Ep 34: State of the Economy & Investing Outlook with Tony Parish, CFA®, CQF

We’re very excited to have our friend, Mark Gaffney, on the show today. Mark is the founder and owner of Mark Edward Gaffney (MEG), a boutique consulting and marketing firm for the financial services industry, and partner of FIG. In today’s episode, he’s joining us to talk about the data-driven marketing approaches that MEG uses to generate significant returns for financial advisors.

Stay tuned as Mark shares some of MEG’s success stories, demonstrating the power that even the smallest of tweaks to your marketing process can have. You’ll also get a sneak peek into the upcoming launch of FIG TV, powered by MEG’s turnkey marketing system. Join us to learn more about this process and the incredible benefits that TV marketing can bring to the right advisor!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Mark’s history in marketing for financial advisors + the impact of minor adjustments to your marketing process
• The importance of paying attention to data in the current business landscape and being coachable
• The power of events (seminars and webinars) and database management marketing for financial firms
• The upcoming launch of FIG TV, the right candidates for this kind of service + the limited slots available with MEG

Learn more about MEG

https://markedwardgaffney.com/

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 

800-527-1155

We are delighted to welcome Amanda Sharratt, the Chief Operating Officer and financial advisor at Whitaker Myers Wealth Managers Ltd, to the show. We recently connected with Amanda and are excited for her to share her journey into the financial services industry, shed light on her role as COO, and share some valuable tips for our listeners.

Listen in as Amanda discusses how Whitaker Myers leverages technology, including tools like PreciseFP, to streamline their processes effectively. We’ll also explore the firm’s team structure and talent acquisition strategies, which have been instrumental in attracting top-notch talent and staying ahead in the industry.

Amanda brings some awesome insights to the table- this is one you don’t want to miss!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• How Amanda found her passion for finance and pivoted from dentistry to financial advising with the Whitaker Myers team
• What Amanda’s role and responsibilities are as the Chief Operating Officer at Whitaker Myers
• How Amanda and her team use the application PreciseFP and workflows in Redtail CRM to stay organized and efficient
• Whitaker Myers’ office structure + noteworthy recruitment strategies that include internships, a dedicated careers page, and utilizing platforms like Schwab's RIAConnect

Learn more about Amanda and Whitaker Myers Welath Managers Ltd:

https://www.whitakerwealth.com/

https://www.whitakerwealth.com/our-team/amanda-sharratt

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 

800-527-1155

Brian Herriot is the founder of Choosy Consultant. He’s joining us on the podcast today to discuss his role as a lifestyle and wealth coach, working with successful individuals like consultants, coaches, and small business owners, to help them transition to a choosier life and achieve financial freedom.

In our conversation, Brian shares his personal journey to financial freedom and how it led him to establish Choosy Consultant. He’ll share more about his unique coaching approach, which includes a one-week intensive session covering topics such as vision-setting, savings and investing, transitioning work to part-time, and emotional readiness. Tune in to learn more about how Brian helps individuals design a remarkable life and achieve financial freedom on their own terms!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Brian’s transition from a traditional full-time job to becoming a lifestyle and wealth coach
• A need for a new sense of purpose and belonging at age 40
• What it looks like to participate in Brian’s coaching program
• How to get involved with Brian’s coaching program + his financial freedom quiz and private podcast

Learn more about Brian and Choosy Consultant:

https://www.choosyconsultant.com/

The Financial Freedom Accelerator Quiz

https://brian-xecsfp1i.scoreapp.com/

Choosy Consultant Secret Podcast

https://app.helloaudio.fm/feed/c7345ee0-08a2-4985-a353-6c168493592f/signup

Leslie Lipscomb, Senior Vice President at FIG, joins us for this week’s episode. She’s here to share her inspiring journey since joining the organization in 2006, starting as a sales associate and progressing to her current role. Join us as she highlights the company's resilience and growth after the passing of its thought leader, Bo Johnson, and her passion for building strong relationships, advocating for advisors, and uplifting women in the field.  

We’ll dive more into Leslie’s role as SVP, which focuses on empowering and serving advisors to build efficient and refined firms and learn more about her involvement in the book Financial Trendsetters- an anthology featuring stories from 15 women in financial services. Don't miss the pre-order details for the book below and this great conversation with Leslie!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Leslie’s 20-year journey at FIG from a sales associate to Senior Vice President + the impact of Bo Johnson’s mentorship
• What Leslie’s role as the Senior Vice President at FIG entails
• Leslie’s passion for building relationships with people in the field + empowering women in financial their careers
• Leslie’s experience contributing to the book, Financial Trendsetters + receiving the Bo Johnson Award in 2023

Pre-order the book, Financial Trendsetters

https://jessicaweaver.com/financial-trendsetters/

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 

800-527-1155

We’ve got a great conversation for you today! Ben and Kaitlin Schrock, two of our elevate coaches here at FIG and founders of BA Schrock Financial Group, are here to dive into their journey of building a successful RIA firm from the ground up. They’ll discuss the challenges they faced, the pivotal moments that shaped their journey, and the strategies they employed to achieve remarkable growth.

