Explore every episode of the podcast New Planner Podcast

In this special episode, Jesse Lineberry, Program Director of the CFP program at Virginia Tech, returns for our annual deep dive into the New Planner Recruiting 2025 Salary Report. If you're interested in salary trends, comparing compensation expectations across channels, or understanding what firms and candidates are prioritizing in today's hiring market, this episode is for you!

Listen in as we unpack this year's findings, from average salaries across experience levels to regional trends and differences between RIA, broker-dealer, bank, and insurance expectations. We also explore why paraplanner salaries jumped, why student expectations stayed flat, and what's fueling the surge toward the RIA channel. You'll hear actual offer data from this year's placements, as well as how AI and internship compensation are shaping entry-level roles as firms plan for 2025.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4p6NmOx

Have you ever had to take a step back to move forward? That's exactly what Emily Green did when she left her career as a surgical assistant to pursue financial planning. After realizing she wanted more client connection, Emily explored entrepreneurship, discovered her passion for finance, and found her way to MY Wealth Planners.

In this episode, Emily shares what it was like to start over in her 30s, the lessons she learned from her mentor, and how asking the right questions helped her grow into her role as an associate planner. Her story is a reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to something even more fulfilling.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfyd3pu

Today I'm joined by Kaitlyn Carlson, Founder of Theory Planning Partners, and Jordan Paul, Lead Advisor there. Kaitlyn and Jordan share insights on navigating career pivots and key lessons they learned on their journeys in the field. If you're interested in launching a firm and fostering a culture built for long-term success, you won't want to miss this episode!

Listen in as Kaitlyn and Jordan talk about how their distinct paths led them into financial planning, as well as the challenges that come with starting and scaling a firm. They also open up about rethinking career choices and finding the right fit in the profession. You'll learn how they've grown their firm together, built a strong culture, and created a quality control plan to support future growth.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/45T8hNk

Scott Oeth is a financial planner with Cahill Financial Advisors, and he joins the show today to share his captivating journey in financial planning, beginning with his early interest in investing and his initial steps in the banking sector. If you are in another channel and want to transition into the RIA model, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Scott discusses his evolution from an internal wholesaler at an insurance company to thriving in various financial channels. You'll hear about the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way, how his unique outdoor adventure business has influenced his approach as a financial planner, and tips for new planners—particularly those considering a transition to the RIA model.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/41qkjel

Kate Dixon is a world-renowned expert on compensation and negotiation, and she stops by the show today to share her wealth of expertise in this topic. If you are looking to become more confident in your negotiations, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen in as Kate shares the essentials of successful negotiation strategies, starting by emphasizing the importance of always negotiating an offer, exploring alternatives for negotiation when salary adjustments aren't possible, and advocating for face-to-face negotiation. She also reveals her four-step process to streamline negotiations, discusses overcoming nervousness and emotional challenges during negotiation talks, and highlights the benefits of a collaborative negotiation style.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3RG6RQ4

Dave Ragan is a Financial Planner and Partner at Grunden Financial Advisory based out of Denton, TX. He stops by the show today to discuss his path into the financial planning profession, after initially pursuing a photojournalism career. If you're skeptical about the possibility of someone remaining with their first post-college firm throughout their career, this episode will provide you with a fresh perspective!

Listen in as Dave dives into his 20-year journey with the same firm, discussing the steps he took to secure his first interview, the evolution of his role over the years, and why the firm's culture and structure led him to choose intrapreneurship over starting his own practice. You'll hear how Dave achieved ownership in just eight years, what the firm's growth trajectory has been, and insights for new planners entering the field.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3NbSG2P 

Kurt Cornfield is a retired financial planner and Professor of Financial Planning at Liberty University. He joins the show today to discuss his career and why he is passionate about growing the Kingdom Advisors Association, the leading advocate for the Christian financial industry. If you are seeking a community of Christian-based financial planners, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Kurt shares his journey from the wirehouse channel to becoming a key figure in financial planning education. He delves into his pivotal role in developing the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program at Liberty University, the unique aspects of the Certified Kingdom Advisor designation—including insights into its influential annual conference—and more.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3sKzUbO

