In this episode, Rory speaks with Alex Bottom, CEO of Finology, and Ryan Galiotto, CFP®, CSLP®, founder of the Student Loan Help Network, about how advisors and CPAs can prepare for the sweeping changes coming to student loan planning. They discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) and how it will reshape repayment plans, extend terms, and impose new borrowing caps beginning in 2026. Alex explains how tax filing status and forgiveness rules can significantly impact repayment and why understanding these nuances is critical for CPAs. Ryan highlights the growing number of retirees carrying Parent PLUS loans and how this generational shift is redefining financial priorities for families. Together, they outline why student loan planning is moving from niche to mainstream and how practitioners can integrate it as a value-added service. Are you ready to help clients navigate the new repayment landscape? Want to know how to turn student loan guidance into an opportunity for deeper client relationships? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this important conversation with Alex Bottom and Ryan Galiotto.
In this episode, Rory speaks with Keith Friedman, CEO and founder of FBO Strategies and creator of the Carbyne Allocation®, about why life insurance deserves a fresh look as part of holistic planning. Keith addresses common concerns that permanent insurance is too costly, rigid, or underperforming, and explains how policy design and communication can change those perceptions. He notes that when structured appropriately, life insurance can provide flexibility, liquidity, and even options to help cover long-term care costs. The conversation explores how modern policies go beyond the death benefit to offer access to cash value and serve as a stabilizing element during market volatility. Keith also shares his perspective on the importance of transparency in compensation and why education is key to shifting industry perceptions. Want to know how CPAs and advisors can use life insurance to strengthen holistic financial plans? Find out in this insightful conversation with Keith Friedman.
In this episode, Rory speaks with Will Hill, founder of Will Hill Consults, and John Fenton, CEO of John J. Fenton Executive Coaching, about their contributions to The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management and how firms can strengthen culture, manage change, and support their people. Will shares why firms need a repeatable process for change management, how to avoid shiny object syndrome, and the importance of aligning initiatives with purpose and client strategy. John highlights why culture starts with why, the role of psychological safety and trust in retaining talent, and how managers can be better supported through delegation, time management, and leadership development. Together, they explore how firms can cut through the noise, improve communication by eliminating hidden assumptions, and create environments where people feel valued and connected to something bigger than themselves. They also emphasize why investing in people at every level from staff to partners is the foundation for long-term growth and firm resilience. Want to know how to balance people, process, and purpose to build stronger and more resilient firms? Find out in this insightful conversation with Will Hill and John Fenton.
In this episode, Rory sits down with Christine Simone, founder of Caribou Wealth (now part of Move Health), to explore why healthcare planning is the missing piece in holistic advice for CPAs and advisors. Christine shares her journey of building a platform that helps firms support clients with Medicare, marketplace coverage, and employer plans—areas that are often overlooked despite being one of the top expenses in retirement. Discover how to identify client red flags, keep track of key enrollment deadlines, and use strategies like premium tax credits to reduce costs. Learn why healthcare can act as a barrier to big life transitions, such as starting a business or retiring before 65, and how addressing it empowers clients to move forward with clarity and confidence. Christine also unpacks how firms can implement healthcare planning without becoming insurance experts by partnering with the right resources and leveraging technology. Want to know how healthcare planning can save clients thousands and strengthen trust? Want to know the key dates and life events when healthcare needs to be addressed? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this insightful conversation with Christine Simone.
In this episode, Rory speaks with Loren Fogelman, founder of Business Success Solutions, and Mike Maksymiw, Executive Director of Aprio Firm Alliance, about how firms can adapt and thrive in a fast-moving profession. Loren explains why so many accountants undervalue their services and how shifting from hourly billing to value pricing can align firms more closely with client outcomes while boosting profitability. Mike shares ways practitioners can embrace vulnerability as a leadership strength and how to inspire teams to drive change. Want to know how to strengthen your value beyond compliance? Curious how to lead with empathy while preparing your firm for the future? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this conversation with Loren Fogelman and Mike Maksymiw.
