Tag Archives: Financial Planning

#83 Charging for Financial Planning Services with Steven Kaplan & Ben Skupp



What if you could cut through the noise and offer your clients true value beyond just product performance?

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews co-founders of Holistic Financial Planners Steven Kaplan and Benjamin Skupp about charging for advice. They share their journey into adopting a new financial model that enabled them to work a flexible schedule and still deliver high client value. Throughout the episode, Steven and Ben explain how adopting a fee-based advisory model can foster healthier client relationships and present a sustainable career path for financial advisors.

Ben and Steve discuss: 

  • (03:30) The transition to a fee-based model for financial advice
  • (09:27) The benefits both advisors and clients experience from the fee-for-advice model
  • (13:00) How to propose and execute this model with clients
  • (16:58) How to ensure clients perceive your value beyond product sales
  • (32:03) Tips for advisors interested in shifting their business model and how to find Mindshift financial coaching
  • (36:11) Real-life success stories from advisors who made the switch
  • …And more!

Sponsors:

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Steven Kaplan and Ben Skupp:

About Steven Kaplan and Ben Skupp:

Steven M. Kaplan, ChFC®, is a Senior Financial Planner.  He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, is series 7, 63, and 66 licensed, and has his Accident and Health Insurance license along with his Property and Casualty Insurance license. At Holistic Financial Planners, Steven is completely dedicated to his client’s financial success.  As a coach and planner, Steven helps clients bring clarity to their current financial picture and holds them accountable to make sure to help them achieve their financial goals.  He is making sure they are living for the present without neglecting the future while being as efficient as possible.

Benjamin Skupp, ChFC® is a Financial Planner. He is a graduate of West Chester University, is Series 7, 63 securities licensed, and has his Life, Accident and Health insurance license. At Holistic Financial Planners, Benjamin is determined to providing his clients comfort and confidence in achieving their lifetime goals through financial coaching and planning. In doing so, his caring and focused approach helps him understand problems from all perspectives and find customized solutions to best serve his clientele.


#82 Financial Focus for College Athletes: A Winning Game Plan with Jeff Durr



Ever wondered how financial advisors can truly connect with niche markets? What if we told you the secret lies in a unique combination of athletics, education, and strategic branding?

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Jeff Durr from RU Financial Athletic Department, revealing how he’s turning the world of financial planning on its head by focusing on college athletes. Jeff explains his unique “Lighthouse Effect” strategy, which leverages student-athlete commonality to foster long-term trusting relationships. A former college athlete himself, Jeff understands the critical importance of financial literacy among young sports enthusiasts and shares how he’s built a brand that resonates deeply with this audience. This episode dives into the art of relationship building and brand growth through speaking engagements, alongside practical insights into successful LinkedIn strategies and social media presence development.

Jeff discusses: 

  • (05:30) The origins of RU Financial Athletic Department and its mission
  • (07:51) Overcoming misconceptions about young athletes lacking financial worth
  • (10:44) The structure of his team and the Lighthouse Effect marketing
  • (17:14) The role of speaking engagements in building brand awareness and client relationships
  • (19:31) Effective LinkedIn networking techniques
  • …And more!

Sponsors:

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Jeff Durr:

About Jeff Durr:

Jeff Durr brings his passion for athletics into the financial advisory industry, drawing from his experience as a college football player at the University of Maine. As the Senior Partner at RU Financial Athletic Department and Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer at MassMutual, he leads the training and development of financial advisors across the country. Since 1988, Jeff has leveraged his extensive experience in financial services to provide personalized coaching and guidance to both current advisors and college athletes transitioning into financial advisor roles.

Jeff is deeply committed to educating and empowering college athletes by equipping them with financial literacy to make informed decisions upon graduation. He designs tailored programs that help athletes create financial game plans, preparing them to “win” in life after sports. For former athletes, Jeff guides them in building long-term financial strategies and actively recruits them to impact athletic departments and alumni networks across universities nationwide.

