Podcast
Financial Planner Search
Hosted by Gregory Wilnau · EN
Finding a financial advisor is easy. Finding the right one is hard.
Most advisors look the same on paper — credentials, services, a polished website. But what you actually need to know is how they think, how they treat people, and whether you'd even enjoy working with them.
That's what Financial Planner Search is for.
Each episode, we sit down with an independent financial advisor for an honest, in-depth conversation. No sales pitch. No jargon. Just a real look at who they are, how they work, and who they're best suited to help. By the end, you'll know what they’re all about.
Whether you're approaching retirement and looking for a fiduciary for the first time, thinking about leaving your current advisor, or simply want to make a smarter hiring decision — this show gives you the inside access you need.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Saving Entrepreneurs a Billion in Tax with Pat Lonergan | Financial Planner Search
Jul 300:33:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Financial Planner Search, Pat Lonergan, founder of Vital Wealth, serves entrepreneurs taking home over a million dollars a year who are frustrated by their tax bill. Pat runs what he calls a fractional family office - pulling cash flow, tax, investment, legal, and insurance planning into one coordinated framework for business owners whose complexity only grows as their income does.Pat traces the practice back to his own real estate background - carrying half a million dollars in debt no longer tied to assets through the 2008–2010 downturn and his realization that the advisory world wasn't built for the entrepreneur. Most of his clients already have a great CPA, attorney, and investment advisor; what they lack is a strategy that ties those pieces together. He walks through his four levels of tax planning, explains why the CPA compliance model will never produce real tax strategy, and shares his REACH framework for making sure the wealth actually supports a life worth living.Takeaways* A four-level tax framework built specifically for high-income entrepreneurs* Why your CPA isn't solving your tax problem — and what a fractional family office does instead* The REACH model: Relationships, Experiences, Advancement, Contribution, Health* A no-risk roadmap that averages $280,000 in income tax savings per client* A mission to put a billion dollars back into the hands of entrepreneursChapters* 00:00 From real estate to financial advisory* 02:11 Why entrepreneurs are underserved by traditional advisors* 05:34 Who Pat serves — the $1M+ net-income entrepreneur* 08:00 The four levels of tax planning* 12:42 How clients find him + the Vital Wealth Strategies podcast* 14:25 REACH — wealth that supports a life worth living* 19:34 Vision: a billion dollars back to entrepreneurs* 25:15 The roadmap process and onboarding* 32:02 How to get in touchYou can find them at: https://vitalwealth.comIf you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #taxstrategy #entrepreneurs #fractionalfamilyoffice
Transcribe →Building a Fence at the Top of the Cliff with R.J. Kelly | Financial Planner Search
Jun 3000:36:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Financial Planner Search, R.J. Kelly, founder of Wealth Legacy Group, discusses his multidisciplinary approach to wealth management, tax mitigation, and legacy planning for accredited investors and business owners.R.J.'s practice was forged in personal loss. At 18, he learned his father a visionary who had built a multi, multi-million-dollar company had died without the planning in place to survive him. Within ten years the business was bankrupt, and that experience launched R.J.'s mission: make sure the visionary's work outlives the visionary. Today his firm serves clients in 24 states through four integrated "legs of the table" estate planning, insurance, investments, and retirement with a tabletop of philanthropy and legacy, all held together by tax efficiency. He walks through how he helps sellers of appreciated businesses and real estate reduce, defer, offset, or in some cases eliminate the tax on a liquidity event, including strategies to "unring the bell" for clients who already closed a sale. R.J. also shares the longevity math behind his new book, Radical Retirement Roadmap, co-written with COO Caitlin Taylor: half of today's 73-year-olds are projected to still be alive at age 99.5, so the plan has to fund a life that runs a lot longer than most people expect.Takeaways* Build the fence at the top of the cliff — plan for tax before the sale, not after* It's not how much you make on the upside, it's how much you don't lose on the downside* Make sure the money lasts longer than you live - plan to age 100* Holistic planning rests on four legs: estate, insurance, investments, retirement* You can make more money by paying less tax than by making more moneyChapters* 00:00 Why R.J. Became a Financial Advisor* 04:32 Ideal Clients & the Inherited IRA Case* 11:37 Selling a Business & First-Meeting Questions* 13:48 Independent RIA & Alternative Investments* 15:20 The Four T's & the Apartment Exit Case* 18:12 How Clients Find R.J.* 20:14 Building a Fence at the Top of the Cliff* 22:48 Public Speaking & Radical Retirement Roadmap* 25:46 The Origin of Age 65 & Longevity to 100* 30:45 Onboarding & the Four Legs of the Table* 35:51 How to Reach Wealth Legacy GroupYou can find them at: https://wealthlegacygroup.comIf you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #taxmitigation #retirementplanning #alternatives
