Modern Financial Advisor

How I Built and Sold My FinTech Startup: Louis Retief of Hubly on The Modern Financial Advisor Podcast In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford sits down with Louis Retief, co-founder of Hubly, for an in-depth conversation about his entrepreneurial journey in the wealth tech industry. Louis shares his experience of founding Hubly right out of college, the challenges and opportunities he encountered, and what it's like to have his company acquired by Docupace. They discuss the importance of efficiency and workflows for advisory firms, the role of operations managers in decision-making, and the ongoing consolidation in the wealth management tech space. Louis also provides insights into how Hubly and PreciseFP are working together post-acquisition and the long-term vision for integrated solutions in financial advisory firms. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in fintech, wealth management, and entrepreneurship. Don't miss it! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Hubly and Efficient Advisory Firms 00:52 Welcome to the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast 02:12 Louis Retief's Journey and Hubly's Origin 03:12 The Importance of Workflow Automation 17:13 Challenges and Solutions in Financial Advisory Firms 27:20 Understanding the Financial Advisory Market 33:27 Building for the Back Office 34:43 Lessons from Social Wear 36:38 Hubly's Strategic Pivot 37:43 Acquisition by Docupace 39:15 Research and Decision Making 47:00 Post-Acquisition Integration 49:17 Future Vision and Product Development 53:27 Entrepreneurial Insights and Challenges 56:12 Importance of Long-Term Thinking 58:37 Due Diligence in Tech Partnerships 01:02:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Steve Lockshin, founder of AdvicePeriod and Vanilla Technologies. Steve shares insights on the shortcomings of the traditional AUM model, the rise of AI in financial advising, and the potential of technology to revolutionize the industry. They discuss estate planning, the importance of serving high net worth clients, and practical applications of AI and tokenization. Steve also opens up about his personal life, including his passion for wake surfing as a morning routine. Join us for a deep dive into the future of financial advising and what advisors should do to stay ahead. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote 01:20 Welcome to the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast 01:25 Guest Introduction: Steve Lockshin 03:00 Morning Routine: Wake Surfing 06:47 The Importance of Estate Planning 13:46 Vanilla: Revolutionizing Estate Planning 20:06 Challenges in the Financial Advisory Industry 26:58 The AUM Model: Pros and Cons 32:42 The Importance of Fee Negotiation 33:25 Client Scenarios and Advisor Conflicts 34:44 Structuring Advisory Fees 35:26 Fee Calculators and Transparency 36:46 Client Shopping Behavior 40:46 AI and Tokenization in Wealth Management 48:33 The Future of Financial Advisory 50:20 Advisors Adapting to Technological Changes 58:03 Final Thoughts and Advice for Advisors

Unlocking Scalable Growth for Financial Advisors with AI In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor podcast, host Mike Langford is joined by Ian Karnell, who introduces his new company, VastAdvisor, and discusses how it aims to radically transform organic growth for financial advisors and wealth management enterprises. Ian delves into the power of AI in generating predictable, scalable lead generation systems and improving compliance for digital marketing. The episode covers the current state of digital marketing for financial advisors, the challenges, and the groundbreaking solutions VastAdvisor offers. Tune in to discover how AI can drive hyper-growth in the financial industry and make lead generation more efficient and effective. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to AUM Growth Strategies 00:54 Welcome to the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast 01:00 Introducing VastAdvisor and Its Promises 01:59 Subscribe and Connect with Us 02:29 Conversation with Ian Karnell Begins 03:59 The Evolution of Digital Marketing for Financial Advisors 06:56 Challenges and Opportunities in Lead Generation 14:02 The Role of AI in Modern Marketing 18:51 The Vision Behind VastAdvisor 27:26 How VastAdvisor Enterprise Works 30:51 Building Custom Audiences 31:14 Audience Targeting and Ad Builder 32:44 AI-Powered Compliance 33:57 IQ Dashboards and Reporting 35:01 Firm Growth Insights 35:36 Agentic Framework and Autopilot Mode 36:14 Challenges in Financial Marketing 40:10 Optimizing Ad Spend and Lead Generation 44:00 AI's Role in Advisor Growth 51:37 Next Generation Advisors and Clients 56:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

