New Planner Podcast

Today we are joined by two guests from Paradigm Advisors: Michelle Gass, Partner, and Kathleen Hood, Associate Financial Advisor. They both open up about how their career journeys brought them into financial planning, as well as how they've successfully collaborated and navigated imposter syndrome while growing the business. If you're interested in finding the right career fit or building strong team dynamics, this episode is for you! Listen in as Kathleen shares how she got her start in financial planning through a campus job board, which eventually led her to realize the insurance channel wasn't the right fit and brought her to Paradigm. Michelle discusses founding Paradigm and the thoughtful process of bringing Kathleen onto the team, highlighting the value she adds. Together, they offer a candid look at the challenges they've faced, how they've grown in their careers, and what they anticipate for the future of financial planning. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4jYRCNf

Gloria Garcia Cisneros is a Wealth Manager at LourdMurray, and she joins the show today to share how she discovered financial planning and has grown her career over the years. If you're interested in breaking into financial planning, navigating career moves across different firm sizes, or hearing an inspiring story of perseverance and purpose, this episode is for you! Listen in as Gloria shares how her experience growing up in a financially struggling immigrant family shaped her interest in financial planning. She talks about learning to manage her own finances after graduating from UCLA and how conducting informational interviews helped her land her first role in the industry. Gloria also walks through her career path from a small firm to a large one, her journey with the Series 65 exam, and her passion for giving back to her community. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3HN5Umx

Derek Notman, founder and CEO of Couplr AI and co-host of Rethink. The Financial Advisor Podcast, joins the show to share how he transformed a thriving advisory career into a mission-driven entrepreneurial journey. After his passion for investing and mentoring at-risk youth led him to financial planning, Derek ultimately launched his own RIA. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on how identifying a persistent industry pain point sparked the creation of his fintech startup, where he sees the future of advice heading next, and more. Listen in as he opens up about his early success in the insurance channel, how he overcame a fear of selling, and how he eventually launched his firm. If you're curious about blending purpose with profit, making the leap from advisor to entrepreneur, or using tech to drive meaningful change in financial services, you won't want to miss this conversation. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4kDuch1

Joey Loss is a co-founder of Strivus Wealth Partners, and he joins the show today to share how his career journey led him to start his own RIA and merge with another firm. If you're interested in starting your own firm, navigating career transitions, or learning what it's really like to go through a merger, this episode is for you! Listen in as Joey shares how a free meal at an FPA meeting sparked his interest in financial planning, leading him to change his major and complete multiple internships during school. He also walks through how he landed his first full-time role, the career decisions that led him to start his own firm, and the eventual merger with another firm. You'll hear about the challenges he faced in both launching and merging a firm—and why the journey has been worth it. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/438MDo0

Wondering how to break into financial planning and build a long-term career in the field? Victor Colella, Wealth Advisor, and Courtney Cubbin, Senior Financial Advisor, at Woodward Financial Advisors both join the show today to share how they entered the profession, found mentorship, and steadily advanced their careers from the ground up. Listen in as Courtney explains how her love for numbers and working with people led her to an internship, her role at Woodward, and the challenges she overcame to advance, while Victor recounts how his father's career inspired him to transition from consulting and insurance sales to joining an RIA. You'll learn how they navigated career decisions, as well as valuable insights on building confidence, professional development, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/432kAXu

Looking for a community that actually supports you as a new financial planner? Blake Pinyan, Senior Financial Planner and Tax Manager at Anchor Bay Capital, joins the show today to talk about the NexGen community of the Financial Planning Association—a community geared towards meeting the needs of younger and newer planners. If you're interested in finding support as a new planner, expanding your network, or getting involved in a thriving professional community, this episode is for you! Listen in as Blake shares how he got involved, what makes NexGen unique, and the real impact it's had on his career. He highlights upcoming programs, in-person events, and the value of the online community for connection, learning, and professional growth. Whether you're looking to expand your network or find your footing in the industry, don't miss hearing how new planners can join and use NexGen to enhance their careers. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4mbzvpO