Transcribe →People Over Portfolios with Brad Mendel | Financial Planner Search
Jun 2500:29:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Financial Planner Search, Brad Mendel of Mendel Money discusses how a second-generation, family-built practice puts financial planning first and lets that plan drive investment decisions. Brad shares his path from IT consulting and actuarial work into the firm his father started in 1989, and how they transformed a stock-picking business into full-service wealth management with an investment ethos built in from day one.Brad talks candidly about how losing his wife to breast cancer two years ago reshaped the way he advises clients especially retirees who saved diligently for decades but struggle to spend with confidence. He explains why it often takes two to three years of repetitive reassurance before clients feel safe living their best life, his "guardrail" approach to gradual course corrections, and core values like "people over portfolios" and "meet you where you are." He also covers tiered client service models, why he won't push every dollar under management, his upcoming education initiative for widows and widowers, and the Elements program he uses to make planning tangible for younger clients and junior advisors.TakeawaysPeople over portfolios — align strategy with how clients actually want to use their moneyThe guardrail approach — address overspending with a 3–5 year plan, not overnight demandsWhy it takes 2–3 years before many retirees feel comfortable spending down savingsMeet clients where they are — tiered pricing, referrals, and client-first recommendationsPlanning-led wealth management built on a family investment legacy since 1989Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mendel Money02:45 Who Brad Serves03:08 Client Uncertainty and Market Fear04:44 Spending vs. Saving — A Personal Perspective06:07 The Two-to-Three-Year Spending Transition09:10 First Meeting Questions and Career Risk Decisions11:13 Family Succession and Buying Out Dad14:56 Core Values: People Over Portfolios18:30 Widows and Widowers Education Initiative21:52 Elements and Training Junior Advisors24:07 Onboarding and Client Service Tiers28:43 How to Get in TouchYou can find them at: https://www.mendelmoney.com/If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #retirementplanning #wealthmanagement
Transcribe →Offense, Defense & Coach with Jeremy Self | Financial Planner Search
Jun 2300:30:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Financial Planner Search, Jeremy Self of Cedarwood Financial Partners discusses his holistic approach to wealth management built around offense, defense, and coach. Jeremy explains how investment consulting drives growth toward a work-optional lifestyle, while advanced planning and protection strategies guard against the risks that can derail it. He also shares how Cedarwood coordinates CPAs, attorneys, and other professionals so clients can delegate financial complexity and focus on living their lives.Jeremy serves entrepreneurial business owners who want concierge-level support, and he has developed a particular passion for advocating for single women, widows, and clients navigating divorce — shaped in part by being raised by a single mom and by a friend's reminder that his role is to take care of people's families. From his path out of eleven years in ministry and nine years leading Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, to discovery meetings that explore family, bucket lists, and first memories of money, Jeremy walks through Cedarwood's Discover → Develop → Deploy process and the firm's vision of Amazon efficiency with Ritz-Carlton service across nine offices in seven cities.TakeawaysOffense, defense, and coach — a framework for holistic wealth managementWhy business owners and vulnerable clients (especially single women) seek concierge advocacyThe three questions every new client asks: running out of money, adequate coverage, and feesFee-only retainer vs. blended AUM — matching the model to how involved clients want to bePurpose-driven planning using the MIT Age Lab "8,000 Days" concept for fulfilling retirementChapters00:00 Introduction to Cedarwood Financial Partners02:26 Offense, Defense, and Coach Explained04:38 Client Types Jeremy Serves08:06 From Ministry to Financial Planning10:03 Top Client Questions and Fee Models15:10 Discovery, Values, and the 8,000 Days Framework19:52 Money Stories and Scarcity vs. Abundance21:29 Practice Vision: Amazon Efficiency, Ritz-Carlton Service24:30 Onboarding: Discover, Develop, Deploy29:26 How to Get in TouchYou can find them at: http://cedarwoodfp.com/If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #wealthmanagement #retirementplanning
Transcribe →Generational Wealth & Collaborative Planning with Steven Rogé | Financial Planner Search
