In this insightful episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson welcomes Christine Moriarty, CFP®, the founder of MoneyPeace and one of Financial Behavior Keynote Group’s exclusive speakers, to the podcast. Christine is renowned for her extensive expertise in personal finance, entrepreneurship, and the intricacies of business transactions. 

The conversation takes you deep into her journey—from her early days teaching as a child, to building her own niche business focused on entrepreneurs, and ultimately, becoming a leading voice in client-centered financial planning. Together, Mary and Christine explore the pivotal role financial advisors play long before the “for sale” sign goes up on a business, as highlighted in Christine’s keynote.

Throughout the episode, Christine shares stories from her decades-long career, illustrating why values-based, holistic financial planning is critical. She opens up about the importance of aligning money habits with life aspirations, why business owners need to plan early for their eventual exit, and how advisors can forge deeper connections and trust with clients by being present for the big—and small—moments. The conversation is full of practical wisdom for financial professionals, event planners, and entrepreneurs alike, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Christine’s authentic, approachable style makes her a sought-after keynote speaker.

About Christine Moriarty, CFP®

Christine has coached and guided thousands of individuals and business owners to create financial peace of mind over the past 25 years. An award-winning Certified Financial Planner®, author, and speaker, Christine combines her deep financial expertise with compassion and inner wisdom to guide people in becoming aware of the intersection of emotions, behavior, and money. Often referred to as the “cash counselor” or “financial therapist” by her clients, Christine’s holistic approach to financial management leads to improved money relationships and quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start With the End in Mind—Business Exits Begin Early:
2. Christine emphasizes that successful business sales begin not when an owner decides to sell, but when the business is first created. Advisors should encourage clients to think about exit strategies from the outset, helping structure businesses for maximum value and smoother transitions down the line.
3. Values-Based Planning Drives Action:
4. Rather than relying solely on checklists or standard questionnaires, Christine’s approach centers on deep conversations about a client’s personal and family goals. By helping clients connect money decisions directly to what matters most to them—whether it’s travel, flexibility, or family—advisors can inspire more meaningful action and commitment to financial plans.
5. Advisors as “Quarterbacks” of the Business Transition Team:
6. Financial professionals are uniquely positioned to quarterback the many moving pieces that come with selling a business. From coordinating accountants and attorneys to planning for charitable giving or legacy wishes, proactive advisors help clients navigate complexity, minimize surprises, and maximize outcomes.
7. Money Peace Is More Than a Number—It’s About Quality of Life:
8. Christine’s own journey from Boston to Vermont is a living demonstration of her philosophy: financial plans should support the life you truly want. She encourages clients (and advisors themselves) to use money as a tool to create fulfillment, not just accumulate wealth or chase external definitions of success.
9. Listening and Transparency Build Trust and Referrals:
10. By fostering an environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their real stories—including setbacks, fears, and dreams—Christine has cultivated strong, lasting relationships and earned significant referrals. Advisors who embrace the human side of finance ultimately help clients achieve “money peace”—a sense of calm and confidence in their financial lives.

If you’re looking for a keynote speaker who brings both heart and strategy to the complexities of business transitions, Christine Moriarty is a powerful choice.

In this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, Dr. Mary Bell Carlson welcomes Evan Beach, CFP®, EA, AWMA®, a nationally recognized wealth management speaker, author, and one of Financial Behavior Keynote Group’s exclusive speakers. Evan stands out in the industry not just for his engaging keynotes but for being a true practitioner—he continues to work directly with clients while bridging the gap between financial research and real-world application.

Mary and Evan dive into his signature keynote, “Retain and Gain: An Evidence-Based Client Communication Schedule to Maximize Referrals and Retention.” Evan shares his journey from cold-calling in a Philadelphia boiler room to leading growth and business development for a major RIA firm, drawing on his years of front-line client work and his passion for translating academic research into actionable advice. This conversation is especially relevant for financial advisors, planners, and event organizers looking for practical, research-backed strategies to improve client retention, boost referrals, and challenge the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset in financial services.

Throughout the episode, Evan reveals how he crafts keynotes that blend storytelling, real-life results, and interactive insight. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how he developed his evidence-based communication schedule, and how it dramatically changed both client outcomes and firm growth at his prior firm. He also shares personal stories that shape his approach to client work, keynote speaking, and life—including a powerful lesson learned from the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

About Evan Beach:

After graduating from the University of Delaware and Georgetown University, Evan pursued a career in financial planning and is a practicing CFP® professional and IRS enrolled agent.  He was the first G2 partner at a $1B+ RIA before selling his shares back to launch Exit 59 Advisory.