In this episode, Rory speaks with BatSheva Goldstein, investment advisor, financial planner, and creator of Financial Date Discussion Cards, about how couples can have easier and more meaningful conversations around money. BatSheva shares how the cards help partners uncover their unique money stories, align values, and build common ground—even when they approach finances differently. She explains why money conflicts are rarely about math and more about what dollars represent in our lives. Through simple yet powerful questions like “What’s a financial decision you’re proud of?” and “What makes you feel rich?” couples can start with positive momentum, explore deeper values, and strengthen their financial teamwork. They also discuss how advisors can use tools like these to foster trust, improve client retention, and engage both partners before a meeting even begins. Want to learn how to turn money talks from stressful to collaborative? Curious how values-based conversations can improve relationships and financial outcomes? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this insightful discussion with BatSheva Goldstein.
In this episode, Rory sits down with Ben Taylor, CPA and CEO of SoftLedger, to explore how real-time accounting, automation, and an API-driven platform are transforming the finance function. Ben shares his journey from public accounting to co-founding a software company designed to solve the pain points he experienced firsthand. Discover how real-time data access and seamless integrations are eliminating the need for month-end closes and helping firms deliver strategic insights faster. Learn why modern finance teams must embrace a mindset shift—one that combines technical skill, data storytelling, and human judgment. Ben also unpacks how AI is reshaping customer support, accelerating product development, and allowing leaner teams to scale with speed. Want to know how low-code tools and real-time reporting are changing the game for practitioners? Curious how to tell a compelling story around the numbers? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this API-to-AI conversation with Ben Taylor.Contact Ben: ben@softledger.com
In this episode, Rory speaks with Kris Lenz, founder of Kailos Marketing Lab and former creative leader at firms like Grant Thornton and MGO, to explore how AI is reshaping marketing for professional services. Kris shares how firms can use generative tools to brainstorm more efficiently, scale content creation, and streamline proposal and outreach workflows. He explains how voice and tone remain central even when using AI, and why being strategic with prompts and post-editing can make the difference between generic and standout content. The conversation also covers the importance of brand cohesion, the risks of relying too heavily on automation, and how smaller firms can elevate their presence without bloated teams or big budgets. Want to learn how to use AI to amplify your message while keeping it personal? Curious how to integrate creativity and consistency across your firm’s content? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this AI and marketing conversation with Kris Lenz.Website: https://www.kailos.ai/Kris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristofer-lenz
In this episode, Rory speaks with Cecil Nazareth, CPA, professor, coach, and author of Making a Difference: Life Skills You Can Learn from Sports, Academics, Work (& Failure), about what it really takes to succeed in business and in life. Cecil shares his journey from professional field hockey player in India to international tax expert and accounting professor in the U.S., offering practical advice on discipline, resilience, and the lessons we learn from failure. He explains why education should focus on real-world, transferable skills, and how repetition, visualization, and storytelling can help professionals stay sharp under pressure. Cecil also shares his philosophy on lifelong learning, the value of self-assessment, and his idea of the “24/7 earning cycle” — earning during the day and putting your money to work at night. Are you ready to rethink how we teach and grow the next generation of professionals? Want to know how sports, setbacks, and stories can lead to a more focused and fulfilled life? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this inspirational conversation with Cecil Nazareth CPA.
In this episode, Rory speaks with Danny Lohrfink, co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Wealth.com, and Julie Johnson, founder of XY Communication, about their contributions to The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management and how estate planning and communication are changing the way advisors serve clients. Danny explains how modern estate tech is making these conversations more accessible, scalable, and easier to understand for clients at every wealth level. From automating updates to visualizing legacy goals, technology is helping advisors focus more on planning and less on paperwork. Julie shares how to connect across generations and genders, and why women and younger clients are looking for advisors who listen, simplify, and build relationships based on trust and empathy. Together, they highlight how CPAs and advisors can deliver family-office-level care by acting as the quarterback, facilitating values-based conversations, and guiding clients through meaningful decisions. Want to learn how visuals and AI are transforming estate planning? Curious how to better engage the next generation before the wealth transfer happens? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this insightful conversation with Danny Lohrfink and Julie Johnson.
In this episode, Rory speaks with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz, a leading expert in the psychology of financial planning and Partner at Shaping Wealth, about how advisors can create more meaningful client connections through the power of questions. Meghaan unpacks why simple phrases like “Would you be willing?” can spark internal motivation and how financial professionals can use invitation-based language to lower anxiety and increase engagement. Discover the Fix, Find, Flourish framework to strengthen ongoing client relationships and why group accountability, social connection, and vision-based planning lead to greater financial well-being. Learn how questions like “What have you been thinking about?” or “What would make this a 7 instead of a 6?” can drive better conversations and outcomes. Are you ready to help clients move from financial fear to hope and purpose? Want to create a less lonely money experience? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this human-first episode with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz.
