Only Fee-Only

What if financial planning could be both personal and professionally fulfilling? Join us for a chat with Brenna Baucum from Collective Wealth Planning. Inspired by her grandparents' values, Brenna aligns personal values with financial planning, offering a unique perspective. This episode celebrates what would have been her grandmother’s 95th birthday and is a must-listen for those in the financial sector or anyone who enjoys heartwarming community stories.Brenna shares her career path, from mentorship to starting her own firm with the support of the XY Planning Network. She talks about the rewards and challenges of launching a solo practice. If you're curious about the role of community and shared values in financial planning, Brenna’s story is essential to listen to. We also discuss serving Oregon public employees and retirees, highlighting their complex pension system.Learn about the power of genuine community engagement in building authentic client relationships. Brenna stresses the importance of being a reliable volunteer and creating free community resources to build trust. She offers insights on effective outsourcing and marketing strategies for efficiency and genuine client interactions. This episode is packed with valuable lessons on seizing opportunities and the enduring importance of authenticity in both personal and professional life. Don’t miss Brenna's heartfelt advice on building a personal brand and staying true to one’s values in the financial advisory industry.Brenna's Social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennabaucum/

Ever wondered what makes a successful financial advisor stand out? Check out this episode featuring Nancy Bleeke Noël, founder and president of SalesPro Insider. Nancy shares her secrets to overcoming sales roadblocks and transforming your approach.With over 25 years in sales, Nancy talks about her journey and mission to make sales a positive conversation rather than a dreaded task. She explains how overcoming mental barriers, like negative biases and lack of confidence, can boost your effectiveness and benefit your clients.Nancy dives into effective sales strategies, focusing on the shift from rigid scripts to flexible outlines for genuine conversations. Independent advisors, who often lack the resources of larger firms, will find Nancy’s training solutions especially valuable. We discuss aligning sales processes with client decision-making, and the importance of consistency, accountability, and managing specific challenges like funnel management and conversion rates.We also share inspiring stories of financial advisors who overcame hurdles to build successful client bases. Nancy highlights the importance of persistence, consistency, and authenticity in sales. We address the social stigma around sales and its impact on professional interactions, offering practical ways to build client relationships through trust and clear communication. Nancy's Social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancybleeke/

Join Shane Sideris, co-founder of Nectarine and Synchronous Wealth Advisors, as he shares insights from his career. Learn how he moved from an eight-year career at BlackRock to creating a flexible, hourly financial guidance service. Discover Nectarine's unique advice-only marketplace, designed for clients who prefer not to commit to annual fees.Shane explains the process of recruiting and vetting financial advisors at Nectarine. He shares strategies for balancing supply and demand and using Instagram for lead generation. Shane also emphasizes the importance of targeted marketing and a strong social media presence.Explore Nectarine's innovative one-hour engagement model and the new eight-week program for more complex planning. Shane also discusses Nectarine's transition to an SEC-registered RIA, enhancing their nationwide service. With nearly perfect advisor ratings and plans for variable pricing and more filtering options, this episode offers valuable insights for financial advisors and those interested in the evolving financial landscape.Shane's Social:X: @shane_siderishttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-sideris/

When a music performer turns to finance, unexpected things happen. David Bowman's journey from the arts to financial planning is one such story. In this episode, David shares how he discovered financial planning at Ohio State University and succeeded at a Central Ohio RIA.Now the Director of Partnerships at XY Planning Network (XYPN), David's career path has been diverse: from odd jobs and recruitment to organizing conferences and founding a college planning education company. He discusses the growth of XYPN from a startup to a support hub for financial advisors.David highlights the role of technology at XYPN and the collaborative spirit within the network, where advisors actively refer clients to one another. Additionally, David emphasizes the importance of partnerships and sponsorships, detailing the enriching experience of witnessing the mutual growth and success of both companies and members within the network.Dave's Social and Website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bowman-cfp/https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/Music in this episode was obtained from Bensound.

