NAPFA Nation Podcast

In Episode #21 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift interviews Britta Koepf, CFP®, ChSNC®, founder of Tranquil Path Financial Planning. The discussion begins with Koepf’s background and motivations for establishing her financial advisory practice, focusing on the unique challenges faced by families planning for the financial futures of both aging parents and their differently-abled children. Key topics include the importance of legacy planning, the use of special needs trusts and ABLE accounts, and the financial advisor’s role as an intermediary between clients and legal professionals. She also shares her retainer-based fee structure, which is based on the complexity of services rather than assets under management. Based on the training she received through the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners and adoption of the ACP methodology, Koepf says the tax-focused retainer-based approach creates a rich environment for meaningful support and more open conversations with clients. She emphasizes the importance of holistic planning that incorporates tax strategies, and she reflects on her career path while offering valuable advice for aspiring financial planners, highlighting the growing representation of women in the field.

In a nutshell:

• Special needs financial challenges include planning for two retirements: parents and the special needs child    
• Legacy planning is crucial for special needs families
• Special needs trusts and ABLE accounts can be important tools   
• An ABLE account (Achieving a Better Life Experience) is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help individuals and their families save for disability-related expenses without affecting their eligibility for government assistance programs
• Medicaid, Social Security benefits, and SSI (Supplemental Security Income, a program administered by the Social Security Administration for disabled people) are factors to consider
• Koepf acts as an “attorney translator” which improves outcomes between clients and lawyers   
• The retainer-based business model gives Koepf the ability to do fee calculation based on complexity, not just assets, and the flat fee encourages open communication with clients   
• Koepf’s journey from biomedical humanities to the financial planning profession serves as an example of how women can progress along a similar path
• A higher proportion of women offering holistic financial planning and advice is an idea embraced by Koepf and many others in the fee-only community

Learn more about Koepf’s professional services and mission at www.TranquilFP.com.

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 https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #20 of NAPFA Nation, Christine Simone, founder and CEO of healthcare software company Caribou, and host Marie Swift delve into the vital intersection of healthcare and financial planning. As they explore the significance of healthcare in financial strategies, especially during pivotal life events like retirement, divorce, and job changes, Simone emphasizes the need for advisors to be well-informed about health plan options and Medicare. The conversation highlights the complexities of Medicare, advocating for advisors to initiate discussions with clients at least a year before they reach 65. With a focus on enhancing advisors' educational resources, the episode also teases a resource to help advisors with crucial information for navigating healthcare options: the upcoming Survival Guide for Open Enrollment, set to launch in November. The discussion includes an introduction to Caribou’s healthcare planning software, designed to bridge the gap in comprehensive financial tools addressing healthcare costs.

In a nutshell:

• The Medicare decision-making process can be complicated    
• Software can decision-making for health plan selection and Medicare options
• Retirement is a common life event where healthcare is discussed 
• Early retirement (before 65) poses challenges due to high insurance costs   
• Advisors need education on health plan options and Medicare 
• Holistic financial practitioners are now including additional aspects in financial plans   
• The latest T3/Inside Information survey shows growth in estate and tax planning software adoption   
• Beware the risks of outsourcing to insurance agents who may not present all options

Learn more about Caribou’s mission and health care planning software at www.CaribouWealth.com.

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 https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #19 of NAPFA Nation, Amy Irvine of Rooted Planning Group, shares with podcast host Marie Swift her journey in financial planning. From rebranding her firm, empowering women in financial planning, attracting male clients too, promoting pay equity and DEI within the firm, building client relationships, creating an ensemble of talented women professionals at Rooted Planning Group, and embracing NAPFA membership, Irvine has accomplished a lot in her financial services career.

In a nutshell:

• Irvine encourages all team members and NAPFA members to complete NAPFA's DEI training and to promote their involvement in NAPFA activities   
• She explains the rationale behind rebranding from Irvine Wealth Planning Strategies to Rooted Planning Group and why she focuses on empowering women in financial planning
• Providing education and advice without requiring high assets under management – lives under care, not assets under management – has helped the firm attract clients
• Rooted Planning Group also attracts male clients who value the education and advice provided because men seek to set an example for their daughters or desire the educational approach of the firm
• Irvine discusses pay equity within her firm and transparency in salaries, as well as efforts to coach clients on achieving pay equity in their own careers
• Embracing DEI strengthens client relationships by addressing unconscious biases

Learn more about Rooted Planning Group at https://www.RootedPG.com.

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 https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #18 of NAPFA Nation, Jordan Dyson, Manager of Associate Development at Buckingham Wealth Partners, talks with podcast host Marie Swift about her involvement in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. Dyson advocates for greater inclusion and representation in the financial planning profession through various roles at Buckingham, encompassing client service, operations, strategic initiatives, and her focus on learning and development programs. She stresses the importance of experiential learning, intellectual humility, and the link between employee development and inclusion initiatives.

