Episode 096: In this episode, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Jonathan Blau, President and CEO at Fusion Family Wealth. Known as a “trusted advisor to trusted advisors,” Jonathan brings decades of experience partnering with accounting and law firms to offer comprehensive financial guidance. His approach is grounded in behavioral finance, and he’s known for cutting through complexity with clarity and insight.

Kyle and Jonathan talk about behavioral finance, how Fusion Family Wealth disrupts traditional investment strategies, and what it takes to stand out as an independent financial advisor. Jonathan offers a unique perspective on investing, challenging conventional wisdom around risk and safety. He also shares his passion for philanthropy and his work with Sunrise Day Camp, an organization supporting children with cancer and their families.

In this episode:

(00:00) - Intro

(02:05) - Jonathan's money moment

(04:08) - Why Jonathan chose to go independent

(05:59) - Redefining the investor problem: volatility vs. purchasing power

(12:10) - The impact of media on investor decision-making

(18:06) - Strategies for organic growth

(19:50) - Jonathan's thoughts on the future of the industry

(21:14) - Sunrise Day Camp and Jonathan's philanthropic work

(23:31) - Jonathan's boating journey

(25:45) - Leveraging technology for behavioral finance and coaching at scale

(29:28) - Jonathan's Milemarker Minute

Key Takeaways

Behavioral finance plays a vital role in helping clients stay grounded, especially during market volatility. It empowers them to tune out fear-driven headlines and avoid impulsive, fad-based decisions.

As technology and AI reshape the financial landscape, the heart of wealth management remains unchanged: human connection and the behavioral insight that builds long-term trust and value.

Great financial advising goes beyond numbers — it’s about understanding people. Advisors must offer not only strategic guidance, but also emotional support as clients face life’s financial complexities.

The industry is evolving toward greater flexibility, giving advisors the freedom to work within large firms, operate independently, or design hybrid models that reflect their unique strengths and values.

Quotes

"Stocks are safe. Real estate is safe. Bonds are risky. We have to tell people something that's both counter-cultural and counterintuitive." ~ Jonathan Blau

"Inflation is the disease of money. Bonds are the carriers of the disease." ~  Jonathan Blau

"We need to own real assets that have the ability to appreciate and counter inflation, not put assets in paper assets that lead to the diminution of that purchasing power itself." ~ Jonathan Blau

Links 

Jonathan Blau on LinkedIn

Fusion Family Wealth

Diamond Consultants

Mindy Diamond

Merrill Lynch

UBS

Goldman Sachs

Same as Ever

How Not To Invest

Connect with our hosts

Milemarker.co

Kyle on LinkedIn

Jud on LinkedIn

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