Brent Weiss is the Co-Founder and Head of Financial Wellness at Facet, and he joins the show today to share how his career journey took him from student athlete at Notre Dame to financial planner. If you're interested in discovering how to break into financial planning, navigate startup environments, or grow your role in a fast-changing firm, this episode is for you! Listen in as Brent shares how a canceled personal finance course during his final semester led him to independently research financial planning and ultimately pursue it as a career. He explains how he landed his first position in the field, why he made the leap to join a startup, and how his role has evolved since then. You'll also hear the lessons he's learned from his journey so far, insights on career development, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/vndrenrb 

Amanda Bearden is a financial advisor at Pesta & Pesta Wealth Management, and she joins the show today to share her journey from starting as an art major to becoming a financial planner. If you're interested in changing career paths, gaining hands-on experience through a rotational program, or learning how to navigate the early stages of a planning career, this episode is for you! Listen in as Amanda shares what sparked her interest in financial planning and why she decided to change her major. She discusses how she leveraged a family connection to land a two-year rotational program at a large Midwest-based RIA, as well as the valuable experiences she gained during that time. You'll hear the challenges she faced, her tips for new planners, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3S2ujGF

Daniel Whitt is a senior advisor at Pandowealth, and he joins the show today to share his unique journey from working in the non-profit sector to successfully transitioning into the financial planning profession. If you're interested in making a career change into financial planning, growing within a firm, or learning how to succeed as a new planner, this episode is for you! Listen in as Daniel shares how he began his CFP coursework while living in Nepal, passed the exam, and landed his first role as an associate financial planner in a firm that turned out to be a great fit. He discusses how he has worked his way up and grown alongside the firm and shares tips on career growth, as well as advice for new planners entering the profession. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3EDosod  

Mike Zarrelli is a financial advisor at FSA Wealth Partners based out of Rockville, MD. He joins the show today to share why he got into financial planning—even though he was initially encouraged to pursue accounting instead. If you're interested in learning how to grow your career in financial planning, leverage transferable skills from previous jobs, or gain confidence in business development, this episode is for you! Listen in as Mike shares why he chose financial planning over accounting, how he landed his first role, and how his responsibilities evolved as he advanced within his firm. He also walks through what he was looking for in a role, how he strategically moved up the career ladder, and how his background in the restaurant industry helped him develop key skills. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/2nde9xhc 

Mallory Kretman is a partner and wealth manager for Laurel Wealth Planning, where Felix Kopycinski serves as an associate wealth manager, and they both join the show today to share their respective career journeys. If you're interested in learning how to grow into leadership roles, navigate the early stages of your career, or better understand the hiring process from both the employer and candidate perspectives, this episode is for you! Listen in as Mallory and Felix share their unique journeys into financial planning, including Mallory's path from an art degree to becoming a partner at her firm and Felix's early inspiration for the profession rooted in his upbringing. You'll hear about the hurdles of hiring and how Mallory eventually found the right fit, as well as Felix's experience starting his career at Laurel and the challenges he's navigating as a new planner. Don't miss their key insights on the hiring process, what makes a successful match, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4j7PClG

What if you could gain real-world experience, learn from top industry experts, and watch a financial plan come together in real time? Today's guest, Hannah Moore, is here to share a unique opportunity that can help you do just that. The creator of The Amplified Planning Externship, Hannah joins the show to discuss why she started it, how it works, and the valuable experience it offers aspiring financial planners. Listen in to hear what's new for the 2025 Externship, as well as exciting updates from the previous year. You'll learn how you can sign up for the Externship and take the next step in building your career. If you're interested in gaining real-world financial planning experience, learning from industry experts, and developing the skills needed to succeed as a planner, this episode is for you! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3FzbZSy

Steven Jarvis is the CEO of Retirement Tax Services, and he joins the show today to share why he opted for a career in accounting and tax preparation instead of financial planning. If you're interested in improving tax planning within your advisory firm, bridging the gap between financial planning and tax strategy, or learning how to add more value to clients through tax expertise, this episode is for you! Listen in as Steven shares his career journey from working at a Big Four firm to leaving just before making partner to start his own tax firm, specializing in helping financial advisors serve their clients more effectively. You'll learn where most advisory firms fall short when it comes to tax planning, strategies to strengthen your expertise in this area, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/3hzmp5a5 