On this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, Mike Langford welcomes Kyle Zasky, the new CEO of VRGL, for his first-ever podcast appearance. The two dive deep into why so many advisors struggle with client acquisition and how VRGL’s proposal and analytics platform is designed to change that. Kyle shares candid insights on the emotional hurdles advisors and prospects face, the importance of establishing trust quickly, and why tools that demonstrate value before conversion are the future of advisor growth. They also explore: Why most advisors are stuck in a comfort zone that limits growthThe “organ rejection” risk for new CEOs and how Kyle overcame itHow AI is both exciting and anxiety-inducing for advisorsWhy great advisors are part portfolio strategist, part therapist Whether you’re an advisor looking to sharpen your edge or a wealth management exec planning for scalable growth, this conversation delivers actionable perspective on what it takes to thrive in the modern RIA landscape. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:19 Guest Introduction: Kyle Zasky 01:52 The Human Element in Financial Advice 03:27 Kyle's Journey to CEO of VRGL 08:20 Building Trust and Rapport 14:15 VRGL's Role in Client Acquisition 24:53 The Psychology of Financial Advising 30:55 Psychology of Financial Advisors 31:56 Addressing the Shortage of Financial Advisors 32:38 Reaching Younger Demographics 33:06 Expanding Financial Services Downstream 36:07 The Role of AI in Financial Advisory 38:50 The Importance of Human Touch in Financial Advisory 40:55 Building a Sustainable Financial Advisory Career 50:02 Navigating the FinTech Landscape 55:24 Future of Financial Advisory 01:00:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join Mike Langford in this eye-opening episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast as he chats with Dan Zitting, CEO of Nitrogen Wealth, formerly Riskalyze. They discuss the evolving landscape of financial advising, emphasizing the importance of a strong digital presence, the role of AI in enhancing advisor-client interactions, and actionable strategies to tackle slow organic growth in the industry. Dan offers fresh perspectives from his software and tech background, sharing insights on reducing advisor friction, leveraging AI for better client meetings, and the necessity of adapting sales motions for younger generations. Key Themes: The strategy behind Riskalyze’s rebrand to NitrogenUsing Net Promoter Score (NPS) to measure advisor successWhy risk tolerance is more than just age-based assumptionsHow AI and agentic workflows are transforming client meetingsRethinking referrals, sales motion, and digital trust building Don’t miss this engaging conversation on how modern advisors can deliver clarity, confidence, and scalable growth in an ever-evolving landscape. Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Modern Sales Motion 00:43 Introduction to the Podcast 02:14 Conversation with Dan Zitting Begins 03:13 Rebranding from Riskalyze to Nitrogen 06:10 Challenges and Opportunities in Wealth Management 15:48 The Importance of Digital Presence 22:32 Adapting to Changing Client Behaviors 30:53 Injecting Value into Client Conversations 31:47 Understanding Client Risk and Confidence 33:14 The Importance of Advisor-Client Relationships 36:11 Engaging the Next Generation of Clients 38:59 Realistic Risk Communication 48:35 AI and the Future of Financial Advising 53:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, Mike Langford is joined by Justin Whitehead, Co-Founder and CEO of Pebble Finance, for a deep dive into one of the most compelling use cases of AI in wealth management. Justin shares how a personal investing misstep in China sparked the idea for Pebble, and how his team is transforming the way advisors communicate portfolio insights with clients. From translating complex data into plain-English narratives to helping advisors deliver family-office-level service at scale, Pebble is redefining what it means to be truly client-centric. If you’ve been eye-rolling at yet another “AI-powered” solution, this one will make you rethink everything. Key themes: Why most portfolio reports fall flat—and how Pebble brings them to lifeHow AI can bridge the ignorance gap and strengthen client trustWhy the future of wealth management will be won at the retail levelThe overlooked power of dynamic, advisor-branded newslettersHow Pebble helps scale personalized conversations—without compliance headaches Whether you’re a financial advisor, wealth exec, or fintech innovator, this conversation is packed with practical insights and big-picture thinking you won’t want to miss. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:22 Guest Introduction: Justin Whitehead 01:50 The Evolution of Video Conferencing 03:29 AI in Financial Advisory: Pebble Finance 03:52 The Pandemic's Impact on Retail Investing 05:27 Justin's Personal Investment Story 11:25 Challenges in Financial Advisory 12:43 The Role of Technology in Financial Advisory 23:24 Understanding Pebble's Approach 31:30 Exploring Dynamic Newsletters for Advisors 33:29 AI in Financial Advisory: Compliance and Innovation 34:37 Ensuring Data Privacy and Compliance 39:52 Challenges and Strategies for Technology Adoption 52:38 The Future of Wealth Management 01:01:56 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

In this illuminating episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford sits down with Jason Early, CEO of RISR, to discuss how targeting business owners can massively elevate a financial advisor's practice. The discussion covers why treating a privately held business as just another asset is a missed opportunity, and how business owners, who control a significant portion of private wealth, are an untapped client segment. Learn how RISR's technology helps advisors understand and manage the complexities of business owner clients, moving beyond typical financial advice to drive substantial assets under management and deliver significant value. Don't miss the actionable insights on succession planning, risk management, and leveraging the unique needs of business owners to grow your advisory business. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Financial Advisors and Business Assets 00:34 Welcome to the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast 00:38 Introducing Jason Early and RISR 02:24 Myth Busting: Business Owners and Wealth 04:25 The Complexity of Business Owners' Financial Needs 05:21 The Evolution of Financial Planning 06:34 The Importance of Comprehensive Financial Advice 07:54 Connecting with Business Owners 10:35 The Role of Financial Advisors in Business Succession Planning 13:00 Understanding the Business Owner's Perspective 16:26 The Riches in Niches Strategy 24:07 The Confidence and Competence Gap 28:49 Blue Oceans vs. Red Oceans 29:30 The Importance of Tools for Business Advisors 29:55 How RISR Works for Advisors 30:58 Financial and Qualitative Insights for Business Owners 33:02 The Growing Trend of Private Company Ownership 38:51 Advisors' Role in Business Succession and Exit Planning 47:19 The Complexity and Opportunity of Working with Business Owners 51:04 The Rise of Solopreneurs 53:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford is joined by Adrian Johnstone, CEO of Practifi, to discuss the pivotal role of CRM systems in financial advisory firms. They explore the debate between the importance of custodial systems versus CRMs, emphasizing the value of maintaining rich client relationships. The discussion also covers the concept of viewing technology as an investment rather than an expense, the scalability of CRM systems, and the potential future of AI in the industry. Perfect for advisors looking to gain insights on leveraging technology to enhance their client relationships and operational efficiency. Chapters: 00:00 The Debate: Custodial System vs. CRM 00:44 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:53 The Importance of Client Relationships 04:24 The Role of CRM in Client Records 17:15 Technology Adoption in Financial Advisory 25:37 The Value of Technology in Financial Services 26:18 Technology as an Investment, Not an Expense 27:06 Maximizing Technology's Potential 32:14 The Future of Technology in Financial Advisory 34:23 Human Connection in the Age of Technology 40:41 Scalability and Integration in Financial Technology 51:44 The Importance of Standardized Integration 54:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Felipe Toews, CEO of Toews Asset Management and author of 'The Behavioral Portfolio: Managing Portfolios and Investor Behavior in a Complex Economy.' Delve into the intricacies of behavioral finance, market timing challenges, and the crucial role of effective advisor-client communication. Discover why Felipe believes that traditional portfolio management strategies might be leading advisors and clients astray, especially when considering unexpected market scenarios and significant losses. This episode offers valuable perspectives on educating investors and rethinking portfolio construction to better navigate a complex economic landscape. Don't miss this insightful discussion that could transform how you communicate with your clients and approach portfolio management. Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Economic Perceptions 00:45 Introduction to the Podcast 02:12 Guest Introduction: Felipe Toews 03:54 Behavioral Finance 101 07:47 Challenges in Market Timing 14:40 The Importance of Proactive Communication 21:20 Historical Market Analysis 27:44 Economic Growth and Inflation Challenges 29:25 Behavioral Portfolio Design 31:40 Critique of Traditional Investment Strategies 33:39 Adapting to Market Changes 36:22 Addressing Investor Behavior 44:12 Crypto and Speculative Investments 49:29 Future Economic Risks and Portfolio Strategies 55:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join host Mike Langford in this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast as he interviews Greg Bogich, CEO of AcquireUp. Discover how seminars can be an effective strategy for growing a financial advisory business. Greg discusses the benefits of seminars, including filling the room with qualified prospects, the psychological advantages of face-to-face interactions, and the importance of being perceived as an expert. Learn how AcquireUp helps financial advisors target the right audience and provides coaching to deliver compelling seminars. Whether you're a solo advisor or part of a larger RIA, this episode offers valuable insights into achieving scalable growth and converting prospects into long-term clients. Chapters: 00:00 The Challenge of Cold Calling in Sales 00:41 Introduction to the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast 01:59 Guest Introduction: Greg Bogich from AcquireUp 03:36 The Problem of Slow Growth in Wealth Management 05:00 The Struggles of New Financial Advisors 07:40 The Importance of Referrals and Their Limitations 11:08 The Effectiveness of Seminars for Financial Advisors 16:51 Targeting the Right Audience for Seminars 22:03 Educating Advisors on Effective Marketing 24:27 Understanding Seminar Attendance and Conversion Rates 26:11 The Importance of Re-engaging Non-Attendees 28:59 Effective Seminar Presentation Techniques 29:55 Training Advisors for Successful Seminars 37:39 The Value of Investing in Marketing 45:46 The Unique Appeal of the Financial Advisory Industry 47:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford is joined by Arnim Holzer, Global Macro Strategist at Easterly EAB, for an insightful discussion on market volatility and the need to rethink traditional asset allocation models. They explore the historical context of Modern Portfolio Theory, its simplifications, and why its assumptions may not hold in today's economic environment. The conversation delves into the instability of asset correlations during periods of volatility, the impact of macroeconomic conditions, and the importance of incorporating volatility-sensitive strategies into portfolios. Advisors can benefit from practical advice on how to use high Sortino ratio funds and strategies to manage downside risks and enhance client portfolio resilience. The episode also touches upon the relevance of active versus passive management, the implications of the global pandemic on markets, and the importance of client perception of portfolio performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:10 Guest Introduction: Arnim Holzer 01:24 Casual Conversation: Weekend Plans 02:21 Diving into Market Volatility 03:01 Challenging Traditional Asset Allocation Models 05:22 Flaws in Modern Portfolio Theory 06:27 Correlation and Volatility in Asset Allocation 16:06 Impact of Fed Policy on Market Correlations 24:00 Impact of the Pandemic on Inflation 24:55 Housing Market Dynamics During the Pandemic 26:13 The Fed's Response and Fixed Income Challenges 27:00 Volatility and Portfolio Management 28:36 Advisors' Role in Managing Volatility 31:25 Optimizing Portfolios with High Sortino Ratios 36:46 The Importance of Risk Management 42:40 Connecting with Arnim Holzer 44:20 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, Steve Vecchione and Scott Schuebel of Statera Advisors and Statera Retirement join Mike Langford to share their innovative approach to retirement planning. After watching or listening to this conversation, it might be hard for financial advisors not to wonder “Have I been using the wrong methodology for retirement planning all these years?” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:19 Meet the Guests: Steve Vecchione and Scott Schuebel 02:03 The Origin Story: How Steve and Scott Joined Forces 02:55 Challenging Conventional Retirement Planning 04:42 Developing a New Retirement Strategy 12:48 Addressing Retirement Risks 18:24 The Importance of Internal Rate of Return 26:14 Understanding Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 26:41 Time-Weighted Rate of Return (TWR) Explained 27:26 Comparing TWR and IRR in Portfolio Management 28:56 Impact of Market Conditions on Returns 30:20 Strategies for Retirement Planning 40:37 Purpose-Driven Dollar Concept 46:06 Balancing Risks for Optimal Returns 49:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford chats with Terry Mullen, Chief Revenue Officer of Fispoke, about how financial advisors can now offer comprehensive banking services to their clients. Once exclusive to wirehouse advisors, these services are now accessible to RIAs and independent financial advisors, thanks to new technology and banking arrangements. Mike and Terry discuss the evolution of financial advice, the immense market potential, and the transformative power of integrating banking solutions for financial advisory businesses. Learn about how Fispoke is bridging this gap, the opportunities for growth, and the future of comprehensive financial planning. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that could change the way you offer financial advice! Sponsored By: PodBox - Help your guest sound their best on your podcast, webinar, or important Zoom call with a PodBox microphone setup. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: How Financial Advisors Can Help Clients Navigate The Black Box of Healthcare Costs - Mike mentioned the parallels between the work that Drew Schockley and the team at Move Health are doing for financial advisors and their clients on the health insurance landscape. Like banking, every client is going to have health care needs. As a financial advisor, you should be offering sound advice on areas like these that affect your clients’ financial lives in significant ways.Episode 1 - The Truelytics Origin Story with Terry Mullen - As Mike mentioned in this episode, Terry Mullen was the first ever guest on the podcast back when it was actually called The Valuations Podcast. Jump in the time machine and give it a listen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:26 Guest Introduction: Terry Mullen 01:36 The Evolution of Financial Advisory Services 02:52 The Next Wave: Comprehensive Banking Services 03:38 Identifying the Problem and Market Opportunity 05:28 Fispoke's Integrated Banking Solutions 10:45 Growth Opportunities for Financial Advisors 17:17 Future Prospects and Closing Thoughts 19:09 The Impact of Healthcare on Job Mobility 19:50 Breakaway Advisors and Wirehouse Firms 20:53 Fispoke's Integration with Independent Broker-Dealers 21:45 The Role of Technology in Financial Advisory 23:45 The Future of Banking Advisors 28:48 Fispoke's Banking Partnerships 29:50 Technology Integration with Advisor's Tech Stack 32:55 The Benefits of Smaller Banks 34:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford sits down with Dr. Emily Koochel, Manager of Financial Wellness at eMoney Advisor, to explore the critical role of the human advisor in an increasingly AI-powered world. They discuss how AI can be used as a tool to enhance efficiency, personalize client experiences, and maintain trust, rather than replacing human advisors. With compelling data and practical insights, this episode aims to help financial advisors feel more confident in integrating AI into their practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:12 The Human Element in Financial Advice 00:59 Podcast Subscription and Contact Information 01:29 Conversation with Dr. Emily Koochel Begins 01:45 Weekend Plans and Personal Anecdotes 02:23 AI's Impact on Financial Advisory 02:54 Dr. Koochel's Unique Qualifications 05:20 Understanding Financial Therapy 08:54 Financial Socialization and Childhood Influences 11:32 AI in Financial Planning: Opportunities and Concerns 17:25 The Importance of Human Connection 20:16 Generational Perspectives on Financial Advice 23:10 Emotional Conversations in Financial Planning 26:36 Practical AI Integration for Advisors 27:35 Exploring AI Integration in Financial Services 27:57 Identifying and Automating Manual Processes 28:47 Prioritizing High Impact, Low Risk AI Solutions 29:28 Familiarizing with AI Technologies 34:29 Personalization at Scale with AI 41:32 Building and Maintaining Trust in Client Relationships 51:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jake Claver, of Digital Ascension Group joins Mike Langford for an exploration of the growing importance of digital assets in wealth management. They discuss the concept of 'digital lottery winners'—clients who have gained