New Planner Podcast

Changing careers after more than a decade in one profession is a big leap, but starting over doesn't necessarily mean starting from scratch. Zachary Zwillinger spent 12 years as a securities litigator before leaving the legal profession to build his own fee-only financial planning firm, bringing skills and experience from his legal career into an entirely new field.

In this episode, Zach shares how he transitioned from lawyer to financial planner, why he launched his own firm rather than join an established practice, and how his legal background helped him tackle CFP education, compliance, and client work. Listen in to learn how he developed a flat-fee model for young lawyers, found his first clients, and built a niche. Zach also discusses the financial preparation that gave him the freedom to change careers, what he's learned from his first year in business, and his advice for planners considering a career change or launching their own firm.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/4zc5828t

Changing careers after 25 years in another industry is one thing. Starting again at the bottom of the ladder is another. Kimberly Keesler Herrera, Associate Advisor at Tessara Wealth, made that leap from a successful career in tech into financial planning, approaching the transition with plenty of research, a financial runway, and a willingness to be the "kindergartner" again.

Listen in to hear how Kimberly researched different firm models, why she chose the RIA path, how she prepared for the financial realities of starting over, and how she has used skills from her previous career to build confidence in a new one. She also shares why approaching firms like a prospective client can be a valuable way to learn about the profession and make connections. Her experience offers a practical look at what career-changers can expect when entering financial planning, so make sure to tune in!

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/4t6sypzv

What does it take to break into financial planning? Today's guest is Shawn Tydlaska, Founder & CEO of Tessara Wealth, who joins the show to share how he found his right fit in the industry after struggling to find the right opportunity. You'll learn why Shawn ultimately decided to start his own firm (without ever having been a lead planner or having a single client), why he pursued the CFP designation, and how he built a financial planning process designed around the needs of younger professionals.

Listen in as Shawn opens up about the lessons he learned from growing his firm too quickly, evolving his target client, and navigating imposter syndrome. You'll also hear how he found his first client and eventually built a team serving more than 130 people. And don't miss Shawn's advice for new planners and career-changers about finding your fit and building confidence.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/5t562es6

What does it really take to successfully change careers and break into financial planning without starting completely from scratch? In this episode, we sit down with Adam Van Deusen, Financial Planning Nerd at Kitces.com, to explore his journey from journalism and international relations into financial planning. Adam shares how he discovered the fee-only planning world, tested the waters through education and volunteer work, earned his CFP® certification, and prepared for an initial 50% pay cut to make the career change.

Listen in to learn how he identified the type of financial planning firm and role that suited his strengths, found his first paraplanner position, and gained valuable experience working alongside multiple lead advisors. You'll also hear why he eventually moved from client-facing planning to Kitces.com, how he gradually expanded his responsibilities by testing new opportunities, and how pro bono financial coaching has allowed him to continue working directly with clients. Plus, Adam offers practical advice for career-changers and new planners on building professional skills, networking, gaining client-facing experience, and leveraging strengths beyond technical financial planning knowledge.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/4nxemhj9

What are financial planners really worth in today's job market? And what does that mean for firms trying to attract and retain top talent? In this episode, I'm joined by Jesse Lineberry to unpack the latest New Planner Recruiting Salary Survey and what the data reveals about compensation across different experience levels, geographic regions, and firm types. You'll learn how asking salaries have changed since 2021, why experienced CFP professionals continue to command a significant premium, and where compensation is growing fastest across the country.

Listen in as we explore the impact of AI on financial planning recruitment, the growing competition for entry-level talent, and why career changers may become an increasingly important source of future planners. You'll also hear real examples of accepted, negotiated, and rejected offers, as well as what compensation ranges look like for students, paraplanners, associate advisors, and lead advisors. Don't miss getting practical insights for both firm owners building their teams and planners evaluating their next career move.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/mpfve4yz

What does it take to go from a college student with a math degree and no financial planning experience to a partner at a wealth management firm? In this episode, Brittany Brinckerhoff shares the unconventional path that took her from an internship she knew almost nothing about to a decade-long career at Hilltop Wealth Advisors. You'll learn how an internship helped her discover financial planning, why she took the Series 7 and 65 while still in college, and how she transitioned from intern to paraplanner—and eventually lead advisor.

Listen in as Brittany offers practical lessons for newer planners on building confidence, finding mentors, networking, and navigating the different stages of an advisory career. She also explains how Hilltop has evolved its career tracks to help newer advisors reach client-facing work sooner, how the firm approaches business development without relying on cold calling, and why she believes the human side of financial planning will remain essential even as technology and AI advance.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/29uhpwxt

How can you decide which path is right for you? Today, I'm joined by Lonniece McDonald, an associate wealth advisor at HIGHLAND Financial Advisors. Lonniece opens up about how she discovered financial planning and earned her CFP, her transition from a large family-office environment to a smaller boutique RIA, and how internships helped her explore different areas of finance.

Listen in to learn what she values about working with a smaller team, as well as what she believes newer planners should focus on as they build their careers. You'll also hear what has been central to Lonniece's development as a planner, her take on AI, and what we can do to increase awareness of the profession and encourage more women to pursue CFP careers.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/mr2nhanz

What if the fastest way to build a successful financial planning career isn't going it alone? Victoria O'Tool is Executive Director of the FinServ Foundation and a financial planner at Mercer Advisors, and she joins the show today to share how mentorship, community involvement, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities helped launch her career just months after graduating.

Listen in to learn why finding the right firm matters more than landing the first job, as well as how the FinServ Foundation is helping develop the next generation of financial planners. You'll hear lessons learned from balancing multiple roles while studying for the CFP®, the value of networking, and why experienced professionals have an important role to play in giving back to the profession.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/ze2zhj4d

What if the career you're looking for doesn't exist—yet? In this episode, Tiffiny Hubbard, a financial planner at Elwood & Goetz Wealth Advisory, shares her unconventional journey into financial planning after spending seven years as a stay-at-home mom. From earning her CFP® designation through self-study to discovering that being client-facing wasn't the only path to a fulfilling career, Tiffiny explains how she built a role that aligns with both her professional strengths and her family life.

Listen in to learn how to transition into financial planning later in life, navigate career changes with confidence, and explore the many opportunities available beyond traditional advisor roles. Tiffiny also offers an inside look at investment trading within an RIA, how she applies financial planning principles behind the scenes, and why flexibility, curiosity, and finding the right firm can lead to a more rewarding and sustainable career.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/mpehe7b4

What does it take to completely reinvent your career and break into financial planning from an unconventional background? In this episode, Andrew Bencivenga, financial planner at Brindle & Bay Wealth Management, shares his unique journey from teaching English in South Korea and running a craft brewery to becoming a successful financial planner.

Listen in to learn how Andrew identified transferable skills from his previous careers, earned his CFP while working exhausting hours, broke into the profession through persistence and cold outreach, and accelerated his growth through mentorship and technical expertise. Andrew also shares lessons on finding the right firm fit, building trust, and why showing up consistently can make all the difference for new planners starting their careers.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/575p8eu7