Larry Ginsburg is a financial advisor at Wealth Enhancement Group—and was also my internship supervisor when I was pursuing my CFP education. He joins the show today to share his journey from being a career-changer in the early 80s to building his own business, and ultimately selling his firm to a large aggregator. If you're interested in career transitions, building and scaling a financial planning firm, or navigating succession planning, this episode is for you! Listen in as Larry shares his journey, including how he grew his business, the mistakes he made along the way, and why he opted for an external succession plan. You'll also hear why he took a chance on me as an intern, some funny stories from our time working together, and valuable tips for firms hiring interns, as well as interns looking for the right fit. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3FgKwVC

Prudence Zhu is the Founder and CEO of Enso Financial. She joins the show today to share her transition from Corporate America to financial planning, including the challenges of building her business over the past two years while raising two small children. If you're interested in transitioning to financial planning, starting your own firm, or balancing entrepreneurship with family life, this episode is for you! Listen in as Prudence opens up about how she discovered financial planning, as well as how she took the leap to leave her corporate job and start her own firm. You'll hear about the ups and downs of her journey, how she adjusted her initial goals and expectations, what her financial planning process looks like today, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3F6GKhG

Today we are joined by Jessie Doll, Co-Founder of ReFrame Wealth, and Malee Turner, an associate advisor there. They both join the show to share their respective career paths, including Jessie's journey from a decade in banking to starting her own firm and Malee's decision to begin her career at a smaller firm after graduating from a CFP program. If you're interested in navigating career transitions, growing in your role as a new planner, or learning how to build a successful advisor-client relationship, this episode is for you! Listen in as Malee and Jessie share how they got started in the field, as well as how Malee's role, responsibilities, and confidence have grown over the last six months—along with her future aspirations. You'll gain valuable insights on building trust with clients, developing confidence, and working effectively with a senior advisor. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4i3yZaG

Conner Kolodge is the President of Cherry Tree Wealth Management, and he joins the show today to share his career journey to help more people and have a bigger impact. If you're interested in transitioning from accounting to financial planning, advancing quickly in your career, or understanding the balance between financial planning and investment management, this episode is for you! Listen in as Conner shares how his career path took him from finance to accounting, and a job at a Big Four firm, before he realized he wanted to make a greater impact by helping people directly. He also discusses his transition to an RIA, how he got his foot in the door, and how he developed his financial planning expertise before moving to a new firm where he balanced financial planning and investment management. You'll hear how he quickly climbed the ranks, his tips for newer planners, and why he chose to run a firm rather than start his own. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4gEZ924

What happens when the traditional career path doesn't feel right? In this episode, Dan Tobias and Chris Lee of Passport Wealth Management share their unconventional journeys into financial planning—both growing up around the industry, initially rejecting it, and eventually realizing it was the right path for them. If you're interested in career growth, mentorship, or finding the right fit in financial planning, this conversation is one you won't want to miss! Listen in as Dan explains why he turned down an opportunity to join his father's firm, chose to travel the world, and later founded his own firm with a vision for long-term client relationships. You'll also hear Chris share how his own travels led to a remote job interview with Dan, and why he ultimately chose to work at a small firm instead of a large one. They discuss their firm's hybrid fee structure, the ups and downs of starting and growing a firm, and how Chris overcame imposter syndrome as he stepped into a larger advisory role. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/42Pd0zu 

My guests today are Edward Smith, President of Valor Wealth Partners, and Zubin Kapur, a financial planner at the firm. They join the show to share their financial planning career journeys, including both of their perspectives on the hiring process for Zubin. If you're interested in learning how to navigate career transitions, grow a financial planning firm, or stand out as a strong job candidate, this episode is for you! Listen in to hear about Ed's experience working in various financial channels before starting his own RIA after 13 years at a credit union, as well as Zubin's transition from the Merchant Marines to corporate America before joining a small RIA to make a greater impact. You'll learn how Ed grew his firm, valuable tips on career transitions and becoming a stronger job candidate, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4aMHeVL

