Today we welcome Ethan Bernhagen-Jung, CTO and co-founder of <a href="www.abundowealth.com" target="_blank">Abundo Wealth</a> and the <a href="www.adviceonlynetwork.com" target="_blank">Advice-Only Network</a>. Ethan’s story is one of necessity driving innovation. He started with an environmental science degree and a passion for the outdoors, but discovered the FIRE movement in his senior year and became obsessed with why financial literacy isn’t taught universally. After working briefly at a Fortune 500 broker-dealer (and realizing it wasn’t the kind of financial planning he wanted to do), he joined Abundo Wealth and hasn't looked back since.What started as paraplanning evolved into something far bigger: observing the specific operational challenges of Advice-Only planning and building technology to help solve the unique challenges of this model. Seven years later, he’s architected an integrated tech stack that allows Abundo Wealth to deliver personalized advice at scale—and now Advice-Only Network is working to make similar tools accessible to other advisors.Key Topics Covered:<ul><li>Building Before Coding - Ethan’s first iteration used Google Sheets, Google Finance, Zapier, and a WIX portal; proving the concept before investing time in custom code was smart product development</li><li>The Integrated Tech Stack Imperative - Financial planning tools are fragmented; advisors need different systems to talk to each other (CRM, email, notes, investments, planning software); this becomes critical for AI integration</li><li>AI Requires Complete Information - AI hallucinations (making things up) happen primarily when information is incomplete; if tools are disconnected, AI can’t access necessary context and will fabricate details</li><li>Measure Everything to Make Better Decisions - Abundo Wealth discovered singles actually require more meetings than couples (overturning their pricing assumption)</li><li>Meeting Cap Insights - Rather than implement a blanket meeting cap, Abundo Wealth’s data showed most clients are reasonable; a minority over-meet, suggesting targeted communication is better than broad restrictions</li></ul>This episode is essential listening for advisors building tech stacks, considering AI adoption, or wanting to scale efficiently—and for anyone curious about how the infrastructure enabling Advice-Only planning actually works.“We are living in a world of really high ability to leverage yourself. It has never been easier to leverage your knowledge and abilities as an amazing financial planner as it is now.” – Ethan Bernhagen-Jung

Today we welcome Ethan Bernhagen-Jung, CTO and co-founder of Abundo Wealth and the Advice-Only Network. Ethan’s story is one of necessity driving innovation. He started with an environmental science degree and a passion for the outdoors, but discovered the FIRE movement in his senior year and became obsessed with why financial literacy isn’t taught universally. After working briefly at a Fortune 500 broker-dealer (and realizing it wasn’t the kind of financial planning he wanted to do), he joined Abundo Wealth and hasn't looked back since. What started as paraplanning evolved into something far bigger: observing the specific operational challenges of Advice-Only planning and building technology to help solve the unique challenges of this model. Seven years later, he’s architected an integrated tech stack that allows Abundo Wealth to deliver personalized advice at scale—and now Advice-Only Network is working to make similar tools accessible to other advisors. Key Topics Covered:Building Before Coding - Ethan’s first iteration used Google Sheets, Google Finance, Zapier, and a WIX portal; proving the concept before investing time in custom code was smart product developmentThe Integrated Tech Stack Imperative - Financial planning tools are fragmented; advisors need different systems to talk to each other (CRM, email, notes, investments, planning software); this becomes critical for AI integrationAI Requires Complete Information - AI hallucinations (making things up) happen primarily when information is incomplete; if tools are disconnected, AI can’t access necessary context and will fabricate detailsMeasure Everything to Make Better Decisions - Abundo Wealth discovered singles actually require more meetings than couples (overturning their pricing assumption)Meeting Cap Insights - Rather than implement a blanket meeting cap, Abundo Wealth’s data showed most clients are reasonable; a minority over-meet, suggesting targeted communication is better than broad restrictions This episode is essential listening for advisors building tech stacks, considering AI adoption, or wanting to scale efficiently—and for anyone curious about how the infrastructure enabling Advice-Only planning actually works. “We are living in a world of really high ability to leverage yourself. It has never been easier to leverage your knowledge and abilities as an amazing financial planner as it is now.” – Ethan Bernhagen-Jung

