Episodes

We all have an idea of what retirement will be like. But what happens when reality doesn’t match your expectations? For many, the transition from a structured career to unstructured free time isn’t as easy as it seems. That’s exactly what happened to Tom Pendergast. Tom is a retired professional who found himself facing an unexpected challenge: boredom In this episode, Tom reveals his personal journey through the human side of retirement—the identity shifts, the search for purpose, and the unexp...

We all know that true wealth goes far beyond money. Yet, we all act as though money is the ultimate end game. Like when your client says, “Once I get to $_____, then I’ll be ready.” But money is simply a tool to fund the life you want to live. And once you know how to use it, it’s a powerful tool for enhancing your happiness, meaning and fulfillment. But what are the ways that money can buy happiness? How can you use money to feel more fulfilled? Fortunately, Dr. Daniel Crosby is a leading exper...

As Betterment’s Director of Behavioral Science, Dan Egan knows that understanding human behavior is key to your client’s financial success. But knowing that’s true and knowing what to do about it are two different things. There are a lot of opinions thrown around in the behavioral finance space on what works and what doesn’t. And you probably don’t want to “test” some of these ideas on clients you hope to work with for 10-30 years. For years, Dan has been testing behavioral finance interventions...

The Human Side of Money in 2024: Released 24 episodes Delivered 1,933 minutes of content on the human side of advice Inside those 24 episodes and 1,933 minutes lie countless ideas, insights, and nuggets that will do two things: Enhance and enrich your clients’ lives and forever change the trajectory of your business and career. But, there were certain ideas inside each episode and conversation that delivered more impact than others. Certain insights and nuggets that move the needle a little...

“If you’re not relevant, you’re ignored. If you’re not compelling, you’re forgotten.” Bill Cates, the “OG” of relationship marketing, knows that genuine connections are the heart of a thriving and growing practice. But with technology constantly reshaping how we connect, how do you still leverage a human connection? For decades, Bill has mastered the art of building trust, creating relevance, and fostering relationships that lead to referrals. And, in this episode, he shares the 3 R’s of relatio...

Meir Statman, a trailblazer in behavioral finance, says: “Financial well-being underlies life well-being.” Advisors know their clients want to feel happy and fulfilled and make decisions aligned with their values. But weaving that into financial advice? That’s the challenge. And, that’s the next frontier for behavioral finance. Meir has witnessed every generation of behavioral finance up to this point. And, in this episode, he shares how advisors can prepare their clients and their practice for ...

Does money talk strengthen your relationship—or strain it? Doug and Heather Boneparth, a dynamic husband-wife team and experienced financial advisors, share the inside scoop on what makes relationships tick—financially and emotionally. Drawing from personal experience, they reveal practical ways for couples to redefine financial responsibilities, appreciate non-monetary contributions, and set shared goals for the future. For advisors, Doug and Heather break down how to create balanced, inclusive...

Here’s a question for you: On a scale of 1-10, how confident are you that your screening process will yield conversations with prospects who are a good fit AND ready to take action? If you answered anything less than an 8, you’re in good company. Most advisors spend way too much time meeting with prospects only to find out they aren’t a good fit. Fortunately, Meghaan Lurtz has researched and written about this process. In this episode, she reveals the steps to build a screening process that brin...

Here’s the outline for most review meetings with long-time clients: How is life? How is the family? Any major changes or updates? Here’s your situation. Everything looks good. See you next year. And, that’s not bad. But there’s a better way. It’s called a “Re-Discovery” meeting. And, not only, does it keep your clients engaged while reinforcing your value. It deepens your relationship with them and enhances their life. Most advisors love the idea. They just need to know how to do it. In this e...

Financial advisors are on the front lines of bad news. Your entire business is filled with clients who have either experienced grief or will experience grief at some point in their lives. When that time comes, you’ll often be one of the first people they talk to. And, unfortunately, we aren’t naturally “grief-literate.” We feel awkward, don’t know what to say, and generally mishandle the conversation. But, when you have a process for handling grieving clients, you can capitalize on the opportuni...

Are your clients drifting aimlessly or swimming purposefully towards their financial goals? The default for clients is to pick goals on autopilot. Goals that have been determined by society, friends, and their upbringing. In this episode, Isaac Presley shares how he creates the time and space for his clients to create more intentional goals using a “Family EOS” approach. You’ll Learn: The “Time Bucketing” exercise to help clients prioritize goals The “Family EOS” approach and how to introduce i...

When you want to learn something about financial planning and advice, the ultimate source is Michael Kitces. Most people know Michael is a spreadsheet-loving, technical wizard. What most people don’t know is that he also fully believes in the human side. In this episode, Michael explains the skills and processes advisors need to know on the path to mastering the human side of advice. You’ll Learn: What Michael says is the #1 skill for financial advisors The drawbacks to marketing the human side...