In a nutshell:

• Dyson talks about her community engagement and volunteer efforts, highlighting Buckingham's pro bono commitment and providing advice for authentic community involvement
• Buckingham’s equitable hiring practices, DEI Council, and Foundations for Belonging program, which is an experiential learning workshop that helps team members appreciate the differences in others, engage with their own unconscious bias, and create a dialogue in order to nurture a more inclusive environment, are noteworthy
• Dyson’s background, including her education and career journey, can serve as an inspiration for all advisors, especially younger next-generation leaders from underrepresented populations such as Dyson’s  
• Resources like Advisors Give Back, and the BLX Internship Program are mentioned (see previous NAPFA Nation podcast episodes to hear more about these meaningful programs) – in addition, Buckingham supports the Foundation for Financial Planning

Learn more about Buckingham Wealth Partners at www.BuckinghamWealthPartners.com.

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 https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #17 of NAPFA Nation, Mike Walther, founder and President of Oak Wealth Advisors, talks with podcast host Marie Swift about working as a financial planning team focused on assisting families with differently abled loved ones. Walther's experiences with his autistic brother inspired the firm's focus on specialized financial planning. Oak Wealth Advisors is recognized for addressing special needs challenges with benefits like supplemental Social Security income and Medicaid, and puts an emphasis on education and advocacy.

The firm offers resources on ABLE accounts that promote independence for people with disabilities, collaborates with universities and nonprofits for awareness on special needs planning, and promotes inclusion by featuring artwork by individuals with different abilities. This artwork is incorporated into client communications, showcasing the firm's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Oak Wealth Advisors engages with organizations offering employment opportunities to empower individuals with disabilities, demonstrating commitment to DEIB principles.

In a nutshell:

• The conversation highlighted societal shifts toward embracing neurodiversity and challenging stigmas related to different abilities
• Walther stressed the importance of recognizing diverse skill sets for innovation and inclusivity   
• He advocates for individuals, encompassing a wide spectrum of abilities, participating in NAPFA initiatives like DEI committees to raise awareness on disability inclusion within professional circles, and empowering families to make informed decisions

Learn more about Oak Wealth Advisors at www.OakWealth.com.

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 https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #16 of NAPFA Nation, Jeff Jones of Longview Financial Advisors, Abby Hasling of The Mather Group, and Stephen Fletcher of EVOadvisers, talk with podcast host Marie Swift about the many reasons they have volunteered their time and energy for NAPFA leadership roles over the years. The episode highlights the benefits of volunteerism and how it enhances leadership skills, facilitates networking and connections, and improves personal, professional, and firm outcomes.

Jones discusses his journey of joining NAPFA, serving on the board for eight years, and the personal growth and networking opportunities he gained through volunteerism. Hasling shares her involvement in committees like the NAPFA Women's Initiative and emphasizes the positive impact of volunteer work on personal and professional development. Fletcher highlights how volunteering with NAPFA provided him with diverse perspectives, leadership opportunities, and significant career advancements. All three underscored the welcoming nature of NAPFA’s community and how saying yes to volunteer opportunities had positively impacted their lives.

In a nutshell, you’ll hear:

• How to get started on the NAPFA volunteerism path
• Why it makes sense to be proactive and reach out to committee members for insights
• If there is ever “a wrong yes” in

Starting the volunteer journey leads to personal growth, building connections, and overall association development. The speakers share valuable insights about volunteer activities within organizations like NAPFA for professional advancement and meaningful engagement in a supportive community. The trio collectively emphasize the benefits of volunteerism in NAPFA for personal and professional development.

Learn more about Longview Financial Advisors at www.LongviewFA.com, The Mather Group at www.TheMatherGroup.com, and EVOadvisers at www.EVOadvisers.com.

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 https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #15 of NAPFA Nation, Steve Doster, a senior wealth advisor at Rowling & Associates in San Diego, and Michelle Wilson, an independent fiduciary advisor with Athens Impact Socially Responsible Investments in rural Ohio, talk with podcast host Marie Swift about the formation of NAPFA Pride, an affinity group for LGBTQ+ members. Each shares their involvement and goals for the group. The episode highlights upcoming events like a happy hour at the NAPFA conference for members interested in joining NAPFA Pride. Beyond conference gatherings, NAPFA Pride also organizes webinars and conversation circles. They are always looking for committee members and volunteers to organize events.

These two NAPFA Members also discuss their specialties in retirement planning, ESG investing, socially responsible investing, and supporting nontraditional families. Doster talks about his nomadic lifestyle living in an Airstream trailer to inspire clients to pursue their dreams without waiting. Wilson, who has even delivered a compelling TEDx talk on Money Scripts, talks about supporting nontraditional families and community initiatives that create a sense of purpose, including plans to open a nonprofit for credit counseling in the community.

In a nutshell, you’ll hear about:

• How Wilson and Doster focus on being ethical and inclusive in their work as financial planners and fiduciary advisors
• Why they embrace socially responsible investing, diversity, nontraditional families and community work
• What makes them “tick” outside of their financial planning work with clients and financial education efforts within their communities

Wilson believes you should live how you live, love who you love, and live out loud so others will know they are not alone – that that our lives can be a form of activism. Learn more at www.AthensImpact.com.

Doster’s personal goal is to spread the word that everyone can get conflict-free financial advice without being sold expensive products. His firm, like Wilson’s, offers fiduciary, fee-only financial advice and wealth management. Learn more at www.Rowling.com.

