The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast

By FPA NexGen®

Dive into the world of financial planning with "The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast," where hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® navigate you through the lives of the next generatio... more

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FAQs about The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast:

How many episodes does The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 47 episodes available.

The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast episodes:

September 16, 2026Season 5 Kickoff: First Jobs, AI, and the Reps That Grow Financial Planning Careers
The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast opens season five with a candid career conversation featuring Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA, Alison Miller, CFP®, and Executive Producer Jadah Riley. Rather than a traditional guest interview, the team reflects on lessons from season four and shares what they are learning as their own careers continue to evolve.
For early-career advisors focused on financial planning career growth, this episode gets practical about landing a first financial planning job, building a professional network, translating past experience into relevant skills, using AI more intentionally, and finding the right environment for continued development. The team also discusses career transitions, promotions, volunteering, mentorship, and why getting meaningful “reps” can compound over time.
“You need some reps because it’s all about the story that you can tell.”
What You’ll Learn
Build a stronger network by getting involved with professional organizations and creating relationships before job opportunities appear.
Translate experience from another career, college job, or service role into skills that financial planning firms can recognize and value.
Strengthen your candidacy through education, industry involvement, informational interviews, and proactive professional development.
Use AI to practice communication, learn new technology, organize information, create training resources, and prepare for client conversations.
Evaluate whether your current role provides the environment, challenge, and client exposure needed for continued career growth.
Develop confidence by deliberately seeking repetitions in client meetings, interviews, presentations, leadership, and volunteer work.
Key Takeaways
Do not rely exclusively on applications; relationships can put you closer to the people making hiring decisions.
Frame previous experience around the value it can create for clients, teams, and financial planning firms.
Career growth often happens below the surface before the results become visible.
AI is most useful when it strengthens human communication and frees time for higher-value work.
The right professional environment becomes increasingly important once you have developed foundational advisor skills.
Peers, mentors, volunteering, and professional communities can provide perspective during major career decisions.
Episode Timestamps
00:00:00 – Building your network to break into financial planning
00:00:55 – Season five kickoff and introductions
00:01:35 – Favorite lessons from season four
00:08:30 – How to land your first financial planning job
00:12:05 – Career changers, networking, and interview preparation
00:17:15 – How financial advisors are using AI
00:24:20 – Promotions, career transitions, and professional growth
00:30:15 – Why reps and discomfort drive career development
00:34:25 – Season five preview and Mike’s final season
Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley
...more
38min
August 07, 2026RIA Succession Planning: How NextGen Advisors Can Earn the Opportunity
In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Andrew Mirolli, CEPA® Co-Founder and Head of Client Services at buyAUM.com, to explore one of the financial planning profession’s biggest opportunities: RIA succession planning.
Andrew explains how early-career financial planners can position themselves to become trusted successors, build more valuable advisory practices, and earn the confidence of senior advisors. The conversation covers the importance of earning the CFP® certification, developing recurring revenue, delivering exceptional client service, and proving that you are prepared to protect relationships built over decades.
“Don’t wait for things to be handed to you. Take the stairs.”
What You’ll Learn
How young financial advisors can identify succession opportunities in their local markets
Why earning the CFP® certification can strengthen your position as a potential successor
How to prove that you are ready to inherit important client relationships
Why recurring fee-based revenue can increase the long-term value of an advisory practice
How financial planning, client service, and trust contribute to stronger client retention
The practical differences between internal and external RIA succession plans
Key Takeaways
A succession opportunity must be earned through consistent performance—not assumed from a promise
Senior advisors want successors who will protect their clients and preserve their legacy
Bringing in new clients and building professional relationships demonstrates readiness for leadership
Recurring advisory and planning revenue generally creates a more durable business than transactional revenue
Exceptional service helps build the client loyalty buyers value during a transition
The best succession structure depends on the goals of the owner, successor, team, and clients
Episode Timestamps
00:00:00 – Introduction and Andrew Mirolli’s path to buyAUM
00:04:40 – The RIA succession opportunity for NextGen advisors
00:09:20 – “Take the stairs” and prove you can lead client relationships
00:13:15 – Building a financial planning practice with long-term value
