In Episode #32 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Natalie Pine, CFP®, ChSNC®, Managing Partner of Briaud Financial Advisors and chair-elect of the NAPFA National Board.

Pine reflects on her path into the financial planning profession, sharing that her first NAPFA conference experience left a lasting impression due to the inclusive and supportive atmosphere. Even before becoming a financial planner, Pine recognized the value of the NAPFA community and made it a priority to become a member after earning her CFP® designation and starting her advisory career. She highlights how attending conferences, engaging in networking, and participating in MIX Groups and committees enhanced her professional growth and sense of belonging.  Side note: A MIX group is a professional group where like-minded members nationwide can focus on a business problem that needs solving.

The conversation also highlights the importance of the fee-only, fiduciary model in financial planning and how NAPFA's advocacy has contributed to establishing higher ethical standards across the profession. Pine explains that due to NAPFA’s efforts, even broker/dealers and fee-based advisors now reference fee structures in client conversations, acknowledging the association’s impact on industry practices and consumer awareness.

Pine also discusses her firm’s unique approach of intentionally focusing on becoming deep experts in selected niches rather than serving every possible client type. Based in College Station, Texas (home to Texas A&M University), the firm primarily serves university professionals, including professors, administrators, and others who must navigate complex benefit systems. The firm has also broadened its expertise to include families with special needs. This focus is personal for Natalie, whose 16-year-old son is autistic. Her lived experience and Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) designation inform her empathetic and knowledgeable approach to serving similar families, which includes guidance on government benefits, estate planning, and life plan trusts.

In a nutshell:

• NAPFA’s collaborative community empowers members to share knowledge, resources, and support
• The organization champions the fiduciary, fee-only standard and partners with others to elevate industry ethics
• The NAPFA Conference’s strategic focus is on delivering higher-quality content and fostering deeper member engagement
• Having clearly defined niches allows advisors to develop deep expertise, deliver more tailored solutions, and build stronger client relationships
• New members are encouraged to get involved through conferences, committees, and networking to fuel professional growth

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

Brought to you by NAPFA – the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #31 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Dan Moisand, CFP®, a prominent leader in financial planning, former chairman of the CFP Board of Standards, and principal at his wealth management firm, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo, LLC.

Moisand reflects on his 25 years as a NAPFA member and his longstanding advocacy for the fiduciary standard. He identifies two of the profession’s most significant wins: the Financial Planning Association’s (FPA) successful lawsuit against the SEC in 2007, which ensured brokerage firms offering fee accounts could not sidestep the fiduciary standard, and the CFP Board’s decision to require the fiduciary standard for all forms of financial advice, not just financial planning activities. While the latter has not yet resulted in major enforcement actions, Moisand believes it holds enormous potential for future consumer benefits.

He emphasizes that the real progress is driven by everyday advisors who consistently act in their clients’ best interests. The conversation highlights how the marketplace has evolved over the years, with consumers increasingly expecting fiduciary CFP®s as a baseline standard. Moisand notes the growing popularity of the CFP® credential, with approximately 10,000 people sitting for the exam last year, attributing this to increased public awareness and outreach efforts.

The discussion also covers Moisand’s recent article in Financial Advisor magazine, where he explores the distinction between being a true professional and merely selling financial products. He argues that financial planning deserves recognition as a profession on par with medicine and law and encourages advisors to reflect on their own professional identity and conduct.

In a nutshell: 

• Landmark legal and regulatory victories have shaped the fiduciary landscape
• The CFP mark is now a baseline expectation for clients
• Business models are evolving to make fiduciary advice accessible to all
• Peer-driven enforcement and ongoing professionalization are key to industry credibility
• Financial planning is positioned to be recognized as a true helping profession

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #30 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Scott Levin, J.D., LL.M., MBA, CFP®, ChFC®, CAP®, MCEP®, Financial Advisor and Senior Estate Planning Specialist at Wescott Financial Group.

Levin shares his passion for lifelong learning, the value of advanced education, and the importance of networking within the fee-only financial planning community. The duo discusses upcoming NAPFA conferences, which are designed to offer a wide range of educational content, from beginner to advanced topics, and enhanced networking opportunities. Levin explains how these events help advisors stay current, share best practices, and build professional relationships.

Levin also highlights the unique value of working with NAPFA advisors, who are fee-only fiduciaries committed to high ethical standards and continuous improvement. He also shares his motivation for active involvement in NAPFA, including a desire to mentor others and foster a collaborative community.

In a nutshell:

• The power of lifelong learning and credentials    
• Comprehensive, evolving NAPFA conference programming
• Motivation, mentorship, and professional fulfillment
• The fiduciary advantage of working with a NAPFA Advisor

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #29 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Daphne Jordan, CFP®, Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Pioneer Wealth Management Group.

Jordan discusses the importance of education as a transformative tool and shares insights into her experiences with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the industry, including her role in creating the NAPFA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative, which highlights the necessity of creating a more inclusive financial planning environment. She also shares how her childhood understanding of money and education influences the advisor that she is now, and how she explores financial topics and common questions in a way that is approachable for her clients. They discuss her volunteer activities and why she devotes time to various industry leadership roles, the benefits of being a NAPFA member, and how Pioneer Wealth Management Group serves its clients.

In a nutshell:

• Why education and financial literacy are powerful tools for transformation and empowerment    
• Insights from creating and leading NAPFA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiative    
• The value of approachable, relatable conversations about money and financial planning    
• The personal and professional benefits of volunteerism and industry leadership    
• How Pioneer Wealth Management Group exemplifies client service

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #28 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Knut A Rostad, MBA, President at The Institute for the Fiduciary Standard.