Evan’s extensive experience in retirement income and tax planning as well as practice management has attracted industry and media attention. Evan is a columnist for Kiplinger and a frequent contributor to Yahoo Finance, CNBC, Credit.com, TheStreet.com, Bloomberg News, and U.S. News and World Report, among others. He served as a special topics instructor at Texas Tech University’s highly regarded undergraduate and graduate personal financial planning programs for over eight years.

A native of Bethesda, Maryland, Evan spent almost all his adult life in the capital region. Evan lives in Old Town, Alexandria, with his wife, Ali, daughters Viv and Lucy, and dog, Tenley.

Five Key Takeaways:

1. Break Free from Tradition – Let Data Drive Your Process
2. Evan underscores the importance of moving beyond “the way we’ve always done it” in client communications. Rather than sticking to annual meetings or quarterly investment updates out of habit, advisors should turn to research and client feedback to shape their engagement cadence and content. By asking “why?” at every turn, advisors can uncover practices that truly add value rather than just ticking a box.
3. Evidence-Based Communication Yields Big Results
4. Drawing on research from Texas Tech and other universities, Evan demonstrates that the frequency and nature of client communications tangibly impact both client retention and referrals. He details how his firm shifted from annual to more frequent, targeted touchpoints—such as monthly investment updates and biannual meetings—which significantly increased client satisfaction and loyalty.
5. Tailor Communications to Client Needs (Not Just Firm Preferences)
6. One of the biggest lessons is that value is defined by the client, not the advisor. Evan encourages advisors to ask clients directly what they find valuable, monitor their engagement (such as email open rates), and adjust their approach accordingly. Not every client needs or wants the same frequency, especially as the relationship evolves—newer clients may initially want more touchpoints, while long-term clients usually prefer less frequent, high-impact meetings.
7. Bridge the Research-to-Practice Gap
8. Evan’s career has centered on bringing rigorous financial planning research to life in actual practice. He shares examples of how research insights can—when thoughtfully applied—immediately enhance advisory workflows, improve client communications, and boost overall results. But he also highlights the reverse: real-world implementation sometimes challenges or refines academic theory, creating a two-way street between research and practice.
9. The Power of Proactivity (and Real-Life Stories)
10. Advisors should prioritize proactive client engagement—answering questions before they’re asked, and addressing concerns before they become problems. Evan illustrates this with systems like sending regular, relevant video updates based on client questions, and proactively sharing the “why” behind portfolio moves. He also shares how his keynote is shaped by a sense of urgency and perspective, drawn from personal experiences like the Boston Marathon story, inspiring both advisors and audiences to take immediate, meaningful action.

If you’re searching for a keynote speaker who brings together real-world advisory experience with research-based insights and the heart of a storyteller, Evan Beach delivers clarity and impact that resonates. To book Evan or learn more, visit keynote.financial/evan-beach/.

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In this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson sits down with Laura Garfield, co-founder of Idea Decanter and a trailblazing voice in video marketing for financial professionals. Laura isn’t just an expert behind the camera. Her journey from TV newsrooms to the keynote stage and founder of a successful video marketing firm offers a rich, authentic perspective on why finfluence—using video to grow authority and business—is the new imperative for today’s financial advisors.

Mary and Laura dive deep into the evolution of Laura’s career, from the challenges and triumphs of her early reporting days (including a memorable “flop” on live TV) to her emergence as a sought-after keynote speaker. Laura shares candid stories of overcoming fear and failure, building empathy for others with camera shyness, and reveals what it really takes to help financial advisors carve out a credible, compelling presence in the noisy world of social media finance content.

Throughout the episode, Laura explains why video is quickly becoming one of the most powerful tools in an advisor’s toolkit—both for client prospecting and nurturing established relationships. The conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of Laura’s signature keynote, "Find Your Finfluence," and includes lively, actionable anecdotes about advisors who have successfully harnessed video to build trust, streamline communication, and spark significant business growth.