In this episode, Rory speaks with Susan Bryant, founder of Unboxed Advisors, and Randy Crabtree, co-founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals, about their contributions to The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management and how CPAs can build firms that deliver a stronger return on relationships for both clients and team members. Susan shares why she left a traditional firm to build a concierge-style advisory practice centered on deep client relationships, one that offers greater meaning and personal fulfillment. Randy discusses findings from the CPA Career Satisfaction Survey, including why mid-career professionals are burning out and how firm leaders can improve culture, leadership, and employee well-being. Together, they explore why compliance alone is no longer enough, how a Virtual Family Office model can improve client outcomes and why empathy and operational freedom can help pave the way for building a winning team . Want to know how to create a practice that aligns with your values? Curious how to attract and retain talent? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this designing better lives and firms conversation with Susan Bryant and Randy Crabtree.
In this episode, Rory speaks with Christine Nicholson, award-winning succession strategist, and Randy Fox, founder of Two Hawks Family Office and editor-in-chief of the Planned Giving Design Center, about their contributions to The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management and how to help business owners exit with clarity, purpose, and peace of mind. Christine explains why only 3 in 10 family businesses survive to the next generation and how role-identity fusion—the trap of tying self-worth to business worth—can stand in the way of successful succession. Randy shares how tools like personal goodwill, charitable trusts, and purpose-driven giving can help families maximize outcomes while minimizing taxes. Together, they explore how to help clients let go, reconnect with their passions, and structure legacies that reflect both financial and emotional goals. Are you curious how to guide clients from burnout to freedom? Want to learn how to build purpose and family continuity into the exit process? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this powerful conversation with Christine Nicholson and Randy Fox.
In this market update episode, Rory speaks with Chris Tidmore, CFA and CPA, Senior Manager at Vanguard’s Investment Advisor Research Center, to unpack the April 2 tariff shock and what it means for markets, inflation, and client communication. Chris explains how sharp movements in both equities and Treasury yields reflect a market constantly recalibrating expectations—and why it’s nearly impossible to predict how events will be priced in, even with full information. He shares insights from Vanguard’s Advisor’s Alpha research, noting that behavioral coaching can add up to 200 basis points in value annually—and that by helping clients stay invested, think long term, and avoid panic, advisors can improve not just financial outcomes, but overall well-being. Rory and Chris discuss why emotional trust is built in bear markets, how to use visual tools like zoom-out charts and hindsight models, and what it means to serve as a steady hand when clients are tempted to drift off course. Want to learn how to help clients stay anchored in uncertainty? Curious how to turn volatility into an opportunity to deepen trust and long-term value? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this timely market update with Chris Tidmore.Recorded: 4/18/25
In this episode, Rory speaks with Dr. Daniel Crosby, Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisor Solutions, and Randy Johnston, fintech strategist and co-founder of K2 Enterprises, to discuss the technology and behavioral finance topics outlined in The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management and the evolving role of CPAs and financial advisors. Dr. Crosby explains why values-based planning isn’t just feel-good theory—it drives real outcomes, citing stats that show clients in goals-based portfolios are 10x less likely to panic sell and twice as likely to save for retirement. Randy shares how AI, automation, and real-time data are freeing up capacity so firms can spend less time on compliance and more time on relationships, strategy, and outcomes. They discuss why holistic financial planning is the foundation for stronger, more durable client relationships. Want to know how behavioral finance and a human-first approach can power deeper client engagement? Curious how CPAs can turn AI into a competitive advantage? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this future-focused conversation with Dr. Daniel Crosby and Randy Johnston.
In this episode, Rory speaks with Michael DiJoseph, Senior Strategist at Vanguard’s Investment Advisory Research Center, and Andres Mazabel, Head of Advisor Sales at leading estate planning platform Trust & Will, about their contributions to Holistic Guide to Wealth Management and the evolving value of financial advice. Michael breaks down Vanguard’s 25-year Advisors Alpha study, revealing how advisors can deliver meaningful value through behavioral coaching, tax loss harvesting, and more — that can potentially add net returns up to or even exceeding 3%. Andres shares how modern estate planning technology is reshaping client engagement, boosting completion rates, and helping advisors build trust across generations. Discover why emotional trust is now the driving force behind client loyalty, and how integrating estate planning into your process is not only a powerful retention tool but also a gateway to next-gen relationships. Are you ready to deliver peace of mind, deepen client connections, and offer long-term value beyond the portfolio? Learn best practices from the leaders at Vanguard and Trust & Will in this value of the modern advisor conversation with Michael, Andres and Rory.