00:18:30 – Niches, trust, financial planning, and client retention
00:22:55 – What retiring advisors want in a successor
00:27:05 – Internal versus external succession plans
00:32:02 – Why financial planning is a career worth building
Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley
...more
33min
July 24, 2026 Why Every Financial Advisor Needs to Understand Taxes With Stephen Jarvis
Taxes influence virtually every financial planning recommendation, yet many advisors hesitate to make tax planning part of their client experience.
In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP®welcome Stephen Jarvis, CPA, founder of Retirement Tax Services, for an in-depth conversation about bridging the gap between financial planners and tax professionals.
Stephen explains why every advisor should incorporate tax awareness into their planning process—even without becoming a tax expert. He shares practical advice on building stronger CPA relationships, requesting tax returns from clients, creating successful referral partnerships, evaluating tax designations, and developing communication skills that accelerate career growth.
The discussion also explores why experience matters more than additional credentials, how advisors can confidently begin offering tax planning, and why taking action on new ideas is the key to long-term success.
Whether you're an aspiring financial planner or an experienced advisor looking to strengthen your tax planning process, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement immediately.
Executive Producer: Jadah Riley
What You'll Learn
Why tax planning belongs in every financial planning engagement
The easiest way to start incorporating taxes into your advice process
How to build stronger relationships with CPAs and tax professionals
Why requesting tax returns can uncover planning opportunities
Strategies for creating long-term referral partnerships
The pros and cons of tax designations for advisors
Communication techniques that separate top advisors from the rest
Why implementation matters more than information
Key Takeaways
Every financial decision creates tax consequences.
Advisors don't need to become CPAs—but they do need tax awareness.
Strong CPA relationships begin with understanding each other's value.
Asking for tax returns is one of the simplest ways to improve client outcomes.
Real-world experience develops tax planning skills faster than collecting credentials.
Difficult conversations are a career-defining skill for advisors.
Recording and reviewing yourself is one of the fastest ways to improve communication.
Knowledge only creates value when it's followed by action.
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction & Stephen's Favorite Tax Code Oddities
02:20 Stephen Jarvis' Journey into Tax Planning
06:00 Why Every Financial Decision Has Tax Consequences
10:00 Building Better Relationships Between Advisors & CPAs
15:15 The First Step Into Tax Planning
19:10 Breaking the Ice with Tax Professionals
24:10 Building Referral Partnerships That Actually Work
29:10 The Future of Tax Planning in Financial Advice
33:00 Should Advisors Pursue Tax Designations?
35:10 How to Get Clients to Share Their Tax Returns
37:10 Career Advice: Communication & Difficult Conversations
38:15 Podcasting as a Communication Tool
39:13 Knowledge Only Matters If You Take Action
...more
40min
July 10, 2026 Beyond the Financial Plan: Seth Streeter on Becoming the Advisor Clients Need
In this episode of The Blueprint | An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® welcome Seth Streeter, Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Mission Wealth, for an inspiring conversation about what it truly means to help clients build wealth.
Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey and decades of experience serving clients, Seth explains why the future of financial planning extends far beyond investment management. He introduces his powerful 12 Dimensions of Wealth framework, shares why authenticity is one of an advisor's greatest competitive advantages, and discusses how emotional intelligence, deep listening, and purpose-driven leadership will differentiate the next generation of financial planners in an AI-powered world.
Whether you're an aspiring CFP® professional, an associate advisor, or an experienced planner looking to deepen client relationships, this episode offers practical insights that will help you become more than a technical expert—you'll learn how to become the trusted guide your clients need most.
Executive Producer: Jadah Riley
What You'll Learn
How the 12 Dimensions of Wealth help clients define true fulfillment
Why authenticity is one of the greatest competitive advantages for advisors
The difference between being a technical "mechanic" and a trusted client "guide"
How deep listening strengthens client relationships and builds lifelong trust
Why emotional intelligence (EQ) is becoming more valuable than technical expertise
How AI is changing financial planning—and where human advisors create the most value
Practical ways early-career advisors can develop coaching and leadership skills
How Mission Wealth built a culture focused on purpose, growth, and client impact
Key Takeaways
Financial planning is about helping clients build meaningful lives—not simply growing portfolios.
The strongest client relationships are built through curiosity, empathy, and authentic conversations.
Advisors who embrace their unique personalities attract more aligned clients and career opportunities.
AI will increasingly automate technical work, making human connection even more valuable.
Great advisors ask better questions instead of simply providing better answers.
Developing guide skills today will become one of the greatest differentiators for tomorrow's financial planners.
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Meet Seth Streeter
02:45 – Building Mission Wealth from the Ground Up