Michael Finke’s research shows that the trifecta of a happy and fulfilling retirement incorporates: Money Health Social Connection Most financial advisors know the money part. But how can you incorporate the other health and social connection parts into a financial plan to help your clients live a happy and fulfilling retirement? Fortunately, Michael Finke is the foremost authority on this topic and shares with us the three cornerstones of a happy and fulfilling retirement and how to incorpora...

*This is a continuation of the conversation that started in the previous episode (Episode 118). We highly recommend listening to that episode first! A statement of financial purpose serves as the mission statement for your client’s financial life. It acts as the north star for making financial decisions that are in alignment with the things that are truly important in life. Most advisors love the idea, but they don’t know how to do it. Fortunately, Andy Baxley created an entire course on it. And...

A Statement of Financial Purpose serves as the mission statement for your client’s financial life. It acts as the north star or lens for making financial decisions to ensure they are aligned with what’s truly most important. Most advisors love the idea, but they don’t know how to do it. Fortunately, Andy Baxley created an entire course on it. And, in this episode, he reveals the 3-step process he takes his clients through to craft a statement of financial purpose. You’ll Learn: A script to intr...

The growth of your business hinges on your ability to build and establish trust with prospective clients. In this episode, Kerry Johnson, “America’s Business Psychologist” reveals psychological insights on how to master the art of trust-based selling. You’ll Learn: Signs that a prospect is interested (or not!) The anatomy of an elevator speech that actually works Why prospects forget 90% of what you say within 3 days Why it’s crucial to “calibrate” at the beginning of every interaction wit...

Love and money are two emotional subjects on their own. And one HIGHLY emotional subject when combined together. Next time you meet with a couple, think about these numbers: 70% have disagreed about their financial situation 73% say finances are a source of tension in their relationship 47% say this tension has impacted the intimacy with their partner Money is an emotionally-charged topic that you simply can’t avoid in a relationship. In this episode, Dr. Sonya Lutter provides a guide for...

The intro meeting is the lifeblood of an advisory business. It’s either the single most expensive or the single most profitable activity that you’ll ever engage in. Yet, almost everything you’ve been taught about how to conduct these meetings is backwards. It contradicts everything psychology research tells us that a prospect needs. In this episode, we’ll look at five things you’ve never been taught but HAVE to know to conduct the ultimate intro meeting: Navigating The Trust Zone Inside Th...

The combination of financial psychology and technology has a multiplier effect on client outcomes. Advisors who effectively integrate both into their practice see significantly higher levels of: Satisfaction Loyalty Referrals Trust But, before you get these outcomes, you have to know how to effectively combine the two. Fortunately, Emily Koochel pioneered this research and provides a roadmap for advisors to combine financial psychology with technology on the path to transforming their cli...

More important than what questions you ask is how you ask them. In this episode, shares 8 proven ways to ask better questions that lead to better answers, conversations, and relationships. The featured partner for this episode is Knudge, an automated system to help clients actually follow through on their tasks and reach their financial goals.= *To receive the monthly “Wisdom Round-Up” newsletter full of practical ways to apply the human side of advice –> Go Here. *Follow Brendan for insights ...

Three important questions every advisor should answer: Do you think you provide a valuable and life-changing service? Do you think your clients are better off with you than without you, even after they pay? Do you find that even though they’re better off with you, they still need a little nudge to make the decision to work with you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then here’s the harsh truth you need to hear: Getting prospects to become clients requires more than expertise. I...

There is one skill that will impact your success and your client’s success more than anything else. The ability to listen. More specifically, the ability to listen with empathy and curiosity. In this episode, we’ll look at: The neuroscience and benefits of listening 3 ideas to instantly improve your listening skills An advisor testimonial on the power of listening The featured partner for this episode is Knudge, an automated system to help clients actually follow through on their tasks an...

The greatest barrier for every client isn’t lack of information. It’s their own mindset and behavior. Whether it’s someone who over-spends, someone who under-spends, someone who wants to sell out at the worst possible time, or even the person who never sends in the data you need… The key to changing their behavior starts with understanding their money mindset. Sarah Newcomb, Director of Behavioral Science at Morningstar, joined the show to discuss how to better understand a client’s money mi...

Research consistently shows that >90% of clients are satisfied. At first glance, it sounds like a good thing. But, if over 90% of clients are satisfied, then client satisfaction ceases to be a differentiator. It’s now tablestakes. Which then prompts the question: “Should we be aiming for something more than satisfaction?” Julie Littlechild suggests we move the bar from “satisfied” to “engaged.” Satisfied clients are happy but passive. Engaged clients are happy and tell the world about what...