About Laura Garfield

Laura started her career in broadcast journalism learning how to ask the right questions to get to the heart of the story. In 2014, she co-founded Idea Decanter to help advisors use content to build authority and grow their businesses. The company’s work has been named as a finalist for 4 Wealthies Awards and a Luminaries. As host of The Real #Finfluencers, Laura puts her reporter skills to work digging up top performing advisors’ secrets to video marketing success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Anyone Can Find Their “Finfluence” Laura breaks down the term “finfluence”—the new intersection of finance and influence—and reassures advisors that video content isn’t just for the young or tech-savvy. With the right mindset and a willingness to be authentic, any advisor can use video to educate, connect, and cut through the noise of bad financial advice proliferating on social media.
2. Start Simple and Embrace Imperfection Laura’s own early stumbles, both on TV and online, highlight that perfection isn’t the goal—starting is. Advisors don’t need expensive gear or a Hollywood setup; a webcam and a message from the heart can go a long way. Laura cites real-life examples of advisors creating impactful videos with minimal infrastructure, reinforcing that the secret is to take that first step, however imperfect it may feel.
3. Video Builds Trust and Deepens Relationships Research shows that video triggers a sense of personal connection far better than email or written communication. Laura explains how advisors can use short videos not just to prospect, but also to serve and nurture current clients—making them feel seen and valued, and turning them into powerful referral sources.
4. Consistency is Key to Growth Replacing cold-calling hours with regular video creation builds momentum over time, even if immediate results aren’t obvious. Laura shares the story of an advisor who persisted through months of slow progress to ultimately win dozens of new “right-fit” clients. Consistency—not viral hits—is what unlocks compounding returns.
5. Be Personal to Stand Out Adding personal stories, quirks, and even pets into your content draws people in and sets you apart in a crowded field. Laura candidly discusses her own experiments incorporating personal anecdotes (including “never washing her hair!”) and featuring her rescue pets, which consistently lead to higher engagement. Authenticity and humanity resonate far more than polished, impersonal advice.

If you’re looking to up your client engagement, humanize your advisory brand, or just need the confidence boost to hit 'record,' this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with practical ideas to get started. For event planners or firms seeking a keynote speaker who combines storytelling, actionable strategies, and infectious energy, Laura Garfield is a standout choice.

For more on booking Laura or to explore upcoming episodes with the industry’s top voices in financial behavior, visit financialbehaviorthoughtleaders.com.

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On this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson welcomes Dr. Michael G. Thomas, Jr., one of the Financial Behavior Keynote Group’s exclusive speakers renowned for blending behavioral finance, empathy, and real-world insights into transformative keynote experiences. Michael shares the journey that brought him to the stage, beginning with early public speaking experiences in his youth, and traces his evolution from a natural storyteller to a highly sought-after speaker and lecturer. The conversation dives deep into what sets an unforgettable keynote apart, underscores the power of intentional communication, and unpacks the essential role of empathy in financial advising.

Together, Mary and Michael explore the substance behind Michael’s acclaimed keynote, “Maybe It’s the System,” which challenges advisors to look beyond surface-level client behaviors and examine the systems—personal, societal, and economic—that impact financial decision-making. Michael discusses how his classroom experience serves as both a laboratory for testing ideas and a crucible for developing inclusive, resonant messaging. The episode also touches on the intersections of equity, financial empathy, and compassion, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories about customizing keynotes for different audiences, especially during sensitive political and cultural moments.

About Dr. Michael Thomas

Michael G. Thomas Jr., Ph.D., is an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) and a lecturer at the University of Georgia. His research focuses on financial empathy and self-compassion, data visualization's effects on financial behavior, and the connection between brain function and money. Dr. Thomas's philosophy on how to effectively interact with money can be summed up in his Ted Talk: Financial Empathy: Understanding the Story Beneath the Numbers. Utilizing financial empathy as a process for active listening and the creation of client-focused financial recommendations are reflected in two financial literacy and capability programs he helped co-create: Money Dawgs and Discovering Money Solutions. Dr. Thomas is also the founder of Modom Solutions - a virtual financial coaching service he has been providing since 2015. He will soon be an author as he expects to release his forthcoming book, Black Financial Culture: Building Wealth from the Inside Out, in 2023.  

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Intentionality in Keynote Speaking: Michael highlights that the most memorable keynotes are the result of meticulous intentionality. Every word, concept, and story is carefully crafted to resonate with the audience. This level of preparation often gives the illusion of spontaneity while ensuring that the message is cohesive and impactful, no matter how many times it's been delivered before. He emphasizes the importance of researching the audience, aligning messaging with organizational values, and iterating talks based on feedback to make lasting connections.
2. Empathy is an Essential (Not Soft) Skill: Moving beyond the notion of empathy as a “soft skill,” Michael reframes it as an essential, indispensable part of effective advising and communication. True empathy, he explains, requires understanding your inner systems—emotions, triggers, social background—and then using that awareness to comprehend the unique experiences of others. This empathy isn’t just about surface-level identification but involves deep, compassionate engagement that can drive real client progress and trust.
3. Systems Shape Financial Behavior: A core message from Michael’s keynote is that individual choices don’t exist in a vacuum; they are profoundly influenced by broader systems—cultural, socioeconomic, digital, and familial. Blaming clients for poor financial decisions often overlooks the structural barriers and incentives that drive “bad” behaviors. By recognizing and unpacking these systems (like addictive food marketing or digital platform algorithms), advisors can replace shame-based approaches with more compassionate, objective guidance.
4. Navigating Difficult Conversations with Humanity: Michael recounts experiences presenting to divided or polarized audiences, especially during challenging social and political climates. He attributes his success in uniting audiences across divides to his ability to frame even the most sensitive topics through a shared lens of humanity—validating varied experiences without fueling division. By focusing on universal emotions and the idea that everyone navigates systems, he offers models for having hard discussions that bring people together rather than driving them apart.
5. Growth Comes from Sharing, Feedback, and Community: Michael’s journey underscores the value of testing ideas in “safe” spaces like classrooms, actively soliciting feedback, and being part of strong professional communities. He draws an analogy between perfecting a pie crust (with hidden, hard-learned tricks) and refining a keynote: real mastery requires mentorship, openness to input, and a willingness to adapt. This collaborative, learner’s mindset benefits both speakers and the audiences they serve.

