Most financial advisors believe they’re good communicators.

The data says otherwise.

In this episode we explore why the words you use — not your technical expertise — may be quietly costing you clients, referrals, and long-term retention.

This conversation breaks down the science behind communication and message mapping, and why many otherwise strong advisory practices struggle to retain assets during key transition moments.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why clients evaluate advisors more by how they communicate than what they recommend
• How small word choices influence trust, confidence, and decision-making
• Why “good” advisors still lose clients — especially around retirement and income planning

Key takeaways for independent advisors:

• The communication habits that weaken client retention without you realizing it
• How research-backed message mapping can immediately improve client conversations
• Practical ways to strengthen trust, engagement, and long-term relationships

This episode is designed for independent financial professionals who want to grow smarter, retain more clients, and elevate their practice without adding complexity.

🎧 Watch the full episode to hear real examples and actionable ideas you can apply immediately.

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Tariffs are dominating headlines — but what do they really mean for taxes, Washington, and your clients’ retirement plans?

In this episode of The Complete Advisor, Dennis Mattern sits down with Becky Swansburg, CEO of Stonewood Financial and Washington insider, to break down the truth: tariffs won’t fix America’s tax problems, and demographic pressures—not politics—are driving the future of taxation.

Becky explains how tariffs actually function, why they rarely offset income taxes, and why rising legislative risk is one of the most overlooked threats to retirement planning today. She also reveals why NOW is a rare low-tax window for conversions and tax repositioning—and how savvy advisors can help clients regain control before the next wave of tax changes hits.

If you serve retirees or pre-retirees, this is an episode you can’t afford to skip.

✅ Top 3 Takeaways for Advisors

1. Demographics—not politics—are driving America’s revenue crisis, meaning tariffs won’t prevent future tax increases.

2. Taxes must be treated as a “risk class” in every plan, equal to market risk and income risk.

3. Advisors have a short window right now—thanks to OBA tax brackets and current legislative structure—to reposition assets and protect clients from future tax hikes.

🔑 Key Points From the Episode

What tariffs actually are (in plain English) and why clients misunderstand them

The historical relationship between tariffs, revenue, and taxes — including the Prohibition example

Why Washington is in a “yes, and…” era: tariffs and higher taxes

Why IRMAA, Medicare surcharges, and income-based taxation target savers most

How to frame legislative risk as part of your planning process

Why this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Roth conversions and tax-free repositioning

How inflation has reshaped the mindset of Gen X and younger savers

The one message advisors must help clients understand: Don’t rely on Washington—take control now.

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New episodes drop regularly — and subscribers get them first.

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