Planning your financial future isn't just about numbers. On this episode of the Virtual US Financial Advisor podcast, host Hannah Mitrea talks with Danqin Fang, founder of Wealth Beyond Math, about why how we feel about money may matter more than what's in our accounts.

Danqin shares her journey from growing up in a coastal town in China to launching her firm in Austin. She explains how her love for numbers and people led her to financial planning, but the emotional side of money truly lit the spark. "Money is the means to the end, not the end," she explains, challenging how we usually think about financial goals.

You'll hear how clients often discover that the dream house or savings number they've worked toward wasn't what actually mattered. Danqin walks us through when one client decided to sell their nearly finished luxury home to prioritize time with family instead. She also reveals how beliefs formed in childhood, like being told something is "too expensive", can shape our financial behavior for life.

This episode dives into how mindset, emotions, and clarity impact financial planning more than any spreadsheet can. Danqin's approach focuses on deeper conversations, thoughtful reflection, and aligning money with purpose. "We make people climb the ladder fast, but what if it's on the wrong wall?" she asks.

Here are the top must-listen takeaways from the podcast: 

(1:45) Immigrant career journey into U.S. financial planning

(5:08) Leaving a firm to pursue holistic life planning

(11:12) A $1M+ custom home project paused

(16:53) Childhood scarcity belief blocked spending in retirement

(19:54) Why financial plans must reflect personal beliefs and values

(22:12) The real reason financial plans fail

(24:26) The role of motivation in money planning

(27:34) What holistic financial planning means

(31:23) Why money is the tool, not the goal

(37:47) Why taking time early saves time (and stress) later

(43:44) The first step to any real financial change

If you've ever felt stuck between saving and living or questioned whether your financial plan matches your real goals, this one's for you. Tune in to hear how Danqin helps clients build more than wealth; she helps them build peace.

About Danqin Fang

Danqin Fang is the Founder and CEO of Wealth Beyond Math®, a virtual, fee-only financial planning firm based in Austin, Texas. She has over 14 years of experience advising over 200 families and overseeing $500M+ in assets. Danqin holds the CFP®, CFA®, and RLP® designations and focuses on helping professionals and business owners make financial decisions aligned with their goals. Originally from China, she now lives in Austin and leads a firm committed to life-centered, holistic financial planning.

Contact Danqin Today! 

LinkedIn 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danqinfang/

Website

https://www.wealthbeyondmath.com/

Disclaimer:

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

Planning your financial future isn't just about numbers. On this episode of the Virtual US Financial Advisor podcast, host Hannah Mitrea talks with Danqin Fang, founder of Wealth Beyond Math, about why how we feel about money may matter more than what's in our accounts.

Danqin shares her journey from growing up in a coastal town in China to launching her firm in Austin. She explains how her love for numbers and people led her to financial planning, but the emotional side of money truly lit the spark. "Money is the means to the end, not the end," she explains, challenging how we usually think about financial goals.

You'll hear how clients often discover that the dream house or savings number they've worked toward wasn't what actually mattered. Danqin walks us through when one client decided to sell their nearly finished luxury home to prioritize time with family instead. She also reveals how beliefs formed in childhood, like being told something is "too expensive", can shape our financial behavior for life.

This episode dives into how mindset, emotions, and clarity impact financial planning more than any spreadsheet can. Danqin's approach focuses on deeper conversations, thoughtful reflection, and aligning money with purpose. "We make people climb the ladder fast, but what if it's on the wrong wall?" she asks.

Here are the top must-listen takeaways from the podcast: 

(5:50) Immigrant career journey into U.S. financial planning

(9:26) Leaving a firm to pursue holistic life planning

(15:54) A $1M+ custom home project paused

(21:51) Childhood scarcity belief blocked spending in retirement

(25:01) Why financial plans must reflect personal beliefs and values

(27:21) The real reason financial plans fail

(29:47) The role of motivation in money planning

(33:10) What holistic financial planning means

(37:19) Why money is the tool, not the goal

(44:18) Why taking time early saves time (and stress) later

(50:39) The first step to any real financial change

If you've ever felt stuck between saving and living or questioned whether your financial plan matches your real goals, this one's for you. Tune in to hear how Danqin helps clients build more than wealth; she helps them build peace.