This episode is a rich listen for financial professionals, event planners, and anyone interested in behavioral finance, communication mastery, or the art of public speaking. Dr. Michael G. Thomas, Jr.’s insights are both practical and deeply human, offering a powerful reminder that real change—on stage or in advising—starts with empathy, reflection, and a commitment to understanding the systems at play.

In this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson welcomes Amy Mullen, president of Money Quotient and one of Financial Behavior Keynote Group’s exclusive speakers. Amy is widely recognized for her work in helping financial advisors transition from a transactional approach to building truly transformational client relationships. With a background shaped by both hands-on experience and academic study—including earning her CFP—Amy’s journey to the keynote stage is both unexpected and deeply rooted in a passion for the “human side” of financial planning.

Mary and Amy’s conversation digs into Amy’s path from a behind-the-scenes support role at Money Quotient to her place on the main stage, sharing stories of the early days sitting in on training sessions and the evolution that led to her expertise in values-based planning, effective client communication, and advisor development. Amy’s keen insights are enhanced by the foundational research of her mother, Carol Anderson, whose pioneering work in understanding the gap between financial knowledge and behavioral change continues to drive the mission of Money Quotient today.

Throughout the episode, Amy offers a preview of her popular keynote focused on adapting to evolving client expectations—a timely subject as both clients’ circumstances and the financial planning industry shift rapidly. She discusses new research highlighting the perceptual gap between advisors and clients around values, communication, and cultural inclusivity. Amy also opens up about her own creative pursuits, giving listeners a glimpse of the art—and science—behind her approach.

About Amy Mullen

Amy Mullen, CFP® is President of Money Quotient, Inc., an organization founded in 2001 that teaches financial professionals how to bring science to the art of relationships. In this role, Amy conducts training, provides individualized consulting, and frequently presents at national financial industry conferences on the benefits and effectiveness of a values-based approach to financial planning, understanding clients' financial motivations and how to guide them through change, and creating long-lasting client-planner relationships. All programs and consulting provide a multi-disciplinary, evidence-based approach to financial planning that take into consideration both the practical and emotional aspects that promote financial well-being and life satisfaction. Outside of the office, Amy enjoys hikes, photography, live music, and cooking.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformational Over Transactional Relationships: Amy emphasizes the need for financial advisors to go beyond numbers and spreadsheets—truly engaging with clients’ values, motivations, and life goals. Transformational relationships are built on understanding the human side of finance, not just the analytics.
2. Values-Based Financial Planning Matters: Drawing on her mother’s influential research, Amy explains that even highly motivated clients with financial education often fail to implement good financial habits unless their emotional, values-driven motivations are explored. Tapping into clients’ core values through discovery and visioning creates meaningful engagement and facilitates real behavioral change.
3. The Communication Gap is Real: Amy highlights surprising research findings: while 89–90% of advisors believe they thoroughly understand their clients’ values and goals, only 30–50% of clients feel their advisor does. This gap signals a pressing need for ongoing, conscious communication rather than one-and-done discovery conversations.
4. Client Preferences and Needs Evolve: Advisors should regularly check in—not make assumptions—about clients’ preferences regarding meeting types (in-person vs. virtual), their financial anxieties, and even their cultural influences. Major life events can shift priorities, and only by asking can advisors maintain current, relevant relationships.
5. Effective Advising is Both Art and Science: Amy’s creative background informs her holistic approach: just as manual photography blends technical skill with artistic vision, effective financial planning combines analytics with emotional intelligence. Regular self-development and training in “soft” skills like communication and empathy are just as critical as technical expertise for modern advisors.

In this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson welcomes Carl Richards—a celebrated author, sketch artist, and financial behavior keynote speaker—to the show. Known for his long-running New York Times column and his iconic “simple sketches” that distill complex money issues into clear, visual insights, Carl pulls back the curtain on his journey from financial professional to internationally sought-after thought leader. Whether you’re a financial advisor looking to inspire your clients, or an event planner hoping to land a powerful keynote, this episode provides an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at what makes Carl’s work and presentations truly unforgettable.