Discover the secrets to building a successful financial planning business with Brent Gargano, founder of Infinite Wealth Planning and adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati. Learn how his upbringing in a banking family and experiences during the 2008 financial crisis shaped his unique approach to financial advising. Follow Brent's journey from a chemistry major to a finance career at Fidelity, and eventually to entrepreneurship.Understand the transition from corporate life to starting his own business, the importance of foundational skills, and the impact of early jobs. Hear about balancing family responsibilities with business goals, maintaining liquidity, and securing initial clients. Discover why personal well-being is just as crucial as business strategy.Explore the emotional aspects of financial advising through Brent's client relationships and the value of focusing on existing clients' needs. Learn how financial advisors help clients make confident decisions on various financial matters. Stay updated on Infinite Wealth Planning through the Money Alchemist Podcast.Brent's Social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp%C2%AE-2067b573/X: @Brent_Gargano

Eric Scruggs, the founder of Hark Financial Planning, shares his journey into fee-only financial advisory, highlighting the importance of community support among solo advisors. Discover the benefits of a subscription-based financial planning model, allowing clients to seek advice without additional costs.Eric discusses the challenges and rewards of marketing a solo practice and his strategy for capturing client interest through short-form videos. Explore the differences between traditional tax firms and holistic financial planning for lawyers. Eric covers proactive tax planning, investment strategies, insurance, and retirement planning, addressing the unique financial pressures of big law attorneys.Tune in to learn how to balance present enjoyment with future security and get a sneak peek into Eric's marketing strategies for new partners. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to elevate their financial planning game.Eric's Social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericscruggs/

Join Cole Craven of Move Health Partners as we dive into the complexities of health insurance and Medicare, offering valuable insights for retirees and entrepreneurs. Health insurance can be confusing, but Cole's extensive experience helps simplify the process. Our discussion covers everything from the unique aspects that make Move Health a trusted industry name to the entrepreneurial drive behind their mission.As we explore Move Health's operations, you'll get firsthand entrepreneurial insights. Cole shares the unexpected challenges of marketing and the essential value of an in-house team. We also talk about achieving work-life balance and building partnerships with financial advisors to bridge the gap between retirement planning and health insurance needs. This episode offers actionable advice for anyone navigating the intersection of healthcare and financial planning, or simply trying to understand their coverage options.In the final segment, Cole discusses the future of Move Health Partners and their development of technologies to enhance client experiences. Learn how integrity is central to their services, countering the skepticism often associated with the insurance industry. This episode is about more than just the mechanics of health insurance—it delves into the motivations behind decisions and their impact on lives. Get inspired by a company committed to being a positive force in a complex field, ensuring clients receive honest advice.Coles"s Social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-craven/

Chris Arnold from SecFi shares his journey in financial planning, starting in Louisville where discussions about money were a regular part of family life, influenced heavily by his grandfather's investment practices. His career in finance has shown him the importance of mixing technical knowledge with real human connections to guide clients effectively.Chris discusses his focus on specialization within financial planning, especially after realizing the benefits of mastering equity compensation at SecFi. He highlights the importance of empathy, recalling a client meeting where the agenda shifted to address immediate emotional and financial needs after a personal tragedy.As we wrap up, Chris discusses the intersection of startup equity, financial planning, and technology. He explains how SecFi's services have expanded from niche lending to comprehensive advisement, powered by continuous learning and collaboration. He also mentions fintech tools that help provide a seamless experience for clients. For those interested in more insights, Chris encourages following their social media channels for updates on startup trends and financial advice.Chris's Social and WebsiteLhttps://secfi.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisarnold20/X: @CArnold_CFP

Have you ever considered how your feelings affect your money? Amy Mullen, President of Money Quotient, talked with us about how understanding emotions helps with managing money. She told us about how Money Quotient started to teach people about money in a way that connects with their feelings. We learned that understanding how emotions and money are connected is really important for helping people make better financial choices.We also heard some stories about how Money Quotient has helped people with different levels of financial knowledge. From helping people who spend a lot learn to save money to giving detailed advice, Money Quotient's tools really work. If you want to understand how money works with feelings, this episode is for you!https://www.moneyquotient.com/Amy's Social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amynmullen/

Join financial expert Jamie Hopkins as we delve into career development in the unpredictable financial services sector. Jamie went from being an enthusiastic private equity attorney to leading roles as co-director of the New York Life Center for Retirement Income and CEO at Bryn Mawr, sharing valuable insights along the way. He discusses the importance of trust in financial planning and his commitment to improving retirement income security, offering practical advice for seasoned professionals and newcomers.We explore how perseverance, flexibility, and excellent communication skills are often more crucial than academic achievements for financial success. We examine why these traits are vital, and I share how my varied career path highlights the importance of adaptability. We discuss the importance of nurturing these qualities, especially in tough times.The episode also highlights the lack of diversity among Certified Financial Planners compared to academic circles and discusses the importance of creating a more inclusive financial world. Our bridge program has successfully kept diverse talent through mentoring, coaching, and professional development. Additionally, we talk about how activities like running and yoga can improve mental focus and help maintain a balance between professional and personal life.Jamies Website: JamieHopkins.comSocial: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehopkinsfinancialservices/X: @RetirementRisksMusic in this episode was obtained from Bensound.