Today we welcome Ethan Bernhagen-Jung, CTO and co-founder of <a href="www.abundowealth.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Abundo Wealth</a> and the <a href="www.adviceonlynetwork.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Advice-Only Network</a>. Ethan’s story is one of necessity driving innovation. He started with an environmental science degree and a passion for the outdoors, but discovered the FIRE movement in his senior year and became obsessed with why financial literacy isn’t taught universally. After working briefly at a Fortune 500 broker-dealer (and realizing it wasn’t the kind of financial planning he wanted to do), he joined Abundo Wealth and hasn't looked back since.What started as paraplanning evolved into something far bigger: observing the specific operational challenges of Advice-Only planning and building technology to help solve the unique challenges of this model. Seven years later, he’s architected an integrated tech stack that allows Abundo Wealth to deliver personalized advice at scale—and now Advice-Only Network is working to make similar tools accessible to other advisors.Key Topics Covered:<ul><li>Building Before Coding - Ethan’s first iteration used Google Sheets, Google Finance, Zapier, and a WIX portal; proving the concept before investing time in custom code was smart product development</li><li>The Integrated Tech Stack Imperative - Financial planning tools are fragmented; advisors need different systems to talk to each other (CRM, email, notes, investments, planning software); this becomes critical for AI integration</li><li>AI Requires Complete Information - AI hallucinations (making things up) happen primarily when information is incomplete; if tools are disconnected, AI can’t access necessary context and will fabricate details</li><li>Measure Everything to Make Better Decisions - Abundo Wealth discovered singles actually require more meetings than couples (overturning their pricing assumption)</li><li>Meeting Cap Insights - Rather than implement a blanket meeting cap, Abundo Wealth’s data showed most clients are reasonable; a minority over-meet, suggesting targeted communication is better than broad restrictions</li></ul>This episode is essential listening for advisors building tech stacks, considering AI adoption, or wanting to scale efficiently—and for anyone curious about how the infrastructure enabling Advice-Only planning actually works.“We are living in a world of really high ability to leverage yourself. It has never been easier to leverage your knowledge and abilities as an amazing financial planner as it is now.” – Ethan Bernhagen-Jung

Episode 24 - Building Tech For Advice-Only with Ethan Bernhagen-Jung

Today we welcome Amy Rosenow, founder of <a href="https://boldvisionfinancial.com/" target="_blank">Bold Vision Financia</a>l in Chicago. Amy's career started on the floors of commodity and equity options exchanges, spent years at JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley advising, served as COO of a billion-dollar hedge fund for over a decade, then pivoted into software (founding Juggle, a tool for working parents). During COVID, she earned her CFP® and launched Bold Vision. She's also co-founder of the Josephine Collective (democratizing angel investing for women) and co-founder of the Advice Only Planners Association.Her through-line isn't the roles themselves—it's the principle of optionality. At each career step, Amy asks not "Is this my final destination?" but "Does this give me optionality for multiple paths forward?" That mindset, combined with her unique vantage point across investment management, entrepreneurship, and financial planning, gives her a rare lens on what makes financial advice actually work for smart, accomplished people.Key Topics Covered:<ul><li>Optionality as a Career North Star - Rather than chasing a single end goal, build skills and networks at each step that create multiple future pathways; this flexibility has enabled Amy's seemingly divergent career pivots</li><li>The Conflict-Free Clarity of Advice-Only - When you're not managing assets or earning AUM fees, you sit on the same side of the table as clients; you can freely recommend rolling money out of accounts, owning concentrated stock, or not buying insurance without financial pressure</li><li>The Cash Bias in Female Clients - Women clients hold significantly more cash than similarly situated men and more than they need; while feeling safe, this means missing years of taxable investing—a major wealth-building tool over the past decade</li><li>Angel Investing as a Wealth-Building Tool (at the Top of the Pyramid) - Angel investments are high-risk, high-reward personal investments in early-stage startups; the Josephine Collective model lets accredited investors participate with as little as $1,000 per deal (vs. typical $10K-$50K minimums) by pooling capital; "power law" returns mean most wealth comes from a tiny fraction of companies</li></ul>This episode offers insights for advisors on how to position advice-only as a trust mechanism and for clients on a counterintuitive barrier to wealth-building that many successful women share."The goal is not to be like Scrooge McDuck and die with a swimming pool full of gold coins in your backyard, but to really understand what makes a good life for you and align your financial life with that vision." – Amy Rosenow