About Danqin Fang

Danqin Fang is the Founder and CEO of Wealth Beyond Math®, a virtual, fee-only financial planning firm based in Austin, Texas. She has over 14 years of experience advising over 200 families and overseeing $500M+ in assets. Danqin holds the CFP®, CFA®, and RLP® designations and focuses on helping professionals and business owners make financial decisions aligned with their goals. Originally from China, she now lives in Austin and leads a firm committed to life-centered, holistic financial planning.

Contact Danqin Today! 

LinkedIn 

Website

Disclaimer:

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

What does it take to integrate effective AI tools in financial analytics? Exploring the financial sector, Gaby Lahoud found that conventional accounting practices needed more flexibility for modern challenges and needed to be more confining for his innovative spirit. This discovery led him to establish Be Certified Pro LLC and Serenity Advisors LLC, diving deep into financial analytics.

Gaby noted a big problem in how companies used technology in their financial planning. Despite heavy investments in ERP systems, many still preferred the old way of doing things with tools like Excel, which caused inefficiencies. Eager to fill this gap, Gaby brought sophisticated financial modeling into his practice, dramatically improving how firms make decisions.

He simplifies complex financial models with clear explanations, making sure everyone understands. Gaby stresses the importance of using good data and the right AI commands to benefit fully from today's technology. He often says, "Garbage in, garbage out," highlighting that output quality depends entirely on the quality of input. Also, Gaby believes in the power of external perspectives to avoid getting lost in details and to ensure data is well-organized and accessible.

Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the podcast: 

(4:33) Will AI take your job?

(7:51) Why is creativity becoming crucial in modern education?

(10:42) Why scenario planning is crucial for financial management

(13:59) Why every business needs advanced analytics

(17:44) The power of proper market analysis

(23:01) The impact of poor data on business decisions

(26:31) The importance of a fresh perspective on data

(29:15) The chaos of multiple ERP systems in one company

Today, Gaby Lahoud is a respected CFO and CEO dedicated to teaching and empowering businesses and individuals worldwide to make wise financial decisions. Tune in to hear him share his deep knowledge of financial modeling, the critical nature of data quality, and how effective education can transform finance on the "Virtual US Financial Advisor" podcast.

About Gaby Lahoud

Gaby Lahoud is the founder and CEO of Serenity Advisors, co-founder and CEO of B Certified Pro LLC, and Adjunct Instructor at Cleveland State University. He also serves as the President of IMA Lebanon Chapter and manages G.L. Real Estate. With over 15 years of experience in finance, accounting, education, and public speaking, Gaby has a robust presence in both regional and international markets.

Contact Gaby Today! 

LinkedIn 

Serenity Advisors LLC

B Certified Pro LLC

Disclaimer:

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

Join host Hannah Mitrea on the Virtual US Financial Advisor podcast as she welcomes Cary Carbonaro, a certified, award-winning financial advisor, and a “women and wealth expert”. Our guest is dedicated to guiding women in financial planning. 

In this episode, Cary shares her journey from founding a sorority in college to facing personal and professional challenges. She talks about how societal norms often deter women from taking control of their finances and the key moments that shaped her financial perspective.

Cary dives into financial literacy essentials, like budgeting and understanding net worth. She asks, "Are you aware of what's coming in and going out each month?" and stresses the importance of knowing your assets and liabilities.

Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the podcast: 

(6:02) Why aren't more women financially empowered? 

(7:52) The power of preemptive financial planning 

(9:31) When should financial experts be consulted

(12:20) Are you tracking what comes in and out?

(16:24) The need for nationwide financial literacy

(19:20) Is your financial planner acting in your best interest?

Discover the pitfalls that busy individuals face in neglecting financial plans and how a dedicated advisor can make a difference. Cary questions, "Do you know your credit score and why it's important?" and emphasizes the crucial role of personal responsibility in financial independence. 

Tune in for an engaging conversation that demystifies finance and encourages you to manage your future confidently.

About Cary Carbonaro

Cary Carbonaro is a Certified Financial Planner with over 25 years of experience, including prestigious roles at JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, and Lord Abbett Investment. Recognized as a 2016 Investment News Woman to Watch and a CFP Board Ambassador, Cary is known for her dedication to financial literacy and advocacy. As a leading financial educator and influencer, she has been featured across various media platforms and has spoken globally on financial literacy. As a trusted advisor, Cary is committed to guiding clients through the complexities of private wealth management.

Contact Cary Today! 

