NAPFA Nation Podcast

In Episode #06 of NAPFA Nation, Lydia Sheckels, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, of Wescott Financial Advisory Group, shares highlights from her career in financial services, including how she became fee-only financial planner, and why she decided to eventually join NAPFA and raise her hand for service/leadership roles within the fiduciary community that would come back to help her in unexpected ways. While she set out to simply be of service, the surprise to her was that she learned new things and became a better financial planning practitioner and leader within Wescott, the Registered Investment Advisor and wealth management firm that would eventually become her beloved career home base. Sheckels shares: How participating in the fee-only community helped shape her career and created a profound sense of purpose How fellow NAPFA pioneers such as Michael Joyce, Judy Lau, and Marjorie Fox – among others – lead the charge in NAPFA's early days Why she is so encouraged by the fiduciary movement and the growth of commission-free wealth management and financial planning firms nationwide How established firms can help the next generation of financial planners as they eagerly seek to join the fiduciary community Key points: When Sheckles joined Wescott, it was "a tiny firm" and the term "fiduciary" was hardly used in financial planning circles. Today, Wescott is one of the larger wealth management firms in the fiduciary community and now the terms "fee-only" and "fiduciary" are used widely in financial planning circles, by personal financial journalists, and professors who are training up the next generation of financial planners, investment advisors, and wealth managers. In addition to the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, the fiduciary standard is now the "mother standard" for an array of professional organizations such as Alliance of Comprehensive Planners, XY Planning Network, and the Garrett Planning Network. As NAPFA celebrates its 40th anniversary, this podcast with Sheckels is one you won't want to miss. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #05 of NAPFA Nation – livestreamed from the big podcast stage at the 2023 Morningstar Investment Conference in Chicago – Tara Unverzagt, CFP®, of South Bay Financial Partners tells us how she became fee-only financial planner, and why she decided to develop new access points for people who dread facing, or worse, are stressed and worried about financial decisions. Unverzagt has been working in financial planning, investment advice, and tax preparation for over 20 years. She specializes in multigenerational financial planning which includes raising a family, having a successful retirement, generation wealth transfer, and financial coaching for younger generations. But over the years she saw that there need to be more options to help people from all income and asset levels master the intimidating world of money, simplify confusing financial decisions, and manage expenses. Unverzagt shares: How and why she built an exclusive community of financial planners, financial therapists, accountants, students, parents, business owners, and others via an affordable solution that helps people live amazing, purpose-filled and financially stable lives The differences between financial coaching, financial therapy, and financial planning 6 behaviors that if strengthened lead to better wealth accumulation How certain money beliefs can work for us – or hold us back Ways technology can aid humans seeking to improve the decision-making process Key points: While we all need to be saving for a rainy day and investing for the future, it's the day-to-day choices that will make or break us. Integrating financial therapy into financial planning helps people learn to relax and move forward in the most productive way. Listing her prices for the various services and programs offered at her firm shows potential clients that she is interested in helping them make better financial decisions – and a good first step is for them to know how much they are paying for the one-time service and/or ongoing interaction and support they need. Understanding how the brain is wired helps us see why people make the decisions they do. Intentional spending is possible with the right information, education, and mindset. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

