the owner of his own RIA. He joins the show today to discuss his unique perspective on running a firm that serves over 100 clients while still maintaining valuable time to spend with his wife and family. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/247 

Kelly Luethje is the owner of Willow Planning Group, a fee-only firm in Holderness, New Hampshire. Kelly spent most of her early career working in investor relations at a bio-tech company and after getting her own financial house in order she was drawn into Financial Planning industry. After working at another fee-only firm, she decided to start her own RIA and today she runs a completely virtual business with over 50 clients of her own. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/246      

Joe Morgan is the owner of Best Financial Life, a fee-only firm in Danville, California. Joe has spent his career on the corporate side of this industry and after nearly 20 years, he is experiencing the most joy he ever has - joy he credits to his firm. Today Joe joins the show to share his advice for advisors breaking out on their own and reminds us how great it can be when you push through the hardships of getting started. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/245  

Rooted Planning Group is a firm started by XYPN member Amy Irvine, and it consists of financial planners Kate Welker, Kerrie Beene, and Becky Partridge-Eason. Amy found herself hitting capacity a few years ago—both in terms of sanity and time—so she decided to start laying the foundation for what is now a four-person company. Today Amy and her team join the show to discuss their unique experiences joining a rapidly growing practice.   You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/244     

Denise Downey is the owner of Financial Trex, a fee-only firm located in Spokane, Washington. One of the first 50 women to join XYPN, Denise has worked on the trading floors of the Chicago Stock Exchange, pursued her CFP, and gained a deep understanding of financial planning. Today she joins the show to discuss why she decided to move on from her 9-5 job to make time for her family and the lifestyle she wants to lead. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/243      

Today XYPN member Rob Brown, owner of Brownsboro Financial, joins the show. After starting his career in the film industry as a production manager, he craved something new and decided to start a career path as a financial advisor. In this episode, he describes the challenges of starting a new business, as well as what it's like running a business while being a first-time father. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/242   

Erik Klumpp is the owner of Chessie Advisors, a fee-only firm in Rochester Hills, Michigan. After gaining invaluable experience at four different firms straight out of college, Erik built his practice from the ground up in 2014. Today he joins the show to talk about what pushed him to start his own firm and the sacrifices he had to make to be a stay-at-home dad while growing his business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/241