LinkedIn 

Website 

Disclaimer:

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

When Jim Barnash stepped into the insurance world, he quickly understood that whole life insurance wasn’t the complete financial solution many needed. This insight led him to the financial planning sector.

He saw a big gap. Many people were only relying on accountants for tax work, creating a disconnect in their financial plans. Unwilling to let this stand, Jim reintegrated tax planning into his practice in 2016, making a significant difference for many individuals.

Jim uses a simple analogy of three buckets to explain different categories of income. He highlights the importance of understanding these categories, especially when planning for retirement. He talks about Roth 401(k) contributions and Roth conversions as ways to enhance tax-free income.

Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the podcast: 

(4:31) Are You Getting the Right Tax Advice?

(6:27) Are Your Taxes Tied Together?

(7:22) Navigating the Three Buckets of Income

(10:43) Is Roth 401(K) the Right Choice for You?

(13:52) The Roth Dilemma: Higher Taxes Now?

(23:06) Avoiding the Pitfalls of Portfolio Overlap

(25:51) Breaking the Myths of Financial Planning

(26:33) The Snowball Effect of a 401(K)

Today, Jim Barnash is the president of JA Barnash and Associates. He’s committed to providing a comprehensive and tailored financial strategy for his clients, helping them retain more of their income and achieve their financial goals.

Hear from Jim as he shares his journey and insights into financial and tax planning and how understanding different categories of income can lead to optimized financial outcomes.

About Jim Barnash, CFP®

Jim Barnash's journey is a story of passion and expertise in financial planning and tax solutions. Starting his career with Equitable Life Insurance, he quickly realized the need for comprehensive financial planning and tax solutions. Now, as the Founder of JA Barnash & Associates, Jim is all about helping individuals, couples, and closely held business owners put together the pieces of their financial puzzle for over 30 years. 

When he's not deeply involved in financial planning and tax solutions, Jim is giving back to the community. He served as the President and Chairman of the Financial Planning Association and as an adjunct faculty member for W.R. Harper College and DePaul University. Eager to explore financial strategies and tax solutions with Jim? Reach out to him at [email protected], call 847-894-2299, or find out more about him and his team at his website.

Disclaimer:

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

Navigating the intricate world of financial planning, Mark Newfield highlights the crucial need for a well-laid-out plan. Without it, investment management lacks significance. He observes that the world of financial advising has its complexities, with many being unclear about the real role of financial advisors.

Mark believes in a process-driven approach to financial planning. He understands the value of mapping out an individual's financial journey, taking into account their past, present, and desired future. This perspective is shaped, in part, by Mark's personal journey from a successful corporate life to starting his own business at the age of 46.

While Mark can't transform the entire financial world's views, he chooses to do things his way. He focuses on understanding his clients' financial vision, ensuring they are adequately saving for their future without unnecessary restrictions. Mark's approach, combined with his emphasis on loyalty and the importance of a trusting relationship with a financial advisor, plays a key role in his success.

Today, Mark Newfield, CFP® and RICP®, serves as the Managing Director and wealth management advisor at Journey Strategic Wealth. His team is dedicated to understanding and guiding their clients' financial futures. 

Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the podcast: 

(0:48) Is investing enough without a plan? 

(1:56) What really is financial planning?

(3:55) Is your financial journey intentional?

(5:54) How to begin your financial journey?

(10:55) The crossroads: personal vs. professional life

(16:31) Why withdrawing in a downturn hurts

(19:33) How investment timing affects returns

(24:16) Can financial plans truly be static?

(26:15) How often should you change financial advisors?

(30:20) Why loyalty matters in financial services

(33:11) What should we look for in a financial advisor?

(38:23) Books every financial enthusiast should read

Join us on the "Virtual US Financial Advisor" podcast as Mark shares insights from his journey and his perspective on creating an effective financial roadmap. Dive deeper into the financial world with us, where we bring you industry leaders and their transformative stories

Mark Newfield's journey is a blend of hands-on experience and expert advice. From an auto mechanic and retail store manager to a consultant at Accenture to the founding of his own financial planning firm (which is now a part of Journey Strategic Wealth), Mark has always been about guiding and fixing. Today, he leads his division at JSW, ensuring his team offers the best care and value to their clients.