Stay tuned to learn how they navigated the initial struggles of business ownership, built a highly efficient team, and implemented effective marketing strategies to propel their business to new heights. Ben and Kaitlin have some powerful insights for financial professionals looking to scale their businesses and cultivate lasting success. If you’re looking to take your practice to the next level, this episode is sure to inspire!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Ben and Kaitlin’s journey into financial advisory services + how they’ve worked to propel BA Schrock Financial Group into success
• Navigating the transition to independent advisory + how Ben and Kaitlin have found a balance between corporate training and entrepreneurial spirit
• How BA Schock’s marketing efforts have evolved + the importance of nurturing client relationships and community involvement
• The value of opportunistic hiring + bringing in individuals who align with your firm’s goals

Learn more about Ben and Kaitlin:

https://baschrock-fg.com/team/

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 

800-527-1155

Arron Price, the Chief Operating Officer at FIG, joins us today for our annual beginning-of-the-year prognostication. Get ready for insights into what lies ahead in financial services, InsurTech, data culture, and operations. We’ll look back on the predictions and forecasts he made for 2023 and explore how the industry has evolved.

To kick off our discussion, we’ll revisit Arron’s forecast that the “great resignation” would be forgotten in 2023 and chat about the evolving mindset of different generations in the workforce. Then, we’ll focus on the industry's remarkable operational scalability achievements in 2023 and shift toward real-time data access, transparency, and ultra-personalization in the world of marketing.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Arron’s prediction that the “great resignation” would be forgotten in 2023 + the mindset shifts of both younger and older generations regarding retirement and work
• The impressive performance of insurance operations in 2023+ the growing role of AI in achieving greater efficiencies
• Why real-time data access is the next crucial step in operational efficiency  
• The shift towards comprehensive marketing plans and ultra-personalization in the coming years

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 

800-527-1155

Tony Parish, CFA, CQF, the Chief Investment Officer at AlphaStar Capital Management, is with us for today’s episode. He joins us twice a year to talk about the state of the market and share his halftime report. Stay tuned as we dive into market updates, the US and world economy, and get a glimpse into Tony’s market forecasts for 2024.

We’ll kick off this episode by reflecting on the remarkable resilience of the economy and the markets in 2023. Then, we’ll talk about the impact of inflation on our day-to-day expenses, the likelihood of market surprises in the upcoming year, and discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in the financial industry.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The market’s unexpected resilience in 2023 + how economists measure inflation and how consumers perceive it
• Why investors may face disappointment in 2024 with more modest returns
• Unforeseen events and surprises may play a significant role in shaping the economic landscape throughout the year
• How politics will impact the markets globally in 2024
• AI’s impact on the financial markets

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 

800-527-1155

We're excited to feature David Graham, the Director of Advanced Strategies at FIG, on the podcast today. David plays a crucial role in educating advisors on advanced planning concepts that go beyond day-to-day financial planning. Today, he's here to give us insights into the upcoming estate planning webinar series hosted by FIG's Advanced Strategies division.

This series covers everything from the basics of estate planning to intricate strategies involving trusts, life insurance, and tax-efficient transfers. The aim is to provide advisors with a thorough understanding of advanced planning techniques so that they can better serve their clients.

If you're curious about how advanced strategies can elevate your financial planning expertise and want to learn more, stay tuned!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The estate planning topics that season 2 of David’s advanced strategies webinar series will focus on
• How this series is designed to help advisors improve their expertise and offer valuable solutions to clients of all net worths
• The process for advisors interested in attending the estate planning seminar series

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 

800-527-1155

Welcome to the first official episode of 2024! We’re thrilled to be joined by Lisa Crosta, CFP®, CPA, MBA, this week, the Director of Wealth Management at BPP Wealth Solutions. She’s here to share her journey into financial services and insights into BPP’s comprehensive financial planning process, collaborative team structure, and Security Income Plan®.

Lisa also shares her passion for educating and empowering female investors. As an all-women firm, BPP Wealth Solutions is uniquely positioned to cater to women's financial needs and ensure they are well informed about their investments, income, and retirement plans.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Lisa’s financial career + passion for developing intimate client relationships
• BPP Wealth Solutions’ process, which starts with a comprehensive financial plan and goes on to build a roadmap for building, protecting, and preserving wealth
• BPP Wealth’s collaborative process, training efforts, and note-taking procedures
• Why BPP chose to start charging for their financial plans + the value this change has brought to their clients
• BPP Wealth Solutions' commitment to financial awareness among female investors

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 

800-527-1155

As the world continues to technologically evolve, staying ahead of the curve in the financial services industry has never been more crucial. Andrew Barnett, the Director of Technology Innovation at FIG, joins us on the podcast today to talk to us about his role and the important technology and business solutions being developed inside FIG.

From the industry's race to modernize and embrace emerging technologies to the evolving intersection of wealth management and insurance, Andrew talks about the pressing need for a more seamless customer experience. Stay tuned as we explore the impact of tools like AI, share a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience, and reflect on the exciting yet demanding journey of the financial industry's technological evolution.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• What Andrew’s role entails, including collaboration with the engineering team to enhance the customer and client experience and integrating AI
• The need for the insurance sector to catch up and modernize, the rapid growth of tools available for financial professionals, and creating a more seamless experience for users with a unified platform
• The new platform that FIG recently rolled out + plans for the future to continue streamlining processes for financial professionals
• FIG's attention to security and compliance as the industry continues to innovate
• The rising prominence of AI in the insurance technology landscape

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com 

800-527-1155