Today we welcome Amy Rosenow, founder of Bold Vision Financial in Chicago. Amy's career started on the floors of commodity and equity options exchanges, spent years at JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley advising, served as COO of a billion-dollar hedge fund for over a decade, then pivoted into software (founding Juggle, a tool for working parents). During COVID, she earned her CFP® and launched Bold Vision. She's also co-founder of the Josephine Collective (democratizing angel investing for women) and co-founder of the Advice Only Planners Association. Her through-line isn't the roles themselves—it's the principle of optionality. At each career step, Amy asks not "Is this my final destination?" but "Does this give me optionality for multiple paths forward?" That mindset, combined with her unique vantage point across investment management, entrepreneurship, and financial planning, gives her a rare lens on what makes financial advice actually work for smart, accomplished people. Key Topics Covered:Optionality as a Career North Star - Rather than chasing a single end goal, build skills and networks at each step that create multiple future pathways; this flexibility has enabled Amy's seemingly divergent career pivotsThe Conflict-Free Clarity of Advice-Only - When you're not managing assets or earning AUM fees, you sit on the same side of the table as clients; you can freely recommend rolling money out of accounts, owning concentrated stock, or not buying insurance without financial pressureThe Cash Bias in Female Clients - Women clients hold significantly more cash than similarly situated men and more than they need; while feeling safe, this means missing years of taxable investing—a major wealth-building tool over the past decadeAngel Investing as a Wealth-Building Tool (at the Top of the Pyramid) - Angel investments are high-risk, high-reward personal investments in early-stage startups; the Josephine Collective model lets accredited investors participate with as little as $1,000 per deal (vs. typical $10K-$50K minimums) by pooling capital; "power law" returns mean most wealth comes from a tiny fraction of companies This episode offers insights for advisors on how to position advice-only as a trust mechanism and for clients on a counterintuitive barrier to wealth-building that many successful women share. "The goal is not to be like Scrooge McDuck and die with a swimming pool full of gold coins in your backyard, but to really understand what makes a good life for you and align your financial life with that vision." – Amy Rosenow

Today we welcome Amy Rosenow, founder of <a href="https://boldvisionfinancial.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bold Vision Financia</a>l in Chicago. Amy's career started on the floors of commodity and equity options exchanges, spent years at JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley advising, served as COO of a billion-dollar hedge fund for over a decade, then pivoted into software (founding Juggle, a tool for working parents). During COVID, she earned her CFP® and launched Bold Vision. She's also co-founder of the Josephine Collective (democratizing angel investing for women) and co-founder of the Advice Only Planners Association.Her through-line isn't the roles themselves—it's the principle of optionality. At each career step, Amy asks not "Is this my final destination?" but "Does this give me optionality for multiple paths forward?" That mindset, combined with her unique vantage point across investment management, entrepreneurship, and financial planning, gives her a rare lens on what makes financial advice actually work for smart, accomplished people.Key Topics Covered:<ul><li>Optionality as a Career North Star - Rather than chasing a single end goal, build skills and networks at each step that create multiple future pathways; this flexibility has enabled Amy's seemingly divergent career pivots</li><li>The Conflict-Free Clarity of Advice-Only - When you're not managing assets or earning AUM fees, you sit on the same side of the table as clients; you can freely recommend rolling money out of accounts, owning concentrated stock, or not buying insurance without financial pressure</li><li>The Cash Bias in Female Clients - Women clients hold significantly more cash than similarly situated men and more than they need; while feeling safe, this means missing years of taxable investing—a major wealth-building tool over the past decade</li><li>Angel Investing as a Wealth-Building Tool (at the Top of the Pyramid) - Angel investments are high-risk, high-reward personal investments in early-stage startups; the Josephine Collective model lets accredited investors participate with as little as $1,000 per deal (vs. typical $10K-$50K minimums) by pooling capital; "power law" returns mean most wealth comes from a tiny fraction of companies</li></ul>This episode offers insights for advisors on how to position advice-only as a trust mechanism and for clients on a counterintuitive barrier to wealth-building that many successful women share."The goal is not to be like Scrooge McDuck and die with a swimming pool full of gold coins in your backyard, but to really understand what makes a good life for you and align your financial life with that vision." – Amy Rosenow