When he's not diving deep into financial strategies, Mark enjoys college basketball, golf, and family trips. Eager to connect and share? Reach out to him at [email protected], call 8045259700, or find him on Twitter (@MJNewfield), LinkedIn (Mark Newfield), and substack (marknewfield.substack.com). For weekly insights, tune into his YouTube channel, @mjnewfield.

Disclaimer:

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

Join us in this episode of the Virtual US Financial Advisor podcast as we explore the essentials of estate planning with Chris Wilbur, Founder and President of Soteria Wealth Advisors. Our guest provides a comprehensive overview of the key components of estate planning, emphasizing that it's not just for the wealthy but for everyone!

We discuss the differences between wills and trusts, understanding how each serves a unique purpose in managing your assets. Chris explains how trusts can be a game-changer in avoiding the probate process, a legal procedure that can be time-consuming and stressful for your loved ones.

The episode also covers the critical role of life insurance in protecting your family's future. Chris shares insights on beneficiary designations, ensuring your life insurance benefits go exactly where you intend. We also explore the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, understanding their implications and how they fit into your estate plan.

Chris Wilbur sheds light on the critical need for assigning financial and medical decision-making powers through legal documents, and establishing who will care for children if the need arises, emphasizing these steps for parental peace of mind. He stresses the need for clear decisions to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for.

Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the podcast: 

(3:50) Are your assets ready for the unexpected? 

(4:35) What really counts as your estate? 

(5:24) What is probate, and why does it matter? 

(7:14) What is ancillary probate? 

(8:23) How does a trust complement a will?

(10:22) Do you need life insurance for family security?

(12:21) Revocable vs. irrevocable trusts: what's the difference? 

(15:07) How do durable and healthcare powers of attorney differ?

(18:51) What's involved in guardianship designation?

For a comprehensive guide on starting your estate planning journey, listen to this episode with Chris Wilbur. Estate planning is an essential step for everyone, regardless of your financial status.

About Chris Wilbur

Chris Wilbur, the Founder and President of Soteria Wealth Advisors, brings over a decade of experience in the financial industry to his hometown of Austin, TX. With a career that began in a hybrid insurance and investment brokerage firm, Chris has developed a keen focus on protecting individuals from life's uncertainties, such as disability or premature death, ensuring they have a robust risk management plan. 

His decision to establish Soteria Wealth Advisors was driven by his commitment to guiding clients toward financial security. Chris believes in the power of choice in financial planning and prioritizes building lasting relationships with clients to effectively support their wealth growth, preservation, and the pursuit of their aspirations.

Contact Chris Today! 

LinkedIn 

Website 

Disclaimer:

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

Welcome to this episode of "Virtual US Financial Advisor," where our host, Hannah Mitrea, engages in a conversation with Philip H. Weiss, CFA, CPA, RLP® & Founder of Apprise Wealth Management.

Our guest takes us from his early struggles with family finances to his dedication to helping others achieve financial security. He shares how personal challenges shaped his approach to wealth management, emphasizing the need for financial education and empowerment, particularly for women.

Phil breaks down the 50/30/20 rule, offering a simple yet effective framework for budgeting. But he doesn't stop there; he introduces us to the "EVOKE" method, a deeper dive into life planning that connects financial choices with personal fulfillment. The conversation then turns to the risks and rewards of investing, where Phil advocates for a balanced strategy that supports long-term goals.

The selection of a financial advisor is another key topic. Phil outlines what to look for in an advisor, stressing the importance of finding someone who truly understands your financial journey and aspirations. He also tackles the often-overlooked aspect of tax planning, highlighting strategies like Roth conversions that can make a significant impact over time.

Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the episode: 

(6:21) The 50/30/20 rule: Balancing needs, wants, and savings 

(11:42) What does effective life planning entail

(14:32) The power of a vision statement

(21:29) How to incorporate your passions into financial planning

(22:36) The real cost of chasing the market in investments

(24:40) The kit for DIY financial management

(25:11) How to find a financial advisor you can trust

(29:36) Why start tax planning early in the year

Join us as Phil Weiss blends personal anecdotes with actionable financial advice, encouraging us to think critically about our financial paths. This episode is more than just tips on managing money; it's about aligning financial decisions with what matters most in life. 

Ready to take control of your financial future with a new perspective? Tune in now! 

