Welcome to “The Advisor View,” brought to you by Citizen Mint. Join us as we explore the backgrounds, philosophies, and perspectives shaping today’s leading wealth management firms.
In this episode, we sit down with Austin Peterson of Backbone Planning Partners. Austin shares his path into wealth management and the experiences that ultimately led him to focus his practice on private business owners. He discusses why many successful entrepreneurs lack coordinated financial advice and why planning for an eventual business transition should begin years before an owner expects to sell.
The conversation explores one of the biggest challenges facing business owners: having the majority of their net worth concentrated in a single company. Austin explains how Backbone helps clients gradually move wealth from their business balance sheet to their personal balance sheet, with the goal of building financial independence before an eventual sale. We also discuss balancing reinvestment in the business with diversification, preparing a company for a future transition, and some of the common mistakes that can prevent owners from maximizing the value they have created.
We also explore how Austin approaches portfolio construction for entrepreneurs, including the role of public markets, alternative investments, real estate, and tax-aware strategies. Austin shares why private investments can resonate particularly well with business owners and how Backbone incorporates alternatives alongside traditional investments based on each client's risk tolerance and financial plan. The discussion also touches on estate planning, family wealth transitions, and the importance of having an advisor coordinate with CPAs, attorneys, CFOs, and other professionals as the financial picture becomes more complex.
Finally, Austin shares his perspective on how technology and AI may change financial advice while explaining why he believes the personal and emotional side of financial planning will remain difficult to replace.
Austin Peterson | Backbone Planning Partners
Backbone Planning Partners
Josh Hile | Citizen Mint
Citizen Mint
Backbone Planning Partners is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by Backbone Planning Partners on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Citizen Mint. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although they should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.
Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.
Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.