His core competencies include business development, mentoring, team building, and specialized financial advising, with a focus on retirement, estate planning, and risk management. Jeff emphasizes the transferable skills athletes bring to the profession, helping them secure necessary licenses, gain hands-on experience, and understand the fundamentals of financial advising. His leadership is centered on trust-building, ethical practices, and continuous learning, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes professional growth and client success. Jeff is passionate about creating a supportive network where former athletes can uplift one another while making a meaningful impact in the financial advisory field.

He holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Maine, where he played college football. Jeff has three children: Sophia, a Rutgers University graduate; Olivia, a Kutztown University graduate; and Jeffrey Jr., who attends Kean University.


Episode #68 Crafting Your Origin Story to Build Trust and Finding Your Niche Market with Dan Brothers, CFP®



Do you have an “origin story”? Are you using it to attract more Right-Fit Clients™ and become more referable?

Have you figured out how to find your niche market – specifically one that’s clearly defined and profitable? Have you moved away from prospecting to attracting people to you?

In this episode of Top Advisor Podcast, host Bill Cates interviews financial advisor Dan Brothers, CFP®, who shares his insights on using his origin story to build rapport and trust with clients. Dan also reveals his strategy for selecting and focusing on a clear target market, that has propelled him to the top echelon among his peers.

Bill & Dan discuss:

  • Utilizing your “Origin Story” to connect with clients and prospects on a personal level
  • The importance of being genuine and authentic in how you communicate your value to prospects and clients.
  • Factors to consider when trying to figure out how to find your niche market in financial advisory.
  • His decision to focus on a niche market of individuals nearing retirement and the subsequent choice of a second niche to focus on asset accumulation.
  • The role of his wife, Ashley Brothers, in defining her own niche with blue-collar-millionaires.
  • …And so much more!

 

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Dan Brothers:

 

About Dan Brothers, CFP®:

Originally from Wappinger Falls, NY, Dan Brothers began his career in 2009. After seeing firsthand what can happen to families after catastrophic loss, Dan joined became an advisor to ensure he would be able to do everything in his power to help individuals and families prepare for what lies ahead.

Dan has built his practice in the North Shore of Boston over the last decade plus. The practice is focused on individuals and families within 5 years of their desired retirement goals.


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Episode #65 Beyond Financial Planning: Integrating Life Coaching into Your Practice with Abbey Henderson, CFP®️ RLP®️ CPCC®️ CAP®️ AEP®️



It is my sincere hope that you are not attempting to do financial planning without gaining the full context of your clients. 

Our guest on this next episode of Top Advisor Podcast, Abbey Henderson, has coined the phrase, “Authentic Wealth.”

In a nutshell, Authentic Wealth is bigger than just financial accumulation and management. It recognizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of life.  It is created when your five key resources (Finances, Mindset, Relationships, Health, and Time) are aligned with your values and your vision. These resources are used to achieve the impact you want to have on yourself, your family, your community and the world.

Everyone – advisors and their clients – should consider embracing and using this concept of Authentic Wealth.

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Abbey Henderson, CFP®, CEO, Wealth Advisor & Coach, Abaris Financial Group. Abbey explains her holistic approach to financial planning that integrates life coaching. 

Discover the success behind Abbey’s “Five Lever Friday” newsletter, offering weekly insights into improving various aspects of life. They also explore the role of podcasting in building authentic connections with Abbey’s audience, serving as a powerful referral tool.

Bill and Abbey discuss: 

  • Abbey’s model of Authentic Wealth
  • How Abbey’s holistic approach has made her more referable and helped her accelerate the growth of her business.
  • Her decision to become a Certified Life Planner and Certified Life Coach and how it has added results-producing depth to her financial planning.
  • Common limiting beliefs and mistaken assumptions around money and how she helps clients overcome their ability to sabotage results. 
  • Her decision to start a podcast, the initial hesitations, and the role of ProudMouth in helping her launch the podcast.
  • How podcasting serves as a tool to create more referrals, while helping build trust and credibility with clients/prospects – even before the first meeting.
  • …And more!