About Phil Weiss

Phil Weiss, founder of Apprise Wealth Management, began his career in 1987 as a tax professional at Deloitte & Touche. With over 25 years in personal finance and investment management, he holds CFA, CPA, and RLP® credentials. Phil has contributed as a media spokesperson, written market commentaries, and frequently participates in podcasts. He blogs regularly for Apprise, focusing on long-term investment strategies. Phil launched his RIA to specialize in financial planning for women facing new beginnings. He holds a BS in Accounting from Rutgers University and studied Psychology at Duke University.

Contact Phil Today! 

Email

LinkedIn 

Website 

Free E-Book: How to Flourish Through Life’s Big Changes - Five Steps For Women Facing New Beginnings

Financial Blog 

Facebook

Disclaimer:

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

Join Hannah Mitrea on the Virtual US Financial Advisor podcast for an enlightening conversation with Dr. April Murdaugh, CEO of Woman To Woman Financial. Our guest shares her personal story of overcoming financial hurdles and the importance of financial education, especially for women. This episode covers women's unique challenges in the finance sector and the need for empathetic advising.

Delving into why financial education is foundational for success, Dr. April emphasizes creating a learning space free from shame or preconceptions. She addresses transforming financial fear into mastery and empowering women in their financial decisions.

The discussion also offers insights into turning complex financial scenarios into clear, achievable goals, reevaluating spending patterns for a debt-free lifestyle, and tailoring strategies to individual retirement dreams.

Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the podcast:

(5:04) Why is financial education the first step to success?

(8:31) The journey from financial fear to mastery

(10:05) Turning complex finances into achievable goals

(12:51) Is your spending pattern the culprit of financial stress?

(21:20) What does your ideal financial lifestyle look like?

(25:34) Why should teenagers start investing with just $50?

Listen to the episode to explore Dr. April's thoughtful question, "What does your ideal financial lifestyle look like, and how can we plan for it?" and to navigate the world of personal finance with clarity and confidence.

About Dr. April Murdaugh

Dr. April Murdaugh is the CEO of Woman To Woman Financial, which is dedicated to guiding women executives and business owners toward financial confidence. With her comprehensive approach to financial education and empowerment, she focuses on helping her clients build and manage their financial futures.

A respected former college administrator and professor, Dr. April is actively involved in leadership roles within the Jacksonville business community. Her accolades include being named the 2020 Small Business Leader of the Year by the Professional Women's Council of the Jax Chamber.

Contact Dr. April Today! 

Email

LinkedIn 

Website 

Disclaimer:

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

How do you make sure your business exit is a success? 

We discussed this important question and more in this episode of the Virtual US Financial Advisor Podcast with Ray Croff, CEO of Mobius Financial Advisors.

Ray Croff talks about how important your team is when you plan to leave your business. He explains that the people who work for you can really affect how much your business is worth when you sell it. Ray also discusses why having good business processes is key. These processes help your business work better and look more appealing to people who might want to buy it.

Remember, the key to maximizing your business value is to think like a buyer. Looking from the outside and having a bird's eye view of your business is how you are going to get a holistic picture and make the necessary improvements. 

He also covers the need to prepare your business to run without you. Ray shares ideas on moving from a business that depends a lot on its founder to one where a strong management team can take charge, keeping the business going strong.

Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the podcast: 

(6:39) How do key employees influence sale price?

(7:57) Is your business too dependent on you?

(10:04) What makes employees stick around? 

(11:34) Preparing your business for a profitable exit 

(16:29) Transitioning from founder to new leadership

(19:21) The importance of periodic valuations

(21:23) De-risking your business for better offers 

For a deep look at how to plan your exit and make your business worth more, listen to this episode. Our guest offers plenty of valuable advice that can assist you with your plans to leave your business. And remember exit planning and making crucial business decisions isn't just for those nearing retirement – it's a strategy that should be considered early on.

About Ray Croff

Ray Croff is the CEO and President of Mobius Financial Advisors, bringing over 15 years of experience as a business owner, where he managed employees, equipment, and real estate. He holds degrees in Financial Services and Insurance from the University of North Texas. Ray is also a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and a Certified Value Growth Advisor. 

Additionally, he serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of North Texas. His extensive background, combined with his deep understanding of financial services, makes him exceptionally skilled in advising business owners and their families.

Contact Ray Today! 

LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/in/raycroff 

www.linkedin.com/company/mobius-financial-advisors 

Website:

www.mobiusfa.com  

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected] 

Disclaimer:

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.