significant wealth through cryptocurrencies—and the necessity for financial advisors to adapt to this new landscape. Jake also dispels a few common myths that financial advisors may have about who is investing in crypto and digital assets. The conversation also touches on the risks associated with holding digital assets and the future of regulation in the crypto space. The conversation highlights the opportunities for financial advisors to engage clients in discussions about digital assets, the potential impact of regulation on the market, and predictions for the future of transactions in a digital economy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Assets and Wealth Management 03:01 Understanding Digital Ascension Group's Services 07:59 The Rise of Digital Lottery Winners 09:23 The Importance of Advisors in the Crypto Space 15:32 Institutional Custody Explained 22:10 The Risks of Holding Digital Assets 24:37 Understanding Institutional Custody in Crypto 25:57 The Profile of Digital Lottery Winners 28:00 The Role of Financial Advisors in Crypto 30:29 Opportunities for Financial Advisors 32:27 Engaging Clients with New Asset Classes 34:15 The Future of Financial Products on Blockchain 36:29 The Impact of Regulation on Crypto 40:28 Market Predictions and Economic Insights 45:19 The Future of Transactions in a Digital Economy

Drew Shockley, Co-Founder of Move Health joins Mike Langford to explore how financial advisors can help their clients tackle one of the biggest obstacles that many are likely going to face at some point in their life… Finding a health care plan that they can afford and that works within the framework of their overall life goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Challenges 02:45 The Role of Financial Advisors in Healthcare Planning 06:05 Understanding the Healthcare Landscape 08:52 Target Demographics for Healthcare Solutions 11:59 The Importance of Age 55-64 in Healthcare Planning 14:56 Myths About Health Insurance 18:12 The Impact of the Affordable Care Act 21:05 The Shift in Financial Advisory Services 24:10 The Modern Financial Advisor as a Quarterback 27:59 The Financial Playbook: Strategies for Retirement Planning 34:52 Navigating Healthcare: The Role of Financial Advisors 40:56 Unlocking Freedom: Transitioning Clients to Retirement 46:43 The Future of Healthcare: Insights on the Affordable Care Act

Jason Britton, CEO of Reflection Analytics joins Mike Langford to discuss the transformative power of values-based investing. They explore how financial advisors can help clients align their investment portfolios with their personal values, moving beyond traditional metrics of financial success. The conversation delves into the evolution of financial advice, the importance of understanding client values, and the challenges of navigating polarized discussions around investment choices. Jason emphasizes the need for genuine discovery in client conversations and the role of behavioral economics in understanding client motivations. PodBox - Help your guest sound their best on your podcast, webinar, or important Zoom call with a PodBox microphone setup. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Values-Based Investing 02:51 The Evolution of Financial Advice 09:22 Defining Values in Investing 15:11 The Importance of Discovery in Client Conversations 20:38 Navigating Polarization in Values Discussions 27:10 The Complexity of Values-Based Investing 29:02 The Pursuit of Consistency Over Perfection 30:53 The Role of Corporations in Society 32:42 The Myth of a Free Market 34:37 Subsidies and Public Good 36:33 The Value of Innovation and Risk 38:30 Wealth Creation and Shared Value 40:54 The Interdependence of Corporations and Society 42:47 Personal Values in Investment Decisions 44:40 The Future of Values-Based Investing 46:38 Engaging Clients in Financial Conversations 50:55 The Dual Nature of AI and Technology

Jud Mackrill, Co-Founder of Milemarker joins Mike Langford for a conversation about the challenges financial firms face regarding data ownership and integration. They discuss the concept of data lakes, the mission of Milemarker to empower financial advisors with better data control, and the evolution of technology in the financial services industry. PodBox - Help your guest sound their best on your podcast, webinar, or important Zoom call with a PodBox microphone setup. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Orion - Jud Mackrill shares the story of being employee number 20 at Orion and how getting to work alongside the company's founder, Eric Clarke, shaped his career.Skience - As part of Jud's recalling the origin story of Milemarker he reflects on meeting his co-founder Kyle Van Pelt when Kyle was still working at Skience.Zapier - Mike mentioned how his sees some high-level parallels between what Milemarker is doing for wealth management firms and how Zapier has created the ability for businesses to connect a variety of other web services.Holistiplan - Jud mentioned how Milemarker is working to make it easier for advisors to adopt solutions like Holistiplan, a tax planning softwares tool andWealth.com - An estate planning tool that benefits from deeper integration and ease of use with the advisor's existing workflow.Stefan Ludlow - Jud mentioned Stefan and his role as the CTO at Cerity Partners as an example of what a CTO at a modern financial advisory firm hopes their job will look like versus what life is like for most tech leaders in wealth management.The Connected Advisor - The Milemarker team are producing Podcast and Newsletter to connect with their prospects, clients, and the wider wealth management community. A side benefit is it helps them better articulate their thoughts about the space. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Data Ownership Challenges 02:28 Understanding Milemarker's Mission 04:25 The Concept of Data Lakes 08:08 The Origin Story of Milemarker 14:06 The Evolution of Technology in Financial Services 19:02 Practical Applications of Milemarker 22:50 Unlocking Insights with Technology 23:19 Working on Your Business vs. In Your Business 24:18 Challenges of Technology Adoption in Advisory Firms 25:15 The Role of Milemarker in Technology Implementation 29:07 The Importance of Data Quality for AI 32:23 Preparing for the AI Revolution in Advisory Firms 36:30 Core Building Blocks for RIAs in 2025 41:29 The Value of Content Creation for Advisors

Patrick Spencer, Managing Director of Moneytree Software, joins Mike Langford to explore how financial advisors can enhance client relationships through technology. They discuss the evolution of Moneytree, the importance of goals-based planning and Monte Carlo simulations, and the critical role of communication in building trust with clients. The conversation emphasizes the need for advisors to understand their clients' objectives and to use technology to facilitate better engagement and decision-making. PodBox - Help your guest sound their best on your podcast, webinar, or important Zoom call with a PodBox microphone setup. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Terry Black's BBQ - It's the best barbecue in Austin. You are welcome!How To Grow Your Financial Advisory Business by Helping Business Owners Sell Theirs - Great episode on serving business owner clients.Advisor - Client Communication Survey by YCharts - Patrick mentioned some insights surfaced in this survey during our discussion. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections 04:29 The Evolution of Money Tree 10:20 Goals-Based Planning and Monte Carlo Simulations 18:24 Building Better Client Relationships 25:15 Conclusion and Future Directions 25:42 Client Engagement and Tools for Advisors 26:40 The Importance of Visual Communication 30:00 Scenario Planning in Financial Advisory 35:41 Understanding Client Scenarios and Life Changes 41:20 Generational Perspectives on Retirement 49:06 Business Ownership as an Asset

Jon Randall of XFA.Coach joins Mike Langford for an innovative exploration of strategies for growing financial advisory businesses. The conversation delves into the unique approach of XFA, the common constraints faced by advisors, and the importance of client optimization and segmentation. PodBox - Help your guest sound their best on your podcast, webinar, or important Zoom call with a PodBox microphone setup. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Most Advisors Are Not Growing Their Business - Here's Why That's A Problem and How To Fix It - Kieran Bol of PriceMetrix by McKinsey shares data that illustrates the lack of organic growth for financial advisory businesses.How Financial Advisors Can Grow Beyond a Plateau - Jon Randall joined Aaron Hasler of SkyView Partners and Mike Langford for an episode of the Advisor Financing Forum podcast to explore strategies for growth at varies levels of business for financial advisors. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Advisory Growth 02:14 Understanding XFA.Coach and Its Unique Approach 04:40 Common Constraints in Financial Advisory Growth 09:20 Revenue Tiers and Their Challenges 18:01 Client Optimization as a Growth Strategy 25:58 The Importance of Client Segmentation 36:23 Transitioning from Advisor to Coach 44:51 The Journey from Advisor to Performance Coach