The conversation spans from Carl’s quirky and humble beginnings (think: grocery store talks and launching T-shirts into crowds) to his thoughts on the not-so-comfortable moniker of “thought leader.” Carl opens up about the philosophy that drives his keynotes and writing, discussing why his new book—Your Money: Reimagining Wealth Through Simple Sketches—was designed not just as a book but as a spark for deeper, ongoing money conversations. Mary and Carl dig into the real heart of what makes great financial events resonate with advisors, clients, and even the “non-interested spouses” in the room. Carl also shares how his global travels have shaped his perspective on money, human connection, and the stories we tell ourselves about both.

Meet Carl Richards

Carl Richards started The Sketch Guy column in The New York Times from the hills of Utah, crafting clear, relatable insights about money with just card stock and a Sharpie. The column ran weekly for a decade. This journey began when Carl applied for what he thought was a job as a “security guard,” only to find out the ad actually said “securities.” That slight misstep sparked a lifelong dedication to reshaping how we think about money.

Since then, Carl has become a Certified Financial Planner™, built and sold a successful investment firm, and spoken at financial and investment events worldwide—from Australia to South Africa, the UK, and major economic centers across Europe, Canada, and the United States. His bestsellers, The Behavior Gap and The One-Page Financial Plan, have been translated into over ten languages and continue to resonate globally.

Through his daily podcast, Behavior Gap Radio, which now has over 1,000 episodes and over one million downloads, Carl shares new perspectives on aligning our resources with what truly matters. His latest audio project, 50 Fires, backed by executive producers Chip and Joanna Gaines, explores the intersections of money and meaning with guests like Pete Holmes, David Whyte, Krista Tippett, and his favorite guest by far, his wife, Cori.

Carl founded The Society of Advice, a community of financial planners dedicated to the craft of advice. They gather for a monthly online workshop and frequent retreats in Park City, Utah.

In 2025, Carl will release a new book that, true to form, will be unlike anything seen in the personal finance section—and you better believe there will be sketches (97 of them, to be exact).

When he’s not exploring ideas about money, Carl, a Wilderness First Responder, can be found navigating Utah’s high mountain ridges on foot, skis, or bike. Married to Cori since 1995, they have four kids, whom they consider their best friends.

Key Takeaways:

1. There’s No Straight Path to Speaking Success: Carl’s journey to the stage was anything but linear. From failed in-store talks with zero attendees to playful stunts like tossing T-shirts at conferences, he emphasizes that “there’s nothing about my career people should try to follow exactly.” His story is a reminder that embracing originality, risk, and failure builds authenticity and resilience—the very qualities that make a speaker unforgettable.
2. Redefining ‘Thought Leadership’: Carl shares his discomfort with the label “thought leader,” preferring to let others use it as they see fit. Instead, he centers his identity on doing meaningful “work” rather than self-promotion. He suggests that impact comes when speakers and professionals focus on contributing genuine value rather than chasing labels or ego. The applause, he notes, is for the work and its effect, not just the person delivering it.
3. Conversation is at the Core of Financial Change: With his upcoming book and speaking style, Carl advocates for sparking conversations rather than providing one-size-fits-all answers. His “conversation grenades”—simple sketches paired with provocative questions—invite participants to reflect deeply and honestly about their money narratives. Real financial planning, Carl argues, is born from these open and sometimes messy dialogues, not just perfectly prepared plans.
4. Every Audience, Every Event is Unique: Rather than relying on standard keynotes, Carl favors a collaborative and tailored approach. He works with organizers to select the most relevant sketches and stories for their audience, ensuring the message resonates with their goals and culture. Whether for industry conferences or intimate client workshops, this approach leads to “scalable intimacy”—impactful moments that feel personal, even in large settings.
5. Travel and Perspective Fuel Personal and Professional Growth: Carl’s experiences living abroad and traveling for speaking gigs have profoundly shaped his views on money and life. He recounts how living in New Zealand challenged his American assumptions, and how international events broaden his horizons as much as his audiences’. The message: get comfortable being uncomfortable, ask more questions, and let new perspectives shift your own story around money and meaning.

In this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson sits down with Matt Halloran, an exclusive keynote speaker with Financial Behavior Keynote Group and a leading branding and podcasting strategist for financial professionals. The conversation explores Matt’s journey to the stage, his distinctive approach to helping financial advisors stand out, and the power of radical authenticity in building trust and connection.

Matt shares his unconventional path—from studying applied ethics and communications, to becoming a therapist, to life-coaching financial advisors, and then co-founding Proudmouth, the largest podcasting company for financial professionals. Through vivid stories and candid reflection, Matt discusses why being “irreplaceable” is the ultimate competitive edge for advisors in a commoditized industry, and unpacks his trademark blend of storytelling, practical wisdom, and emotional intelligence.