In Episode #04 of NAPFA Nation, Katie Burke, CFP® and Bridget Grimes, CFP® talk with host Marie Swift about how they became fee-only financial planners with two independently owned and operated firms, plus how – and why – they came together to establish Equita Financial Network (EFN), an umbrella Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) for other women-led RIA firms. Grimes, who was once told by a male in her previous employer's peer group that she was "too ambitious", and Burke, who was looking for other like-minded women with whom to create synergies, found each other and built their own solution (EFN) because they couldn't find it anywhere else. Today, the two are forging ahead, bridging the gap, for other women-led financial planning firms. Burke and Grimes tell us: How they got started in the financial planning profession and why they are so passionate about helping other women be successful as independent financial advisors What they are doing to combat pay disparity, lack of female role models, and how to overcome the confidence gap How to find the right mentors and professional communities Why the DEIB movement matters – and how they are embracing it Productivity "hacks" for any busy business owner Key points: As a profession, we need to help women feel valued and supported. Pay transparency, mentorship, role models, flexibility, community, and resources are needed. The financial services industry must do more than just talk the talk; more action is needed – including tangible resources and proven communities of support. Women in the financial advisory world can help by looking for ways to mentor or work alongside other women. Representation and visibility matters. Grit and ambition is needed as an independent business owner; seeing these great qualities, especially in a woman, is important. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #03 of NAPFA Nation, Elizabeth Jetton, CFP®, shares thoughts on using mindful conversation to build trust and create engagement. Jetton has been a thought leader in the financial planning profession for the past 20 years. She has been in the financial services industry since 1981, a CFP® professional since 1991, and served as President of The Financial Planning Association in 2004. In 2010, she retired from her financial planning practice to focus on consulting to financial planning firms and teaching. Today she helps advisors and firms build thriving client-centered practices, processes, services and deliverables. She is on the faculty of Golden Gate University where she teaches Personal Financial Planning – a role she began in 2015. Jetton tells us: How she got started in the financial planning space and what she's doing now as a part of her encore performance Why having a good mindset is an important part of a happy life and a successful career The most important thing for young planners to consider as they chart their career path How to change the conversation with women about money and finances to empower, educate and engage more effectively Key points: Model what's possible. Sometimes life has its own agenda; the path is not always linear or clear. Just keep walking in the direction that feels right – and as you walk through what may feel like a foggy landscape, watch for and be open to serendipitous surprises. Keep showing up and consider that happenstance can be a good thing. As we move through the seasons of our careers, continue planting seeds; sometimes the seeds may look dormant and we don't get to see anything but the roots are forming. Find authentic ways to express who you are in the world – and who you are for others. Do your own work as a practitioner. Stay open, curious and humble. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #02 of NAPFA Nation, we hear from Wendy Hartman, CFP®, President of Buckingham Strategic Wealth, a growing organization of advisors, financial specialists, and national thought leaders committed to delivering on the promise of true wealth management. As a Registered Investment Advisor, the essence of their approach is based on a pledge to act in the best interest of clients, including individuals, businesses, trusts, Non-Profit organizations, healthcare professionals, and retirement plans. Hartman is responsible for providing strategic leadership, in conjunction with the Buckingham's Board and other firm leaders. After decades of working as a wealth advisor, she is proud to lead the firm as they continue to safeguard their clients' lives. Hartman has enduring passion for the industry and recognizes that NAPFA's role in the financial planning profession is to be a relentless advocate for the Fee-Only community through consumer awareness, education, and partnerships. She joined NAPFA in 2017 and is enthusiastic about her new role as a NAPFA Board member (Chair Elect for the 2022-2023 term). Hartman tells us: How she got started in this profession and why she is passionate about financial planning and the fiduciary standard What is important for financial advisory firms that are growing to think about as they build out their strategy and how Buckingham is approaching growth in 2023 How Buckingham's strategic objectives stand on four pillars – and what the four pillars are The most important thing for young planners to consider as they chart their career path The key to success and how to set yourself apart in a noisy, digital world Why she is looking forward to transitioning to Board Chair for NAPFA Key point: Many of today's leaders have adopted management thinker Peter Drucker's "be (intelligently) curious" philosophy – and this approach is ever more relevant as the world increases in complexity. An article in the Harvard Business Review stresses the importance of being curious, saying: "Leaders don't need to know everything. In fact, it's an impossibility. Things change too rapidly for that." Hartman, who says she tries to stay curious as she moves through life, agrees. She's always been interested in math and numbers – and her mother was a great encourager of higher education. Golden nuggets from Hartman in the podcast: "Be a curious learner." "Set yourself apart by bringing best-in-class thinking to your organization." "Create an open canvas." Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #01 of NAPFA Nation, "Talent Pool: Advancing Diversity in the Financial Planning Profession," we hear from Luis Rosa, CFP®, EA. Rosa came to the U.S. at age 11 from the Dominican Republic. Growing up in New York City, he noticed the lack of financial literacy in his community and was inspired by his parents to work hard and pursue an education. He founded Build a Better Financial Future LLC and is the host of the On My Way to Wealth podcast. In 2019, Rosa was named to the InvestmentNews "40 Under 40" list, Financial Advisor magazine's "10 Young Advisors to Watch" list, and as Investopedia's "Top 100 Advisors" list. From participating as an FPA NexGen Ambassador & Host, to speaking at the CFP Board's Diversity Summit, Rosa uses his platform to help spread financial literacy as well as encourage younger and diverse planners to join and thrive in the industry. He joined NAPFA in May 2020. Rosa tells us: How he got started in this profession and why he made the business decisions he did Some of the biggest money mistakes he made when younger How learning about cultural competencies helped him to better serve his clients Why being an advocate for DEIB in financial planning is critical to the profession and the communities that advisors serve What advisors starting their DEIB journeys might consider Why he and three other co-founders established the BLX Internship program for aspiring Black and Latinx financial planners to obtain an internship at a fee-only financial planning firm Key point: The financial planning industry is woefully underrepresented from a diversity standpoint. In fact, 73% of Certified Financial Planners are white males. Rosa believes that in order to move the financial planning profession forward, the profession must be more representative of the population of our country. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