Jun 1800:37:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Financial Planner Search, Steven Rogé, a financial advisor, discusses his firm’s multi-generational approach to comprehensive wealth management. Steven explores how his firm (R.W. Rogé & Company) provides a collaborative team environment, focusing on personalized solutions for young savers, pre-retirees, and post-retiree "do-it-yourselfers." He shares insights into the firm’s commitment to process-driven planning, the importance of proactive estate and tax planning, and the evolution of his career from investment management to holistic financial guidance.TakeawaysMulti-generational client relationshipsCollaborative team-based financial planningProactive estate and tax strategiesChapters00:00 Introduction and Practice Overview06:19 Typical Client Situations and Patterns10:33 Unique Needs of Younger Savers15:44 Technology and Future Vision25:58 The Client Onboarding and Ongoing ProcessYou can find them at: https://www.rwroge.com/If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/#financialplanning #wealthmanagement #financialplannersearch #estateplanning #fiduciary
Transcribe →Holistic Wealth & Exit Planning for Business Owners with Jason Priebe | Financial Planner Search
Jun 1500:33:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Financial Planner Search, Jason Priebe of Magnetic North Advisors, discusses his comprehensive, all-in-one approach to wealth management, tax, and insurance.Drawing from his unique legal background, Jason shares how his firm helps successful but overwhelmed small business owners find clarity, optimize their cash flow, and navigate complex business transitions. Jason breaks down his highly structured onboarding process including his "quarterly accomplishment" framework and explains his vision for scaling a practice that delivers a seamless, identical client experience across the board.TakeawaysIntegrated Wealth Management (Planning, Tax, and Insurance)Structured, Quarterly-Driven Client OnboardingChapters00:00 Introduction and Jason’s Journey from Law School to Financial Planning04:01 Why Successful Business Owners Are Overwhelmed07:13 Eliminating the Middleman: Integrating Planning, Tax, and Insurance11:13 Unlocking Business Value and Transition Planning15:28 Scaling the Practice and Ensuring Client Continuity22:44 The Fit Call, Discovery, and Quarterly Onboarding Process33:09 Next Steps and How to Connect with Magnetic North AdvisorsYou can find them at: www.magneticnorthadvisors.comIf you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #businessexit #wealthmanagement
Transcribe →Architectural Wealth Design and the "Henry" Client with Jason Sherr | Financial Planner Search
Jun 900:28:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Financial Planner Search, Jason Sherr, founder of Stratefi Wealth Management, explains how his background in architecture at UC Berkeley shaped his unique approach to "designing" financial plans. Jason views himself as the "quarterback" or Financial Director for his clients, ensuring that every piece of their financial life, from tax strategy to risk management, is coordinated so they can focus on what truly matters. He discusses the specific needs of "Henrys" (High Earners, Not Rich Yet), the importance of flat-fee planning for those still building their assets, and why retirement is a significant identity shift that requires more than just numerical preparation.TakeawaysThe Architectural Approach: Using design principles to build a plan that accounts for goals, existing structures, and future growth.Attitude Over Assets: Why finding the right "attitudinal fit" is more important for a long-term partnership than a specific net worth.Chapters00:00 Introduction and the "Architecture" of Financial Planning06:02 Client Acquisition, Onboarding, and the "Quarterback" Model12:00 Understanding "Henrys" and the Mental Shift of Retirement18:02 Practice Growth: Solving the CPA and Trust Attorney Shortage24:08 Controlling the Controllables: Behavior and Relationship ManagementYou can find them at: https://www.stratefiwealth.com/If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/
Transcribe →Building a Wealth Management "Scene" with Matt Zeigler | Financial Planner Search
Jun 800:36:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Financial Planner Search, we sit down with Matt Zeigler, Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor at Sunpoint Investments. Transitioning from a career in the music industry to wealth management after the digital collapse of the mid-2000s , Matt brings a uniquely creative, systems-thinking approach to managing money.He challenges traditional corporate wirehouses which he describes as "financial Walmarts" obsessed with scaling away the client relationship and instead advocates for building an intimate advisor-client "scene".Matt breaks down his unique concept of "garden glove service," where advisors get their hands dirty alongside their clients to foster growth across an entrepreneur's entire ecosystem. He also shares his comprehensive, 5-part planning playbook that focuses on the Team, Calendar, Cash Flows, Balance Sheet, and critical "What-If" Questions to create true financial context. Finally, Matt dives into how he builds "parasocial relationships" through his popular podcasts like Excess Returns to cultivate high-trust networks before clients ever step foot in the door.TakeawaysWealth Management as a "Scene": Why traditional scale metrics dilute client relationships and why maintaining a localized, dedicated core environment delivers better long-term results."Garden Glove" over "White Glove" Service: Swapping out superficial butler-style service for a gritty, roll-up-your-sleeves commitment to multi-generational growth.The 5-Part Context Playbook: Moving beyond cookie-cutter answers by deeply vetting a client’s Team, Calendar, Cash Flows, Balance Sheet (valuing the business as an asset), and protective legal/insurance Questions.Leveraging Media for Trust: Using niche podcasts to build parasocial bridges, enabling potential clients to vet communication styles and values long before a formal discovery meeting.