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
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.
“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
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
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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.
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
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
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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.
Are your clients drifting aimlessly or swimming purposefully towards their financial goals?
The default for clients is to pick goals on autopilot. Goals that have been determined by society, friends, and their upbringing.
In this episode, Isaac Presley shares how he creates the time and space for his clients to create more intentional goals using a “Family EOS” approach.
You’ll Learn:
The “Time Bucketing” exercise to help clients prioritize goals
The “Family EOS” approach and how to introduce it to clients
Why sending a pre-meeting video leads to better conversations
How the environment you’re in can influence your conversations
How he connects his screening and intro process to accelerate trust
*To sign up for Brendan’s monthly newsletter focused on the human side of advice → Click Here
Isaac Presley is the CEO of Cordant Wealth Partners. He frequently writes and speaks on investing and industry topics and his work has been seen in Bloomberg, US News, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, and Wealth Management magazine. He’s been named the top 100 most influential advisors by Investopedia five times. Prior to joining Cordant, he worked in finance for two Fortune 500 companies. He has a Bachelor’s in Finance from Oregon State University, his MBA from Portland State University, and earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2011.
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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.
Michael E. Kitces, MSFS, MTAX, CFP®, CLU, ChFC, RHU, REBC, CASL, is the Head of Planning Strategy for Buckingham Wealth Partners, a private wealth management firm located in St Louis, Missouri, that oversees approximately $50 billion of client assets. In addition, he is the co-founder of the XY Planning Network, AdvicePay, fpPathfinder, and New Planner Recruiting, former practitioner editor of the Journal of Financial Planning, and the publisher of the e-newsletter The Kitces Report and the popular financial planning industry blog Nerd’s Eye View through his website www.Kitces.com, dedicated to advancing knowledge in financial planning.
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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.
Michael Finke’s research shows that the trifecta of a happy and fulfilling retirement incorporates:
Money
Health
Social Connection
Most financial advisors know the money part.
But how can you incorporate the other health and social connection parts into a financial plan to help your clients live a happy and fulfilling retirement?
Fortunately, Michael Finke is the foremost authority on this topic and shares with us the three cornerstones of a happy and fulfilling retirement and how to incorporate it into your retirement planning work with clients.
You’ll Learn:
The only two places your money can go
How to increase your clients’ happiness per dollar spent
Why your clients should start taking forced semi-retirements
One thing most retirees believe will provide satisfaction but doesn’t
The amount of wealth where life satisfaction peaks before falling again
The one relationship in your life with the highest correlation to life satisfaction
Michael Finke, Ph.D., is a Professor of wealth management and Frank M. Engle Distinguished Chair in Economic Security Research at The American College of Financial Services. He is a nationally known researcher in the areas of retirement income planning, retirement spending, life satisfaction, and cognitive aging. He is a frequent speaker at financial planning conferences and was named one of the 25 most influential people in the field of investment advising in 2020 and 2021 by Investment Advisor Magazine.
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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.
