Simply Why

When new families bring in their investment statements, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown often see the same thing: complexity that doesn’t serve the client. In this episode, they pull back the curtain on why portfolios so often include dozens of overlapping funds, how fees can feel stuck in 2006, and why simplicity paired with planning is far more valuable than a confusing stack of statements.“If you suspect your investments are more complicated than they need to be, you’re probably right.” – Dennis MortonKey Moments00:02:45 – Statement sprawl 00:04:17 – NVIDIA everywhere: the hidden overlap00:07:08 – Added complexity = STRESS00:11:28 – How technology can help00:12:53 – It's all “Window Dressing” 00:16:45 – Providing reassurance00:17:49 – Signs you may not have the right advisorLinks & ResourcesLooking for guidance in your financial journey? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listenConnect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Caught between your business and your future?If you’re a business owner who’s poured everything into building your company—your time, energy, and even your personal finances—you’re not alone. But when personal and business finances are too closely tied, the risks grow. What happens if you wait too long to plan for life beyond your business?In this episode of Simply Why, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown dive into the identity shift many entrepreneurs face as they prepare for retirement. Drawing from real-life experiences with clients and their own insights, Dennis and Katie explore the emotional and financial complexities of decoupling your identity and wealth from your business.They discuss why delaying personal financial planning can lead to future urgency—and how intentional, proactive steps today can create long-term fulfillment. This conversation is for any business owner asking: “What comes next for me?”Whether you’re thinking about retirement or still growing your business, this episode offers guidance for building confidence, separating identity from enterprise, and planning with clarity.“Decouple slowly and gradually. Because the alternative...is a fracture, a break, something dramatic. And when that sudden break happens, when it's quick, unexpected, sometimes catastrophic, it can create a lot of chaos for everyone involved.” – Dennis MortonKey Moments00:03:30 – Importance of Starting Financial Planning Early00:06:51 – Building Confidence and Longevity00:10:34 – Mindset Shift and Decoupling00:13:52 – Understanding Identity and Balance Sheet00:14:26 – Balancing Business and Family00:15:09 – Planning for the Future00:16:36 – Decoupling Identity and Financial Resources00:19:59 – Navigating Uncertainty and TurmoilLinks & ResourcesLooking for guidance in your financial journey? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listenConnect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Stuck in financial paralysis?Dennis and Katie are back! Kicking off 2025, they’re diving into the mindset shifts that can make all the difference in your financial life. In this episode of Simply Why, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown explore the challenges of financial decision-making, especially when feelings of uncertainty or analysis paralysis take over. They discuss why successful investing isn’t just about skill—it’s about discipline, awareness, and adaptability. By shifting your focus to long-term goals and embracing the natural flow of financial planning, you can navigate change with confidence and clarity.Dennis and Katie also highlight the deeper connections between financial well-being and other aspects of life. They share personal stories and insights on how financial planning is not just about numbers—it’s about aligning money with purpose to create a fulfilling future. Whether you’re preparing for retirement or simply looking for more confidence in your financial decisions, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it means to truly find flow in your financial life.Comparison is the thief of joy. Finding your own personal flow is key. - Dennis MortonLinks & Resources:Looking for guidance in your financial journey? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listenBook Mentioned: How to Retire by Christine Benz – A practical guide to retirement planning, including the non-financial aspects of transitioning into this stage of life.Connect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Why do leaders make the best clients?In this episode of the Simply Why podcast, hosts Dennis Morton and Katie Brown dive into the significance of leadership in the realm of financial planning and advisory relationships. Their exploration stemmed from a realization of the consistent presence of leadership roles among their clients, extending beyond just demographics and income levels. The hosts emphasize the importance of traits such as strategic thinking, a growth mindset, and a willingness to lean on experts, all of which align with their approach to providing intentional advice. Leadership is never in a vacuum. I think that's a really great thing to leave with people to ponder over. - Dennis MortonAs a leader in your own life, do you recognize a need for guidance in your finances? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listenConnect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

It's a real jungle out there.In this episode of Simply Why, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown reflect on Mark Hurley's whitepaper "Welcome to the Jungle: The Next Phase of the Evolution of the Wealth Management Industry". They share their take on these insights, emphasizing the need for strategic adaptation and a renewed focus on delivering high-quality, client-centered services amidst industry challenges as well as new opportunities including artificial intelligence. It's about being a good advisor and running a good business. And we've been saying it for six years, since day one. - Dennis MortonLooking for a new advisor relationship? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listenMark Hurley's Whitepaper: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63d44b39cc31ac17cb99b0ce/t/658202887f27f741d473681b/1703019144561/DPP-WelcometotheJungle_Dec18Reg.pdfConnect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

We've all been there. You meet a financial advisor out in the wild. You feel the wind-up, expecting the pitch to come at any moment. *CRINGE* In this episode of Simply Why, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown expose their own cringy pitch stories and why so many advisors struggle with the awkwardness of feeling like they're expected to sell all the time. Dennis and Katie share why they avoid "the pitch" in favor of showing up authentically to build meaningful relationships and how it has led to their growth and success.I don't think of it as sales as much as how can we drive value for one another? Is there an opportunity for us to bring value to this family? And is there something that I can learn from them and that I can grow in my profession through working with them, too? - Katie BrownTired of the same old pitch? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listenConnect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Have you ever been given a ton of disclosures and paperwork in the name of financial transparency, only to find yourself drowning in confusion and uncertainty? In the latest episode of Simply Why, hosts Dennis Morton and Katie Brown dive into the world of financial transparency and its impact on your financial well-being. The episode unpacks the challenges clients face in understanding financial information and navigating through potential conflicts of interest. Through their candid conversation, these seasoned financial advisors emphasize the importance of open communication, education, and trust-building in fostering transparency within advisor-client relationships. Transparency is a fundamental strength of any relationship. It builds trust and the more it's fostered in the beginning, it just sets up the whole relationship for success. - Dennis MortonSeeking transparency in your advisor relationship? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listenConnect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

