successfulplanning

Jason McGarraugh is a Financial Advisor with BentOak Capital based out of Houston, TX, and he joins the show today to share his journey from growing up on a farm to becoming a financial planner. After overcoming academic challenges to excel in graduate school, pass the CFP exam, and succeed in a succession plan with a retiring advisor, Jason's unique path proves that hard work and determination can truly move the needle.

Listen in as he opens up about his early introduction to the field through his grandparents' estate planning, as well as how he transitioned into financial planning after an initial career in the food service industry. You'll hear powerful insights, valuable advice for new planners navigating their careers, and more.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4bZmB9k

Maria Sotomayor and Drew Friesen are the 2022 and 2023 recipients of the New Planner Recruiting Tuition Reimbursement scholarship, and they join the show today to discuss their respective journeys into the financial planning profession. If you are a new or soon-to-be college graduate, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Listen in as Maria and Drew discuss their entry into the field, including their educational paths and future aspirations to utilize their degrees to help others. They also share insights into their understanding of financial planning, their roles within it, their biggest fears about joining the profession, and what excites them the most.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/49shD2Q

Deven Patel is a Financial Advisor at Windsor Wealth Planners and Strategists based out of Gainesville, GA, and he joins the show today to share what he does each day as he splits his time between helping senior planners serve existing clients and building his own book of business. If you are seeking more of a hybrid role where you support an existing set of clients but also bring your own, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Deven shares his journey toward securing a role with a unique structure, highlighting his methods for gaining entry into the field. We also discuss his strategies for client acquisition, his focus on a specific niche client, and how his prior work experiences—coupled with his achievements in passing the series 65 and CFP exams—have rapidly advanced his career, allowing him to take the lead in planning meetings in under two years.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/49A1Fn5

Becca Phillips is an Associate Financial Planner with Horst & Graben based out of Portland, OR, and she joins the show today to discuss her "why" for pursuing a career in financial planning. From her initial exposure to the field that cemented her passion to breaking into the industry and her pursuit of the FPQP designation, you'll get to hear about her journey through networking, certifications, and more.

Listen in as Becca opens up about how she overcame feelings of inadequacy to secure a position at her current firm, her challenges during the transition, and the supportive team environment that has welcomed her. You'll discover how she got to where she is today and the key lessons she learned along the way.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/42lBA8S

Jen Pritchard is a Lead Financial Advisor with Bannerman Wealth Management Group. She joins the show today to share her progression through the financial planning industry, detailing her experiences with multiple internships, her first job, and the challenges she faced in finding the right fit. If you are struggling to find that sometimes elusive right-fit firm, then this is an episode for you.

Listen in as Jen talks about her transition from working in a back office planner role to becoming a lead advisor, highlighting the importance of communication and finding a role that matches one's career aspirations. She also offers insights on the importance of networking, being proactive in career development, and finding a firm that aligns with both your personal values and professional goals.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/47Q8xLO

Today, we welcome back Jesse Lineberry to interview Caleb on his new book, Finding your Path: The Roadmap from Student to Successful Financial Planner. If you are looking to excel in the financial planning field, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Listen in as we dive into the purpose behind the book, how to navigate the profession, and the various career paths that are available. We also discuss how to avoid common pitfalls, making this a valuable episode for both fresh graduates and career changers interested in financial planning.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3SdD9kw

Nathan McDuffee is a Financial Advisor with Oliver Wealth Management based out of Towson, MD, and he joins the show today to share his journey from working as a painter and Assistant Manager at a paint store—and struggling with personal finances—to becoming a successful financial planner. If you are considering a career change from a completely unrelated industry, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Nathan discusses his path to obtaining CFP certification, the challenges and mistakes he made along the way, and his progression from a paraplanner to a lead planner role in three years. You'll learn the transferable skills from his previous career that enabled his success in financial planning, insights into handling difficult client situations, and tips for new planners.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/48DVrCN

Taylor Bell is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for Colton Groome Financial based out of Asheville, NC, and she joins the show today to share her story of transitioning into the financial planning profession. If you aren't quite sure yet whether you want to be on the advisory or operations side of the business, then this episode is for you!