Michael Pyle is a Financial Planner at Challenge Everything Financial, and he joins the show today to share his career journey from working in sales to starting his own financial planning firm. If you're interested in transitioning to financial planning, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, or building a firm while balancing family life, this episode is for you! Listen in as Michael shares how his initial success in sales led him to pursue a career in financial planning, balancing a master's program and his Series 65 exam while launching his firm on the side—until his employer found out and terminated him. He recounts the challenges of starting his own firm with four young children at home, the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and how constant iterations to his service and pricing model helped him gain traction. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4hBPuue

Jill Barnett is the Founder and Principal of Valley Consulting Partners. She joins the show today to share how she helps wealth management firms navigate human resources issues, compensation, hiring strategy, and workforce training. If you're interested in tackling HR challenges, enhancing workplace dynamics, or preparing for the future of the financial planning profession, this episode is for you! Listen in as Jill shares how her background in psychology led her to consulting for wealth management firms, driven by a desire to ultimately help the American consumer. She discusses common challenges firms face, including managing remote work, improving soft skills in early-career planners, and fostering strong relationships between employees and firm owners. Don't miss her insights into how the next generation of planners will shape the profession and approach compensation conversations. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4g0smnR

Justin Rice is a Financial Advisor at Personal Wealth Strategies, and he joins the show today to share his career journey from biomedical engineering to financial planning. If you're interested in transitioning to the planning industry from a technical or academic background, leveraging study groups for career growth, or enhancing your sales skills, this episode is for you! Listen in as Justin shares how conversations with colleagues during his PhD program sparked his realization that many people needed help with personal finance. He recounts how he completed his CFP coursework while finishing his engineering degree, as well as how he found his first job opportunity and ultimately leveraged his study group to secure his ideal role. You'll hear valuable tips on improving your sales skills, key insights for new planners, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3PCgNZm

Rianka Dorsainvil is the Founder and Senior Wealth Advisor at YGC Wealth. She joins the show today to share how stumbling into a personal finance class in college started her path in the industry, as well as how her journey in financial planning has unfolded in unexpected ways. If you're interested in exploring non-traditional career paths, building a financial planning firm from scratch, or learning from the challenges of firm mergers and relaunches, this episode is for you! Listen in as Rianka shares how she transitioned from a math major to financial planning after discovering her passion, ultimately securing an internship that led to a full-time role. She explains how her desire to break away from traditional firm models inspired her to start her own firm, as well as the challenges and lessons she learned from merging her firm, dissolving the merger, and relaunching her business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4fZVIms

Brett Danko is the president of the Financial Planning Resource Center and managing partner of Main Street Financial Solutions. He joins the show today to share how his interest in financial planning has helped him build two successful companies. If you're interested in building a career in financial planning, passing the CFP exam, or learning tips from an experienced educator, this episode is for you! Listen in as Brett shares what sparked his interest in financial planning, how he entered the profession and started his own firm, and what led him to begin teaching CFP review classes. You'll hear about his unique teaching style, course offerings, and philosophies for helping students pass the CFP exam. We also talk about why people fail the CFP exam, how the new test format differs from older legacy exams, and Brett's top study tips. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4a9WFr1

Jeremy Eppley is the Founder of Silverstone Financial. He joins the show today to share his career journey, from discovering his passion for financial planning and securing an internship that led to an entry-level role after graduation to ultimately starting his own firm at age 21. If you're interested in learning how to navigate early career challenges, build a financial planning firm from scratch, or start your own business, this episode is for you! Listen in as Jeremy recounts launching his firm just three months after entering the workforce. You'll hear about the challenges he faced, including going 11 months without a new client. Jeremy also discusses the designations he pursued, how his firm has grown, and tips he would give others considering starting their own business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3D7FvxG

Kirsten Ashbaugh is the Director of Sales at Wilkinson Wealth Management, and she joins the show today to share her career journey into financial planning. If you're interested in navigating a career change, using networking to land your first role, or building a successful path in financial planning, this episode is for you! Listen in as Kirsten shares how her career began at an intelligence agency before a career coach steered her toward financial planning, leading her to use informational interviews to solidify her interest and secure her first role. She also discusses the hardest part of her career transition, how she worked her way up in her firm to become a CFP, and what it was like to carve out her own career path. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4ikZzNi

