Category: Behavioral Finance

132: The Search For Purpose and Meaning In Retirement with Tom Pendergast

132: The Search For Purpose and Meaning In Retirement with Tom Pendergast

We all have an idea of what retirement will be like.

But what happens when reality doesn’t match your expectations?

For many, the transition from a structured career to unstructured free time isn’t as easy as it seems.

That’s exactly what happened to Tom Pendergast.

Tom is a retired professional who found himself facing an unexpected challenge: boredom

In this episode, Tom reveals his personal journey through the human side of retirement—the identity shifts, the search for purpose, and the unexpected struggles that come with it.

You’ll Learn: 

  • Why Tom’s initial idea of retirement didn’t match the reality
  • The challenges of shedding a career identity and finding a new purpose
  • Experiments Tom tried to create a more meaningful retirement
  • The role a financial advisor can play in easing the transition

*To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here

Resources:

Connect with Brendan Frazier: 

Connect with Tom Pendergast: 

About Our Guest: 

Tom Pendergast is a writer and editor with eclectic interests, including cars, birds, outdoor exploration, baking, cybersecurity, and privacy. He often jokes that he’s no longer fit for corporate work, but his career has included serving as the Chief Learning Officer at MediaPRO, a cybersecurity and privacy education company. Before that, he founded and ran Full Circle Editorial, a book packaging company, with his wife, Sara. During that time, he authored and edited two dozen books and countless articles. He also served on the local school board and remains interested in local politics.

He lives in Snohomish, Washington, with his wife, artist Sara Pendergast. They have two grown children and a close-knit circle of friends. Together, they enjoy hiking, racing cars, drinking beer, gardening, watching birds, and making the most of life.

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

131: The Soul of Wealth: Connecting Money and Meaning with Dr. Daniel Crosby

131: The Soul of Wealth: Connecting Money and Meaning with Dr. Daniel Crosby

We all know that true wealth goes far beyond money.

Yet, we all act as though money is the ultimate end game.

Like when your client says, “Once I get to $_____, then I’ll be ready.”

But money is simply a tool to fund the life you want to live.

And once you know how to use it, it’s a powerful tool for enhancing your happiness, meaning and fulfillment.

But what are the ways that money can buy happiness?

How can you use money to feel more fulfilled?

Fortunately, Dr. Daniel Crosby is a leading expert in behavioral finance and the author of “Soul of Wealth: 50 Reflections on Money and Meaning.” 

And, in this episode he’ll share specific ways you can use money to fund the life you want to live.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How and why you should use your money to buy time
  • A simple gratitude idea that instantly boosts your happiness
  • Ideas to help clients cope with the discomfort of market uncertainty
  • An exercise to determine whether your spending aligns with your values
  • A personal story that shook him to realize that true wealth is more than money

*To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here

Resources:

Connect with Brendan Frazier: 

Connect with Dr. Daniel Crosby: 

About Our Guest: 

Dr. Daniel Crosby is a psychologist and behavioral finance expert who helps organizations understand the intersection of mind and markets. Dr. Crosby’s first book, Personal Benchmark: Integrating Behavioral Finance and Investment Management, was a New York Times bestseller. His second book, The Laws of Wealth, was named the best investment book of 2017 by the Axiom Business Book Awards and has been translated into 12 languages. His third book, The Behavioral Investor, was Axiom’s best investment book of 2019 and is a comprehensive look at the neurology, physiology and psychology of sound financial decision-making. When he’s not decoding market psychology, Daniel is a husband and father of 3, a fanatical follower of the St. Louis Cardinals, an explorer of the American South, and an amateur hot sauce chef.

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

130: Behavioral Finance Ideas Proven To Enhance Client Outcomes with Dan Egan

130: Behavioral Finance Ideas Proven To Enhance Client Outcomes with Dan Egan

As Betterment’s Director of Behavioral Science, Dan Egan knows that understanding human behavior is key to your client’s financial success.

But knowing that’s true and knowing what to do about it are two different things.