 

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect with Abbey Henderson: 

About Abbey Henderson:Abbey Henderson, CFP®️ RLP®️ CPCC®️ CAP®️ AEP®️ is the CEO, Wealth Advisor & Coach of Abaris Financial Group LLC. She strives to help her clients live their best lives. To figure out what lights them up, how they will feel most fulfilled, and leave a legacy they are proud of. Matching resources to dreams is her specialty. In 2001, she decided it was time to follow her dream of being an entrepreneur and Abaris Financial Group was born. They’ve since grown from Abbey alone in a small office to a six-person staff with over 175 clients.


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Episode #61 Becoming Fluent with The Language of Referrals – A Special Episode with Bob Burg Interviewing Bill Cates



Announcing! Bill Cates’s Newest Book…

The Language of Referrals: The Words & Scripts Financial Professionals Use to Gain More Ideal Clients.

Every financial professional understands the power of referrals and personal introductions.

Marketing experts extol the virtues of building a referral-based business. However, while providing overarching strategies and concepts, they don’t tell you how to actually create results.

In this exclusive interview, Bob Burg (author of Endless Referrals and The Go-Giver Series) interviews Bill Cates – widely known as “The Original Referral Coach” in financial services. 

While discussing the release of Bill’s latest book, The Language of Referrals, Bob and Bill explore the core principles and practical strategies for mastering the art and skill of building a referral-based business. They offer insights into promoting introductions, overcoming objections, effectively getting introduced, and more!

Bill and Bob discuss: 

  • Bill’s motivation behind writing The Language of Referrals. “Does the world need another book about referrals?”
  • The self-talk and mindset required to produce more and better introductions to quality prospects. 
  • The important difference between “referrals” and “introductions.”
  • The challenges and misconceptions around asking for referrals and how those can impact an advisor’s ability to produce results. 
  • The language of promoting introductions to generate high-quality unsolicited introductions
  • The importance of being specific in asking for introductions and the language that can be used to make a focused request.
  • Understanding and addressing client reluctance to providing introductions. 
  • The language of turning a client’s willingness to refer into introductions and solid connections
  • …And more!

 

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect with Bob Burg: 

 

About Bob Burg:

Bob Burg shares how a subtle shift in focus is not only a more uplifting and fulfilling way of conducting business but the most financially profitable way, as well. For 30 years he’s helped companies, sales leaders, and their teams to more effectively communicate their value, sell at higher prices with less resistance, and grow their businesses based on Endless Referrals.

Bob has regularly addressed audiences ranging in size from 50 to 16,000 — sharing the platform with notables including today’s top thought leaders, broadcast personalities, Olympic athletes, and political leaders including a former United States President.

Bob is the author of a number of books on sales, marketing, and influence, with total book sales approaching two million copies.

The American Management Association named Bob one of the 30 Most Influential Leaders and he was named one of the Top 200 Most Influential Authors in the World by Richtopia.

Bob is an advocate, supporter, and defender of the Free Enterprise system, believing that the amount of money one makes is directly proportional to how many people they serve.


Episode #55 Tracking Success: Measuring the Impact of the Client Journey in Financial Planning with Kalli Fedusenko



Are you winging it when it comes to serving your client all along the client journey?

Or do you embrace and follow a clear strategy for enhancing client and prospect experiences and establishing strong relationships with them throughout the entire client journey? 

Attending to all phases of the client journey will always be the fuel to your success.

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Kalli Fedusenko, Founder of KalliCollective. They explore the crucial aspects of building relationships with clients and prospects via the powerful client journey process. She Kalli delves into the stages of the client journey and the power of online platforms in your marketing. Also, KellyShe also discusses surprising topics to share that resonate with clients.