Whether you’re an advisor looking to differentiate your practice, an event planner searching for a dynamic speaker, or simply intrigued by the intersection of psychology and finance, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights.

About Matt Halloran

Matt Halloran is a master communicator, branding expert, and industry disruptor who has spent decades helping professionals build unshakable authority. As the co-founder of ProudMouth, he has empowered thousands of financial advisors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to remove the gatekeepers of their industries and amplify their voices through podcasting. With over 1,000 podcast appearances as both host and guest, Matt has refined the art of impactful communication and influence.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Unmatched Power of Authenticity: Matt emphasizes that, in a world where most financial services are perceived as interchangeable, your uniqueness as a professional is your true advantage. Advisors must lean into who they genuinely are—quirks, stories, and all—to build genuine connections with clients. Authentic personal branding is what sets you apart in a sea of sameness.
2. Clients Buy You, Not Your Charts: The technical aspects of financial planning (charts, analytics, tax strategies) are considered table stakes. The differentiator is the advisor’s ability to foster trust, relatability, and human connection. Clients ultimately choose to work with you because of who you are—not just what you know.
3. Niche Down to Stand Out: Matt argues that hyper-specific focus is crucial in modern advisor marketing. Rather than attempting to appeal to every potential investor, advisors should hone in on a clear niche that aligns with their authentic interests or backgrounds (e.g., dentists, teachers). This focus enables personalized messaging and meaningful relationships, which outcompete mass-marketing efforts.
4. Building Multi-Generational Trust Requires Vulnerability: Earning the role of “family advisor”—not just for current clients but also their children and grandchildren—means being transparent, present, and real. Matt shares the importance of showing personal sides, sharing stories, and even allowing space for emotion in client meetings, drawing from his therapy background and passion for deep listening.
5. Advisors Must Do the Inner Work: Being authentically yourself on stage or in the boardroom isn’t always natural. Matt, a former therapist, underscores the need for self-work and emotional resilience. Advisors who are comfortable with their own vulnerabilities can better hold space for clients’ emotions—leading to stronger relationships, improved outcomes, and more rewarding practices.

Listen to this episode for practical strategies, personal anecdotes, and a fresh perspective on what it really means to show up—and stand out—in financial services. To book Matt Halloran for your next event or learn more about Financial Behavior Keynote Group, visit keynote.financial.

Resources

Shut the F up and Listen book: https://a.co/d/9V6E7M2

In this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson welcomes special guest Ashley Quamme, a licensed marriage and family therapist, financial behavior expert, and one of Financial Behavior Keynote Group’s exclusive speakers. Ashley is uniquely positioned at the intersection of financial planning and therapy, specializing in integrating financial psychology principles into the practices of financial advisors and their firms. The conversation offers an engaging look at Ashley’s journey from the therapy room to the keynote stage, as well as actionable insights for financial professionals seeking to deepen client relationships and enhance their advisory practices in an increasingly automated world.

The episode kicks off with Ashley sharing the story of how she transitioned from clinical mental health work to speaking and consulting in the financial services arena. With a background shaped by her father’s CPA career, an April 15th birthday, and her marriage to a financial planner, Ashley reflects on the synergy between her expertise and the needs of the industry. She explains how her approach goes beyond numbers, helping advisors understand the human side of money, especially in the context of couples and families.

Mary invites Ashley to demystify what it looks like to integrate financial psychology into everyday advisory work. From revamping discovery processes to developing tools that help uncover client beliefs, values, and motivations, Ashley illustrates the importance of seeing clients as unique individuals and using that understanding to provide more relevant and impactful advice. The discussion also addresses the growing relevance of financial psychology in an era when clients can easily access commoditized information online or through AI, but still crave genuine human understanding.

Ashley previews her popular keynote, “Integrating Financial Psychology into Practice,” emphasizing its core message: understanding client psychology is not just a trend but a necessity for forward-thinking professionals. She shares powerful stories from her work, including a moving account of an advisor facing a client’s deep grief and how being equipped with the right questions and tools can lead to meaningful support. The conversation wraps up with personal insights into Ashley’s life, her family, and her passion for blending heartfelt connection with practical financial skills.

Meet Ashley Quamme

As a pioneering financial behavior specialist, Ashley is dedicated to revolutionizing the financial advisory industry. Through her practice Beyond the Plan®, Ashley specializes in helping financial firms implement and integrate financial psychology into their practices, elevating client experiences and outcomes. As a therapist, Ashley brings a depth of knowledge to the intersection of finance and psychology. This diverse background allows Ashley to bridge the gap between traditional financial planning and the psychological aspects of money management. In addition to her work with firms, she is also a speaker with the Financial Behavior Keynote Group and host of the Planning & Beyond™ podcast. As a wife and mom of two active pre-teens her nights and weekends are spent on a field or court and in the Starbucks drive-thru. 

