

Behind The Advisor
XYPN
Behind the Advisor, an XYPN Podcast, takes you behind the scenes of what it really takes to launch, run, and grow a successful fee-only financial planning firm. Through candid conversations with industry leaders and real-life advisors, we uncover the challenges, victories, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, this podcast delivers the front-line insights and actionable strategies you need to build a thriving, purpose-driven firm—on your terms.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 7, 2024 • 56min
Ep #393: How Focusing on a Niche Allows You to Love Your Work: An Interview with Ashley Foster
In this episode of XYPN Radio, we welcome back Ashley Foster, CFP®, founder of NXT:GEN Financial Planning. You might remember Ashley from Episode 321 in 2021, where he shared his journey transitioning from the insurance industry to the fee-only financial planning world. Today, Ashley gives us an inside look at the firm he built, which now serves over 50 clients, focusing primarily on young to mid-career veterinarians. Discover how niching down has allowed Ashley to align his passion with purpose while building a lifestyle practice. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/393

Jul 24, 2024 • 52min
Ep #392: Making The Transition From a Broker Dealer to Launching Your RIA
In this episode of XYPN Radio, we sit down with Jamie Lima, CFP®, CDFA®, MBA, an XYPN Ambassador, and the founder of Woodson Wealth Management and Allegiant Divorce Solutions, two virtual firms. Jamie's journey is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, having transitioned from managing 450 households at large wirehouses to founding his firm amid the COVID pandemic of 2020. Jamie shares his unconventional path to gain marketing momentum, including how posting a profile on Thumbtack outperformed multiple marketing agencies. He also delves into his strategic hiring decisions, from bringing on an Operations Manager as a W2 employee to scaling his firm with 1099 advisors. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/392

Jul 10, 2024 • 58min
Ep #391: Taking Risks and Loving the Process - How the Valor Team scaled to over 100 Clients
In today's episode of XYPN Radio I am thrilled to have Ed Smith and Amanda Lique of Valor Wealth Partners on the show. Valor Wealth Partners specializes in serving civilian federal employees and handling their complex financial situations. Ed and Amanda are here to share their journey of building their firm from the ground up. We dive into the origins of their partnership, their strategic collaboration with ProFed to host workshops for their ideal clients, and the early investments that paved the way for their success. Despite the inherent risks, Ed and Amanda have no regrets in the venture and have grown their client base to over 100 satisfied clients. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/391

Jun 26, 2024 • 56min
Ep #390: Leveraging Lived Experience to Serve Business Owners
In today's episode we are joined by John Bovard, CFP®, founder and CEO of Incline Wealth Advisors, a thriving wealth management firm based in Cincinnati. John launched his firm in 2020, just before the pandemic, and has impressively grown it to serve over 75 clients with a dedicated two person team supporting him and the firm's continued growth. We delve into John's unique "barbell" approach to client management, focusing primarily on his niche work with business owners. John shares his insights on how he successfully guides these clients through the complex financial decisions involved in running their businesses. John discusses his flat fee pricing model and comprehensive service approach, offering listeners a transparent view of his strategies. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/390

Jun 12, 2024 • 51min
Ep #389: Going Full-time as a Solopreneur with Linden Cornett
We are thrilled to welcome back Linden Cornett, the founder of Seagrass Financial. Linden holds the honor of being the first guest to return three times over our eight-year journey at XYPN Radio. Many recent guests have mentioned Linden as a role model within our community, and for good reason. As a proud solopreneur, Linden has masterfully built systems and processes that allow her to scale and take well-deserved vacations. She gives us an inside look at how she leverages tools like Asana and introduces her innovative 15-hour intro planning package for new clients. Transparency is key as Linden openly shares her revenue and client numbers and offers invaluable advice for new advisors considering a shift into this space. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/389

May 29, 2024 • 54min
Ep #388: Unlocking the Power of a Partnership, The Evolution of AVID Planning with Jack Arnold and David Harpool
Jack Arnold and David Harpool, founders of AVID Planning, discuss their transition to independence, partnership dynamics, reducing client base for quality planning, navigating disagreements with shared values, and their commitment to client care in a comprehensive and insightful conversation.

May 15, 2024 • 55min
Ep #387: Balancing Motherhood and Management While Scaling an RIA: With Rebecca Conner
Rebecca Conner, Founder of SeedSafe Financial, shares insights on managing employees, prioritizing sleep, niche clientele, and maintaining a 25-30 hour work week. She discusses team empowerment, mindfulness practices, and balancing motherhood while running a successful RIA. Listeners gain actionable tips on juggling business growth, team management, and family life.

May 1, 2024 • 59min
Ep #386: Level Up Your Client Engagement Game with Elements' Revolutionary Diagnostic Tool
On today's episode, we are thrilled to welcome XYPN member, Reese Harper, CFP ®, and Carl Richards, CFP ®, to XYPN Radio. These innovative minds are behind the cutting-edge technology called Elements, XYPN's newest technology partner. We'll dive deep into the origins of Elements, the technology itself, and the ideas that inspired its creation. Reese shares how his frustrations with the lack of realistic, standardized measurements for a client's financial health led him to define what he calls the client's 11 vital signs—an essential aspect that eventually led to the development of Elements. These vital signs don't just transform the delivery of financial planning services by advisors, but they also redefine the client's experience and the overall value of financial planning. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/386

Apr 17, 2024 • 1h 9min
Ep #385: XYPN From "NextGen" to the "NextTen:" A Growth Story
In this special edition of XYPN Radio, co-founders Alan Moore and Michael Kitces join me to celebrate 10 years of XYPN. We reminisce about the early days, including how they met, the initial emails about opportunities for financial planners, and the growth and strategic decisions that shaped the company, including their first hire—me. Their complementary strengths and a commitment to innovation have been key to XYPN's success. We also discuss the future, including the launch of XYPN Sapphire, a corporate RIA designed to support a broader range of advisors. Join us as we celebrate XYPN's journey from industry disruptor to leader, and explore what's next for fee-for-service advisors building their dream firms. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/385

Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep #384: How to Sell Your Value and Other Lessons Learned from Running a Solo Practice for 25 Years with Cathy Curtis
Cathy Curtis, founder of Curtis Financial Planning and a veteran in the industry, shares her wisdom from nearly 25 years of running a solo practice. She discusses the unique challenges faced by single women in financial decision-making and the importance of transparent fee structures. Cathy emphasizes setting boundaries to sustain client relationships and enhance service value. Her insights on leveraging technology, such as Holistiplan, for efficiency, and the emotional complexities of transitioning clients are both enlightening and practical for aspiring advisors.


