Behind The Advisor

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   

Alan Moore and Michael Kitces discuss the highlights of XYPN's 2023 Benchmarking Study, including the growth rates of fee for service models, revenue expectations for new firms, the impact of interest rate volatility on advisory business models, the benefits of having a niche, and staff productivity in different types of advisory firms.

Doing the right thing in the financial world often involves speaking up and knowing when to go your own way. This is in no way an easy thing, but has time and time again been a source of joy for advisors. Our guest today, Mike Kelly, CFA®, CFP®, and founder of Switchback Financial has pursued doing right by his clients, himself, and his family. Along the way, he has built a successful business and has exciting new ventures on the way! Mike shares his experiences, from the impact Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse had on clients in the tech industry, to the importance of sales skills and effective marketing on platforms like LinkedIn. All the while, striving to be present for his family, friends, and personal well-being. From ethics in action to what to look for in a new partnership, you won't want to miss this episode. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/372  

Your RIA journey isn’t just an upwards climb from where you are to where you want to be. It can include things like a family, embracing other opportunities, and teaming up with a friend. In today’s episode, we reconnect with Natalie Taylor CFP®. Since we spoke to her 3 years ago, she has taken an unexpected path to a growth-filled, confident today. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/371  

Our guest moved up the corporate ladder to become CIO at 2 different large RIA’s. Even from the top, there is just no replacing the freedom and flexibility that owning your own business can provide for both you and your clients. Terri Spath, CFA®, CFP®, founder of Zuma Wealth shares some fantastic stories and insights that you won’t want to miss! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/370  

From youth ministry to personal finance, Jeff Clark's journey wasn’t simple. In his church, Jeff offered to help his peers with their finances, but soon had the attention of a congregation also in need! Following this path, he found himself in FinTech, able to learn from experts in the field. This stepping stone gave him the knowledge and confidence to strike out on his own. In 2021, he did just that. Cataloging his growth 2 years later, he has exceeded all expectations. With Jeff's practice expanding at an impressive pace, culminating in a hiatus from new client engagements for the latter half of 2023. He credits much of his success to the support of friends, family, and peers much like those in his XYPN Mastermind Group. For those looking into how their current support systems can bolster their practice, this episode is for you! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/369  

Erik Kroll, founder of Hilltop Financial Advisors and Student Loans Over 50, shares stories about changing the financial landscape for his clients by helping them eliminate significant amounts of student loan debt. He discusses his tiered service model and the importance of specialized student loan planning for older borrowers. The podcast also covers topics such as the evolution of niching down in financial planning, the concept of double consolidation for student loans, challenges faced by advisors in managing student loans, and the value of asking more questions and finding a niche.