Only Fee-Only

The way financial advisors market themselves is evolving—and testimonials are leading the charge. Brian Thorp, founder of WealthTender, joins us to break down how SEC rule changes have opened the door for compliant client reviews.WealthTender, the first SEC-compliant review platform, helps over 500 advisors use testimonials effectively. For just $49/month, advisors gain visibility without referral fees or commissions—making it accessible and authentic for both advisors and the 500,000+ annual site visitors.Brian outlines the three key disclosures for compliance and shares WealthTender’s recent partnership with AGC, building community and connection for 150+ advisors.We also explore tools on the horizon to promote reviews across digital channels. If you’re ready to modernize your marketing and stand out, this episode is your roadmap.Brian's Social and Website:https://wealthtender.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancthorp/Music in this episode was obtained from Bensound.

Guy Penn, founder of Core Planning, shares his vision of simplifying financial planning to foster authentic relationships among advisors. He emphasizes that a community built on generosity and trust can thrive without unnecessary complexity. Guy argues that new advisors bring invaluable fresh perspectives and encourages those facing impostor syndrome to embrace their journey with integrity. The discussion also explores the importance of flexible technology in enhancing advisory services, making the profession more accessible and supportive.

What happens when two advisors decide to completely rebuild their firm from the ground up?In this episode, Tommy Blackburn and John Mason share how they transformed Mason & Associates from a commission-based practice to a thriving fee-only RIA focused on federal employees.Driven by a desire for stronger client relationships and a clear vision for the future, they took on the challenge of “rightsizing” their client base—John had been serving over 250 families. The transition allowed them to realign their firm with the kind of practice they truly wanted to run.They break down how they made those tough decisions, how they preserved relationships, and why having a partner with complementary strengths made the journey possible.Their niche-focused marketing—including a podcast and YouTube channel—now attracts exactly the clients they want to serve.Thinking about your own transition? Their advice: plan for scale early, embrace technology, find a community, and specialize fast.Learn more at masonllc.net or subscribe to their Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast.

What happens when your lifestyle practice takes off faster than you ever expected?Andy Panko, founder of Tenon Financial, didn’t set out to build a firm. After leaving the corporate finance world in 2019, his goal was simple: work with 50 clients, enjoy flexibility, and ease into retirement on his own terms.But within two years, he was at capacity—and suddenly facing a new question: Now what?In this episode, Andy shares how he navigated that inflection point and grew Tenon Financial without sacrificing the lifestyle he set out to protect. Rather than hiring assistants or junior staff to “scale,” he took a different route—bringing on experienced advisors with decades of prior careers who operate independently with their own client bases. The result is a lean team of three serving more clients without compromising autonomy or quality of life.Andy opens up about his approach to hiring, compensation, and why he places intentional limits on growth. “I don’t want the business to consume me,” he says. “Since I started Tenon, I’ve never once felt like I had to go to work.”We also dive into industry-wide tensions around product sales and compensation structures. Andy, who owns an IUL policy himself but regularly calls out misleading marketing, offers a nuanced view on where insurance fits—and where it goes wrong.If you're a solo advisor wondering what comes next—or just want to hear what it looks like to grow without giving up control—this conversation is a must-listen. As Andy puts it: “When you take ‘just being about money’ off the table, it’s actually very liberating.”Andy's links and Social:retirementplanningeducation.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andypanko/

Taylor Stewart didn’t set out to build software. He created a simple spreadsheet to help with his own planning, and it quickly caught the attention of other advisors. When one offered to buy it, he named a price that felt too high—and they said yes without hesitation. That moment sparked the creation of Income Mapper, and later, the tools that would become the foundation of Partheon, where Taylor now leads financial advice. He also runs his own fee-only firm, Adaroke Wealth.As a second-generation advisor, Taylor grew up watching his father build a traditional AUM practice. His experience taught him something many advisors miss: we tend to undervalue our own ideas. It also taught him that waiting for clients to show up doesn’t work. After a year of slow growth, he realized the problem was fear—of showing up, of being seen, of failing. So he started sharing. Through podcasts, writing, and social media, he began to attract the right people by leading with value.Taylor doesn’t measure success by revenue. In his words, “I don’t even know how much my firm makes.” He focuses on the impact—helping people make better financial decisions. Whether through planning or software, that mission drives everything he does. His advice to advisors who feel stuck is simple: “Just go create the problem. You’ll fix it.”Listen now to learn how authentic positioning, value-based pricing, and showing up with purpose can reshape your advisory business.''Taylor's Social and Websites:https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-stewart/x: @oTaylorStewarthttps://www.parthean.com/https://www.ataroke.com/

