Financial Planner Search

In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Jason Sherr, founder of Stratefi Wealth Management, explains how his background in architecture at UC Berkeley shaped his unique approach to "designing" financial plans.

Jason views himself as the "quarterback" or Financial Director for his clients, ensuring that every piece of their financial life, from tax strategy to risk management, is coordinated so they can focus on what truly matters.

He discusses the specific needs of "Henrys" (High Earners, Not Rich Yet), the importance of flat-fee planning for those still building their assets, and why retirement is a significant identity shift that requires more than just numerical preparation. Jason also shares how he is leveraging technology and the creation of Sherwin Tax Pros to solve the industry-wide shortage of CPAs and trust attorneys.

• The Architectural Approach: Using design principles to build a plan that accounts for goals, existing structures, and future growth.

• Attitude Over Assets: Why finding the right "attitudinal fit" is more important for a long-term partnership than a specific net worth.
  

• 00:00 Introduction and the "Architecture" of Financial Planning

• 06:02 Client Acquisition, Onboarding, and the "Quarterback" Model

• 12:00 Understanding "Henrys" and the Mental Shift of Retirement

• 18:02 Practice Growth: Solving the CPA and Trust Attorney Shortage

• 24:08 Controlling the Controllables: Behavior and Relationship Management

You can find them at: https://www.stratefiwealth.com/

If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

In this episode of Financial Planner Search, David Brooks, founder of Retire Smart, shares his unique journey from a college dropout managing the world's top-performing pizza franchise to becoming a millionaire in his 20s and, eventually, a seasoned wealth advisor.

After a massive, unexpected tax bill from the sale of his businesses changed his life, David dedicated his career to proactive tax planning for retirees and entrepreneurs. David discusses his SMART and SERVE models, his commitment to an "education-first" approach that includes teaching 104 classes a year, and his unconventional strategy of hiring interns and even clients to build a high-performing ensemble practice.

• Proactive Tax Strategy: Utilizing the tax code's incentives to prevent retirees and business owners from overpaying their "number one expense".

• The Education Ecosystem: Building trust and confidence through a comprehensive curriculum covering Social Security, Medicare, and even digital assets.

• 00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Pizza to Portfolios

• 10:59 Building a Strong Team through Internships and Culture

• 17:58 Identifying Culture Fit: Hiring the "Right People on the Bus"

• 25:12 Educational Curriculum and the Smart Document Checklist

• 33:11 Client Onboarding and the 15-Minute Discovery Process

You can find them at: https://retiresmartnow.com/

If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Sal Perez, founder of Totem Wealth Management, shares his journey from a low-income background in Kissimmee, Florida, to building a national wealth management firm.

Sal discusses how his Hispanic background, where money was often considered a taboo subject, inspired his "calling" to improve financial literacy and help others reach their goals. His practice specializes in serving early to mid-stage business owners and entrepreneurs, moving them from reactive "after the fact" tax situations to proactive, comprehensive financial strategies.

Sal emphasizes the importance of adaptability, operating under the philosophy that an advisor should "be like water" and the critical role of trust and persuasion in getting clients to act on beneficial recommendations.

Takeaways

• Comprehensive Wealth Strategy: Moving beyond simple investments to cover tax, estate, and benefit planning.

• Proactive Entrepreneurial Support: Helping business owners scale and mitigate tax bills before they become a burden.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Origin Story

• 06:25 The "After the Fact" Trap: Reactive vs. Proactive Planning

• 10:42 Client Acquisition: Leveraging Referrals and Social Media

• 12:53 Scaling a Firm: From Solopreneur to Team Leadership

• 16:21 The Art of Persuasion: Tailoring the Message to the Client

• 21:29 Lessons from Vanguard and Professional Development

• 23:53 Onboarding Process: The 15-Minute Discovery to Full Execution

• 30:29 How to Connect with Totem Wealth Management

You can find them at: https://totemwealthmanagement.com/

If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #entrepreneurship #taxstrategy #financialliteracy

In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Francisco Blanco, founder of Stonebrook Wealth Partners, discusses his journey from being a teller at Chase Manhattan Bank to building an independent wealth practice in South Florida. Francisco specializes in providing tactical tax strategies for doctors, attorneys, and business owners, professionals who are often "too busy" to manage their own complex financial lives efficiently.