Bill and Kalli discuss: 

  • The different stages of the client journey and what to monitor.
  • Viral content delivered by advisors – specific success examples.
  • The links between the client journey, client experience, and marketing.
  • Why to keep sending your clients back to your website (where YOU control content and experience) rather than just your social media.
  • Strategies for boosting website engagement and follow up.
  • The importance of making your website your content hub for prospects and clients.
  • Why personal content creates the biggest impact with clients.
  • Specific examples and case studies showcasing successful results.
  • The value and risks of posting stock content.
  • Strategies for making it easier for clients to refer advisors.
  • …And more!

 

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Kalli Fedusenko:

About Kalli Fedusenko:

Kalli Fedusenko is the founder of KalliCollective, a firm specializing in marketing for the financial services industry.

With over 10 years of experience in the financial planning industry, a former position as Digital Marketing Coach For The FPA, and being formerly licensed with the series 7 & 63, Kalli can provide you with an insight and understanding into your practice and objectives. She specializes in brand strategy, web content strategy, video content planning, and more. This powerful combination of creativity and strategy makes Kalli the most effective guide to give your brand a voice.


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Episode #54 Family Legacy Planning: Guiding Your Clients on the Path to Generational Wealth with Randy Jones



Family legacy planning involves more than just helping your clients accumulate assets.

Creating a lasting legacy for your clients means crafting a set of values, purpose, and financial knowledge that lasts for generations.

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Randy Jones, Wealth Management Advisor at Financial Growth Partners. Randy shares his insights on family legacy planning, emphasizing the need to connect all aspects of a client’s life to create a comprehensive financial plan. He introduces his legacy system for creating generational wealth and discusses the interconnectedness of money and time. Randy also shares the importance of creating a family constitution to guide future generations.

Bill and Randy discuss: 

  • Randy’s unconventional path to becoming a wealth management advisor.
  • Purpose Driven Financial Planning – it’s not just about the money.
  • Randy’s approach of family legacy planning that evolves and grows with clients.
  • Randy’s Legacy System and why to focus on our legacy to our future generations.
  • The different assets individuals have, including physical, intellectual, ethical, and material assets, and their importance in building a legacy.
  • The distinction between flashy wealth and true wealth.
  • The significance of early financial education and instilling values in children.
  • What you need to know about The Family Constitution and The Synergy Consortium.
  • … And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Randy Jones:

About Randy Jones:

Randy Jones has been in the finance industry for 26 years. As a wealth management advisor at a financial services company, Randy has access to all the same products and programs as any other financial advisor, but that’s not why people come to him.

They come to him for a plan. Randy’s plans are not in a leather-bound book that you put on a shelf in hopes of reading someday. They are plans that you can live, and they change and grow with you and your family.

In life, you have other assets that mean more to you than money. Yet, for most people money has/is/will be more of an obstacle than an asset. You can change this if you are willing to change the way you think. You first must ask yourself “Do I want another product, or do I want a plan?”

Randy helps you create your experiences. He teaches “It’s better to givethan to receive.” He helps you live your dreams, appreciate life, and live in the wow!


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Episode #53 Using Financial Advisor Podcasts to Acquire Ideal Clients with Misty Lynch, CFP®



Have you ever wondered if the hosts of financial advisor podcasts actually get new clients from it?  Is all the effort worth it? 

And, by the way, do many of your prospects and clients seem to have limiting beliefs and mistaken assumptions about money?

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates and his guest Misty Lynch, CFP®, author of the book Demystifying Money and host of the Demystifying Money Podcast have a lively discussion on these two (and other) topics. 

Misty shares her journey from a financially struggling family to becoming a top financial advisor, highlighting the power of a positive money mindset. 

She explains how her unique blend of financial planning and life coaching helps clients overcome financial challenges and make informed decisions. 

Additionally, Misty discusses the power of financial advisor podcasts, and reveals how podcasting has helped her acquire more ideal clients and bring great value to many listeners.

