Smarter Planner Podcast

Vincent Randazzo, portfolio manager and founder of ViewRight Advisors with 20+ years studying market behavior. He explains 'lost decades' using 155 years of data. He discusses why valuation alone fails, a tiered risk-on/risk-off framework, regime-based portfolio moves, and a rules-based ETF that adjusts equity exposure systematically.

In this episode of The Smarter Planner Podcast, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, welcomes David Keller, CMT, President and Chief Strategist at Sierra Alpha Research, a boutique investment research and consulting firm. David is also a CNBC contributor and the host of the Market Misbehavior YouTube channel and podcast, where he helps investors and advisors better understand market behavior through technical analysis and storytelling. With a unique background blending finance, psychology, and creative storytelling, David shares how he built a business around content creation and why video, podcasts, and social media are becoming essential tools for advisors looking to build trust and connect with clients. In this conversation, David shares: Why advisors should embrace content creation and start before they feel "ready" How authentic, human content stands out in a world increasingly filled with AI-generated noise The importance of thinking beyond posting content and building a true "channel" or media platform Practical tools and strategies for growing a presence, including analytics, coaching, and consistency How content helps shift investors from emotional decision-making to evidence-based thinking David also explains how his own journey - from corporate roles at firms like Fidelity and Bloomberg to launching his own firm - was driven by a desire to communicate more effectively and connect with audiences in a more meaningful way. He emphasizes that advisors who show up consistently, share insights clearly, and present themselves as real people can build stronger relationships and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Guest Links Website: marketmisbehavior.com YouTube: MarketMisbehavior LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dckeller/ Recommend a Podcast Guest 👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PWXHTV7 The Smarter Planner Podcast is produced by the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA) for educational purposes only. Belle Osvath and FPA NCA do not endorse specific individuals or services mentioned.

In this episode of The Smarter Planner Podcast, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, welcomes David Marra, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Markin Asset Management, a firm focused on combining quantitative and fundamental research to help investors navigate changing market conditions and manage downside risk. With decades of experience in investment research and portfolio construction, David breaks down what downside protection really means and why it has become increasingly important in today's faster-moving, more volatile markets. While many portfolios are built for growth, David explains how advisors can better evaluate risk, manage drawdowns, and build strategies that protect capital without giving up long-term opportunity. David also discusses how global forces—like geopolitical conflict, supply chain disruptions, and rising interest rates—are contributing to increased market volatility, and why advisors need to adapt their investment approach accordingly. He emphasizes that effective portfolio construction is not just about avoiding losses, but about managing downside risk while still positioning clients for long-term growth. Guest Links Website: https://markinfunds.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-marra-8693b44 Recommend a Podcast Guest 👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PWXHTV7 The Smarter Planner Podcast is produced by the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA) for educational purposes only. Belle Osvath and FPA NCA do not endorse specific individuals or services mentioned.

Rich Arzaga, CFP® and CCIM, founder of Real Estate Whisperer Financial Planning, helps advisors integrate income real estate into financial plans. He breaks down 1031 exchanges, timing rules, matching value and debt, and the risks of taxable “boot.” He also covers selling active holdings for passive options, vetting intermediaries, and spotting exchange opportunities in planning.

Tyson Ray, author of Total Succession and longtime advisor-builder, shares hard-won lessons from buying, selling, and reshaping firms. He dives into how aggregators and private equity change exit choices. Short takes cover valuation trade-offs, risks of waiting, building internal succession with team incentives, multi-generational client retention, and his SPACE framework for planning intentional transitions.

In this episode of The Smarter Planner Podcast, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, welcomes Erik Brenner, President and CEO of Hilltop Wealth and Tax Solutions. Erik shares how his firm has adopted a "personal CFO" approach inspired by the traditional family office model historically reserved for ultra-wealthy families and adapted it for middle-income clients who face increasingly complex financial decisions. Rather than focusing solely on investment management, Erik and his team integrate in-house tax planning, accounting services, and estate coordination into a centralized advisory experience. The goal: simplify the financial lives of clients while proactively mitigating their largest long-term expense; taxes. Erik also outlines the operational realities of launching a tax division including hiring the right talent, acquiring existing practices, and aligning incentives so the tax business becomes sustainable rather than a loss leader. As advisory services continue to evolve, Erik challenges planners to consider where the industry will be five years from now and whether asset management alone will be enough to stand out. Guest Links Website: https://hilltopwealthtax.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikbrenner Recommend a Podcast Guest 👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PWXHTV7 The Smarter Planner Podcast is produced by the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA) for educational purposes only. Belle Osvath and FPA NCA do not endorse specific individuals or services mentioned.

Liz Simmie, co-founder of Honeytree Investment Management who blends ESG and financial data; she reframes ESG metrics as core company intelligence. David Marra, founder of Markin Asset Management with decades in quantitative manager selection; he outlines disciplined frameworks for assessing manager skill and risk. They discuss evaluating manager performance, risk metrics, factor tests, ESG as fundamental data, and practical ETF-based strategies.

Leo Anzoleaga, Senior VP of Residential Lending and Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, explains how today's housing market is shaped by regional swings, inventory shortages, and hybrid work. He discusses homeowners holding ultra-low rates, how mortgage strategy fits into financial plans, and creative outreach like wine-tasting events to connect with younger generations.

Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases with nearly 30 years in press release distribution, explains what makes a release newsworthy. He highlights human-interest stories, the power of local media, SEO and AI visibility, and practical low-budget PR starts. Short, bold, and authentic approaches are emphasized for building credibility and repeated media placement.

In this discussion, Michael Kitces, Chief Financial Planning Nerd and industry expert, delves into key aspects of advisory firm productivity. He shares that measuring revenue per advisor is a consistent gauge of efficiency. Surprisingly, he reveals that technology alone doesn’t significantly boost productivity; instead, effective team structure and delegation play a crucial role. Kitces also challenges common pricing myths, advocating for advisors to charge their true worth, and highlights how the right support staff can dramatically enhance capacity.