Hayley Swaim is a Planning Team Lead—a role she snagged at just 24 years old—based out of Austin, TX. She stops by the show today to discuss her path into the financial planning profession. If you are looking for ideas on how to fast-track your career, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Hayley shares her early determination to become a financial planner, leading her to complete two internships before even starting college. She also dives into her journey of initiating a financial planning student organization, landing a part-time role at her current firm during college, and her rapid ascent to a team lead position just two years post-graduation.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ujOxmZ

Today we have Ryan Huey and Franklin Matute of Roserock Wealth Management, based out of Dallas, TX, joining the show. They discuss how they found financial planning early on, starting their careers right out of college. If you are a soon-to-be new college grad beginning your financial planning career, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen in as Ryan and Franklin recount their journey through the financial planning landscape, from directly after college to when their paths converged at Roserock five years ago. Ryan details his 18-year tenure at a firm where a personal connection blossomed into a fulfilling career, his reasons for departing to establish his own firm, and why Franklin was his top choice for the venture. Franklin opens up about his transitions from a mid-size to a large RIA before taking the leap to join Ryan, his methods for building client confidence, and his rationale for moving to a startup environment.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/45YqXZO

Jon Harrington is a Financial Planner and Partner at Milestone Financial Planning based out of Bedford, NH, and he stops by the show today to discuss his path into the financial planning profession. If you are passionate about helping members of the military with their financial affairs, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Jon describes his trajectory from a finance major at Bentley University to embarking on his financial planning career within the bank channel, as well as his experiences that led him to provide financial counseling to military service members. He'll also share his decision to enlist in the military at age 31 after years of serving service members in a civilian capacity, discuss his rise to becoming an equity owner at Milestone Financial Planning, and explain how he balances his military career, family life, and his role as a financial planner.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3tPXp3d

Tanner Merritt is a Financial Counselor with Zeiders Enterprises, and he joins the show today to discuss his path into the financial planning profession. Starting with his transition after 6 years in the Army to majoring in Natural Resource Management, he ultimately made his way to financial counseling for the military.

Listen in as Tanner dives into the reasons for his transition, discussing the intricacies of his role, potential salary ranges, career trajectories, and strategies to combat financial stigmas within the military community. You'll hear about his journey from persisting with his major to pursuing a graduate degree, landing an internship with a small RIA, and subsequently joining a large financial services firm. He also gives invaluable tips for budding planners to enhance their marketability.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Fyuvra

Makemma Cockrell Wolff is an Associate Relationship Manager at Avion Wealth, and she joins the show today to discuss her path into the financial planning profession. If you are feeling frustrated in your job search and are thinking about giving up, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Makemma shares her initial aspirations of law, only to find her true calling in financial planning through a university assessment. She also details her experiences at the TTU financial planning program, securing multiple internships, and navigating a challenging job market due to stock market fluctuations. You'll hear Makemma's insights into her current role, early-career reflections, and advice for fresh graduates eyeing positions at smaller RIAs.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3MePkvh

Dr. Philip Gibson is a Finance Professor and Financial Advisor based out of Rock Hill, SC, and he joins the show today to share how he entered the financial planning profession. Recounting his journey from Jamaica to the U.S. for college, where a mentor's suggestion at Prairie View A&M put financial planning on his radar, Phillip shares his academic pursuits, leading to his current role at Winthrop University. If you love to teach, but also aspire to one day be a financial planner, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Philip dives into the inception and evolution of his side practice in financial planning, emphasizing how it enhanced his teaching and the Winthrop CFP program. We also discuss the challenges of building a firm from the ground up, Philip's eventual merge with larger entities, and his advice for aspiring financial planners.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3PH5uP6

Xander Larsen and Matt Pyron are associate advisors at 5280 Associates, and they join the show today to share how they transitioned from financial planning students to thriving professionals. If you're interested in learning how to make the most of mentorship, gain confidence through early career experiences, and add value as an associate advisor, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Xander and Matt share how their journeys have paralleled each other, from the mentors who guided them to the skills they developed through school jobs and early career roles. You'll learn what made 5280 a great fit for both of them, the training and mentorship they've received, the value they've contributed, and the important lessons they learned along the way.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/45MJ1bm

Enjoli Ramsey is a Certified Financial Planner and Navy vet who joins the show today to take us through her unconventional journey into the financial planning profession. If you are looking to change your career to financial planning, then this is an episode for you!