Learn more and book her here.

Key Takeaways:

1. Financial Psychology is Essential, Not Optional: Ashley emphasizes that diving into client psychology isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s fast becoming a critical differentiator for advisors. With technology rapidly automating the analytical side of planning, it’s the deeply human elements—understanding values, beliefs, fears, and motivations—that keep advisors relevant and indispensable.
2. Advisors Don’t Need to Be Therapists—But They Need Tools: Ashley is clear: her keynote is not about turning financial professionals into therapists. Instead, she equips them with practical questions, mindset shifts, and confidence to better support clients during emotional moments, helping them navigate discomfort and stuck points without crossing into therapy.
3. Client Communication Goes Far Beyond the Numbers: Successful planning isn’t only about analyzing spreadsheets. Ashley walks advisors through upgrading their discovery processes—moving past surface-level questions to understand what truly matters to clients, especially within couples and families, to craft more personalized and impactful plans.
4. Being Comfortable With Client Emotions is a Game-Changer: Emotional moments are inevitable—clients cry, face grief, or feel stuck. Ashley’s guidance helps advisors become more at ease with these situations. Practical takeaways include simply “being present,” asking open questions, or knowing when a referral might be needed, all while showing up as a compassionate human.
5. Resources and Continued Learning Make Integration Possible: Ashley offers plenty of support beyond the stage, with a podcast, a blog, and a helpful quiz on her website to determine if hiring a financial behavior officer is right for you or your firm. Advisors looking to build emotional intelligence and client-centric processes have accessible entry points for continued growth.

Timestamps:

00:00 "Financial Behavior Insights Podcast"

05:19 "Integrating Psychology in Financial Planning"

08:34 Emphasizing the Human Element

11:46 Therapeutic Strategies for Financial Professionals

15:00 Advisors Confront Emotional Challenges

17:01 "Advisors Handling Emotional Clients"

21:14 "Holistic Business Growth with Ashley"

To learn more about Ashley Quamme, her speaking topics, or to access her free resources, visit keynote.financial/ashley-quamme. Tune in to future episodes of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders for more insights from industry-leading voices!

Additional Resources:

• Quiz link: https://form.typeform.com/to/GeWPkz0C?typeform-source=www.beyondthefp.com
• Podcast: https://www.planningandbeyond.com/2381993
• Blog: https://www.beyondthefp.com/the-blog

In this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson sits down with Dr. Kristy Archuleta, a true pioneer in the field of financial therapy. Dr. Archuleta is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified financial therapist, and professor of financial planning at the University of Georgia. As a cofounder of both the Financial Therapy Association and the Journal of Financial Therapy, Kristy has played a crucial role in integrating mental health and personal finance. Her groundbreaking work is reshaping how financial professionals understand stress, anxiety, and the emotional experience of money.

The episode takes you behind the scenes as Kristy shares her journey from growing up in a service-oriented farm family to breaking new ground at the intersection of therapy and financial planning. She discusses her early passion for helping people, her academic path, and the powerful “aha” moment when she realized that couples’ money issues were a critical—yet overlooked—factor in relationships. Kristy and Mary also explore the evolution of her career from nervous public speaker to sought-after keynote presenter, and why integrating psychology into financial services is more essential than ever.

During their conversation, Kristy unpacks her most popular keynote, "Managing Financial Stress and Anxiety,” and reveals why financial professionals must understand both their clients’ and their own emotions. Through engaging stories from her work and research, she illustrates the difference between stress and anxiety, and offers practical tools for making complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable for advisors and their clients.

Five Key Takeaways:

1. Merging Mental Health and Money is Critical—for Clients and Advisors Alike: Dr. Archuleta emphasizes that finance is fundamentally a people business. She highlights how unresolved mental health dynamics—like stress, anxiety, and conflict—shape financial decisions. Yet, traditional financial training rarely addresses these issues, making it vital for today’s advisors to develop emotional intelligence and counseling skills.
2. Financial Stress and Financial Anxiety Are Not the Same Thing: A central message from Kristy’s keynote is that financial stress (triggered by specific stressors that can be resolved) is distinct from financial anxiety (an ongoing, generalized worry—even once stressors are removed). Understanding this difference helps advisors target their interventions more effectively and develop true empathy for clients’ struggles.
3. Your Emotions Directly Impact Your Clients’ Experience: Citing research and her own experience, Kristy reminds professionals that their own unaddressed stress and anxiety can “show up in the room” and affect their clients. Self-awareness and personal emotional regulation are therefore just as important as technical knowledge in building trust and promoting client well-being.
4. Therapeutic Tools Can Be Adapted for Financial Planning: Kristy discusses how frameworks from psychology—such as solution-focused therapy—can be adapted to advising and planning. By making these well-researched tools practical and relatable, she empowers advisors to support real behavioral change, without stepping outside their scope of practice.
5. The Power of Story—Both in Client Work and on Stage: Through memorable stories from the University of Georgia’s Love and Money Center, Kristy shows how collaborative, integrative approaches can make a dramatic difference for clients. She also reflects on making “hard things normalized” in her presentations, holding space for vulnerability and growth, and encouraging advisors to get comfortable with the emotions that inevitably arise in financial conversations.