Many advisor websites feel like digital brochures—bland, generic, and forgettable.Colton Etherton wants to change that.A former financial advisor turned web designer, Colton now helps advisors build sites that actually convert. Through his firm, Slices Design, he’s helping advisors stand out from the sea of sameness in financial services.In this episode, Colton shares:The #1 website mistake most advisors make (hint: it’s your homepage)Why clear messaging beats credentialsHow to use your niche to attract the right peopleWhen it’s time for a full website overhaulEven if most of your clients come from referrals, Colton reminds us: “They’re still going to check your website before reaching out.”Whether you need a full revamp or just a few tweaks, you’ll walk away with practical steps to make your site more compelling.Listen now and start turning visitors into clients.Colton's Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coltonetherton/x: @slices_designMusic in this episode was obtained from Bensound

In this episode, Allen reflects on the pivotal transition his firm has made—from what felt like the teenage years of figuring things out to what now feels like a confident, grown-up business. He talks about raising fees to match his value, navigating rejection, and developing a marketing approach that feels authentic—focusing on LinkedIn, directory listings, and client referrals instead of cold calls.He also shares the tools that help him run a lean and effective operation, including Guardrails Financial for planning and Quiver CRM for systematizing client service. Whether you're in the early years or looking to refine your existing practice, this episode offers grounded, real-world insights into building a firm with intention and clarity.Allen's Social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenrmueller/x:@7SaturdaysaweekMusic in this episode was obtained from Bensound.

Struggling to connect with clients through video?Katie Braden, founder of Advisor Video Marketing, says most advisors are overthinking it. With a background in photography and as a CFP, she’s helped advisors use simple, authentic videos to build real connections.Forget fancy production. Katie once shot a quick 42-second iPhone video in the dark and wind—and it got over 167,000 views. Why? Because people connect with real, not perfect.She recommends short, personal videos—like 45-60 seconds for follow-ups, birthday messages, or thank-yous. It’s an easy way to show you care.Katie gets the challenges advisors face and has built a system that uses video throughout the client journey—marketing, onboarding, service, even internal updates. Her 12-week workshop helps you set up, create content, and get confident on camera.The big takeaway? Video isn’t just about marketing—it’s about building trust. A short, thoughtful video can make a big impression.Katie's Social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieabraden/x: @KatieABradenMusic in this episode was obtained from Bensound.

Jamie Lima returns to the Only Fee Only podcast to share how his firm has grown. As founder of Woodson Wealth Management and Allegiant Divorce Solutions, Jamie combines financial planning with divorce-focused advice to help clients navigate complex situations.He offers mediation for peaceful splits and detailed analysis for cases involving pensions, retirement accounts, and other tricky assets. Jamie also uses short-form video on TikTok and social media to bring in new clients—sometimes over 100 a month.His advice for new advisors: “If it’s not a ‘hell yes,’ it’s a no.” Follow Jamie on LinkedIn to learn how specialized planning can make a big difference.Jamie's social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamielima/x: https://x.com/JamieMLimamusic in this episode was obtained from Bensound

On this episode of Only Fee Only, we’re joined by Nate Hoskin, founder of Hoskin Capital and co-founder of N2 Content Marketing with Nick Meyer. Since 2020, Nate has grown his practice to well over 150 clients using the power of short-form video. Now, through N2 Content Marketing, he’s helping advisors nationwide do the same. We break down the strategies that work, how advisors can create engaging content without overcomplicating it, and why short-form video is a game-changer for growth. If you’ve been thinking about leveraging short-form video marketing for your firm, this episode is a must listen!Nate’s social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nghoskin?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appX: Nate Hoskinhttps://www.n2contentmarketing.com/