Listen in as she recounts her 23-year military career, her early interest in personal finance, and how she transitioned into a fintech startup after passing the CFP exam just before the onset of COVID-19. You'll hear Enjoli's vision for the future of financial planning, her recent career moves, and advice for those looking to switch careers.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3RCfgo2

Today we have Martin Seay, the Department Head of Personal Financial Planning at Kansas State University, and Jesse Lineberry, the Director of the Financial Planning Program at Virginia Tech University, on the show. The pair join the podcast for office hours to chat about all things financial planning.

Tune in as they share the kinds of offers their students receive from employers, what students prioritize in entry-level roles, and the distinguishing factors of top job candidates. We also explore pressing topics, like whether students should readily accept their first post-graduation offer or wait to see if something better comes along. This episode offers a valuable peek into the financial planning academic world, so don't miss out!

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3F0AWmz

Victoria Lawrence is an Associate Financial Planner with Morris Financial Concepts in Charleston, SC. She joins the show today to share her unique journey from aspiring investment banker to financial planner, including how she entered the financial planning profession. If you are seeking to get hired into a financial planning firm without a financial planning degree, this is an episode for you!

Drawing from her rich experiences growing up in Hong Kong, Victoria opens up about the process of finding her ideal firm, how her role has matured over time, and a pivotal chat with her parents' financial planner that got her started on her path. Listen in to gain insights into the challenges and rewards of the profession and valuable advice for newcomers to the field.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3rj74hV

Today we welcome back Jesse Lineberry to discuss the intricacies of compensation in the financial planning profession. We'll examine recent offers that have been both accepted and rejected, providing insights into industry trends. Discover the data from a salary survey, shedding light on the expected salaries for paraplanners, associate planners, and financial planners. We'll also delve into the evolving landscape of compensation structures in the financial planning field. 

Listen in to learn how firms are aligning career plans and compensation paths to reward behavior and foster accountability, especially during the critical early years of a career. You will hear about the role of a strong company culture in supporting compensation packages for job seekers, the impact of experience on compensation, the preferences of younger planners regarding in-office or virtual work arrangements, and insights into financial considerations and bonuses.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/yubmkdvt 

Jason Howell and Doug Tees are with Jason Howell Company based out of Fairfax, VA, and they join the show today to discuss their journeys in the financial planning industry. If you are considering changing careers and would like the confidence to make the leap, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Jason and Doug delve into their unique paths to financial planning, as well as the formation of their successful partnership. Jason unpacks how he utilized his vast network to launch and grow his firm, and the serendipity behind hiring Doug just two years in. Meanwhile, Doug reveals his career transitions, the value of past experiences in convincing Jason to take a leap of faith with him, and their collective vision for the firm's future.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3Pvz0Z3

Dana Carney is an Associate Wealth Manager at River Capital Advisors in Jacksonville, FL. She joins the show today to share her unconventional journey into the world of financial planning, starting with her initial aspirations to become a dietician and the transformative volunteer experiences that honed her skills. If you are passionate about financial literacy, but also want to work with high-net-worth clients, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Dana opens up about her choice to work in financial literacy for low-income families post-graduation, as well as how she eventually pivoted to the high-net-worth RIA space. You'll hear how she overcame the setback of failing the CFP exam—and then waited five years to retake it successfully—and invaluable tips for those preparing for the test.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3RksVQT

Kyle Jahnke is a financial advisor at the RWS Group based out of Saginaw, MI, and he joins the show today to discuss his transition into the financial planning profession after four years in a corporate finance role. If you're a career changer or in the process of preparing for the Series 7 exam, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen in as Kyle delves into his journey from a corporate finance role at a prominent Fortune 500 company to his current position as an advisor. He unpacks the steps he took to pass the Series 7 exam, from the materials he invested in to his dedicated study strategy. You'll hear the challenges he faced, the questions that predominated the exam, and invaluable advice for future test-takers.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3YKx7e2

Nicky Amore is a financial planner with Falcon Wealth Planning based out of Chicago, IL. She joins the show today to chat about her unique journey into the financial planning industry, including how early life challenges, like injuries and time in a wheelchair, shaped her perspective. If you have had setbacks and need a boost of encouragement to keep moving forward, this is definitely an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen in as Nicky shares how she went from working at Starbucks in college (and swiftly rising to manage a store by 25) to transitioning among several financial roles due to her expertise in employee benefits. Eventually finding her place at an RIA, Nicky is now committed to education and offers insightful wisdom for aspiring financial planners.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3QZyMLh