Listen in as Taylor opens up about her experience climbing the ranks in a small family business, the pursuit of new opportunities leading to her discovery of an opening at her current firm, and her resilience after initially being turned down for a position. You'll hear about her decision to obtain the CFP designation (despite her operations-focused background), as well as how this choice enhanced her role in shaping the firm's operations and client experience. Taylor also discusses the evolving dynamics between front-office and back-office roles in the industry, her recent advancement to COO and CCO positions, and more.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/47Bbb83

Daniel Yerger is the Founder and President of My Wealth Planners based out of Longmont, CO. He joins the show today to discuss his journey to becoming a financial planner, including how he transitioned from active military service, became aware of the profession, and secured his first position in financial planning. If you want to know what it is like to start in the dually registered RIA channel and transition to the fee-only RIA model, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Daniel discusses his insights on the necessity of an MBA for new planners, the criteria he used to choose his first employer, and his experiences with the dually registered RIA model (both advantages and drawbacks). He also talks about how he successfully built a client base during challenging initial years, the evolution of his service model and pricing strategy, and the process of transitioning clients to his newly established independent firm.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3TRyO9m

Scott Oeth is a financial planner with Cahill Financial Advisors, and he joins the show today to share his captivating journey in financial planning, beginning with his early interest in investing and his initial steps in the banking sector. If you are in another channel and want to transition into the RIA model, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Scott discusses his evolution from an internal wholesaler at an insurance company to thriving in various financial channels. You'll hear about the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way, how his unique outdoor adventure business has influenced his approach as a financial planner, and tips for new planners—particularly those considering a transition to the RIA model.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/41qkjel

Kate Dixon is a world-renowned expert on compensation and negotiation, and she stops by the show today to share her wealth of expertise in this topic. If you are looking to become more confident in your negotiations, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Listen in as Kate shares the essentials of successful negotiation strategies, starting by emphasizing the importance of always negotiating an offer, exploring alternatives for negotiation when salary adjustments aren't possible, and advocating for face-to-face negotiation. She also reveals her four-step process to streamline negotiations, discusses overcoming nervousness and emotional challenges during negotiation talks, and highlights the benefits of a collaborative negotiation style.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3RG6RQ4

Dave Ragan is a Financial Planner and Partner at Grunden Financial Advisory based out of Denton, TX. He stops by the show today to discuss his path into the financial planning profession, after initially pursuing a photojournalism career. If you're skeptical about the possibility of someone remaining with their first post-college firm throughout their career, this episode will provide you with a fresh perspective!

Listen in as Dave dives into his 20-year journey with the same firm, discussing the steps he took to secure his first interview, the evolution of his role over the years, and why the firm's culture and structure led him to choose intrapreneurship over starting his own practice. You'll hear how Dave achieved ownership in just eight years, what the firm's growth trajectory has been, and insights for new planners entering the field.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3NbSG2P 

Kurt Cornfield is a retired financial planner and Professor of Financial Planning at Liberty University. He joins the show today to discuss his career and why he is passionate about growing the Kingdom Advisors Association, the leading advocate for the Christian financial industry. If you are seeking a community of Christian-based financial planners, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Kurt shares his journey from the wirehouse channel to becoming a key figure in financial planning education. He delves into his pivotal role in developing the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program at Liberty University, the unique aspects of the Certified Kingdom Advisor designation—including insights into its influential annual conference—and more.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3sKzUbO

Hayley Swaim is a Planning Team Lead—a role she snagged at just 24 years old—based out of Austin, TX. She stops by the show today to discuss her path into the financial planning profession. If you are looking for ideas on how to fast-track your career, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Hayley shares her early determination to become a financial planner, leading her to complete two internships before even starting college. She also dives into her journey of initiating a financial planning student organization, landing a part-time role at her current firm during college, and her rapid ascent to a team lead position just two years post-graduation.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ujOxmZ