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Musical Backgrounds02:29 Navigating the Collapse of the Music Industry and Entering Finance03:50 Moving Away from "Financial Walmarts" to Protect Client Best Interests08:52 Startups vs. Scenes: Challenging Corporate Scale in Wealth Management13:46 Why We Provide "Garden Glove Service" Instead of White Glove Service15:28 Serving the Entire Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Entrepreneurs, Executives, & Employees18:51 The Power of Parasocial Relationships: Marketing and Podcasting in the Internet Era22:13 Inside Matt's Shows: Excess Returns, The Intentional Investor, and Blind Networking29:03 The 5-Part Financial Planning Playbook: Team, Calendar, Cash Flows, Balance Sheet, & Questions33:54 Client Communication Frameworks and Capacity Guardrails37:12 How to Connect with Matt Zeigler and Sunpoint InvestmentsYou can find Matt Zeigler at: https://sunpointeinvestments.com/If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/#financialplanning #wealthmanagement #entrepreneurecosystem #gardengloveservice #financialplannersearch #podcastingforadvisors
Transcribe →Main Street Wealth & The Life Strategic Plan with Donald Morgan | Financial Planner Search
Jun 200:33:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Financial Planner Search, Donald Morgan, lead financial planner and co-owner of Colmena, discusses his holistic approach to wealth management for Main Street business owners. Donald shares his deeply moving journey from a thwarted childhood dream of becoming a space shuttle pilot to finding his true calling in the people-first world of financial planning. He details Colmena’s unique "honeycomb" structure—spanning financial planning, asset management, tax strategy, and risk management and explains why a comprehensive plan is essential in an increasingly uncertain world. Drawing from powerful personal experiences, including a tragic early-career wake-up call in Kansas, Donald highlights the critical components of a "Life Strategic Plan" and his mission to help family businesses thrive all the way to the finish line.TakeawaysThe Power of a Life Strategic Plan: Why a true financial plan must go beyond the numbers to protect a family's personal, social, and emotional capital.The Honeycomb Philosophy: How integrating financial planning, tax strategy, asset management, and risk mitigation under one collaborative roof benefits the entire community.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Donald's Backstory05:50 The Four Core Businesses of Colmena08:30 Checklists, Aviation, and the Tragic Kansas Story13:04 The Five Pillars of a Life Strategic Plan16:10 Saving the Starfish: Helping Main Street Businesses Win21:55 Building Trust and the Systematic Mentorship Model29:56 How to Connect with DonaldYou can find Donald here: http://www.donaldfmorgan.com/If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #wealthmanagement #businessowners #successionplanning
Transcribe →Executive Comp & Flat-Fee Planning with Malcolm Etheridge | Financial Planner Search
May 2800:30:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Financial Planner Search, Malcolm Etheridge, a Certified Financial Planner and Enrolled Agent at Capital Area Planning Groups, discusses his specialized approach to untangling complex executive compensation issues for senior leaders at publicly traded companies. He highlights how his firm operates as a stripped-down multifamily office tailored for high-net-worth families and "recovering DIYers". Malcolm shares his unique journey transitioning from computer engineering to becoming a self-proclaimed "tax nerd" , explaining why deeply understanding tax implications is vital to diagnosing a client's true financial health. He also breaks down his structured 5-meeting onboarding framework and details how his team helps clients navigate sudden corporate shifts, such as Microsoft's recent early retirement offers.TakeawaysNavigating Complex Executive Equity Compensation: Solving intricacies like vesting windows, blackout periods, and regulatory filings for busy corporate leaders.The 5-Meeting Onboarding Experience: Building deep alignment by separating mathematical planning from core money psychology.Flexible Flat-Fee & Asset Management Models: Giving clients the freedom to "choose their own adventure" without forcing them to give up investment control.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Capital Area Planning Groups and Executive Comp07:24 Navigating Corporate Milestones and Microsoft's Early Retirement Offers12:53 Flat-Fee Planning, AUM, and Serving the Recovering DIYer20:25 The 5-Meeting Onboarding Process and Client Action Items29:17 Guidance and Next StepsYou can find them at: CAPGLLC.comIf you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/#financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #equitycompensation #taxplanning
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