XYPN Radio

What’s the real trajectory of an RIA? How early should you start hiring, and is a niche worth it? Co-Founders Alan Moore and Michael Kitces hit the stage at XYPN LIVE 2024 to discuss insights from the seventh-annual Benchmarking Study on episode 400 of XYPN Radio. Each year, the study gathers information from XYPN member participants to get an accurate picture of how advisors are doing in their firms. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/400

In this episode of XYPN Radio, we welcome Brenna Baucum, founder of Collective Wealth Planning. Just 21 months after launching her firm in Salem, Oregon, Brenna has already reached significant milestones, with 21 clients and $21 million in assets under management. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/399

In this episode of XYPN Radio, we sit down with Jay Zigmont, founder of Childfree Wealth®, and Bri Conn, the firm's Chief Experience Officer, to dive into the unique financial planning needs of childfree individuals. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/398

In this episode, we sit down with Jane Mepham, CFP®, Founder and CEO of Elgon Financial Advisors, a fee-only firm based in Austin, Texas that specializes in serving foreign-born individuals. Originally from Kenya, Jane shares her journey of coming to the U.S. to study computer science and how a lack of cultural competence in financial advising inspired her to shift careers and launch her own firm. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/397

In this episode of XYPN Radio, I chat with Nathan Donohue, co-founder and partner at Consilio Wealth Advisors, a fee-only firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Nathan shares his experience transitioning his team from a broker-dealer to an RIA and what it takes to successfully run a growing advisory firm today. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/396

In this episode of XYPN Radio, we welcome back Caleb Brown, the founder and CEO of New Planner Recruiting. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Caleb brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on what it takes to attract and retain top talent in advisory practices across the country. We dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey, discussing the realities of training and mentoring talent, and the inevitable challenge of team members moving on. We explore how perfecting your firm's story, values and mission not only draws in clients but also helps you attract the best talent. Caleb shares valuable insights, including key stats on compensation and hiring timelines, as well as practical tips for vetting applicants through interviews and work samples. Whether you're a firm owner or an aspiring financial planner, this episode offers a motivating and informative discussion on navigating the shifting landscape of talent in the financial planning industry. Tune in for actionable advice and the inside scoop on what top talent is looking for today.

In this episode, we welcome Jason Speciner, founder and CEO of Financial Planning Fort Collins, or FPFoCo, a comprehensive financial planning and tax preparation firm based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Jason, who last appeared on the show in 2019, returns to share exciting updates on his firm’s growth, the evolution of his team, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. FPFoCo now serves over 120 clients, and Jason credits their success to the specialized expertise of his team and their commitment to continually improving processes and systems. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/394

In this episode of XYPN Radio, we welcome back Ashley Foster, CFP®, founder of NXT:GEN Financial Planning. You might remember Ashley from Episode 321 in 2021, where he shared his journey transitioning from the insurance industry to the fee-only financial planning world. Today, Ashley gives us an inside look at the firm he built, which now serves over 50 clients, focusing primarily on young to mid-career veterinarians. Discover how niching down has allowed Ashley to align his passion with purpose while building a lifestyle practice. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/393

In this episode of XYPN Radio, we sit down with Jamie Lima, CFP®, CDFA®, MBA, an XYPN Ambassador, and the founder of Woodson Wealth Management and Allegiant Divorce Solutions, two virtual firms. Jamie's journey is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, having transitioned from managing 450 households at large wirehouses to founding his firm amid the COVID pandemic of 2020. Jamie shares his unconventional path to gain marketing momentum, including how posting a profile on Thumbtack outperformed multiple marketing agencies. He also delves into his strategic hiring decisions, from bringing on an Operations Manager as a W2 employee to scaling his firm with 1099 advisors. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/392

In today’s episode of XYPN Radio I am thrilled to have Ed Smith and Amanda Lique of Valor Wealth Partners on the show. Valor Wealth Partners specializes in serving civilian federal employees and handling their complex financial situations. Ed and Amanda are here to share their journey of building their firm from the ground up. We dive into the origins of their partnership, their strategic collaboration with ProFed to host workshops for their ideal clients, and the early investments that paved the way for their success. Despite the inherent risks, Ed and Amanda have no regrets in the venture and have grown their client base to over 100 satisfied clients. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/391