Mark Hansen is the owner of Second Comma, a virtual advisor firm for 6-figure single-income households. He joins the show today to share his path into the financial planning profession, from a high-paying steady job to starting over at zero. If you are nervous about leaving the comfort and stability of corporate America to start your career in financial planning, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Listen in as Mark recounts his journey into the financial planning profession, from giving advice to co-workers to a serendipitous meeting that catapulted him into the field. He delves into the challenges of corporate life, his daring decision to leave a stable job, his tailored services for a niche market, and his consistent client acquisition rate. He also touches upon battling imposter syndrome and the invaluable support from his mentor in just 7 months of his venture.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3rZy7Pc

Joel Cavaliere is a Financial Advisor at Blue Heron Capital based out of Denver, CO, and he joins the show today to discuss his path to becoming a financial planner. He also highlights his transition within the industry, revealing how he navigates the challenges of working with an older clientele and confronting ageism. If you are concerned that you might be too young to work with retired clients, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Joel delves into his journey, from his academic choices and early hesitations in the insurance sector to his strategic move to a boutique retirement firm post-graduation. You'll hear his future aspirations, what it's like to develop a retirement plan, and tips for budding financial planners.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3DIb1zr

Megan Madden is a financial advisor at the Bethesda Wealth Planning Group, and she joins the show today to share her career journey from wanting to go to beauty school to using her knowledge to empower women through financial planning. If you're interested in hearing how she built a meaningful career in financial planning while staying true to her values, you won't want to miss this conversation.

Listen in as Megan shares why she initially resisted going to college, but ultimately found her way to a small program in financial planning that matched her passions—and led to an internship turned full-time role. You'll hear about the challenges of relocating to a new city, working with a new clientele, and finding her footing with a new firm. Megan also opens up about leaving behind the security of a salary, the risks and rewards of betting on herself, and what she's learned from each transition.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4miP6Dv

Matt Garasic is the Founder of Unrivaled Wealth Management based out of Pittsburgh, PA, and he joins the show today to discuss how he found his way to financial planning—despite thinking it was only insurance sales. If you feel stuck and need someone to take a chance on you, even if you might not have the level of experience they are looking for, then this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Matt shares his unique journey from an initial pursuit in Petroleum Geology to becoming a financial planning expert, highlighting his early internship experiences and the critical career decisions that shaped his path. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities he encountered in his early roles, his strategic move to a large RIA in Florida, and the invaluable lessons he picked up while working with ultra-high-net-worth clients at a young age. Finally, he reveals why he decided to establish his own firm and the obstacles he's tackled along the way.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/43QpGmw

Dawn Torres-Gale is a Client Services Manager at Compass Planning Associates based out of Westport, MA, and she joins the show today to discuss her journey of becoming a financial planner. If you are seeking a firm that has a unique structure, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Join us as Dawn reveals her unique journey from conflict resolution within the military to becoming a financial planner, spurred by service members' need for advanced financial guidance. Learn about her transition from a reluctant private sector career to a part-time virtual paraplanner, supported by invaluable mentorship from her first employer. Finally, she explores her successful search for firms not managing assets, and the factors contributing to her finding the perfect fit at her current firm.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3Y93LWv

Taylor Cole is a Client Analyst at LFM Wealth Management based out of Chapel Hill, NC. She joins the show today to discuss how she transitioned into financial planning from a career as a nanny. If you are a career changer considering a career in financial planning, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Taylor divulges how her journey was sparked by a random career guidebook encounter, which led her to seek knowledge from financial radio shows and local planners. She also shares the insights she gained as she details her transition into the field, choosing her CFP program, enduring the initial "firehose" phase, and mastering the art of client meetings. You'll learn strategies for confidence-building, ideas to attract more women into financial planning, and the unique advantage career changers can leverage to thrive in the field.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/46Vbbkr

Taylor Love is a Financial Advisor at Elevant Wealth based out of Twin Falls, ID. He joins the show today to discuss his entrance into the financial planning profession, which, interestingly enough, was not his initial career choice. If you are nervous about taking on client relationships by yourself, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Taylor unfolds his intriguing journey into the financial planning profession, from it not being his initial career choice to securing internships and learning from school alumni. He also reveals his struggle to pass the series 65 exam, his decision to join the firm where he interned, and how he is gearing up to manage some of the less complex clients—all while sharing nuggets of motivation. You'll also hear the toughest challenges faced by new planners and valuable tips for those just starting out.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3PNEOOa