Today we have Ryan Huey and Franklin Matute of Roserock Wealth Management, based out of Dallas, TX, joining the show. They discuss how they found financial planning early on, starting their careers right out of college. If you are a soon-to-be new college grad beginning your financial planning career, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Listen in as Ryan and Franklin recount their journey through the financial planning landscape, from directly after college to when their paths converged at Roserock five years ago. Ryan details his 18-year tenure at a firm where a personal connection blossomed into a fulfilling career, his reasons for departing to establish his own firm, and why Franklin was his top choice for the venture. Franklin opens up about his transitions from a mid-size to a large RIA before taking the leap to join Ryan, his methods for building client confidence, and his rationale for moving to a startup environment.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/45YqXZO

Jon Harrington is a Financial Planner and Partner at Milestone Financial Planning based out of Bedford, NH, and he stops by the show today to discuss his path into the financial planning profession. If you are passionate about helping members of the military with their financial affairs, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Jon describes his trajectory from a finance major at Bentley University to embarking on his financial planning career within the bank channel, as well as his experiences that led him to provide financial counseling to military service members. He'll also share his decision to enlist in the military at age 31 after years of serving service members in a civilian capacity, discuss his rise to becoming an equity owner at Milestone Financial Planning, and explain how he balances his military career, family life, and his role as a financial planner.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3tPXp3d

Tanner Merritt is a Financial Counselor with Zeiders Enterprises, and he joins the show today to discuss his path into the financial planning profession. Starting with his transition after 6 years in the Army to majoring in Natural Resource Management, he ultimately made his way to financial counseling for the military.

Listen in as Tanner dives into the reasons for his transition, discussing the intricacies of his role, potential salary ranges, career trajectories, and strategies to combat financial stigmas within the military community. You'll hear about his journey from persisting with his major to pursuing a graduate degree, landing an internship with a small RIA, and subsequently joining a large financial services firm. He also gives invaluable tips for budding planners to enhance their marketability.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Fyuvra

Makemma Cockrell Wolff is an Associate Relationship Manager at Avion Wealth, and she joins the show today to discuss her path into the financial planning profession. If you are feeling frustrated in your job search and are thinking about giving up, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Makemma shares her initial aspirations of law, only to find her true calling in financial planning through a university assessment. She also details her experiences at the TTU financial planning program, securing multiple internships, and navigating a challenging job market due to stock market fluctuations. You'll hear Makemma's insights into her current role, early-career reflections, and advice for fresh graduates eyeing positions at smaller RIAs.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3MePkvh

Dr. Philip Gibson is a Finance Professor and Financial Advisor based out of Rock Hill, SC, and he joins the show today to share how he entered the financial planning profession. Recounting his journey from Jamaica to the U.S. for college, where a mentor's suggestion at Prairie View A&M put financial planning on his radar, Phillip shares his academic pursuits, leading to his current role at Winthrop University. If you love to teach, but also aspire to one day be a financial planner, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Philip dives into the inception and evolution of his side practice in financial planning, emphasizing how it enhanced his teaching and the Winthrop CFP program. We also discuss the challenges of building a firm from the ground up, Philip’s eventual merge with larger entities, and his advice for aspiring financial planners.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3PH5uP6

Enjoli Ramsey is a Certified Financial Planner and Navy vet who joins the show today to take us through her unconventional journey into the financial planning profession. If you are looking to change your career to financial planning, then this is an episode for you!

Listen in as she recounts her 23-year military career, her early interest in personal finance, and how she transitioned into a fintech startup after passing the CFP exam just before the onset of COVID-19. You'll hear Enjoli’s vision for the future of financial planning, her recent career moves, and advice for those looking to switch careers.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3RCfgo2