How can you kickstart your financial planning career and make an impact early on? In this episode, Associate Financial Advisor Connor Barbella-Roesler shares his journey from discovering his passion for financial planning in college to securing a role at a firm that matched his values. Connor opens up about preparing for and passing the CFP exam on his first attempt, adding value to his firm as a new hire, and navigating the challenges of working in operations. Listen in to Connor's advice for aspiring financial planners, including tips for thriving in a virtual work environment and strategies for firms to retain talent and maintain culture. Whether you're an industry newcomer or a seasoned advisor, you'll walk away with new ideas to advance your career and create meaningful client experiences. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/553mv6tt 

What does it take to ace high-stakes exams like the Series 65? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Lee, Founder of TestGeek Exam Prep, to explore his journey from high school science teacher to exam prep expert. Brian shares how his unique teaching approach, tailored for visual learners, bridges the gap between textbook publishers and the actual exam. You'll discover why understanding the exam format, especially multiple-choice strategies, can make the difference between passing and failing. Listen in as Brian provides practical advice on creating a structured study plan, tackling tricky exam sections, and avoiding common mistakes. We also dive into the NASAA and the Series 65, discussing what test-takers need to know to succeed. Whether you're preparing for securities exams or just want insight into effective study habits, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you achieve your goals. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/3hesapzu   

Foster Hyde is a Senior Financial Advisor at the Welch Group based out of Alabama. He joins the show today to share his career journey, from law school to financial planning. If you're interested in learning how to navigate career pivots, overcome setbacks, and build a successful career in financial planning, this episode is for you! Listen in as Foster recounts how his dream job fell through after college, how he found another position that eventually helped him secure his ideal role, and how his experience at the first firm facilitated the transition. Foster also discusses his initial struggles at his current firm, how he learned and created value, and how he worked his way up to become a shareholder. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/40Ws519

Augustus Christensen is the Founder and CEO of Scoops, and he joins the show today to share how he got into wealth management. If you're interested in the journey from finance to entrepreneurship, learning how to leverage early career experiences, or exploring ways to make financial literacy more accessible, this episode is for you! Listen in as Augustus shares his college journey, from creating and selling an app to working at the largest student-run credit union at Georgetown University. He also details his first job out of college at JPMorgan, how his experience in wealth management inspired him to start his own company, and his passion for creating content and promoting financial literacy. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4hR6UDK

Chris Grellas is the co-founder of ProsperPlan Wealth, and he joins the show today to share his wild college journey that brought him into the financial planning profession. If you're interested in hearing how to navigate career pivots, balance personal challenges with professional goals, or explore transitioning from large firms to small RIAs, this episode is for you! Listen in as Chris talks about starting as a government major, then switching to business, then finance, before finding his ideal fit in financial planning. He explains how an internship with a local firm solidified his career choice, showing him that financial planning could be done without product sales or sourcing new clients. Chris also discusses how he turned that internship into a full-time role, creating value for his firm in various ways that helped him climb the career ladder. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/40Jn0Jw

Have you ever wondered how to turn a career shift into a successful business? In this episode, Kristin Harad, a Business & Marketing Coach for RIA Leaders and Independent Financial Advisors, shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a Certified Financial Planner with her own firm—while balancing life as a new mom. Kristin dives into how she went from attracting clients to discovering her true passion: coaching other advisors on developing a niche and creating growth strategies. Listen in as Kristin shares what leaders look for in next-gen advisors and the value of understanding the "business development ecosystem" in financial planning. Her insights reveal the importance of business development at every level and how new advisors can contribute significantly to their firm's success. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/bdpbfdb4

What motivates someone to change their career path after a life-altering event? In this episode, Kaitlyn Laney, Lead Financial Advisor at Trek Wealth Solutions, shares her journey from studying civil engineering to transitioning into financial planning after a personal family tragedy. Kaitlyn talks about her early career, including internships with major firms and how she advanced despite feeling underqualified. Listen in as Kaitlyn reflects on her decision to start her own financial firm, as well as the challenges of building a client base from scratch. You'll learn valuable lessons about perseverance, client relationships, and how to turn personal hardship into purpose-driven work. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/3c5acpwr 