Andrew Fincher is a Financial Advisor at VLP Financial Advisors based out of Vienna, VA, and he joins the show today to share how he became a financial planner. If you think you are too young or inexperienced to become a lead planner, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Andrew shares his journey from accounting major to successful financial planner, and how overcoming career obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic led him to become the trusted lead advisor for 40 clients at his current firm—all at the age of 25. We also discuss Andrew's passion for financial planning education, insights on how to engage more high school and college students in the field, and valuable tips for new planners.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/447UiB5

Alex Carracedo is the Founder of Envision Retirement based out of Phoenix, and he joins the show today to share his story of becoming a Certified Financial Planner and RIA firm owner. If you feel like you are a round peg in a square hole and your career is not where you want it to be, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

In this episode, Alex shares his journey from childhood lessons in personal finance to earning his CFP designation and entering the world of financial planning, leveraging his network to land all five of his positions before finding his entrepreneurial calling. We discuss how he strategically targeted the 401k plan market, how he wooed a client with only a $1,500 account to invest, the dynamics of his first-year clientele, and the evolution of his client portfolio. Alex also unveils his planning process, fee structure, the reasons for parting ways with his broker dealer, and offers words of wisdom to budding planners navigating the early stages of their careers.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/3Jey5ZC

Nathan Gale is the Founder of Fleur De Lis Financial, and he joins the show today to share his story of transitioning into the financial planning profession after a 17-year career in the military. If you're struggling to break into the financial planning profession then this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Nathan shares his journey into financial planning, discussing his education, early experiences, and why transitioning careers was the right move for him. He opens up about the trials of landing entry-level, part-time virtual work, revealing his persistence through 100+ job applications, the rejection he faced, and the strategy that ultimately led to his first successful hire. We also shed light on the challenges and rewards of working for multiple firms virtually, how Nathan brings value to his employers, and the circumstances that compelled him to establish his own firm before hiring a new planner.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: bit.ly/43XXY7O

Taylor Demars is a financial planner with Mars Financial Group based out of Washington, and he joins the show today to share his path to entering the financial planning profession and being thrust into the position of primary client advisor just a year into his tenure. If you're a new planner being pushed out of your comfort zone then this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Taylor shares why he joined his grandfather's family-owned financial planning business, how he became the primary client advisor a year into his time there, and how he managed the client load while getting up to speed in the business. We also discuss the challenges and fears that Taylor faced and how he overcame them, how he developed his leadership skills, and tips for new planners dealing with uncertainties and stepping out of their comfort zones.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3NZZQYS 

Alli Masoero is the Founder of Money Conscious, and she joins the show today to share her career path, starting from first becoming interested in financial planning to starting her own firm. If you have found yourself questioning your passion for serving high-net-worth clients and are considering a different path, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Alli shares the sequence of events that led her to shift her focus from majoring in mathematics to financial planning despite the disapproval from her parents, how she found her first mentor, and how that mentor led to a job offer. We also discuss how she was inspired to start a new venture blending her twin passions of financial coaching and planning, the operational details of her firm, and valuable advice for those new to the field of financial planning.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/43etuyG

Deanne Rosso and Chuck Vickery from Elevate Wealth Advisory, based out of Athens, GA, join the show today to discuss the challenges and wins of their successful partnership and buyout. If you dream of buying out your firm's founder, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen in as Deanne and Chuck take us on a journey through their partnership in financial planning, starting with Deanne's beginnings in the field, how she and Chuck met, why she decided to join Chuck's team (despite more lucrative offers), and how she was able to bring value to the table while carving her own path. Chuck also shares why he believed that Deanne would be a good fit for his firm, how Deanne built trust with him and their clients, the economics behind Deanne purchasing the business, and the ups and downs they have faced in their partnership journey.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/41H97IA