Episode 23 - Building Flexibility and Optionality with Amy Rosenow

Today we sit down with Jeremy Schneider, an entrepreneur and passionate personal finance educator and advocate. His social media brand, <a href="https://personalfinanceclub.com/" target="_blank">Personal Finance Club</a> has over 1 million followers and now he is the Founder & CEO of <a href="https://hellonectarine.com/" target="_blank">Nectarine</a>, an Advice-Only firm matching consumers with advisors on an hourly or ongoing basis. Jeremy shares his story on why he is so passionate about personal finance and how he built these two successful brands.The Nectarine endorsements mentioned in this episode have been provided by clients who have completed an engagement through Nectarine. No compensation was paid for any endorsement and the endorsements may not necessarily be representative of all Nectarine experiences. Please refer to <a href="http://hellonectarine.com/" target="_blank">hellonectarine.com</a> for all relevant disclosures.

Today we sit down with Jeremy Schneider, an entrepreneur and passionate personal finance educator and advocate. His social media brand, Personal Finance Club has over 1 million followers and now he is the Founder & CEO of Nectarine, an Advice-Only firm matching consumers with advisors on an hourly or ongoing basis. Jeremy shares his story on why he is so passionate about personal finance and how he built these two successful brands. The Nectarine endorsements mentioned in this episode have been provided by clients who have completed an engagement through Nectarine. No compensation was paid for any endorsement and the endorsements may not necessarily be representative of all Nectarine experiences. Please refer to hellonectarine.com for all relevant disclosures.

Today we sit down with Jeremy Schneider, an entrepreneur and passionate personal finance educator and advocate. His social media brand, <a href="https://personalfinanceclub.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Personal Finance Club</a> has over 1 million followers and now he is the Founder &amp; CEO of <a href="https://hellonectarine.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nectarine</a>, an Advice-Only firm matching consumers with advisors on an hourly or ongoing basis. Jeremy shares his story on why he is so passionate about personal finance and how he built these two successful brands.The Nectarine endorsements mentioned in this episode have been provided by clients who have completed an engagement through Nectarine. No compensation was paid for any endorsement and the endorsements may not necessarily be representative of all Nectarine experiences. Please refer to <a href="http://hellonectarine.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">hellonectarine.com</a> for all relevant disclosures.

Episode 4 - Jeremy Schneider

Today's conversation is with Chad Gammon, financial planner and owner of <a href="https://customfitfinancial.com/" target="_blank">Custom Fit Financial</a>. Don't miss this engaging conversation as Chad breaks down all the different ways he serves his clients in an Advice-Only capacity.

Today's conversation is with Chad Gammon, financial planner and owner of Custom Fit Financial. Don't miss this engaging conversation as Chad breaks down all the different ways he serves his clients in an Advice-Only capacity.

