The Advice-Only Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this advice focused episode of the Advice-Only podcast, host Sarah Sprague Gerber sits down with Mike Piper whose accolades include prolific author, owner of the popular Oblivious Investor blog, founder of his own advice-only practice, and creator of the Open Social Security calculator. Mike brings his unique perspective as someone who has had the rare opportunity to spend extensive time deeply researching financial planning topics.

Mike specializes in working with clients approaching and in retirement, making him perfectly positioned to discuss two critical topics for this life stage: Estate Planning & Roth Conversions. Enjoy this in-depth conversation about common estate planning mistakes, what to do after a death occurs, and practical first steps if you are just getting started with Estate Planning. Mike also shares Roth IRA conversion strategies including an interesting discussion on why targeting tax brackets for your execution strategy is more important than IRMAA limits.

Whether you're an advisor helping clients navigate these complex decisions or someone approaching retirement yourself, Mike's deep expertise and practical approach provide invaluable guidance for two of the most important financial planning topics.

Sarah Sprague Gerber welcomes Maggie Klokkenga, financial planner at Abundo Wealth and former solo practitioner who brings both CPA and CFP® expertise to her unique approach to financial planning.

Maggie reveals why cash flow and spending awareness must form the foundation before any other financial planning can succeed, sharing innovative approaches like "budgeting blocks" that transform flat spreadsheets into 3D visualizations that create powerful "aha" moments for clients. She goes beyond traditional number-crunching by incorporating money emotions, mindfulness techniques, and vision boards to help clients align spending with their true values. She also shares her refreshingly honest journey from solo practitioner to team member at Abundo Wealth, offering permission and validation for advisors who realize that changing paths isn't failure - it's growth.

Whether you're an advisor considering different practice models or someone struggling with where your money goes each month, Maggie's journey offers both practical strategies and permission to forge your own path.

"I cannot imagine not having done it because of all the wonderful relationships and things that I've done on my own that I just go, I did that."

• Klontz Money Script Inventory (KMSI-R) - Free assessment to discover money beliefs from childhood (link to be provided in show notes)
• Budgeting Blocks by Amplified Planning - 3D visualization tool for spending categories
• PowerPay.org - Free website with debt payoff calculators and spreadsheets
• The Financial Wisdom of Ebenezer Scrooge by Rick Kahler, Brad Klontz, and Ted Klontz - Introduction to money scripts and intentional money management

In this inspiring episode of the Advice Only podcast, host Sarah Sprague Gerber sits down with Holly Donaldson, founder of Holly Donaldson Financial Planning and a true pioneer in the Advice-Only movement.

Holly shares her remarkable journey from corporate banking to launching her own independent practice in 2006 - before "Advice-Only" was even a recognized term in the industry. After years in private banking serving ultra-high net worth families, a pivotal conversation with her sister gave her the push she needed to break free from the product-pushing culture and create something different.

Holly offers practical wisdom for advisors considering the Advice-Only model, including her refreshing take on finding a business model that fits your personality rather than forcing yourself to adapt. She also shares her passion for mentoring the next generation, particularly young women entering the field, noting that women still represent only 25% of CFPs.

Whether you're an advisor exploring different service models, a consumer seeking to understand your options, or someone considering a career in financial planning, Holly's nearly 20 years of experience offer valuable lessons about staying true to your values while building a sustainable practice.

Listen for Holly's powerful closing question: "When you think you can't do that thing that you really want to do, have you taken a fresh look at what's holding you back?"

Join us as host Sarah Sprague Gerber interviews Steven Fox. Steven runs the new platform, AdviceOnly, a corporate RIA built to support Advice-Only Advisors who do not want to start their businesses independently. On this podcast, Steven shares many great stories and messages about why Advice-Only as a model is the best pathway for both advisors and consumers alike.

Today we sit down with Jeremy Schneider, an entrepreneur and passionate personal finance educator and advocate. His social media brand, Personal Finance Club has over 1 million followers and now he is the Founder & CEO of Nectarine, an Advice-Only firm matching consumers with advisors on an hourly or ongoing basis. Jeremy shares his story on why he is so passionate about personal finance and how he built these two successful brands.

The Nectarine endorsements mentioned in this episode have been provided by clients who have completed an engagement through Nectarine. No compensation was paid for any endorsement and the endorsements may not necessarily be representative of all Nectarine experiences. Please refer to hellonectarine.com for all relevant disclosures.

Today's conversation is with Chad Gammon, financial planner and owner of Custom Fit Financial. Don't miss this engaging conversation as Chad breaks down all the different ways he serves his clients in an Advice-Only capacity.

Today's guest is Mary Ann Sullivan, financial planner and owner of 395 Financial Planning. Learn more about Mary Ann's journey to becoming an Advice-Only advisor, hear her favorite client success stories, and learn why financial independence is THE goal everyone should be striving for.

Discussion with Eric Simonson, who is the Founder & CEO of Abundo Wealth, a rapidly growing Advice-Only firm that serves clients nationwide. Eric is also the co-founder and CEO of the Advice-Only Network, a company built to help promote, support, and bring together Advice-Only advisors.

Introduction to The Advice-Only Podcast, where host Sarah Sprague Gerber and Advice-Only financial advisors share their stories, strategies, and straight forward advice about money.