Azure Bradger is an associate advisor at Clarity Financial Group based out of Fort Worth, TX. She joins the show today to share her unconventional journey into the financial planning profession, starting as a biochemistry major before landing an entry-level position at a property and casualty firm and eventually pivoting to a role with a large asset manager. If you're interested in hearing how to navigate career pivots, balance personal challenges with professional goals, or explore transitioning from large firms to small RIAs, this episode is for you! Listen in as Azure recounts the challenges of failing the Series 7 exam by one point, then later passing it while balancing life as a single mother, working, and studying full-time. You'll also hear why she left a large asset manager for a small RIA firm, her valuable advice for new planners, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Aj4qNy

Bryan Moylan is a financial advisor at Traverse Private Wealth Group based out of Philadelphia, PA. He joins the show today to share his journey in the financial planning profession, beginning his career at a large asset management firm after college, then changing course multiple times before ultimately starting his own firm. If you're interested in navigating career transitions in financial planning, this episode is for you! Listen in as Bryan shares why he pursued the CFP certification, as well as what led him to join a small startup. He also explains why the startup wasn't the right long-term fit and how transitioning to a small RIA allowed him to work his way up to Lead Advisor before eventually starting his own firm. You'll hear the challenges and successes he encountered along the way, valuable tips for new planners, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3A3w69i

Today we welcome Jamie Bosse, an author and a financial planner at CGN Advisors, who shares her inspiring career journey and insights into the evolving financial planning industry. Jamie reflects on her experience attending the first Dallas Fort Worth career day 20 years ago, which set her on a path of growth and opportunity. She discusses the importance of building a professional network through a grassroots approach and leveraging industry contacts as she navigated different roles across the country. Listen in as Jamie dives into her unique career transitions, from the RIA channel to the bank channel—and back again—as she sought to balance her professional aspirations with family life. You'll hear about her passion for writing children's books and the process behind them, as well as the psychological factors influencing financial behaviors and the importance of staying connected within the industry. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/43bkhr4e 

Zac Cravez is an Associate Financial Advisor at Edge Financial Advisors, and he joins the show today to share how his entrepreneurial father raised him with an appreciation for financial planning. If you're interested in exploring career transitions within the financial planning industry or learning how to align your career with your values, this episode is for you! Listen in as Zac shares how taking personal finance classes at 14 set the stage for his future in corporate finance and how he navigated his first job after college. He explains why working at a large broker-dealer wasn't the right fit for him, leading him to resign without another job lined up in his pursuit of joining an RIA. You'll learn the most enjoyable aspects of Zac's current role, what he's working on now, and valuable tips for new planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3BudM9E

Jon Duggan is the Director of Financial Planning for Procyon Partners. He joins the show today to share how he found his way to the financial planning profession, starting with an economics major before discovering financial planning and getting through the toughest parts of the curriculum. If you're interested in learning how to navigate a career change, build valuable experience without internships, or explore the tax-planning side of financial advising, this episode is for you! Listen in as Jon shares how he compensated for his lack of internships by leading the student chapter of the FPA and working at the Aspire clinic—a peer financial counseling center at UGA—and how these experiences helped him secure his first role at a large RIA. He also discusses the various roles he held at different firms, his struggles, his growing interest in tax planning, and why he didn't envision himself as a long-term client-facing advisor. And don't miss where Jon shares comp ranges for the Director of Financial Planning position, which is $100-250k per year. (The lower end of the range will be at smaller firms where the Director of Financial Planning is a hybrid planning specialist and mid-level advisor, while the higher end of the range is going to be at firms where you are either running a large team—think 10+ direct reports—or in roles where you have dual relationship management/director responsibilities.) You'll also hear Jon's best tips for new planners and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3XybZHR