08:00 – Starting a Firm with Purpose
13:30 – The 12 Dimensions of Wealth Explained
18:30 – Helping Clients Find Fulfillment Beyond Money
23:15 – From Financial Planner to Trusted Guide
27:30 – Deep Listening & Coaching Conversations
31:15 – Why EQ Will Matter More Than AI
34:15 – Hiring Future Financial Advisors
36:15 – Final Advice for Early-Career Planners
...more
38min
June 26, 2026 Trust Your Gut: How Nichole Graham Built a Career on Her Own Terms
In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® welcome Nichole Graham CFP®, CDFA Financial Analyst at Wellspring Divorce Advisors and Financial Advisor at Regista Financial Strategies.
Nichole shares how trusting her intuition transformed her career, allowing her to embrace remote work, contract opportunities, and a rewarding specialization in divorce financial planning. She opens up about moving across the country, building community through FPA NexGen®, balancing work across multiple firms, and developing the confidence to become the advisor she was meant to be.
For early-career financial planners, this episode is packed with actionable advice on career development, networking, client relationships, and creating a career aligned with your values.
What You'll Learn
Why trusting your instincts can accelerate your financial planning career
How remote work can create new opportunities for advisors
The advantages and challenges of transitioning from W-2 employment to 1099 contract work
How FPA NexGen® can help build your professional network
Why empathy is one of the most valuable skills in financial planning
How financial planners can better serve clients navigating divorce
Tips for managing multiple firms and balancing competing priorities
Building confidence while developing your own advising style
Key Takeaways
Career growth often comes from taking calculated risks.
Your work environment has a significant impact on long-term success.
Community and mentorship can dramatically accelerate professional development.
Authenticity builds stronger client relationships than trying to imitate others.
Financial planners create tremendous value simply by helping clients feel heard.
Independent and contract work offers flexibility but requires intentional planning.
Emotional intelligence is just as important as technical expertise.
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & Meet Nichole Graham
01:25 – Moving Across the Country & Embracing Career Change
04:10 – Building Community Through FPA NexGen®
06:45 – Thriving in a Remote Work Environment
09:30 – Creating a Morning Routine for Success
12:15 – Transitioning from W-2 Employment to Contract Work
16:20 – Balancing Multiple Firms & Client Relationships
20:05 – How FPA NexGen® Accelerated Nichole's Career
23:30 – Volunteering, Travel & Avoiding Burnout
26:10 – Discovering Financial Planning as a Helping Profession
29:00 – Trusting Your Gut & Finding Your Own Voice
31:20 – Advice for Advisors Considering Independent Contract Work
32:25 – Final Thoughts on Supporting Clients Through Divorce
...more
34min
June 11, 2026 How Chris Wise Is Reinventing Financial Planning with Health, Wealth & Purpose
In this inspiring episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with entrepreneur and financial planner Chris Wise CFP®, founder of Wise Capital Partners, to discuss building a modern financial planning firm that prioritizes both wealth and well-being.
Chris shares his journey from growing up in a financial planning family to forging his own path, returning to transform the family business, and leading through extraordinary personal challenges. He offers candid insights on mentorship, entrepreneurship, leadership, delegation, and why the future of financial planning extends far beyond investment management.
From creating a culture of emotional wellness inside his firm to reimagining financial planning through a "health and wealth" lens, Chris challenges advisors to think differently about the impact they can have on clients' lives.
For early-career advisors, business owners, and aspiring firm leaders, this conversation delivers practical wisdom on building a fulfilling career while helping clients build fulfilling lives.
Hosted by Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP®.
Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley
What You'll Learn
• Why mentorship accelerates growth more than trying to know everything yourself
• How entrepreneurship changes the way advisors think about leadership
• Why delegation is essential for scaling a successful advisory firm
• How health and financial planning intersect to improve client outcomes
• Lessons learned from taking over a family business during a crisis
• Why early-career advisors should focus on learning before earning
Key Takeaways
• Strong relationships create better advisors and better businesses.
• Financial planning is ultimately about helping people, not managing investments.
• Building a team around your strengths creates greater long-term impact.
• Health is one of the greatest forms of wealth clients can possess.
• Mentorship provides experience that cannot be learned from textbooks.
• Career success compounds over time through consistency and continuous learning.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & Meet Chris Wise
02:45 – The Origin of "Wise Up"
07:15 – Growing Up Around Financial Planning
13:40 – Leaving and Returning to the Family Business
19:45 – Leadership Through Crisis During COVID
25:10 – Building a Personal Board of Mentors
30:45 – Entrepreneurship, Delegation & Wearing Multiple Hats
35:50 – Why Health Should Be Part of Financial Planning
40:15 – Creating Better Client Outcomes Through Emotional Wellness
42:15 – Advice for Early-Career Financial Planners
43:09 – Final Thoughts & Wise Up
...more
44min
May 27, 2026 Beyond Money: Breanna Rae Blaney on Wealth, Identity & Financial Planning