There are a lot of opinions thrown around in the behavioral finance space on what works and what doesn’t.

And you probably don’t want to “test” some of these ideas on clients you hope to work with for 10-30 years.

For years, Dan has been testing behavioral finance interventions to figure out what actually works (and what is a waste of time).

In this episode, he reveals proven ideas you can implement to enhance your client’s outcomes without having to go through your own trial-and-error process.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to frame taxes to prevent impulsive decisions
  • How visualizing goals makes saving more consistent
  • Why you should NOT engage clients during a market downturn
  • How robo-advisors actually enhance the value of human advisors
  • The two types of clients most likely to panic during market volatility

*To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here

Resources:

Connect with Brendan Frazier: 

Connect with Daniel P. Egan:

About Our Guest: 

Dan Egan is a behavioral finance professional and the Director of Behavioral Science at Betterment. With years of experience applying behavioral principles to financial technology, Dan focuses on improving client outcomes by helping people make better decisions, especially during stressful times. His work highlights the powerful intersection of psychology and technology in shaping the future of financial advice.

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

129: The Best Ideas and Insights from 2024

129: The Best Ideas and Insights from 2024

The Human Side of Money in 2024:
  • Released 24 episodes
  • Delivered 1,933 minutes of content on the human side of advice
Inside those 24 episodes and 1,933 minutes lie countless ideas, insights, and nuggets that will do two things:
Enhance and enrich your clients’ lives and forever change the trajectory of your business and career.
But, there were certain ideas inside each episode and conversation that delivered more impact than others. Certain insights and nuggets that move the needle a little bit further.
In this episode, I go back through each conversation from 2024 and extract the most impactful ideas and insights advisors need to know.
*To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here

Connect with Brendan Frazier: 

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

128: The 3 R’s of Relationship Marketing with Bill Cates

128: The 3 R’s of Relationship Marketing with Bill Cates

“If you’re not relevant, you’re ignored. If you’re not compelling, you’re forgotten.”

Bill Cates, the “OG” of relationship marketing, knows that genuine connections are the heart of a thriving and growing practice.

But with technology constantly reshaping how we connect, how do you still leverage a human connection?

For decades, Bill has mastered the art of building trust, creating relevance, and fostering relationships that lead to referrals.

And, in this episode, he shares the 3 R’s of relationship marketing and how they remove friction from the prospecting process and pave the way to exponential growth for your practice.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The #1 barrier to getting more referrals
  • Brain-based tips for crafting messages that stick
  • Why focusing on a niche can fuel massive growth
  • Why “introductions” beat referrals—and how to ask for them
  • How storytelling creates emotional connections that inspire action

*To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here

Resources:

Connect with Brendan Frazier: 

Connect with Bill Cates:

About Our Guest: 

Bill Cates is a renowned author, speaker, and coach specializing in relationship marketing and client acquisition strategies. With decades of experience, he has helped thousands of advisors and businesses refine their approach to building relevance, creating emotional connections, and generating referrals. Bill’s work combines timeless marketing principles with modern tools to help advisors grow their practices and make meaningful connections with clients.

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

127: Preparing Your Clients and Practice for Behavioral Finance 3.0 with Meir Statman

127: Preparing Your Clients and Practice for Behavioral Finance 3.0 with Meir Statman

Meir Statman, a trailblazer in behavioral finance, says: “Financial well-being underlies life well-being.”

Advisors know their clients want to feel happy and fulfilled and make decisions aligned with their values. 

But weaving that into financial advice? That’s the challenge.

And, that’s the next frontier for behavioral finance.

Meir has witnessed every generation of behavioral finance up to this point.