Lauren Hong is the President of Out & About Communications, and she joins the show today to share how her firm helps the financial planning profession. If you're interested in learning how to enhance your firm's website, attract top talent, and build a strong personal brand as a new planner, this episode is for you! Listen in as Lauren shares insights from her career, including how client firms successfully attract and retain talent. She discusses the latest trends in firm websites—as well as how to implement those trends during a website refresh—and offers valuable advice for new planners on setting up their brand and gaining clients. You'll also hear about the types of candidates firms are looking for in today's market, how firms can attract top talent, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3B921VX

George Kinder is the founder of the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, and he joins the show today to discuss his career and how he got started in the financial planning profession. He explains his definition of life planning, addresses critics of his approach, and discusses what excites him most about the profession. If you're interested in learning how to integrate life planning into your practice or hearing from a pioneer in the field, this episode is for you! Listen in as George shares how he developed the life planning process, built and sold his firm, and transitioned to coaching and training other financial planners in life planning. He also walks us through his famous three questions that reveal clients' aspirations, regrets, fears, and dreams. Don't miss hearing insights from his recent book, The Three Domains of Freedom, and the essential first step for new planners starting their careers. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4eaZbOq

Cody Garrett is the Founder of Measure Twice Financial and Measure Twice Planners. He joins the show today to share his journey from professionally trained musician, where long hours away from family led him to realize he needed financial guidance as a self-employed business owner, to financial planner. If you're interested in transitioning to financial planning from a different career, exploring the advice-only model, or learning how to balance professional success with family time, this episode is for you! Listen in as Cody discusses how he got hired at an RIA, his roles there, and why he left to start his own financial planning and education firm. He also talks about how he secured clients, developed his planning process, and achieved a better work-life balance. You'll hear why the advice-only model works for him, why it's a great niche for new planners, and his mission to change the public's perception of what a financial planner is and does. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3yV9Yxg

Bryan Hasling is a Financial Planner at Modern Financial Planning and a returning guest on the show! He's back today to give us an update on his last four years and his growth metrics after one year in his new firm, including client acquisition, target clients, fee structure, and overhead sharing. If you're interested in learning how to navigate career transitions, grow within established firms, and build a successful financial planning practice, this episode is for you. Listen in as Bryan shares his journey into the financial planning profession, starting with his first role at a sole practitioner firm in California. You'll hear about his path to becoming a partner in a larger RIA after a merger, and how life eventually brought him back home to Texas. He also discusses the options he considered for his next step and why he chose to join an established firm where he could build his own book of business without starting from scratch. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Xd0jeG

Are you curious about the latest trends in salary and compensation within the financial planning industry? In this episode, we're joined by Jesse Lineberry, MSF, CFP®, and Executive Consultant with New Planner Recruiting, for our annual salary report and compensation update. Together, we dive into the most intriguing findings from this year's data, including the growing interest in the Southeastern U.S. and the rise in compensation at the small RIA level. Listen in to learn about the evolving hiring process, the truth behind candidates' preferences for virtual versus in-office work, and what Gen Z and Gen Y prioritize when job hunting. We also discuss how firms are encouraging new hires to complete the CFP exam and what it takes to earn well above the average living in this industry. Plus, you'll get insights into where the market for new financial planners is heading as we approach the end of 2024 and head into 2025. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/393jdmzf 

Katie Braden is the Founder of Advisor Video Marketing, and she joins the show today to share how she entered the financial planning industry after graduating with a degree in photography. If you're interested in blending creativity with financial planning or exploring how to effectively use video marketing in your business, this episode is for you! Listen in as Katie shares how she transitioned into the financial planning industry after earning a degree in photography, joining a family-owned firm but soon realizing she wanted to serve clients differently by offering financial planning services. She discusses how she taught herself financial planning through a book, launched her own all-virtual firm with a modular approach and no product sales, and eventually reignited her creative passions through marketing her firm. Katie also explains why she decided to close her firm to focus on training other financial planners in effective video marketing. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3M5I5Wf

