Behind The Advisor

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

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

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

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

Embracing your authentic self can be terrifying, but our guest today took the leap and built an amazingly successful RIA by connecting with her niche. Our guest today, Lindsey Young, CFP®, and founder of Quiet wealth, shares shares her journey, and how she found success. Lindsey navigated diverse career terrains, from strategy consulting to the Peace Corps, tech in San Francisco, venture capital, and investment banking. Her decision to transition before starting the firm, driven by authenticity moving forward, resonated with her clients. On this episode, Lindsey shares her unique sales process, targeting successful LGBTQ professionals with a focus on clients with a net worth of one to five million. The conversation delves into her marketing strategies, emphasizing the significant return on investment from Google Ads and overall SEO efforts. Lindsey's experience offers a nuanced perspective on building trust within the LGBTQ community and highlights the broader appeal of her approach, serving both LGBTQ and straight clients. Join us for a deep dive into Lindsey's flat-fee model, her compensation structure, and the challenges and opportunities she encounters as a financial planner. I You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/379

Join us this week as we explore Prosp(a)rity, a non-profit dedicated to nurturing, uplifting, and advancing Black women, and ultimately positioning them to pay it forward to their communities and next generations. Bri Franklin, Co-Founder of Prosp(a)rity, shares her journey — from post-Ivy League student debt to catalyzing change. This episode, Bri emphasizes the urgency of addressing predatory lending and student debt, spotlighting the systemic changes required. She details the programs Prosp(a)rity, champions. If you're a financial advisor seeking meaningful involvement, Bri outlines avenues for your impactful contribution. It's more than personal finance; it's about fostering resilience, community, and pursuing financial empowerment for all. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/378

Matt Miner, founder of Miner Wealth Management and an XYPN member, joins us on the show today. After starting his career in corporate finance and earning an MBA, Matt worked with John Deere until a merger-related layoff prompted a career change. His journey into financial advising began with an internship at a fee-only advisory firm, where he successfully built his own client base from scratch. In 2021, after three years at the firm, Matt negotiated a buyout to take his clients and start his own RIA. He shared the details of this buyout and how it benefited both parties. Now in his third year of business, Matt is on track to generate over $350,000 in revenue. He also discussed his approach to fees, emphasizing that the debate over fee structures is unnecessary, and how he uses fees as a tool to ensure he's working with his ideal clients. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/377

Maggie Klokkenga, founder of Make A Money MindShift, shares her transformative journey from being a CPA to starting her own firm focused on financial coaching. She discusses her client engagement process and the positive outcomes she's witnessed. The podcast also explores the impact of having a tax background, the AFC designation in financial coaching, and the importance of flexibility for advisors. Maggie reflects on her experience attending the XYPN Live conference and offers advice for young advisors considering starting their own practice.

Many of our recent guests have discussed how things are 2,3, 4 years after starting. But what about when you're in the thick of it? Our guest today, Nycole Freer, founder of Eden Financial is only 8 months into her solo RIA journey and tells us what it's like! Whether you're an aspiring business owner, a new entrepreneur navigating challenges, or an established owner reflecting on your progress, Nycole's story is a great touchstone for so many of us. Be sure to tune in and join us as we see another new advisor building towards their very own best life. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/375

Join us on this episode of XYPN Radio as we introduce you to Tim and Alexis Woodward, co-founders of Blend Wealth. These financial planners decided to blend not just their lives but also their financial expertise, serving blended families and business owners. Discover how they've diversified their services, embraced their Christian faith in financial planning, and managed a thriving business while nurturing a harmonious marriage. This is an episode you won't want to miss. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/374