In this panel episode, Rory speaks with Seth Fineberg, founder of Accountants Forward, and Phillip Hecker, CEO of Bento Engine, about their contributions to The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management and the major inflection point in the accounting profession. They explore the evolution of financial advice—from Advice 1.0 (transactional) to Advice 2.0 (goal-based planning) and now Advice 3.0 (comprehensive wealth management), where proactive, personalized guidance strengthens client engagement. Discover why Theodore Roosevelt’s words—"Clients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care."—are more relevant than ever, and how professionals can move beyond technical expertise to demonstrate true empathy and impact. Find out why they believe the Virtual Family Office model, combined with timely and personalized client engagement, drives the greatest impact. Discover how fostering a Return on Relationships (ROR) mindset empowers advisors to connect with clients through a human-first approach, building trust, deepening loyalty, and driving long-term success. Do you want to know if most American’s are filing for Social Security at the wrong time? Want to learn how financial engagement can help advisors connect with the next generation and build lasting relationships? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this special Holistic Guide to Wealth Management book episode with Phillip, Seth, and Rory.
In this episode, Rory speaks with Tim Maurer, CFP®, registered life planner, and Chief Advisory Officer at Signature FD, as well as a regular contributor to CNBC and Forbes. Tim shares his philosophy that personal finance is more personal than finance, emphasizing the role of emotions, behavior, and storytelling in financial planning. Discover why most clients implement less than 20% of financial plan recommendations—and how behavioral finance can help bridge that gap. Learn how Tim’s Live, Grow, Protect, and Give framework transforms traditional financial planning by aligning money with our different stages of life. Tim also explores the power of narrative, drawing insights from Donald Miller’s StoryBrand approach, and explains why advisors should act as guides—not heroes—in their clients’ financial journeys. Are you curious about how to improve client engagement and create lasting impact? Want to learn how to move beyond numbers and help clients align their money with their life’s purpose? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this Personal Finance conversation with Tim Maurer.
In this episode, Rory speaks with Michael Ly, CEO of Reconciled, a leading virtual accounting and advisory firm, and General Partner of the AF Fund, a venture capital fund dedicated to accounting and fintech startups. Michael shares how he built one of the fastest-growing accounting firms and why he’s now investing in AI-driven financial tools that streamline workflow automation, revenue recognition, and payments. Discover how his dual role as a firm owner and investor provides him with a unique advantage in identifying transformative technologies and why he believes accountants should start thinking like investors. Learn about the latest innovations shaping the profession, the challenges of integrating software with services, and how to build a remote workforce culture. Are you curious about how AI, automation, and fintech and venture investing? Want to learn how firm owners can leverage technology to scale efficiently? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this insightful conversation with Michael Ly.
In this episode, Rory speaks with Dr. Michael Thomas, lecturer at the University of Georgia, accredited financial counselor, and author of Black Financial Culture: Building Wealth from the Inside Out. Known for his TED Talk on financial empathy, Dr. Thomas explores how financial decisions are shaped not just by personal choices but by the systems we navigate—familial beliefs, societal norms, technological influences like social media algorithms, and even the way physical environments encourage spending. Discover how financial socialization—the way we inherit money beliefs—impacts behaviors, and why financial empathy, incorporating cognitive, emotional, and compassionate understanding, is essential for building trust. Dr. Thomas also shares the NURSE acronym (Name, Understand, Respect, Support, Explore), a powerful framework for financial advisors to deepen client relationships and foster behavioral change. Learn why businesses leverage psychological triggers to influence spending habits, how advocacy can drive financial literacy reform, and how financial professionals can move beyond just education to empower real action. Are you curious about how systems shape our behaviors? Want to learn how financial empathy can help clients overcome shame and take control of their financial future? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Thomas. Book: Black Financial Culture: Building Wealth from the Inside Out https://www.amazon.com/Black-Financial-Culture-Building-Wealth-ebook/dp/B0BY1SLHRJ Hire Dr. Michael: https://www.modomsolutions.com/