Bill and Misty discuss: 

  • Her personal story of how her interest in finance started in grade school and was solidified by her parents’ financial struggles.
  • Her decision to marry become both a Certified Financial Planner AND a Certified Life Coach. 
  • Why she wrote her book Demystifying Money and how it serves as a credibility builder, lead magnet, and referral tool.
  • How she went from hosting a Radio Show to her current podcast, and how it helps her attract ideal new clients.
  • The two effective strategies to monetize financial advisor podcasts.
  • Her experience as the host of the television show HeartBroke, a money-makeover show with ten different couples – revealing their money mindsets and improving their financial situation.
  • …And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Misty Lynch:

About Misty Lynch:

Misty Lynch, CFP®, is a personal finance expert and the Owner and CEO of Sound View Financial Advisors, LLC. Misty hosts the unscripted reality show HEARTBROKE and the Demystifying Money podcast. She is also the author of DEMYSTIFYING MONEY and a personal finance expert and resource for media outlets, including The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, CNBC, CNN, Investopedia, Real Simple, Student Loan Hero, and many others.

Investopedia named her one of the Top 100 Financial Advisors in 2021, and US News and World Report called her one of the 9 Women in Finance to Follow “because sometimes you need life advice, not just financial advice.”


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Episode #51 Creating Interesting, Edgy, and Authentic Content Marketing for Financial Advisors That Turns Prospects into Clients with David B. Armstrong, CFA



This is an interview you don’t want to miss.

David Armstrong, CFA has found a way to message his value and attract new clients who are perfect for his business.

He does it in a genuine, compelling, and slightly fun way. 

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews David Armstrong, President & Co-Founder of Monument Wealth Management. They explore the importance of finding the right fit with clients and the value of clear and compelling messaging. They talk about the role of differentiation in the financial industry and the benefits of content marketing for financial advisors.  

Bill and Dave discuss: 

  • The importance of differentiation and how to convey that to prospective clients.
  • Why losing a client can be a “gift” to the firm.
  • The powerful crossroads where Digital Marketing & Referrals come together to produce a flow of ideal clients.
  • How Dave and his team incorporate humor into their website and marketing materials to create an authentic and relatable brand.
  • Dave’s decision to bring dogs to the office, the positive response from clients, and the impact on the firm’s culture and branding.
  • How Dave’s outspoken “critic” of the financial services industry has become a magnet for great clients.
  • Reasons for starting a podcast as a means to better communicate important information and connect with clients.
  • How the right content marketing for financial advisors can be used to generate a clear and tangible ROI.
  • …And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Dave Armstrng:

About our guest:

Dave Armstrong discovered his passion for finance in his mid-20s. Unable to spend money over several different deployments while serving in the Marine Corps, he became a self-taught investor. He proudly remembers his investing performance to be, “Along with a few bucks of cash income as a bouncer, good enough to pay for a graduate degree, a new car, and two years of living expenses.”

After returning home from active duty for an MBA at his alma mater, the University of South Carolina, Dave became a CFA Charterholder and started working at a large Wall Street firm in New York City. After 8 years, it became abundantly clear to Dave that the financial services industry was drowning in a sea of sameness. He felt that true wealth planning either didn’t exist or was nothing more than a smokescreen to generate a generic asset allocation and sell products. Creativity was nonexistent, the culture was focused on shareholder profits first, and advisors were accountable to sales managers, not their clients.

He was unimpressed, to say the least—and very, very bored. So, fed up with it all, he co-founded Monument Wealth Management in May of 2008 and experienced a very real-life example of the difficulty in market timing.

Dave is a combat veteran and served as an officer in the United States Marines Corps on both active duty and in the reserves, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He proudly tackled his post-retirement, mid-life crisis head-on by journeying out on a solo, month-long backpacking trip along the Pacific Crest Trail which totaled over 200 miles through the California Sierra Mountains.

He currently hosts the OFF THE WALL podcast with co-host Jessica Gibbs, where they interview top experts on topics aimed at helping founders and high-earning execs build wealth with purpose.

He also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation which stewards the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico Virginia, The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and The Station Foundation which assists Special Operations warriors navigate the rough terrain of transition and reintegration back to civilian life.