40% of our happiness comes down to the choices we make. In this episode of Simply Why, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown engage in a meaningful conversation about the age-old debate of whether money can truly buy happiness. They provide a fresh perspective on the relationship between money and happiness, drawing insights from positive psychology and behavioral finance. The hosts explore the impact of personal growth, finding purpose in life, and the connection between retirement planning and happiness.Your experience with money can contribute to satisfaction, which leads to those other things, those four C's to get to that funded contentment, that idea of underwriting a meaningful life. - Katie BrownLooking to reimagine your financial happiness? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listenConnect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/Reference Links:Collaboration with Shaping Wealth

What's the key to long-term investing success? Good habits. Dennis and Katie agree the key to success isn't just about the balance of stocks and bonds but your ability to stick with your investment strategy. The episode underscores the valuable impact of financial advisors in providing behavioral coaching, with a reference to the Vanguard Advisor Alpha study, as well as the challenges faced during market downturns.The portfolio that works best is the one that you can stick with. - Meb FaberClick here to listen on your favorite podcast app.Connect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/Reference Links:Collaboration with Shaping WealthVanguard Advisor Alpha Study

According to Fidelity's annual Financial Resolutions Report, 70% of Americans claim they have a financial plan. Dennis and Katie disagree. According to these financial advisors, they don't have a problem with the number, but rather the definition of what Americans constitute as a "financial plan". They share how they help families who have deferred proper planning, emphasizing that it's not too late to salvage your financial future.The sooner you build that awareness, it is like a superpower toward confidence. The more awareness you have of your circumstances. - Dennis MortonClick here to listen on your favorite podcast app.Connect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/Reference Links:Fidelity's 2024 Financial Resolutions Report

A stubborn ego can cloud one's judgment, leading to short-sighted investment decisions. This is significantly pronounced in recent market phenomena, like the cryptocurrency and NFT trends, where inflated egos led to the creation of economic bubbles that ultimately burst, causing in some cases, severe financial damage. Dennis and Katie share the importance of recognizing ego biases to make more rational and balanced financial and investing decisions. The ego wants to be a winner, wants to be on top, wants to be better, the best, and winning. But I think the better thing to focus on is your potential. - Dennis MortonClick here to listen on your favorite podcast app.Connect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/Reference Links:Number Go Up: Inside Crypto's Wild Rise and Staggering Fall by Zeke FauxSam Bankman-Fried Quoted on Sequoia Capital's site (since been scrubbed)

Dive into this captivating conversation where Dennis and Katie reveal the simple three-word strategy that has helped drive their business growth for the past five years. Learn how you can use this simple exercise to integrate your core values into daily decision-making for a purpose-driven and meaningful life.Essentially boiling down to three words that we can hold out there for the year that keep us inspired, excited, and help to point toward that true north. - Katie BrownConnect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

The last few years for investors have been historic and exhausting. Katie and Dennis take a look back at how fast-paced the financial markets changed and the challenges faced by investors. With different things working at different times, it can be easy to lose sight of a plan or strategy. Dennis and Katie share what they've learned over the last four years that they think will make them and their clients better investors in the future. Connect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Looking forward to a new year, Dennis and Katie describe how they've structured this into an annual activity with their team and how it could translate into a powerful tool for couples and families planning for the year ahead. With thought-provoking and sometimes challenging prompts, the Looking Back/Looking Forward exercise provides a framework for reflection and prioritizing actions that will make the most meaningful impact. Looking Back/Forward Exercise: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MBFW-Looking-Back-Exercise.pdfConnect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Do you have a plan for the new year ahead? Dennis and Katie reveal how their planning sessions at year-end evolved into a need to recast their vision for the future. They reflect on their journey and share what led them back to the drawing board to recraft their future growth plans for the firm. They relate this experience to that of families they serve that are growing and changing. Katie and Dennis encourage couples to look at their financial planning with the same kind of reflection and how a financial advisor can help with vision casting.Connect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Dennis and Katie give some examples of the random collection of investments and products they've seen built up over time on client statements. They explain why a cluttered portfolio can be a detriment to achieving financial goals while highlighting the importance of a cohesive strategy and identifying purpose when choosing to add something new or make a change. Katie and Dennis also reflect on some wise words of the late Charlie Munger, an influential voice in the industry.Connect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Dennis and Katie discuss Morgan Housel's new book Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes. Dennis and Katie dive into Housel's chapter titled "Does Not Compute". They explore the author's real-life examples of how motivation, emotions, and mindset heavily influence human performance and investor behavior. Get the book: https://www.morganhousel.com/Connect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

This episode is all about abundance. Dennis and Katie share how they help clients to permission themselves to live abundantly, not only during the holiday season but all year round. This is just a part of their role as financial advisors to encourage the families they work with to develop a consistent money mindset.Connect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

The feeling of control when it comes to money can be triggering. Dennis and Katie share the varying ways control shows up in client conversations. Our perceived level of control can have lasting impacts on our emotions, tolerance levels, and how we see the world. Katie and Dennis also discuss how a perceived lack of control over finances can create a barrier for some individuals to work with a financial advisor.Connect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Most advisors tout the benefits of sacrificing the now in favor of the future. However, the savings habits formed by clients can cause a tougher transition when turning those savings into a paycheck. Dennis and Katie discuss some drawbacks of delayed gratification in personal finance. They share how they coach couples through these transitions and the natural fears that can arise as a result. Connect with Katie & Dennis:Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.comImportant Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/