AFO|Wealth Management Forward

In this episode, Rory and Julie speak with Inga Rachwald, Senior Investment Portfolio Strategist at Schwab Asset Management, to discuss women in investing. Discover why women tend to view investing more as a life skill rather than a competition, and the potential benefits of their generally more risk-averse nature. Explore how employing a holistic approach, by uncovering a client's values and life goals, can more effectively engage women in financial planning conversations. Uncover practical tips for onboarding women clients, ranging from communication preferences to ensuring both partners in a couple are equally involved in the decision-making process. Interested in recognizing and overcoming unconscious biases when working with women, or in fostering open and reciprocal dialogue? Find out the answers to these questions and more with insights from Inga Rachwald of Charles Schwab!

In this episode, Rory and Julie speak with Dr. Emily Koochel, the Head of Financial Wellness at eMoney. Listen as they discuss how to help clients use intrinsic motivation to increase the likelihood of success in reaching their goals. Discover ways to use solution-focused therapy to help clients identify their strengths andovercome new challenges. Learn more about eMoney's latest study on financial psychology actions and the top 5 most impactful for clients. Find out about the latest in the evolving world of financial planning and psychology with tips on increasing client engagement and well-being. Curious about how to initiate meaningful financial wellness conversations? Interested in understanding the link between personal well-being and financial health? Tune in for enlightening insights with Financial Psychology Thought Leader Dr. Emily Koochel!

Explore the concept of human-first financial guidance with Ross Marino, discussing the importance of understanding clients' aspirations. Learn about a four-question process to help clients open up and the shift from traditional planning to a more personal approach. Discover strategies for deepening client relationships and the significance of including significant others in financial discussions.

In this episode, Rory sits down with Laurence Whittam, the Managing Director at Impact Global Solutions, a strategic outsourcing advisory firm. Discover how Laurence is helping firms maximize efficiency through global teams. Listen as they discuss the staffing shortage challenges CPA firms face and how these firms are tackling the problem through the increased adoption of outsourcing. Learn about best practices for embracing alternative staffing solutions, both domestically and internationally and hear about the latest trends in M&A activity in the accounting profession. Find out why it's vital to take a strategic approach and understand the need for internal change management and comprehensive communication strategies. Are you curious about how top CPA firms are integrating global teams into a firm-wide culture? Interested in the future of outsourcing and offshoring in the accounting profession? Find out the answers to these questions and more with leading global teams advisor Laurence Whittam.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Rafael Casas, formerly of Sage and Oracle, and now a Director at QuickFee, as they discuss the evolving world of AI, the importance of relationships, and strategies for avoiding burnout. Discover Rafael's perspective on the latest AI developments and approaches for adopting this impactful technology. Hear about Rafael's personal encounter with a health scare and professional burnout, and learn the valuable lessons he learned in balancing work and life. Discover ways in which you can embrace technology while preserving the essential human element in your work. Are you curious to find out how technology companies are using F.U.D. (Fear, Uncertainty, & Doubt) to fuel the latest AI hype cycle? Do you want to find out what McKinsey said in their 2023 Gen AI research? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this informative episode with Rafael Casas.

In our Best of 2023 Part II, Rory brings together more great moments and insightful commentary from leading minds in accounting, wealth, and behavioral finance. The episode features a look into vulnerability and leadership with keynote speaker Amy Vetter and Intergenerational and Gender Communication specialist Julie Johnson. Listen as folks like Jody Padar, "The Radical CPA," talk about how AI is revolutionizing professional services. Discover why attorney and legacy planner Matthew McClintock thinks there is potential for a dawn of a new era in Bitcoin. You'll hear John Fenton discuss the power of discovering your "Why" to better connect with colleagues and clients. Hear from Dr. Kristy Archuleta discuss how we can use a more holistic approach when working with clients and why the "Sassy Septuagenarian," Keena Pettijohn believes we can all become more Sympathetic, Memorable, and Empathetic. Join us as we revisit the most impactful episodes of 2023.

In this year-end special, Rory brings you the most enlightening moments from 2023's AFO Wealth Management Forward podcast episodes. Dive into a compilation that spans a range of topics, from innovative subscription models in professional services with Ron Baker to the profound impacts of financial psychology with Dr. Preston Cherry. Discover the transformative power of aligning investments with personal values in impact investing with Toussaint Bailey and explore the cutting-edge intersection of technology and estate planning with Danny Lohrfink. Revisit the strategic insights on decision-making in unpredictable financial markets with Michael DiJoseph and the importance of emotional intelligence in financial decision-making from Doug Lennick. Find out why a majority of Americans should wait to file for Social Security with Philipp Hecker and the visionary approach to creating memorable experiences in the experience economy with Dennis Mosley Williams. Join us as we revisit these top moments in Part I of our Best of 2023 year in review.

In this engaging episode, Rory sits down with Dr. Preston Cherry, Founder of Concurrent Planning and Co-Founder of Practice Intel. Listen as they dive into the evolving world of financial advice for Generation X, addressing the unique set of challenges this demographic faces, such as balancing student loan repayments with retirement planning. Dr. Cherry shares the findings of a new study that aimed to understand how one's personality makeup influences their participation in employer sponsored plans. Learn about Dr. Cherry's work at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay’s Center for Financial Wellness, and ways in which they are helping develop the next generation of students. The episode explores the work being done in financial therapy, and ways we can enhance client relationships and overall well-being by addressing the emotional and psychological aspects our financial decisions. Are you interested in discovering how financial habits and attitudes change across life stages? Want to learn about an emotional H.S.A. (Honest Self Audit)? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Dr. Preston Cherry!

In this episode, Rory along with guest co-host Julie Johnson, speaks with Keena Pettijohn, a pioneer with experience in FinTech, Insurtech, and Age Tech Solutions. They discuss how financial professionals can assist people in living more fulfilling lives, highlighting ways to work with clients in their 70s and 80s. Keena introduces the concept of S.M.E. - Sympathy, Meaning, Empathy - as a method for advisors to deepen client relationships. She shares her unique approach to longevity planning, highlighting the seven essential components that intertwine financial health with overall well-being. Discover how Keena uses storytelling and personal narratives to foster genuine connections, and learn about the transformational role of vulnerability in building meaningful relationships. Are you curious to find out how you can help those retirees who may be suffering silently in loneliness? Do you want to learn how you can craft your personal story? Find out the answers to these questions and more with the Sassy Septuagenarian Keena Pettijohn!

In this episode, Rory and guest co-host Julie Johnson speak with Susan Doty, founding director of the Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy at the University of Texas at Tyler. Listen as Susan breaks down her 'Economic Way of Thinking,' highlighting why everything we value is scarce, why we can't have it all, and how this means we have to make choices. Learn about Susan's "First Responder Finance" course, that provides finance and economics education for social workers and criminal justice majors. Learn about the Gen Z trend of "soft saving" and how the younger generation is prioritizing life experiences over traditional long-term retirement savings. Curious about how we can start to have the financial literacy conversation with kids at a younger age? Are you interested in the learning education, social work, criminal justice, and traditional finance? Do you want to know ways you can get involved in P-20 education to improve financial literacy in our education system? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Professor Susan Doty!