Only Fee-Only

Ever wonder how to align financial goals with core values? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Justin Castelli, a creative entrepreneur and financial advisor. As the founder of RLS Wealth and a leader in Advisors Growing as a Community, Justin shares his journey from traditional advising to life planning, emphasizing authenticity in both his personal and professional life.

Learn how the Kinder Method and the Evoke process transformed Justin’s approach to financial planning, helping clients align their money with their values. He shares how creative outlets like spoken word and music have pushed him out of his comfort zone, leading to personal growth and self-discovery.

Justin also discusses staying authentic in environments that often demand conformity, balancing life’s spiritual, mental, and physical aspects, and using signs and omens to guide decisions. Don’t miss his thoughtful insights on integrating creativity, individuality, and purpose into financial planning.


Justin's Social:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincastelli/

X: @jus10castelli

https://www.justincastelli.io/



Music in this episode was obtained from Bensound

Curious about building a thriving RIA in just three years? Thomas Kopelman, co-founder of All Street Wealth, shares how he did it by focusing on content creation and tailoring services for high-income millennials and professionals with equity compensation. In this episode, Thomas walks us through his unique tax planning approach—adding value that goes beyond standard advice.

We also dive into the balance of scaling a firm while keeping a boutique feel, from hiring specialized planners to keeping communication crystal clear. Thomas reveals the power of authentic client relationships and content as a growth engine. Tune in for practical tips on scaling your advisory business and strengthening client connections!

👉 Want more from Thomas? Check out his social media course to level up your online presence and reach the clients you want!

https://www.allstreetacademy.com/advisor

Social:

x: @TKopelman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaskopelman/

Explore the journey of Tim and Alexis Woodward of Blend Wealth, where financial planning meets bookkeeping and accounting. Originally focused on blended families, they’ve expanded to support business owners by streamlining essential services into one integrated offering. In this episode, Tim and Alexis discuss how strategic partnerships and innovative thinking helped them turn challenges into opportunities for smoother client experiences.

Hear how they evolved from a lifestyle practice to a thriving boutique firm, driven by consistency and a strong focus on customer experience. They’ve built a network of loyal clients, embedding exceptional service into their daily operations—minimizing the need for constant prospecting and setting the foundation for sustainable growth.

Tim and Alexis also share the importance of personal development and building authentic relationships in the industry. Their story highlights the value of learning from experts and creative mentorships to overcome early obstacles. Plus, don’t miss insights into Blend Wealth’s latest marketing campaign and follow their journey on Instagram for more updates.

Erik Baskin returns to share his journey from active duty military service to building a thriving financial planning business. He reveals how he’s grown Baskin Financial Planning to serve 40 households, with a strong focus on providing top-tier client service. Erik also opens up about the early challenges he faced and how patience and persistence have been key to his success. His recent move to Colorado Springs marks an exciting new chapter, both personally and professionally.

As a solopreneur, Erik shares how he balances business growth with efficiency, managing a growing client base while keeping things streamlined. He emphasizes the importance of family time and delivering quality service over chasing aggressive expansion. By leveraging tools like Zapier, Wealthcom, and BC Brokerage, Erik has found smart ways to automate and outsource, giving him more time for what matters most. Tune in to hear Erik’s insights and learn how staying clear on your priorities can drive both business success and personal fulfillment.

Erik's Social:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikbaskin/

X: @ErikMBaskin

Cody Garrett joins us for the second time to talk about his journey from musician to financial planner. In this episode, he shares how hosting financial planning meetings on YouTube has attracted a large audience and boosted his business. Cody discusses the growth of his solo RIA, Measure Twice Financial, and his educational platform, Measure Twice Planners, which now has over 400 members. He also explains how he maintains a healthy work-life balance by focusing on projects he loves.

We explore the changes in financial advising and how technology is reshaping the industry. Cody talks about his work in the FinTech space, helping startups create software that truly meets planners’ needs, and highlights the shift from product sales to planning-first approaches.

Cody also emphasizes the importance of education for both consumers and planners, advocating for better life insurance evaluations for non-working spouses and practical financial education in university programs.


Cody's Social:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/codylgarrett/

x: @MeasureTwiceMNY

https://www.measuretwicemoney.com/


Music in this episode was obtained from Bensound.

Want to simplify health insurance? Tune in to the Only Fee Only podcast where we chat with Cole Craven from Move Health Partners. Cole breaks down pre-65 healthcare, health insurance, and Medicare open enrollment, offering practical tips for financial advisors and their clients.

Cole shares insights into key enrollment periods like Medicare Annual Enrollment and the Affordable Care Act marketplace, and why annual plan reviews are crucial to ensure clients have the right coverage.

Learn about Move Health, a platform that integrates healthcare planning seamlessly into advisory practices, making it easier to manage healthcare decisions. Plus, Cole highlights the importance of reviewing a retiree’s modified adjusted gross income for better planning.

https://movehealth.io/

Social: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-craven/


Music in this episode was obtained from bensound.

Ever wonder how to cut through the marketing noise in the financial world? We sit down with Lauren Hong, president of Out and About Communications, to hear her journey from freelance designer to running a boutique marketing agency. Lauren shares how her team crafts targeted strategies that help RIAs and financial firms stand out, and why avoiding shiny distractions is essential for growth.

We also talk about the power of consistency in content creation, whether it's podcasts or webinars. Lauren explains how sticking with a strategy can lead to real connections and growth. She also highlights why working with like-minded clients and focusing on quality over quantity is key. Tune in for practical marketing tips and insights that can transform your business!


Lauren's Social:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/honglauren/

@honglauren_

In our 101st episode, we sit down with Simon Granner, founder of PCFO, to explore his journey from his early days to building a network of personal CFOs that help entrepreneurs manage their finances. Simon shares how PCFO supports business owners at every stage, offering the same strategic support a corporate CFO would provide.

We dive into exit and entry planning, growth strategies, and how Simon’s team delivers clear, client-first financial advice. He also talks about the importance of honest branding and collaboration in building strong client relationships.


Social:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongranner/

X: @SimonGranner

Music in this episode was obtained from Bensound.

In this episode, we reflect on the creation and growth of the “Only Fee Only” podcast as we celebrate our 100th episode. From the early days, it’s been an incredible journey, meeting and talking to so many remarkable guests who have shared their stories and insights with us.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the new possibilities on the horizon, including featuring guests with differing viewpoints to enrich our discussions. This episode is a tribute to our journey, and we see this 100th episode as just one step in an ongoing adventure. Join us in the celebration and see what the future holds for the “Only Fee Only” podcast!

Want to make your financial advisory business more efficient? Andrew Burgess, founder of AdvisorOps360, shares his journey from math major to operations expert. He talks about the shift from traditional advisor roles to running his own firm, which helps RIAs streamline their operations through training, development, and transition support.

Andrew highlights the importance of knowing the true value of your time as an advisor. By tracking your daily tasks, you can identify inefficiencies and delegate work that doesn’t maximize your skills. He also stresses the need to hire administrative support sooner rather than later.

Learn about flexible engagement models like hourly blocks, retainers, and project-based pricing, and discover how Andrew serves as a “defensive coordinator” for advisors. Don’t miss this chance to hear practical advice on outsourcing and operational strategies that can help your business thrive.


Andrew's Website and Social:

https://www.advisorops360.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-burgess-098828207/