His passions outside of work are fostering dogs for the Lab Rescue of Central Potomac, cheering on his beloved Gamecocks, quoting 80’s movies, and scoring under 100 on the golf course. His two current hobbies are hosting the Moments in Leadership podcast, where he conducts long-form interviews with senior military leaders, and Ham Radio but admits that could change at any moment because his wife Sara keeps calling him a dork.


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Episode #48 Conversations about Longevity Planning and Preparing for the Unexpected with Steve Gresham



This may be one of the most important interviews we’ve done since the inception of Top Advisor Podcast.

The very best advisors know that their job is more than managing investments or selling insurance.  The very best advisors are increasingly focused on Longevity Planning for the Baby Boomer clients.

These advisors prioritize building strong, meaningful connections with their clients, getting to know their individual life stories, and providing guidance through critical life-changing events.

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates and Steve Gresham delve into the fascinating world of longevity planning and the importance of being prepared for unexpected events. As advisors, it’s crucial for us to anticipate these events and help our clients navigate through them with expertise and care.

You’ll hear real-life examples of advisors who have let their clients down in this area as well as examples of advisors who showed up big time for their clients. 

But it doesn’t stop there. Bill and Steve explore the growing demographic wave of older individuals and the unique challenges they face. Longevity planning is not something to be taken lightly.

Steve Gresham & Bill Cates discuss: 

  • The concept of “family conversation” and why it is important for advisors to have the courage to engage with their clients.
  • The 7 moments that matter in a client’s life AND the 7 phone calls every advisor should be prepared to receive.
  • Why clients may hesitate to share personal health information with their advisors due to concerns about empathy and a safe space.
  • The life events that may be a surprise to clients – but not to their advisors – who should be prepared and experienced in dealing with them.
  • How financial advisors can ensure that they are addressing the concerns and needs of aging clients, even if the clients may feel hesitant to share personal health information.
  • What longevity planning is, and key issues to consider when creating a longevity plan for clients.
  • Stories of success and failure in longevity planning.
  • …And so much more!

As always, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical strategies for financial advisors to better serve their clients. So, get ready to learn the secrets to success in the world of longevity planning as we dive into an engaging conversation with Steve Gresham. 

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Steve Gresham:

About Steve Gresham:

Steve Gresham is a leader in understanding trends facing the wealth management industry.

Steve is the Chief Executive Officer of The Execution Project, which provides engaging content and executive consulting services to help firms and their advisors meet the needs of the retiring age wave. He is also the managing partner of the premier executive community in the financial services industry, Next Chapter, and acts as a senior educational advisor to the Alliance for Lifetime Income.

Prior to founding his consulting firm, he was EVP and Head of the Private Client Group at Fidelity Investments from 2008-2017. During this time, he drove the retail investor strategy that more than doubled client households to 1.6 million and assets under administration to more than $2 trillion. With a focus on the client experience, the Private Client Group team ended net asset outflow and pushed the client satisfaction score from 8 to 63.

Steve joined Fidelity in October 2008 after seven years of helping to lead the turnaround of The Phoenix Companies and its successful asset management spinoff, Virtus Investment Partners (NYSE -VRTS).

Gresham has a history of achieving results across firms. In addition to his success at Fidelity, he led successful efforts as an executive or consultant at many financial services companies in the global marketplace, including:

  • Merrill Lynch Private Wealth International’s Private Wealth offering
  • Merrill Lynch Canada
  • The Smith Barney Consulting Group
  • The Citigroup Private Bank
  • The Charles Schwab Company
  • AGF Funds
  • Prudential
  • AIM Distributors

He has a Telly Award for innovation in financial services marketing, a Mutual Fund Marketer of the Year Award by Institutional Investor/Fund Action, and was recognized with the Pioneer Award for lifetime industry contributions from the Money Management Institute.

When Steve is not consulting/speaking on wealth management or financial technology, Steve can be found in his woodshop creating custom works of art for local and national clients.