Rostad discusses why he believes the fiduciary standard is dying at the SEC and what fee-only fiduciary advisors can do to protect it, a topic he explored in his NAPFA article: The Fiduciary Best Interest Standard is Dying at the SEC – Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisers Can Act to Preserve it. He underscores the importance of understanding the history of fee-only financial advisory and investment management and how NAPFA members uphold the fiduciary standard. He also shares why he is looking forward to the 2025 NAPFA Spring Conference, happening on May 7-10, 2025, in Phoenix, and more great insights.

In a nutshell:   

• The dwindling fiduciary standard at the SEC: its implications for fee-only financial advisory and investment management, and how to address the problem
• The importance of understanding the history of fee-only financial advisory
• Why upholding the fiduciary standard is imperative, and NAPFA’s role in supporting it
• The 2025 NAPFA Spring Conference: why he is attending and what there is to look forward to

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #27 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Joni Alt, CFP® EA, Senior Wealth Advisor at Evermay Wealth Management. Alt is also a long-time NAPFA volunteer and NAPFA National Board Member.

Alt discusses the 2025 NAPFA Spring Conference happening May 7-10, 2025 in Phoenix, how the conference planning team crafts the agenda for the event, determines its educational value, and builds community for all involved. Alt shares why she joined NAPFA 15 years ago – and why she continues to be a member. She also talks about the fiduciary standard, effective communication and education, and the importance of making a difference in other people's lives.

In a nutshell:

• The 2025 NAPFA Spring Conference: who should attend and why  
• Benefits of being a NAPFA member and how serving in leadership roles pays off
• The fiduciary standard and why it should be an important consideration when selecting a financial advisor    
• Effective communication with clients and why the firm provides the services it does

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #26 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Kevin Knull, CFP®, President of TaxStatus, about the critical role of IRS data in financial planning. They explore how real-time access to tax information can help advisors deliver more accurate, proactive, and scalable advice. Knull discusses how advisors can uncover hidden opportunities, prevent costly tax mistakes, and enhance client outcomes by leveraging complete tax records. He shares real-world examples, including a client who unknowingly missed out on significant tax savings and how advisors can differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive landscape. The conversation also touches on the growing threat of tax-related identity theft, why fraud prevention is more urgent than ever, and how real-time monitoring of IRS data can protect clients from financial harm.

In a nutshell:

• The power of complete IRS data in tax planning
• Avoiding costly tax mistakes and identifying savings opportunities
• Tax-related identity theft: risks and proactive defense strategies 
• How real-time tax data enhances financial planning and compliance  
• The organic growth advantage for fiduciary advisors
• Leveraging technology to scale advice and improve client relationships

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #25 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Bob Veres, Publisher of Inside Information and co-producer of Bob Veres' Insider's Forum. The conversation focuses on the latest trends for fiduciary advisors and their clients. Veres shares some AI use cases for financial professionals and the potential SEC response. He discusses new automation that advisory firms are experiencing and the changes they may implement to grow effectively and focus on client services. Veres also shares how some advisors are revolutionizing the process behind client relationships. He tells the story of a fiduciary advisor who utilized a creative marketing strategy that paid off, discussing what firms can do to gain a competitive advantage as they fight against the big marketing budgets wielded by large brokerage firms.

In a nutshell:

• Latest trends for fiduciary advisors   
• Innovative use of artificial intelligence    
• Managing compliance concerns   
• The organic growth imperative   
• Building client relationships 
• Creative marketing tactics
• How to stand out as a fiduciary advisor

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #24 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Bridget Venus Grimes, CFP®, President of WealthChoice and Co-Founder of Equita Financial Network.

The conversation focuses on Grimes’s expertise and passion for empowering women through financial education. Grimes shares the story and motivation behind launching her RIA firm, WealthChoice, as well as Equita Financial Network, a network and platform built for women-led and independently owned fee-only firms, discussing how she manages the capacity and growth of those companies. She emphasizes the value of a good community for success and discusses her experience as a CFP board ambassador and NAPFA member. Learn why Grimes strongly believes in upholding the fiduciary standard and many more valuable insights in this episode.

In a nutshell:

• Financial planning for women
• The benefits of industry organizations
• Growth and capacity management
• Community and volunteer activities
• Succession planning
• NAPFA and the fiduciary standard

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #23 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Jennifer Dazols, CFP®, Founder and Lead Financial Planner, and Lisa Dazols, Head of Operations at Modern Family Finance.

The conversation focuses on the Dazols' journey and motivation for creating Modern Family Finance. Their fee-only financial planning company focuses on typically underserved and underrepresented communities: women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Learn about their passion project, the documentary Out and Around, which showcases inspiring “Supergays” making impactful contributions across the globe, and their educational guides made in partnership with the It Gets Better Project. The Dazols also share their experience being members of NAPFA and Equita Financial Network. The discussion outlines the distinction between financial advisors who adhere to the fiduciary standard and why trust and transparency are central to Modern Family Finance.

In a nutshell:  

• Financial planning nuances for women and LGBTQ+ individuals
• Out & Around, a documentary about the international LGBTQ+ movement
• Educational guides made in partnership with the It Gets Better Project to empower LGBTQ+ youth
• Financial planning communities that provide a sense of belonging and support    
• Why the Dazols embraced the fiduciary standard versus adoption of a traditional fee-based advisory firm

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.