Andrea Eaton is a financial planner at Cornerstone Wealth Advisors, and she joins the show today to share how a guest lecture by a financial planning faculty member opened her eyes to a new career path. If you're interested in building a long-term career with one firm, finding the right cultural fit, or learning how to develop and mentor new planners, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Andrea shares her journey from the financial planning program at Texas Tech University to her current firm, where she started as an intern and has now been for over 20 years. She discusses how she landed her internship, the alignment of timing, values, and culture, and how her role has evolved alongside her career growth. Andrea also explains how her firm's resident program supports both client needs and the training of entry-level planners, as well as why she's stayed with the same firm throughout her career.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4meuVGS

Mark Maurer is the President and CEO of LLIS, an insurance brokerage and consulting firm that was founded to be a resource and advisor to fee-only financial advisors and their clients. If you are interested in becoming a Certified Financial Planner but don't see yourself as a lead planner, then this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Mark shares his unexpected journey in the financial planning profession, starting with a phone call from a family member, and leaving his previous career to join the family business and eventually become the succession plan. We also discuss the challenges and rewards Mark faced leading his own parents, how he worked his way up from reviewing disability policies to becoming a subject matter expert in insurance lines, and insights on AI's impact on the insurance industry and financial planning.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3WfRIFZ

Kevin Dunford is an Associate Financial Advisor at Switchpoint Financial Planning, and he stops by the show to share his story of pivoting to financial planning from his dream of being an ophthalmologist. If you are looking for a great fit Associate Planner position, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Kevin shares the events that led him to switch his major and explore career paths outside of ophthalmology, how his interest in financial planning was sparked, and how his undergraduate program helped him secure an internship with a broker-dealer firm. We also discuss how relocating to Arizona to be closer to family turned out to be a great career move for him, what his career path looked like after leaving his job at a large asset manager, and of course, tips for new planners.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/44OftZJ

Ariana Alisjahbana is an Associate Advisor at North Berkeley Wealth Management, and she stops by the show today to share her story of transitioning to financial planning after five years in marketing roles in big tech companies. If you are in a big tech firm and seeking to make a change to financial planning, then this is an episode for you!

Tune in to hear Ariana share the pivotal moment when she decided to pursue financial planning full-time, why big tech wasn't fulfilling for her, and how she approached her transition by conducting a series of small experiments. We also discuss how she passed the CFP exam, how she narrowed down the type of financial planning firm she wanted to work for, and how she found career opportunities within the industry.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3VxHTCU

Today I'm joined by Liz Plot, the Founder of Primas Financial Planning. After spending 10 years as a financial coach for members of the military, Liz made the decision to start her own firm. If you think you might be an accidental entrepreneur, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen in as we discuss the differences between financial planning, financial coaching, and financial counseling, as well as the struggle that Liz had being rejected by employers early on due to her need for a virtual position. You'll also hear about her experience working at a virtual firm as a client services associate before becoming a lead planner, why she left that role to start her own firm, the challenges she faced in the first few months of starting her firm, and tips for new planners.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3UzMTqa

Hannah Moore is the owner of Guiding Wealth, a financial planning firm based out of Dallas, TX. Also the creator and facilitator of the Financial Planning Externship Program, Hannah joins the show today to talk about what she has been up to over the last 2 years. If you're interested in participating in the Externship program, be sure to listen in and sign up today!

Join us as Hannah talks about the Externship program, sharing exciting updates for its fourth year. She also provides details on the revamped format, logistics, and cost, as well as the value that participants can receive no matter their career stage. You'll learn her personal motivation for creating the program and how it's making a positive impact on the profession.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3LejTjk

Alex Hopkin is the Founder of Simply Paraplanner, an online job board that connects virtual paraplanners with firms seeking virtual hires nationwide. If you are seeking a virtual paraplanner role, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Alex talks us through her path to becoming a financial planner, starting with the scholarship she received and the challenges she faced as a military spouse seeking a virtual position in a field that had few options for remote work. You'll learn about her online platform, the benefits of virtual work for both job seekers and firms, and how this will continue to shape the industry moving forward.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3MMAbCy

Ryan Rasmussen is a Trust and Estates Coordinator for the University of Georgia, and he joins the shows today to share his story of how he became a financial planner. If you are seeking a career path outside of one of the main points of entry into the profession, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen in as Ryan shares his career journey, from his start in the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program to his current role as an academic financial counselor at the University of Georgia. You'll hear about his experiences of securing a financial planning resident position with a high-profile RIA firm in San Francisco, the challenges of moving to a higher cost-of-living area, and what he learned during his tenure.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3G7ftJp

Patrick Yaghoobians is an Associate Advisor at Horst & Graben Wealth Management, and he stops by the show today to share his story of becoming a financial planner. If you are in the wirehouse channel but desire a more independent and planning-centric approach, this is an episode for you!