In today’s episode we are joined by John Bovard, CFP®, founder and CEO of Incline Wealth Advisors, a thriving wealth management firm based in Cincinnati. John launched his firm in 2020, just before the pandemic, and has impressively grown it to serve over 75 clients with a dedicated two person team supporting him and the firm’s continued growth. We delve into John's unique "barbell" approach to client management, focusing primarily on his niche work with business owners. John shares his insights on how he successfully guides these clients through the complex financial decisions involved in running their businesses. John discusses his flat fee pricing model and comprehensive service approach, offering listeners a transparent view of his strategies. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/390

We are thrilled to welcome back Linden Cornett, the founder of Seagrass Financial. Linden holds the honor of being the first guest to return three times over our eight-year journey at XYPN Radio. Many recent guests have mentioned Linden as a role model within our community, and for good reason. As a proud solopreneur, Linden has masterfully built systems and processes that allow her to scale and take well-deserved vacations. She gives us an inside look at how she leverages tools like Asana and introduces her innovative 15-hour intro planning package for new clients. Transparency is key as Linden openly shares her revenue and client numbers and offers invaluable advice for new advisors considering a shift into this space. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/389

In this episode of XYPN Radio, we are thrilled to welcome back Jack Arnold, CFP®, and David Harpool, AAMS®, founders of AVID Planning in St. Petersburg, Florida. Having first joined us in January 2022 on XYPN Radio Episode 326, Jack and David return to share the significant changes and challenges they’ve faced while continuing to build and grow their firm. They discuss the considerations required when moving from a large financial advisory firm to an independent RIA, navigating non-compete clauses, and handling compliance when first striking out on their own. We delve into their unique partnership dynamics, exploring how they manage disagreements and how their friendship and shared passion for their work strengthen their professional relationship. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/383

In this episode of XYPN Radio, we welcome back Rebecca Conner, CFP®, founder of SeedSafe Financial. Rebecca shares how she has evolved SeedSafe from a lifestyle practice into a firm that now serves over 90 ongoing clients with a team of five. She provides insights into her management philosophy, including how she inspires and empowers her team while also maintaining a manageable work-life balance. We also dive into her strategies for sustaining a 25-30 hour work week, and giving her team the same flexibility. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/387

On today's episode, we are thrilled to welcome XYPN member, Reese Harper, CFP ®, and Carl Richards, CFP ®, to XYPN Radio. These innovative minds are behind the cutting-edge technology called Elements, XYPN’s newest technology partner. We'll dive deep into the origins of Elements, the technology itself, and the ideas that inspired its creation. Reese shares how his frustrations with the lack of realistic, standardized measurements for a client's financial health led him to define what he calls the client's 11 vital signs—an essential aspect that eventually led to the development of Elements. These vital signs don't just transform the delivery of financial planning services by advisors, but they also redefine the client's experience and the overall value of financial planning. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/386

In this special edition of XYPN Radio, co-founders Alan Moore and Michael Kitces join me to celebrate 10 years of XYPN. We reminisce about the early days, including how they met, the initial emails about opportunities for financial planners, and the growth and strategic decisions that shaped the company, including their first hire—me. Their complementary strengths and a commitment to innovation have been key to XYPN's success. We also discuss the future, including the launch of XYPN Sapphire, a corporate RIA designed to support a broader range of advisors. Join us as we celebrate XYPN's journey from industry disruptor to leader, and explore what's next for fee-for-service advisors building their dream firms. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/385

I'm honored to have Cathy Curtis, CFP®, founder of Curtis Financial Planning, back on XYPN Radio. It's been nearly three years since she last joined, and this time, we discuss the technological enhancements she's made, including her use of Holistiplan, Kwanti, and other essential tools. We touch on the importance of using a TAMP for those entering the industry and how many tools are now available to advisors considering opening their own firm. We also dive into Cathy’s AUM fee model, where she emphasizes the importance of simplifying your fee structure for long-term success. She shares insights on setting time boundaries with clients to enhance service and build lasting relationships. By the end of this episode, Cathy’s confidence will leave you feeling more equipped to sell your own value. You can find show notes and more information by visiting this link: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/384

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