Most advisors know that clients don't walk into their office with their financial hopes, dreams, goals and concerns all neatly organized on a mental spreadsheet. New, prospective clients especially experience their financial lives as a jumble of competing priorities and wishes. In this deep-diver conversation Scott and Ken explore how advisors can use a simple exercise with 5x8 cards to help clients clarify what they want their future to look like and how to define and organize their priorities. Not only does the exercise help the advisor understand the client more deeply, but it also helps the client understand themselves. As Ken explains, one client who went through the exercise exclaimed, "You have bound the chaos of my life!" to their advisor – all this in the second meeting they had with each other.

Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach

DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

In AB Advisor Institute's "Masterclass on Pricing" we propose that advisors can confidently charge a premium fee for their services if they do change their approach to the first few meetings with the client. We recommend that they slow down, complete a thorough Discovery and Fact-Finding process before establishing the price of the services and provide impactful experiences for the prospective client that intentionally build trust. In this deep-dive conversation Ken and Scott explore a step-by-step conversation that an advisor can have with a client in the very first meeting that creates a unique impact and leads to a more intimate and successful process of Discovery, Fact-Finding and Close.

Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach

DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Every advisor knows how important it is to respect the perspectives of their clients and to avoid emotionally charged conversations about religious or political topics. In spite of an advisor's best efforts, there are going to be times when a client will want to discuss their political views and will want to discover what their advisor thinks about the political narrative of the day. In this fast-paced conversation, Ken and Scott explore the 3 different perspectives that clients can have about political disagreements, and how to avoid the two types of personalities that cannot tolerate their advisor having a different opinion from theirs. Ken offers practical guidance about how to navigate general conversations about politics to preserve the client's feeling of trust and respect and to protect the relationship from unnecessary stress. He also provides tactics for how to defuse a situation where the client insists on finding out the advisor's personal opinion about a political topic.

Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach

DISCLAIMER

Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

For years advisors have been taught the importance of closing a prospective client quickly – if possible, during the first meeting. On closer look advisors will have much more success if they slow down, take their time and give the client time to fully appreciate what the advisor has to offer. There has always been a dynamic tension for advisors between taking the time to build trust in a new relationship and getting the client to sign on the dotted line. Especially when new clients seem scarce, advisors can feel a compelling need to get the new relationship started, even if it means offering a steep discount. In this fast-paced conversation, Ken and Scott explore how the thoughtful advisor can manage the first few meetings with a client to provide powerful experiences that build trust, reveal value and stimulate strong feelings of confidence. The program includes specific strategies that advisors can use to create meaningful experiences for clients in the first few meetings. Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

It takes time for trust, perception of value and feelings of confidence to develop within a client. Observations over time have revealed that trust, confidence and value reach their highest point about 3 years into a relationship between an advisor and a client. Unfortunately, most advisors are in such a rush to "close" a new relationship they set the price of their services before the client has had any meaningful experiences with the advisor. In this deep dive, Ken and Scott look at how an advisor can curate experiences intentionally to accelerate the trust-building process.

Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach

DISCLAIMER

Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

For almost two decades, financial advisor fees have been under pressure. Factors such as clients expecting discounts, skeptical next-gen clients and anxious competitors willing to do anything to secure a new client make it difficult to set attractive fees. But slashing fees isn't the answer—it's time to shift the conversation. In this episode, we discusses how to position your value so clients see your worth—without asking for a discount.

Additional resources: https://info.alliancebernstein.com/2025-Q1-ABAI-WEBCAST.html?partnerref=ABPodcast

Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach

DISCLAIMER

Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Market volatility continues to threaten the advisor-client relationship. At the end of the day, the advisor's role is not just about managing a client's wealth—it's helping navigate experiences and surprises. In this episode, ABAI's Ken Haman explains why the main reason clients hire an advisor is to manage their own emotions. He'll also dive into how advisors can go beyond wealth management to empower clients' financial futures. In addition, exploring the emotional impact of advisor interactions and how they influence client experiences—both expected and unexpected, and mastering the art of reducing client anxiety, boosting confidence and navigating volatility

Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach

DISCLAIMER

Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Many advisors feel a compelling need to discount their fees in order to seal the deal with a new client. As a result, average fees across the industry have been steadily dropping for years. In this fast paced episode, Scott and Ken look at the psychological dynamics that cause advisors to automatically assume they need to discount their fees, and then explore what they can do differently in the first few meetings that will support charging a premium fee for premium services.

Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach

DISCLAIMER

Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Our modern financial services industry is designed to help clients prepare for a financially comfortable retirement. Observations over time have revealed that many people prepare well financially, but launch into retirement without a clear vision of what they will do in the next stage of their life. In this episode Ken talks with Cara Gray about her consultancy Good Morning Freedom that helps successful people create a vision for a more passionate retirement.Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach

Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Thousands of established financial advisors are either actively seeking a buyer for their business or starting to think seriously about their exit strategy. There has never been a time in the history of our industry where so many businesses were available for acquisition. Acquiring another advisor's business can be one of the best ways to add new clients but observations of many transactions have revealed a significant number of challenges that are built in to the process of navigating a transaction. In this fast paced program Ken and Scott look at how insights from Behavioral Economics can help advisors make better decisions about buying a business.

Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.