What if financial planning wasn’t just about accumulating wealth — but helping clients intentionally design their lives?
In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Breanna Rae Blaney, CEO and Founder of Anya Institute and creator of the Integrative Wealth Advisor Certification and host of the Human Evolution Podcast.
Breanna shares why financial planners occupy one of the most influential seats in a client’s life — and why the future of financial advice extends far beyond investments and retirement projections.
Together, they explore money psychology, identity, financial planner self-awareness, relational intelligence, and how advisors can become trusted guides helping clients align money with meaning.
Whether you’re a student entering financial planning, an early-career advisor, or a seasoned professional looking to deepen client relationships, this episode delivers practical tools and thought-provoking insights to elevate your impact.
Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley
What You'll Learn
• Why money is a tool—not the ultimate goal
• How financial planners shape client decisions beyond financial plans
• The importance of understanding your own money story and money scripts
• Why relational intelligence matters in modern wealth management
• Daily habits that improve clarity, confidence, and advisor effectiveness
• How curiosity and self-awareness strengthen client relationships
• Why younger planners bring unique value to the profession
• The future of transformational financial advice
Key Takeaways
• Financial planning extends beyond numbers—it shapes lives
• Why self-awareness helps advisors better serve clients
• Understanding your own beliefs around money improves advice delivery
• The future of financial advice is deeply human
• How curiosity, consistency, and reflection strengthen leadership
Episode Chapters
00:00 Welcome & Introduction
02:12 What money means and how perceptions evolve
06:15 Why wealth accumulation alone doesn’t create fulfillment
10:20 Becoming a guide instead of a problem solver
15:05 Identity, self-awareness, and advisor growth
19:42 Understanding money scripts and financial behaviors
23:55 Transformational client relationships vs transactional advice
28:11 Why younger advisors have an advantage
31:42 Meditation, routines, and building resilience
35:20 Morning habits for advisor performance
38:05 Final reflections on redefining wealth
...more
40min
May 14, 2026 Brett Danko on Passing the CFP Exam and Building a Meaningful Career
What does it take to build a successful career in financial planning while staying grounded in purpose, relationships, and service?
In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP welcome legendary CFP exam educator and financial advisor Brett Danko, CFP® for a powerful conversation on entrepreneurship, resilience, mentorship, and the evolving future of financial planning.
Brett opens up about his journey from launching his own RIA and CFP® education business to helping thousands of professionals pursue CFP® certification. He shares lessons on leadership, delegation, mindset, emotional intelligence, and how life experiences reshaped his perspective on success, family, and work-life balance.
The discussion also dives into CFP® exam preparation strategies, the psychology behind testing success, why empathy matters more than technical expertise, and how AI may reshape—but not replace—the advisor-client relationship.
This episode is packed with practical insight, career guidance, and meaningful perspective for early-career advisors and experienced wealth management professionals alike.
Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley
What You’ll Learn
Why mindset is critical for CFP® exam success
How Brett Danko built a nationally recognized CFP® education business
The role empathy plays in becoming a successful advisor
Why delegation and leadership matter in scaling a firm
How advisors can prepare for the future impact of AI
Why relationships and reputation compound over time in this profession
How life experiences can reshape your approach to career and balance
Key Takeaways
Why mindset and confidence are critical components of CFP® exam success
The importance of storytelling and practical application when learning financial planning concepts
How delegation and hiring the right people can strengthen both an RIA and an education business
Why empathy and communication matter more than investment selection alone
Lessons Brett Danko learned from entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal adversity
How long-term relationships and personal reputation compound throughout a financial planning career
Why younger advisors should embrace curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning
The evolving role of AI in financial planning—and why human connection still matters
How advisors can create deeper client trust through goal-based financial planning
Why finding alignment between career, purpose, and personal life is essential for long-term success
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Brett Danko,CFP®
03:12 – Building Danko Education and Early Career Lessons
08:45 – Delegation, Leadership, and Scaling a Business
15:18 – Family, Perspective, and Work-Life Balance
22:40 – Why Brett Became Passionate About Financial Planning
30:05 – CFP Exam Strategy and Mental Preparation
39:12 – The Psychology Behind Exam Success
46:08 – Becoming a Better Advisor Beyond Technical Knowledge
53:15 – AI, the Future of Financial Planning, and Industry Opportunities
57:48 – Final Advice for Next Generation Advisors
...more
58min
April 29, 2026 Career Pivot Playbook: Breaking Into Financial Planning from Any Industry
In this special Career Changers edition of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Emily Green and Wilson Lou to unpack what it really takes to transition into financial planning from entirely different industries.