He shares his philosophy on "going deep" in client conversations to build trust and his commitment to a proactive, "family office" style of service. Francisco also outlines his vision for Stonebrook as a platform to mentor and support other advisors looking to make the leap into independence without the headache of building a back-office from scratch.

Takeaways

• Tactical Tax Planning: Specialized strategies designed for the unique income and time constraints of surgeons and attorneys.

• The Path to Independence: Providing a blueprint for other advisors to move from large bank channels to a client-focused, independent model.

  
  

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Stonebrook Wealth Partners

• 03:33 Inspiration: From Bank Teller to Independent Founder

• 09:20 Serving Busy Doctors, Attorneys, and Business Owners

• 15:45 Relationship-Driven Advice & The "Family Office" Feel

• 17:41 Vision for the Future: Building an Advisor Community

• 23:08 Mentorship and the Impact of Tom Bartella

• 26:13 The Onboarding Process: Hand-Holding and Proactive Care

• 32:25 Conclusion and Next Steps

You can find them at: https://www.stonebrookwealth.com/

If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #TaxStrategy #DoctorRetirement #IndependentAdvisor

In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Marguerita (Rita) Cheng, CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth, explains why her practice always leads with financial planning before discussing asset management. Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Rita specializes in helping overwhelmed executives, CFOs, and diverse families navigate complex life transitions with a collaborative and supportive approach. She discusses her firm’s unique ability to serve younger, culturally diverse, and multiracial clients, often using a flat-fee model to ensure planning is accessible even before significant assets are moved. Rita also highlights her specialized work as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), focusing on helping individuals thrive through "silver" or "gray" divorce.

Takeaways

• Financial Planning First: Why understanding the personal situation is more important than managing the portfolio.

• Supportive Onboarding: Moving from "information" to "actionable advice" through a structured, low-stress discovery process.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Blue Ocean Global Wealth Overview

• 02:04 Navigating Life Transitions and Psychographics

• 04:51 Serving Younger and Culturally Diverse Clients

• 07:00 The Value of Flat Fee Financial Planning

• 08:40 Connecting Through Community and Centers of Influence

• 10:43 Personalizing the Process: Core vs. Lifestyle Expenses

• 14:03 Specialization: Supporting Clients Through Gray Divorce

• 15:52 Thorough Execution and Attention to Detail

• 17:45 Onboarding and Ongoing Relationship Cadence

• 23:57 Professional Development and Collaboration

• 25:34 Redefining Retirement as a New Beginning

You can find them at: https://www.blueoceanglobalwealth.com/

If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #diverserepresentation #flatfee #divorceplanning

In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Chris Clepp, founder of Building Towards Wealth, shares his journey from entering the insurance industry on September 11, 2001, to managing a specialized wealth practice for Gen X and Gen Y business owners. Chris focuses on helping high-speed entrepreneurs decrease their "mental load" so they can focus on their highest and best use being a great parent, spouse, and founder. He discusses the critical need for proactive exit planning, the pitfalls of last-minute liquidity events, and why he prefers the concept of "autonomy" over "retirement". Chris outlines his values-first onboarding process, which involves a deep dive into a client's "end in mind" to ensure their money serves as a servant rather than a master.

Takeaways

• Decreasing Mental Load: Delegating the "what ifs" to a professional so founders can focus on their business and family.

• Autonomy Over Retirement: Creating a financial engine that allows for flexibility and contentment rather than just stopping work.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Specializing in Gen X & Y Business Owners

• 01:11 Inspiration: Lessons from 9/11 and the 2008 Financial Crisis

• 04:36 Client Triggers: Liquidity Events and Business Transitions

• 08:50 Key Questions: Taxes, Valuation, and Exit Timing

• 13:00 Values & Approach: Choosing Autonomy and Contentment

• 17:07 Vision for the Future and Generational Planning

• 20:51 Behind the Scenes: Coordinated Strategy and Cadence

• 22:35 Process: 90-Day Values Discovery and Long-Term Roadmap

• 26:47 Guidance and Next Steps

You can find them at: https://buildingtowardswealth.com/

If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #exitplanning #entrepreneurship #GenX #GenY

In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Brandon Kennedy, founder and president of Kennedy Financial Group, shares his heart for helping retirees and pre-retirees transition into their next chapter with purpose and comfort. Drawing from his roots just outside Detroit, Brandon discusses his specialized work with the "Millionaire Next Door" humble, hardworking individuals in the automotive industry who have built "accidental wealth" through decades of consistency.