Today's conversation is with Chad Gammon, financial planner and owner of <a href="https://customfitfinancial.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Custom Fit Financial</a>. Don't miss this engaging conversation as Chad breaks down all the different ways he serves his clients in an Advice-Only capacity.

Episode 3 - Chad Gammon

Today's guest is Mary Ann Sullivan, financial planner and owner of <a href="https://www.395financialplanning.com/" target="_blank">395 Financial Planning</a>. Learn more about Mary Ann's journey to becoming an Advice-Only advisor, hear her favorite client success stories, and learn why financial independence is THE goal everyone should be striving for.

Today's guest is Mary Ann Sullivan, financial planner and owner of 395 Financial Planning. Learn more about Mary Ann's journey to becoming an Advice-Only advisor, hear her favorite client success stories, and learn why financial independence is THE goal everyone should be striving for.

Today's guest is Mary Ann Sullivan, financial planner and owner of <a href="https://www.395financialplanning.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">395 Financial Planning</a>. Learn more about Mary Ann's journey to becoming an Advice-Only advisor, hear her favorite client success stories, and learn why financial independence is THE goal everyone should be striving for.

Episode 2 - Mary Ann Sullivan

Discussion with Eric Simonson, who is the Founder & CEO of <a href="www.abundowealth.com" target="_blank">Abundo Wealth</a>, a rapidly growing Advice-Only firm that serves clients nationwide. Eric is also the co-founder and CEO of the <a href="www.adviceonlynetwork.com" target="_blank">Advice-Only Network</a>, a company built to help promote, support, and bring together Advice-Only advisors.

Discussion with Eric Simonson, who is the Founder & CEO of Abundo Wealth, a rapidly growing Advice-Only firm that serves clients nationwide. Eric is also the co-founder and CEO of the Advice-Only Network, a company built to help promote, support, and bring together Advice-Only advisors.

Discussion with Eric Simonson, who is the Founder &amp; CEO of <a href="www.abundowealth.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Abundo Wealth</a>, a rapidly growing Advice-Only firm that serves clients nationwide. Eric is also the co-founder and CEO of the <a href="www.adviceonlynetwork.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Advice-Only Network</a>, a company built to help promote, support, and bring together Advice-Only advisors.

Episode 1 - Eric Simonson

Introduction to The Advice-Only Podcast, where host Sarah Sprague Gerber and Advice-Only financial advisors share their stories, strategies, and straight forward advice about money.

Introduction to The Advice-Only Podcast, where host Sarah Sprague Gerber and Advice-Only financial advisors share their stories, strategies, and straight forward advice about money.

Episode 0

Hosted by Sarah Sprague Gerber and the Advice-Only Network, this show takes you behind the scenes with Advice-Only financial advisors who are transforming how people think about money and financial planning.

Each episode features candid interviews with Advice-Only Network advisors who share their unique approaches to building client-centered practices, navigating industry challenges, and delivering unbiased financial guidance. You'll hear authentic stories about their entrepreneurial journeys, innovative business models, and the lessons they've learned while putting their clients' interests first.

Whether you're a financial advisor looking to build or evolve your practice, or someone seeking genuine insights into personal finance from professionals who aren't trying to sell you products, this podcast is for you.

New episodes are recorded often so subscribe now and join the conversation that's changing financial advice, one episode at a time.

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Hosted by Sarah Sprague Gerber and the Advice-Only Network, this show takes you behind the scenes with Advice-Only financial advisors who are transforming how people think about money and financial planning. Each episode features candid interviews with Advice-Only Network advisors who share their unique approaches to building client-centered practices, navigating industry challenges, and delivering unbiased financial guidance. You'll hear authentic stories about their entrepreneurial journeys, innovative business models, and the lessons they've learned while putting their clients' interests first. Whether you're a financial advisor looking to build or evolve your practice, or someone seeking genuine insights into personal finance from professionals who aren't trying to sell you products, this podcast is for you. New episodes are recorded often so subscribe now and join the conversation that's changing financial advice, one episode at a time.

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