Listen in as Patrick opens up about his journey to becoming a financial planner, from his earliest memory of money when his parents immigrated from Canada to what eventually led him to pursue a career in finance. We also discuss how he found an internship during his last semester in college, how a mistake he made during the internship helped shape his career, and what led to a full-time offer. Patrick also shares how he bounced back after a job offer at an RIA was rescinded during the pandemic and how he ultimately found a good fit with his current firm.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3G2Z4Wp

Tom Rasmussen is a Financial Advisor at BlueSky Wealth Advisors, and he joins the show today to discuss how he fell into his career as a financial planner and why he left a great fit firm after they were acquired. If your firm has been acquired and is no longer a good fit for you, you won't want to miss this episode!

Listen in as Tom shares his journey of how he stumbled upon his career by luck through his academic advisor, how he landed his first job at a large financial services firm while still in college, and the challenges of juggling studying for finals, the CFP exam, and job interviews—all while having a newborn at home. We also discuss Tom's experience working at a firm that was eventually acquired and why it wasn't a good long-term fit for him, how he transitioned to working as a financial advisor in the bank channel, and how he found his current firm, which is 100% virtual.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3yYLX4K

William Thompson is a Financial Planner at Valor Wealth Partners, and he joins the show today to discuss his career journey from loan officer to financial planner. If you are thinking of giving up because you are struggling to get an employer to say "yes" to you, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen in as William shares his journey from starting as a loan officer in a credit union to becoming a Client Services Associate for a wirehouse, as well as how he pursued the CFP but struggled to transition into an advisor role and faced rejection in interviews. We also discuss how he ultimately landed a job at his current firm through a successful interview process, what his career trajectory has looked like since starting there, and tips for new planners.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Jtaioa

Dustin Cidorowich is an Associate Financial Planner at R.W. Rogé & Company and he joins the show today to share his journey from corporate America to an entry-level financial planner position. If you're interested in making a career change into financial planning, understanding the realities of entry-level roles, or learning how to grow and thrive in a firm, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Dustin shares how he made the leap from corporate America to a financial planning role - navigating a significant pay cut to pursue a more fulfilling career. He talks about how his responsibilities have expanded, the steepest learning curves he's faced, and how he brings value to his firm. Stay tuned to hear what he finds most enjoyable about the job and his advice for aspiring financial planners.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/46y1Zo9

Antonio Montes De Oca Jr is a Financial Analyst at Rock House Financial based out of Farmington, UT, and he joins the show today to discuss how family stress around money growing up prompted him to pursue a career as a financial planner. If you are graduating from a CFP program and want to know how to find a great fit and add value right out of the gate, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen in as Antonio shares his journey into the world of financial planning, how he decided which CFP program to attend, his internship experiences, and how he knew that the fee-only RIA channel was the right structure for him. We also discuss what it took for Antonio to get hired by his current firm, how he knew they were a good fit in the interview process, and what a Financial Analyst does to support the more senior planners on the team.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3myfvTI

Eric Joynt is an Associate Financial Planner at Prospettiva Financial, and he joins the show today to talk about how he became interested in investing and financial planning while in college. If you are in a different channel within financial services and want to transition to an RIA firm, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen in as Eric shares how he started his career with a property and casualty-focused organization, as well as how he moved up the career ladder. You'll hear about his transition to a financial coaching role, the differences between financial coaching and planning, and what he learned during his tenure. We also discuss how he found his current firm and how the hiring and interview process helped him better understand himself to become a better planner.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3SEiNAZ

Liv Olson is the Founder of Liv Olson Consulting, based out of Seattle, WA. She helps teams and individuals build lasting capabilities and positive organizational culture that enables people to thrive. If you're looking to join an existing team or build one yourself, you don't want to miss this episode!

Listen in as Liv shares from her 20 years of experience in human resources, organizational development, and talent development roles in the RIA channel, highlighting the top mistake firm owners make in managing their businesses. You'll learn the warning signs of disengagement among team members, the most harmful thing for company culture and teams, and how new planners can identify firms with strong cultures and high-performing teams.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3EuLOt2