Brandon details his Guided Retirement Roadmap, a four-pillar process that covers retirement income mapping, investment alignment using a "bucket" approach, tax optimization for RMDs and Medicare, and legacy safeguarding. He challenges listeners to shift their perspective on wealth, encouraging them to enjoy the fruits of their labor, like flying first class, and to focus on "changing their family tree" by helping the next generation now rather than later.

Takeaways

The Guided Retirement Roadmap: A structured four-pillar approach to income, investments, taxes, and legacy.

Changing the Family Tree: Moving beyond accumulation to impactful, multi-generational legacy planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kennedy Financial Group

03:16 Serving the "Millionaire Next Door" in the Automotive Industry

06:29 Values & The "Am I Going to Be Okay?" Conversation

10:36 Defining Financial Success & The "First Class" Mindset

12:40 Vision for the Future: Personal Service at Scale

20:37 Mentors & Transitioning from Advisor to Business Leader

23:38 The Guided Retirement Roadmap: Process & Strategy

30:22 The "Sounding Board Session" & How to Start

You can find them at: https://kennedyfg.com/

If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #retirementplanning #MillionaireNext Door #wealthmanagement

In this episode of Financial Planner Search, financial advisor Jonathan Bednar discusses the evolution of his practice and the art of building deep, trust-based relationships in a digital-first world. Jonathan shares his insights on scaling a remote financial practice while ensuring that core values and client "dreams" remain at the center of every conversation. He outlines a transparent financial planning process designed to address the unique questions of today’s clients, emphasizing that a successful plan is built on commitment and shared values rather than just market returns.

Takeaways

Scaling Remote Financial Advising

Integrating Core Values and Dreams into Planning

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Practice Overview

10:53 Addressing Evolving Client Needs and Questions

21:07 Commitment to Clients and Value-Based Planning

28:00 The Financial Planning Process Walkthrough

You can find them at: http://paradigmwp.com

If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #remoteadvising #wealthmanagement #jonathanbednar

In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Diane Pearson, a Certified Financial Planner, discusses her evolution in the financial industry and her advocacy for the flat-fee planning model. She emphasizes the vital role of client education and fiduciary responsibility, moving beyond traditional management to provide authentic support during major life transitions. Diane’s approach is rooted in understanding clients as individuals—addressing their unique fears and goals to build a foundation of trust. She shares her vision for practice growth, the importance of succession planning, and why delivering clear, transparent value is the future of wealth management.

Takeaways

Flat Fee Planning: Why transparent pricing models are redefining client trust.

Support Through Transition: The importance of guiding clients through the emotional and financial complexity of life changes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Career Journey

06:02 Guiding Clients Through Life Transitions

12:58 Client Acquisition and Understanding Clients as Individuals

You can find them at: http://www.pearsonfinancialplanning.com/

If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #flatfeeplanning #fiduciary #lifetransitions

In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Joseph Yoon shares his journey through the financial planning industry and his evolution toward a practice centered on individual impact. Joseph discusses his philosophy of building deep, long-term relationships that go beyond simple asset management to become true financial partnerships. He offers a specialized look into mid-career financial planning, addressing the unique needs and questions of clients during their most critical earning years. Joseph also highlights the importance of professional certifications and experience in providing high-level guidance, detailing an onboarding process designed to foster trust and ensure ongoing engagement.

Takeaways

Focused Individual Impact

Building Life-Long Financial Partnerships

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Practice Background

07:22 Defining Client Types and the Financial Partnership

14:25 The Strategy Behind Mid-Career Financial Planning

27:38 The Value of Professional Certifications and Experience

You can find them at: https://www.qmadvisors.com/

If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #wealthmanagement #midcareerplanning #financialpartnership