And, in this episode, he shares how advisors can prepare their clients and their practice for the shift to Behavioral Finance 3.0.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why every client needs a diversified “life” portfolio
  • The 3 benefits people derive from spending money
  • Why your neighbor’s finances impact your own well-being
  • The journey from “standard” finance to Behavioral Finance 3.0
  • The #1 way to improve well-being (That has nothing to do with money)

*To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here

Resources:

Connect with Brendan Frazier: 

Connect with Meir Statman: 

About Our Guest: 

Meir Statman is a leading behavioral finance authority and a finance professor at Santa Clara University. His groundbreaking research bridges traditional finance with psychology, offering insights into how emotions and biases impact financial decision-making. Meir’s work encourages advisors to focus on client well-being and life satisfaction, making him a pioneer in helping people use their finances to support meaningful and fulfilling lives. He’s also the author of A Wealth of Well-Being, where he explores the role of behavioral finance in guiding financial choices that promote happiness.

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy. 

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. 

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place. 

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

126: Love & Money: The Keys To Financial Success As A Couple with Doug and Heather Boneparth

126: Love & Money: The Keys To Financial Success As A Couple with Doug and Heather Boneparth

Does money talk strengthen your relationship—or strain it?

Doug and Heather Boneparth, a dynamic husband-wife team and experienced financial advisors, share the inside scoop on what makes relationships tick—financially and emotionally. Drawing from personal experience, they reveal practical ways for couples to redefine financial responsibilities, appreciate non-monetary contributions, and set shared goals for the future.

For advisors, Doug and Heather break down how to create balanced, inclusive conversations that engage both partners, tackling emotional undercurrents to strengthen relationships along the way.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Tools to create inclusive, balanced financial discussions
  • Guidance for couples on shared financial decision-making
  • Techniques to spot and resolve financial resentments before they escalate
  • Ideas for planning meaningful “money dates” that foster future-focused conversations
  • Strategies to redefine financial contributions, helping couples align on long-term goals

*To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here

Resources:

Connect with Brendan Frazier: 

Connect with Douglas A. Boneparth: 

Connect with Heather Boneparth: 

About Our Guests: 

Doug and Heather Boneparth are the co-founders of Bone Fide Wealth, a firm specializing in helping millennials and young couples manage their finances. Doug is a Certified Financial Planner and author with a deep commitment to making personal finance approachable. Heather, having taken a step back from her active role in finances during the pandemic, brings valuable insights into balancing household contributions and facilitating effective financial conversations between partners. Together, they bridge personal and professional experience to bring empathy and practicality into financial advising.

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. 

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory” or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

125: Building A Screening Process To Identify Perfect-Fit Prospects Ready To Act with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz

125: Building A Screening Process To Identify Perfect-Fit Prospects Ready To Act with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz

Here’s a question for you:

On a scale of 1-10, how confident are you that your screening process will yield conversations with prospects who are a good fit AND ready to take action?

If you answered anything less than an 8, you’re in good company.

Most advisors spend way too much time meeting with prospects only to find out they aren’t a good fit.

Fortunately, Meghaan Lurtz has researched and written about this process. In this episode, she reveals the steps to build a screening process that brings in prospects who are the right fit and ready to take action. (While also changing the trajectory of trust for the entire relationship!)

What You’ll Learn:

  • The best questions to ask in a screening process
  • Why 80% of prospects aren’t ready for your advice
  • What’s going on in the prospect’s mind before your meeting
  • How long do prospects wait before actually contacting an advisor
  • A question you should ask all prospects (but almost no one does)

*To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here

Resources:

Connect with Brendan Frazier: 

Connect with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz: 

About Our Guest: 

Dr. Meghaan Lurtz is a leading global expert on the psychology of financial planning and a Partner at Shaping Wealth. A dedicated educator, she is a Professor of Practice at Kansas State University, teaching in the Advanced Financial Planning and Financial Therapy Certificate Programs. She is also a lecturer at Columbia University, where she teaches Financial Psychology. She serves on multiple financial technology boards, bringing together finances and mental health. She is an active researcher, writer, and ongoing contributor to the Kitces platform, writing about the intersection of money, advice, and well-being.

Meghaan has finished her Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning at Kansas State University. Meghaan is a past President of the Financial Therapy Association.