If you’re looking for an engaging, insightful speaker for your next event—someone who can address the emotional side of money with clarity and compassion—you can learn more and book Dr. Kristy Archuleta at keynote.financial/kristy-l-archuleta.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders. Join us next time for more insightful discussions with the voices influencing the financial industry.

Additional Resources:

• Financial Therapy: Theory, Research, & Practice
• Financial Planning & Counseling Scales
• Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Financial Planning & Financial Therapy

In this episode of Financial Behavior Thought Leaders, host Dr. Mary Bell Carlson sits down with Tim Maurer, CFP®, Chief Advisory Officer at Signature FD and a renowned figure in financial planning and behavioral finance. Known for his dynamic keynotes and practical wisdom, Tim brings over twenty years of experience in financial services, along with appearances on major outlets like The Today Show and contributions to Forbes. 

This conversation centers around Tim’s flagship presentation, “Winning The Work: A Threefold Growth Plan for Professional Advisors,” and unpacks how advisors can integrate personal values, professional skill, and business development for sustainable, holistic success.

Mary and Tim begin with a behind-the-scenes look at Tim’s path to the stage, sharing candid stories of his first (rain-soaked and almost-late) media appearance and how teaching at Towson University led him to rewrite the textbook—literally—for financial planning students. 

Their discussion then shifts to the heart of Tim’s keynote. Tim explains his belief that “personal finance is more personal than finance,” emphasizing the necessity of blending behavioral insights with the technical side of advising. The episode delves into his threefold framework: business development, professional development, and—often neglected—personal growth. Tim also shares the value of true relationship management, grounding the conversation with practical examples and the power of following through on intentions.

You’ll hear a powerful, personal story from Tim’s own life—a near-fatal car accident—that shaped his commitment to vulnerability, growth, and purposeful storytelling from the stage. Behind every presentation, Tim reveals, is a drive not only to teach, but to engage and entertain, ultimately building deeper trust with every audience.

Five Key Takeaways:

1. Personal Finance is Inherently Personal: Tim reiterates that technical knowledge, while essential, is insufficient on its own—advisors must recognize and address the emotional and behavioral components driving client decisions. By making personal finance more about the person than just the numbers, advisors can foster stronger client relationships and drive real change.
2. Threefold Growth for Advisors is Essential: Tim’s “Winning The Work” keynote centers on the interconnectedness of business development, professional development, and personal growth. Excelling in just one or two areas can leave an advisor limited; true success comes when all three are intentionally cultivated and aligned with core values.
3. Relationship Management is More Than a Job Title: Authentic relationship management means being a trust-builder in one’s community and staying accountable for keeping in touch and following up—going beyond surface-level intentions. This simple practice can set financial professionals apart and opens doors to new opportunities, deeper trust, and personal satisfaction.
4. Vulnerability and Storytelling Build Trust: Sharing personal stories—even those rooted in difficult or painful experiences—can forge genuine connections with audiences. Tim’s willingness to be vulnerable on stage is a powerful reminder that advisors don’t have to be the “smartest person in the room” to make an impact. Instead, relatability, honesty, and humanity are key drivers of trust and memorability.
5. Creativity and Fun are Integral to Career Fulfillment: Tim discusses how speaking, writing, and creating serve as outlets for his creativity and make his work deeply satisfying. He encourages other advisors to find and embrace their own creative “itch,” stressing that the best financial professionals infuse their practice with enjoyment, self-expression, and a sense of purpose—making financial advising not just a job, but a dream profession.

If you’re looking for a speaker who can offer a holistic approach to business growth—someone who blends personal development with professional strategies—you can learn more and book Tim Maurer at keynote.financial/tim-maurer.

Thanks for joining us on Financial Behavior Thought Leaders. We’ll be back soon with more conversations that bring you closer to the leading voices in financial services.

Additional Resources:

Simple Money: https://a.co/d/1uxQUsT

The Ultimate Financial Plan: Balancing Your Money and Life: https://a.co/d/c1QcqqX