Episode Summary: Root Talks – What Role Does "Fun" Play in an Advisory Relationship?

In this insightful episode of Ready For Retirement, host James Knoll, CFP®, and co-host Ari delve into the nuanced role that "fun" plays within advisory relationships. Titled "Root Talks: What Role Does 'Fun' Play in an Advisory Relationship?", the episode, released on March 20, 2025, explores how incorporating fun can enhance trust, resilience, and effectiveness in financial advising, especially during challenging times.

1. Introduction to Root Talks

The episode kicks off with James introducing the evolution of the Root Collective, a community platform that has recently transitioned to being free of charge. This strategic move aims to make the collective more accessible and inclusive, fostering a thriving community where members can engage, ask questions, and receive financial guidance.

James Knoll [00:07]:

"We're going to start answering questions directly from the community, from the collective here on this podcast."

Ari further explains that Root Talks will now feature community-driven questions, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the podcast and its commitment to addressing listeners' real concerns.

2. Community Engagement and Accessibility

James announces that the Root Collective is now free, a significant shift designed to expand accessibility. This decision has led to increased traction and a surge in new members eager to participate and benefit from the collective's resources.

James Knoll [00:07]:

"If you're not already in the root collective, it is now free. It did not start that way, but we made the decision to say, how do we make this as accessible and available to as many people as possible? We make it free."

Ari highlights the importance of the Root Collective as a hub for submitting questions, ensuring that members can easily engage and receive personalized advice.

3. Defining "Fun" in Advisory Relationships

The core of the episode revolves around a question posed by a community member, George Darcy, regarding the intersection of fun and service in financial advising.

George Darcy [Paraphrased]:

"Fun is especially important during market downturns. How do you take something that can be super serious and emotionally draining and keep the fun times going? Because to me, that's when we need it most."

James responds by sharing a personal anecdote from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating the critical importance of self-care and preparation in maintaining both personal well-being and professional effectiveness during crises.

James Knoll [02:16]:

"I realized the importance of taking care of myself in that moment, as selfish as that sounds. I need to make sure that I'm getting up, I'm meditating, I'm praying, I'm exercising, I'm doing all these things so I could go into the day feeling fresh, feeling ready..."

He recounts how engaging in physical activities like working out on the beach helped him stay mentally prepared to support his clients through unprecedented challenges.

4. Fun as Preparation: The Sports Analogy

Ari enriches the discussion with a sports analogy, likening the preparation required in financial advising to that of an athlete training for a game.

Ari [07:14]:

"When I play soccer, it's fun to be prepared. We train during the week, other teams don't that we'll play against. But it's fun feeling prepared."

This analogy underscores that fun in the advisory context doesn't refer to frivolous activities but rather to the fulfillment and readiness that come from consistent preparation and team cohesion. By fostering a preparatory mindset, advisors can better navigate market downturns and other client challenges.

5. Building Trust Through Fun and Healthy Relationships

A pivotal theme in the episode is the role of trust in sustaining advisory relationships, especially during bear markets and other stressful periods.

Ari [08:22]:

"The biggest word there is, which is trust. And it's hard to find a new advisor and trust them."

James elaborates on how fun activities and a healthy work environment contribute to building stronger, trust-based relationships with clients. By enjoying their work and maintaining a positive team dynamic, advisors can ensure they remain resilient and supportive when clients face financial uncertainties.

James Knoll [08:53]:

"By the way, I love your sports analogy. [...] We want this to be a fun place so that we can develop healthy relationships with each other and with clients, so that when the day of testing comes, which isn't just a bear market, [...] you're going to be a whole lot better off in that situation than you otherwise would have been."

6. Listener Questions: Maintaining Fun During Market Downturns

The episode addresses another question from the Root Collective regarding maintaining fun during high-tension periods like bear markets.

Community Member [08:22]:

"What does that intersection look like in a bear market? How do you exude fun at the intersection? When people are scared, tension is high. How do you lean into wins, celebrate avoiding pitfalls, champion security, both for your clients and your team."

James and Ari discuss strategies for celebrating successes, championing financial security, and creating an environment where both advisors and clients can find joy even amidst market volatility. They emphasize that fun in this context is about maintaining a positive outlook and robust support systems.

Ari [11:39]:

"The biggest word there is, which is trust. [...] We are really going deep and if that's not the case, like we're not doing our job well. We could not talk about fun."

7. The Foundation of Trust

Ari underscores that trust is the cornerstone of any successful advisory relationship. Building this trust requires deep, meaningful conversations and a commitment to shared goals, ensuring that clients feel secure and valued.

Ari [11:39]:

"Trust as the key word [...] ensuring that clients feel secure and valued."

James reinforces this by highlighting the necessity of healthy habits and enjoyable work environments to maintain trust during both prosperous and tumultuous times.

James Knoll [12:37]:

"The goal here is to make sure you never run out of money and that you live a life that's complete with fulfillment and purpose and everything you've dreamed and more."

8. Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode wraps up with James encouraging listeners to join the Root Collective to participate in future discussions and receive personalized advice. The hosts emphasize that fun is not merely about enjoyment but is intrinsically linked to preparation, trust-building, and resilience in financial advising.

James Knoll [14:00]:

"Join the Collective. It's completely free. Ask questions there. This is what this Root Talks is going to be all about."

A lighthearted exchange about lifeguard duties adds a touch of humor, reinforcing the podcast's approachable and friendly atmosphere.

Notable Quotes:

• James Knoll [02:16]:

  "I realized the importance of taking care of myself in that moment, as selfish as that sounds. I need to make sure that I'm getting up, I'm meditating, I'm praying, I'm exercising, I'm doing all these things so I could go into the day feeling fresh, feeling ready..."

• Ari [07:14]:

  "When I play soccer, it's fun to be prepared. We train during the week, other teams don't that we'll play against. But it's fun feeling prepared."

• Ari [08:22]:

  "The biggest word there is, which is trust. And it's hard to find a new advisor and trust them."

• James Knoll [08:53]:

  "We want this to be a fun place so that we can develop healthy relationships with each other and with clients, so that when the day of testing comes... you're going to be a whole lot better off in that situation than you otherwise would have been."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Ready For Retirement masterfully intertwines the concept of fun with practical strategies for building and maintaining trust in advisory relationships. By emphasizing preparation, self-care, and meaningful interactions, James and Ari provide listeners with actionable insights to not only achieve their retirement goals but also to foster enduring and resilient client-advisor partnerships.

For those interested in gaining deeper insights and joining the conversation, visiting the Root Collective is highly recommended. Engage with the community, ask questions, and take proactive steps towards a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Thank you for tuning into another episode of Ready For Retirement. For more information and to join the Root Collective, visit rootfinancialpartners.com and click Start Here to schedule a call with one of our advisors.