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

124: A Step-By-Step Process For Conducting “Re-Discovery” Meetings With Long-Time Clients with Ben Haas

124: A Step-By-Step Process For Conducting “Re-Discovery” Meetings With Long-Time Clients with Ben Haas

Here’s the outline for most review meetings with long-time clients:

  1. How is life? How is the family?
  2. Any major changes or updates?
  3. Here’s your situation. Everything looks good.
  4. See you next year.

And, that’s not bad. But there’s a better way.

It’s called a “Re-Discovery” meeting.

And, not only, does it keep your clients engaged while reinforcing your value. It deepens your relationship with them and enhances their life.

Most advisors love the idea. They just need to know how to do it.

In this episode, Ben Haas shares his step-by-step process for turning review meetings into “Re-Discovery” meetings.

You’ll Learn: 

  • How Covid reshaped how he viewed his role as an advisor
  • The thought process for deciding which clients to try this meeting with
  • Mental accounting strategies that empower clients to spend confidently
  • The “Wealth Management Audit” he sends out prior to a review meeting
  • The moment when Ben realized his review meetings needed a makeover

*To sign up for Brendan’s monthly newsletter focused on the human side of advice → Click Here

Resources:

Connect with Brendan Frazier: 

Connect with Benjamin Haas: 

About Our Guest: 

Benjamin Haas is a financial advisor who believes in the power of human connection in financial planning. With a passion for going beyond the numbers, he helps his clients build deeper, more meaningful relationships with their money. Through his approach, Benjamin empowers clients to not only feel financially safeguarded but also live purposefully. His practice focuses on promoting reflection, guiding clients from merely “fine” to fully flourishing in their lives and retirement.

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy. 

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

123: The Language of Loss: How to Communicate With Grieving Clients with Kathi Balasek

123: The Language of Loss: How to Communicate With Grieving Clients with Kathi Balasek

Financial advisors are on the front lines of bad news.

Your entire business is filled with clients who have either experienced grief or will experience grief at some point in their lives.

When that time comes, you’ll often be one of the first people they talk to.

And, unfortunately, we aren’t naturally “grief-literate.” We feel awkward, don’t know what to say, and generally mishandle the conversation.

But, when you have a process for handling grieving clients, you can capitalize on the opportunity to forge deeper relationships and grow your business.

In this episode, grief literacy expert Kathi Balasek reveals the essential skills financial advisors need to navigate conversations with clients experiencing grief. 

You’ll Learn: 

  • The #1 reason widows leave their advisors
  • What NOT to say during times of grief and loss
  • How to help clients avoid big decisions during times of grief
  • The significance of creating a “lesson plan” for a post-loss meeting
  • What her advisor did well in her first meeting after losing her husband

*To sign up for Brendan’s monthly newsletter focused on the human side of advice → Click Here

Resources:

Connect with Brendan Frazier: 

Connect with Kathi Balasek: 

About Our Guest: 

Kathi Balasek is an educator, grief literacy communication coach, university asst. professor, speaker, and widow advocate. She trains professionals on how to improve their grief literacy communication skills to engage, support, and retain clients and employees going through life’s most difficult transitions. Whether it is the surviving spouse, the family member with a serious health diagnosis, or a major life transition, these conversations are pivotal to knowing exactly what to say and do. Everyone experiences grief and loss as it is a universal experience. However, it isn’t a universal language – let’s change this together!

Experiencing the emotional, physical, and financial uniqueness of widowhood firsthand, she learned that the relationship between professionals and bereaved clients is pivotal. Combining her 25 years of teaching, coaching, research, and personal experience, she created Grief Smart Professional as a tool to help professionals retain, connect, and support clients experiencing loss, grief, and widowhood. Grief literacy communication is vital to helping all clients before, during, and after a death occurs. 

She is a widow advocate. She stands up and fights for the rights of widows, their livelihood, and their financial future. 

Along with her mission-driven business, Grief Smart Professional, she is a university professor and currently, she teaches at California State University, Chico in the Department of Communication and Education. 

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy. 

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. 

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.