In this episode, host Brandy Spears sits down with Edward J. Ryan, Jr., EA, a seasoned financial professional who’s spent his career bridging the gap between tax expertise and wealth management.

As the founder of Ryan Financial Group, Ed has built a thriving practice that serves more than 1,200 individuals and 100 small businesses, helping clients achieve financial confidence through an integrated approach to tax planning, accounting, insurance, and investment strategy. His journey from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship is one of continual evolution—driven by a desire to serve clients in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Ed shares how the EA credential empowered him to expand beyond compliance work, how tax pros can confidently step into the world of financial advising, and why creating year-round relationships is the key to long-term client value.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to add wealth management services to your EA practice

• Understand why tax strategy and financial planning are inseparable

• Discover how to build year-round relationships that increase client loyalty

• Hear how to balance compliance, advisory, and growth as your firm scales

• Get insight into the mindset shift needed to move from tax preparer to trusted advisor

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] From insurance and corporate accounting to entrepreneurship

• [00:03:20] Launching Ryan Financial and discovering a passion for helping people

• [00:05:00] How tax expertise drives better financial advice

• [00:07:56] Why Ed chose the EA credential over CPA licensing

• [00:09:43] The EA advantage: integrating tax impact into wealth management

• [00:12:28] The mindset shift from compliance work to proactive advising

• [00:17:31] Balancing client service, team growth, and business expansion

• [00:20:38] Real client stories: 1031 exchanges, estate planning, and generational trust

• [00:26:17] Coaching other advisors through Avantax’s Rise to Elite program

• [00:29:39] Advice for EAs ready to enter the wealth management field

• [00:33:23] Creating lasting client value beyond tax season

Notable Quotes

• “If you want to give advice—not just prepare taxes—then wealth management is the natural next step.” – Edward J. Ryan, Jr.

• “EAs are trained in taxes. That makes us the most qualified to integrate tax strategy into financial planning.” – Edward J. Ryan, Jr.

• “When your clients call you more than once a year, that’s when you’ve created real value.” – Edward J. Ryan, Jr.

• “You can’t just say you do both tax and wealth management—you have to be competent at both.” – Edward J. Ryan, Jr.

• “Adding wealth management isn’t about selling—it’s about serving clients better.” – Edward J. Ryan, Jr.

Our Guest

Edward J. Ryan, Jr., EA is the founder of Ryan Financial Group, a full-service tax and wealth management firm serving clients across New Jersey and New York. An Enrolled Agent since 1996, Ed combines decades of tax expertise with financial planning through Avantax Wealth Management, helping families and small businesses achieve long-term success.

Recognized as one of HD Vest’s Top 75 Advisors, Ed is a coach for Avantax’s Rise to Elite Program and serves as Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair for the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA). He’s also an active member of the New Jersey Society of Enrolled Agents and a dedicated community leader in Rutherford, New Jersey, where he lives with his wife, Lisa.

Resource & Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Edward J. Ryan, Jr., EA

• Website - Ryan Financial Group