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 https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #14 of NAPFA Nation, David Flores Wilson, Managing Partner of fee-only wealth management and financial planning firm Sincerus Advisory, talks with podcast host Marie Swift about his experience representing his Guam in the 200-meter run at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, and his involvement with the Lower East Side Girls Club and other non-profit organizations. To prepare for the Olympics, he took a gap year after high school, and split time between training in Australia and back in Guam with Coach Carl Cruz. He says he would not be where he is today without his family’s support, a great education, hard work, and a bit of luck/timing. He has a deep appreciation for the land and people that make the Chamorro culture so unique. Given his background, it’s no surprise that he enjoys traveling, reading, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, yoga and snowboarding in his free time.

Wilson discusses his professional credentials, including being a CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst) and CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) professional, as well as earning designations such as AEP (Accredited Estate Planner) and CEPA (Certified Exit Planning Advisor), and how he specializes in working with business owners and entrepreneurs, providing comprehensive financial planning services. He also works with Gen X and Gen Y clients who are still accumulating wealth, providing pro-active life event and transitions planning (college financial planning, marriage, real estate purchases and sudden wealth). In terms of philanthropy, he encourages clients to be pursue purpose and to be proactive when it comes to giving back.

In a nutshell, here’s what you’ll learn about:

• The collaborative approach that he and fellow Sincerus partner Dan Ryan took when merging their two independent financial planning firms 
• The commitment they have to building a firm that offers opportunities for the next generation
• Creating meaningful impact through financial planning 
• The pros and cons of using rating systems to evaluate charities and nonprofits based on one’s goals and passions 

A NAPFA Member since 2018, David Flores Wilson, CFA, CFP®, AEP®, CEPA, was named by Investopedia as one of the Top 100 Financial Advisors in 2019 and 2020. His financial guidance has appeared on CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, the New York Times, US News & World Report, Kiplinger, and InvestmentNews. He sits on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for the Lower East Side Girls Club, and is active with the Entrepreneur Organization Accelerator Program, Estate Planning Council of New York City, Advisors in Philanthropy (AiP), and the Exit Planning Institute. Learn more at www.SincerusAdv.com.

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 https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #13 of NAPFA Nation, Matt Iverson-Comelo Executive Director of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Advisers Give Back (AGB), and Lisa Niera, CFP®, a fee-only wealth advisor with Corient, talk with podcast host Marie Swift about giving back through pro bono financial planning. Launched in 2020, AGB’s scalable online platform matches pro bono clients with pro bono Certified Financial Planning (CFP®) professionals for ongoing, one-on-one advice that helps clients build wealth and achieve their financial goals. The program was developed with noted behavioral economist Dan Ariely.

They discuss pro bono financial planning, and the benefits of giving back professionally. Niera shares experiences that she has had working with pro bono clients through the AGB platform. Impact metrics are provided.

In a nutshell, here’s what you’ll learn:

• The story behind Advisers Give Back and the problems they are trying to solve
• Success stories from a pro bono planner and the response from her firm   
• How pro bono planning ties into DEI work   
• What's next for Advisers Give Back

AGB has partnered with NAPFA to scale pro bono financial planning. The two organizations are on a mission to improve access to pro bono financial planning. With the goal of addressing the racial and gender wealth gaps, as well as the economic hardship brought on by the pandemic and other economic realities, AGB partners with organizations to reach underserved individuals. To learn more, visit: https://AdvisersGiveBack.org

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 https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #12 of NAPFA Nation, Dana Wilson, CEO of CHIP (Changing How Individuals Prosper) talks with podcast host Marie Swift about the benefits of building an inclusive workplace culture. CHIP is a B2B financial services marketplace that makes finding financial professionals of color easy. In this lively episode, they discuss the importance of cross mentorship and situational mentorship, emphasizing that mentorship doesn't always have to be formal. Wilson also highlights the significance of being open to feedback and being coachable in order to grow personally and professionally. The conversation shifts to CHIP’s partnership with NAPFA and their shared mission of supporting underrepresented professionals in the financial industry. They envision a future where diversity is embraced, wealth gaps are closed, and individuals feel empowered to define wealth on their own terms. Wilson a encourages listeners to get involved with CHIP by visiting their website or following them on social media platforms.

In a nutshell:

• Wilson shares her journey in the financial services industry and her passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, breaking barriers in the financial industry, redefining words for empowerment, expanding wealth for communities of color, and empowering future leaders.   
• Building relationships and having conversations are key to personal and professional growth. It's important to connect with people who may not look or dress like you and find common interests. Flipping words and redefining them can empower individuals and build confidence.
• Empowering future leaders and understanding the next generation's perspective is crucial. Cross-mentorship can be valuable, and it's important to offer feedback and learn from others. Feedback should not always be assumed as negative and can be an opportunity for growth.
• CHIP’s mission expands beyond education to include the human capital component and understanding wealth in the context of family. Individuals can get involved with CHIP by signing up, creating a profile, and following them on social media platforms.

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 https://www.NAPFA.org.