Katie Calagui is the Founder of Katie Calagui Consulting, and she joins the show today to talk about how she got started in financial planning. If you're interested in understanding the dynamics of the financial planning profession and how to excel in it, this episode is for you! Listen in as Katie shares how she got started in financial planning, helped start her father's business, and developed an interest in practice management. She discusses the biggest mistakes made by both firms and career seekers, what firms want to see in a candidate, and how to be the best job seeker. Katie also provides insights on how firms can attract the right talent and offers advice for those unhappy in their current firm, along with details about her consulting business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4cdSPwp

Kristen Luke is the President of Kaleido Creative Studio, a marketing firm that specializes in financial advisory firms, and she joins the show today to share how she found her way into the financial advisory niche. If you're interested in effective marketing strategies tailored for financial advisors or starting your own firm, this episode is for you! Listen in as Kristen shares why she started her own firm, some best practices for firms trying to obtain clients, and some of the biggest marketing mistakes they make. She also explains the various marketing channels advisory firms should be active in, the proper way to repurpose content, and her top recommended marketing tool. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3WLouAL

Keturah Orji is a paraplanner at SeedSafe Financial and a three-time Olympian who is competing today in Paris. She joins the show today to discuss not only her financial planning journey, but also her athletic journey. If you're interested in balancing multiple passions and achieving excellence in diverse fields, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Keturah shares her dual journey in financial planning and athletics, revealing how her early recognition of athletic ability has led her to compete in her third Olympic Games in Paris. She discusses how a suggestion from her boyfriend to take a financial planning class sparked her interest, leading her to pursue a master's degree in financial planning and aim for the CFP designation. Keturah also opens up about the challenges of managing her busy schedule, what she looks forward to in her financial planning career, and her tips for others with demanding commitments. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3LAFwey

Daniel Kopp is the Founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning, and he joins the show today to share how he became interested in financial planning. If you're curious about transitioning from a military career to financial planning or starting your own firm, this is an episode for you!  Listen in as Daniel shares how he became interested in financial planning, his journey in the military, and how he eventually opened his own firm to help other military members with their financial planning. He discusses his early interest in money, why he joined the Air Force after high school, and what led him to leave the military to start his own firm. Stay tuned until the end where Daniel outlines the structure and details of his firm, recalls the highlight of his career, and offers tips for new financial planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4bHSAt6

Jack Heintzelman is a Financial Planner at Boston Wealth Strategies, and he joins the show today to share how he entered into the financial planning profession. If you're considering a career in financial planning or want to understand the different paths within the industry, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Jack shares his journey into the financial planning profession, detailing his experiences with internships at a wirehouse and an RIA, and the pros and cons of each model. He explains how these internships guided his career post-graduation and led him to an independent broker-dealer firm. Jack also discusses why he chose his current firm, how he has advanced his career while obtaining the CFP and appropriate licensing, and offers tips for new planners on growing confidence and bringing in clients. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Lm5x0Q

Donald Capone and John Kvale are with JK Financial based out of Dallas, TX. They join the show today to share how they got started in the financial planning profession, became partners, and have worked together successfully for the last 22 years. If you're interested in building a lasting partnership in financial planning or understanding the dynamics of a successful long-term business relationship, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Donald talks about how financial planning wasn't initially on his radar, his start as an accounting major due to his affinity for math and numbers, and how he connected with John, convincing him to hire him as an intern. John shares his journey from the insurance channel to the broker-dealer channel, and ultimately to the fee-only RIA channel, detailing how he grew the business, why he hired Donald, and how he integrated him into client meetings and positioned him for success. Don't miss hearing how they handle disagreements, their take on whether to pursue the CFP or CFA, and their tips for new planners. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4bMletj

Adam Van Wert is a Financial Planner with JF Williams Company based in Denver, CO. He joins the show today to discuss his path into the financial planning profession and his career growth so far. If you're considering a career in financial planning or aiming to become a firm owner, this is an episode for you! Listen in as Adam shares how he became interested in financial planning during high school, influenced by a mentor and local financial planner. He discusses securing his first position in a family office, what he enjoyed about the role, and his transition to a fee-only RIA, where he has grown into a shareholder. Adam also reveals how his ownership buy-in was structured, why he has no desire to leave his firm, and how he passed the CFP exam as a new college graduate. Lastly, he offers tips for new planners that you don't want to miss. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3XOfMma