In Episode #32 of Mindset Mastery, "Emotional Intelligence: How to Improve and Use EQ in Everyday Life," host Marie Swift, CEO of Impact Communications, recaps the 2022 episodes so that listeners who missed one of these fabulous conversations can get a few quick tips from her summary – and make a note to go back and listen to the episodes that call to them. She also talks about Emotional Intelligence – commonly referred to as EQ, which stands for "emotional quotient." While IQ tests measure our ability to solve problems, use logic, and grasp or communicate complex ideas. EQ tests measure our ability to recognize emotion in ourselves and others, and to use that awareness to guide our decisions. In a nutshell: Life is full of ups and downs. Learning to deal with emotions creatively and employ our own intelligence in a beneficial way is one of the best things we can do to help ourselves and others. We are subject to a constant stream of positive and negative emotions, but what distinguishes us as human beings is that we are capable of positive change. We must practice emotional intelligence. Like any muscle, it can atrophy if not exercised. This episode provides helpful insights and tips on how the human brain is wired, how to listen and communicate more effectively, and how to make better decisions by working on our EQ – a measure that – unlike IQ – can be improved over time. To learn more about Marie Swift and her work in the financial services industry, visit www.MarieSwift.com. Special Note: In 2023, you'll see a new album cover and series title! We will be shifting our monthly episodes a bit but will continue to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Join Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, as she interviews a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #31 of Mindset Mastery, "Choose Wisely: How Mindfulness and Attentive Listening Can Help You Make Better Decisions," host Marie Swift speaks with author, poet, and teacher Gary J. Boelhower, PhD. As Professor Emeritus at The College of St. Scholastica, he continues to teach health humanities; healthcare ethics; living, dying and grieving; and leadership and wholeness. In this episode of Mindset Mastery, he tells us how to become grounded when we are afraid, when to use open-ended questions and inquisitiveness to reduce polarization, and what the most critical skill is if you want to make live a more meaningful life filled with authentic leadership. In a nutshell: Stress can kill our ability to cope. Being fully present for ourselves and for others is the key to staying attentive, focused, and deeply aware. The 3 Dimensions of Awareness – focus, context, and self – come into play and can reduce the fractured feeling we experience in this digital, disrupted world. Appreciative inquiry (exploring the positive with a spark of curiosity) is the way to get more of what we want in life. And while we are approaching yearend, Thanksgiving, and the holidays, it is important to remember that an attitude of gratitude can and should be a yearlong mental practice. To learn more about leadership, mindfulness and the work of Dr. Boelhower, visit www.garyboelhower.com.

In Episode #30 of Mindset Mastery, "Motivate Your Money: Using Conversations and Conscious Decision Making to Realize Success," host Marie Swift, CEO of Impact Communications, speaks with book author and financial educator Mac Gardner, CFP. In addition to his book for adults, Motivate Your Money, Mac has created a book, coloring and worksheets, and a fun game for kids ages 7+ called 'The Four Money Bears: Berryville'. In this episode of Mindset Mastery, he talks about the five steps to financial success, how to motivate kids and others in our lives when it comes to money, and creating a good mindset as it relates to finances and life. In a nutshell: The 3-Rs can help us master our money mindset. First we must realize what money is, then we must recognize what money does, and finally we must rationalize how to use money in our lives. Having conversations with our kids and grandkids – and others in our lives who might need a little extra inspiration when it comes to money management and financial literacy – is one way to start the process of becoming a better saver, investor, spender, and giver. The motivational messages and stories we tell ourselves are key. After all, says Mac, at the end of the day, we are all just a collection of stories – so might as well make them good ones! To learn more about Mac's work, the Money Mentors project, The Four Money Bears and Motivate Your Money books, and 'The Four Bears: Berryville' digital game, visit www.thefourmoneybears.com. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org

In Episode #29 of Mindset Mastery, "Blessings In Disguise: Using Obstacles to Fuel Success," host Marie Swift, CEO of Impact Communications, speaks with award-winning journalist Veronica Dagher. In addition to her work as a personal finance reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Dagher is the author of "Resilience: How 20 Ambitious Women Used Obstacles to Fuel Their Success," an ebook published by the WSJ and exemplified through the WSJ podcast she created and hosted called "Secrets of Wealthy Women," where she interviewed some of the most successful women in business, media and entertainment. In this episode of Mindset Mastery, she shares some of her favorite stories and lessons learned from those interviews and conversations. In a nutshell: Whether you are a celebrity navigating fame and fortune, an upwardly mobile professional, or a hardworking middle-class American, every one of us has the opportunity to harness the stress of life and to use the obstacles encountered to fuel success. For example, Shark Tank celebrity investor and real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran used grit and determination to overcome the challenges that came with dyslexia and a highly competitive business climate. Carla Harris, a gospel recording artist and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, worked extra hard to earn a "seat at the table" and, in addition to her business success, was eventually appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women's Business Council. Dagher also shares her own coping mechanisms and says she tries to be as kind to herself as she is to others. To follow her work and read recent articles written by Dagher, visit www.wsj.com/news/author/veronica-dagher. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org