From engineering burnout to healthcare and entrepreneurship pivots, Emily and Wilson share honest insights into navigating uncertainty, overcoming imposter syndrome, and building a meaningful career in financial planning. Whether you're exploring a career shift or already making the leap, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiration for your journey.
Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley
What You’ll Learn
How to successfully pivot into financial planning from any career
The emotional and financial realities of starting over
Why soft skills are a major advantage for career changers
Strategies to land your first role in the industry
How FPA NexGen supports career changers
Key Takeaways
Career changers bring valuable real-world perspective and client empathy
Expect a temporary step back in title, pay, or confidence
Networking and informational interviews are critical to breaking in
The CFP® path builds credibility and confidence
Immersion and consistency accelerate career growth
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & Career Changer Theme
02:10 – Emily & Wilson’s Unique Career Journeys
06:45 – First Steps Into Financial Planning
12:30 – The Psychological Shift of Starting Over
18:05 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
23:40 – Transferable Skills That Drive Success
28:15 – Technical vs. People Skills in Planning
31:50 – Breaking Into the Industry & Job Search Tips
35:20 – FPA NexGen Career Changer Resources
...more
39min
April 15, 2026 Michael Kitces on AI, Career Growth & Winning as a NextGen Advisor
In this special episode of The Blueprint | An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with industry pioneer and thought leader Michael Kitces for a masterclass on building a successful career in financial planning.
From the impact of AI on entry-level roles to the real path toward partnership, Kitces delivers practical, no-nonsense advice for early-career advisors navigating a rapidly evolving profession. Whether you're just starting out or positioning yourself for leadership, this episode is packed with insights you can act on immediately.
At the core of it all? One simple truth: “there’s no substitute for getting the reps in.”
What You’ll Learn
How AI is reshaping—but not eliminating—entry-level advisor roles
Why communication skills are your biggest long-term advantage
The fastest way to accelerate your career early on
What hiring managers actually look for in new planners
How to position yourself for partnership and equity
Why firm growth and alignment matter more than you think
Key Takeaways
AI is a tool for advisors—not a replacement for them
Career growth comes from repetition and real client experience
Passing the CFP® exam early significantly de-risks you as a candidate
The best way to grow is to proactively seek opportunities—not wait for them
Equity is earned by contributing to firm growth, not just service
Alignment in vision, culture, and growth is critical for long-term success
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & Why This Episode Matters
02:15 – AI in Financial Planning: Threat or Opportunity?
07:40 – Why AI Enhances (Not Replaces) Associate Advisors
12:30 – The Importance of Communication & Client Trust
18:10 – “Get the Reps In”: Building Confidence Early
24:20 – How to Stand Out in a Competitive Hiring Market
31:45 – What Firms Actually Look for in New Advisors
38:10 – From Technical Skills to Client Leadership
43:20 – The Truth About Partnership & Equity Paths
49:10 – Choosing the Right Firm & Long-Term Fit
53:30 – Final Advice: Why This Career Is Worth It
...more
56min

FAQs about The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast:

How many episodes does The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 47 episodes available.