

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

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.

Mar 20, 2024 • 60min
Ep #383: Grow Your Firm Faster by Leveraging Your Former Career with Mike Zung, CFP®
Today we welcome Mike Zung, CFP®, founder of Java Wealth Planning, an RIA based in Kansas City, Missouri to XYPN Radio. Mike shares insights into his journey from launching his firm part-time while still working in software development, to eventually transitioning to a full-time role serving over 30 tech industry clients. Mike and I cover marketing strategies, successfully transitioning from project-based to ongoing planning, and how he defines value for his clients. This episode provides valuable wisdom for advisors who change careers and the opportunities that can be leveraged by leaning into their previous expertise and personality strengths. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/383

Mar 6, 2024 • 55min
Ep #382: Leveraging Your Wirehouse Experience to Shape the Foundation of Your Fee-only Firm
In this episode, Maddy Roche returns as the full-time host of XYPN Radio, joined by Jennifer Kang, CFP®, founder of JWK Financial. Jennifer shares how she leveraged two decades of experience in a large wirehouse to establish her fee-only, flat-fee RIA in New York. She talks candidly about the fast-paced start of her business and her unwavering confidence in the value she provides, encouraging prospects to interview other advisors to ensure a perfect fit. Jennifer also discusses the transition from initial engagement fees to ongoing flat-rate relationships and emphasizes the importance of building a business at a sustainable pace. This episode is packed with valuable insights, making it a must-listen for financial professionals looking to learn from Jennifer's experience and expertise. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/382

Feb 21, 2024 • 47min
Ep #381: The Power of YouTube: Strategies for Building Your Clientele
This special episode of XYPN Radio will be Alan’s last episode before turning the podcast over to Maddy Roche! Alan talks about the transition before diving into a special episode with Patrick King, founder of Prana Wealth Management in Atlanta, Georgia. Patrick's journey began as an engineer designing machinery, but a realization about his financial advisor's priorities sparked his transition into financial planning. After earning his MBA, he gained experience at various large RIAs before deciding to start his own firm. Despite initial challenges, Patrick embraced YouTube to reach his ideal clientele, pivoting from targeting dual-income households to focusing on pre-retirees. Join us as Patrick shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey and the role of YouTube in building his successful fee-only practice. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/381

Feb 7, 2024 • 57min
Ep #380: Cultivating Empathy in Finance: Catching up with Tara Tussing Unverzagt
Explore Tara Tussing Unverzagt's innovative approach to financial planning. Tara's path to success involves leveraging her expertise as a certified financial therapist and prioritizing accessibility in her services. In this conversation, Tara shares how she has evolved her firm's offerings over the years to make financial planning accessible to diverse client populations. From hourly consultations to community-building initiatives, Tara's firm ensures fairness and affordability through a sliding scale fee structure based on income and assets. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/380