The Annuity Landscape and Savvy Hiring

In this recap episode, Amber is sharing the highlights from conversations on annuities and hiring (and firing). On Monday, Matt and Brian dove into the world of annuities, challenging advisors to broaden their financial planning toolkit. They stressed the importance of educating yourself on these products and creating client-facing materials that transparently explain the pros and cons of different annuity options. This approach not only enhances your expertise but also builds trust with clients. On Thursday, Jamie, shared valuable lessons from a recent hiring experience. Jamie's insights underscore the importance of a meticulous hiring process that goes beyond just filling a position. She emphasizes the need to ensure that new team members align with your company's core values and long-term objectives. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - Annuities: What Every Advisor Needs to Know with Guest Brian Smith [Episode 275] - Hire or Fire?

In this episode of The Perfect RIA podcast, Jamie Shilanski dishes out some hard-earned wisdom from Shilanski and Associates about empowering team members and making smart hiring choices. Recognizing a critical role that needed to be filled, Jamie shared the mistakes made in the hiring process, leading to the wrong person being hired and causing disruptions in the organization. The takeaway? Be picky with your hires, set clear expectations, and don't be afraid to show problematic employees the door. Hire or Fire?

In this episode of the Perfect RIA podcast, Matthew is joined by Brian Smith, from Foundation Income Associates, an expert in annuities and insurance products. Brian and Matt explore the ins and outs of annuities, debunking myths and highlighting the importance of these often-misunderstood products in financial planning. They touch on the tax implications that can make even seasoned advisors scratch their heads, and stress the need to stay informed or risk becoming the cautionary tale at the next industry conference. They discuss the importance of understanding and utilizing annuities in financial planning, as well as the potential pitfalls and misconceptions surrounding these products. They also touch on the tax implications of annuities and the need for advisors to stay informed and seek expert advice when dealing with insurance products. The conversation emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing and reassessing clients' annuities to ensure they align with their goals and provide the best possible outcomes. Annuities: What Every Advisor Needs to Know with Guest Brian Smith [Episode 275] Resources in today's episode: - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn - Brian Smith: Website | LinkedIn     

Amber is recapping this week’s episode highlights. On Monday, Matt dove into the world of bookkeeping with Duff Tucker from Belay, uncovering the common pitfalls small business owners face. They emphasized the importance of professional bookkeeping services, not just for taxes, but for making informed business decisions and preparing for future sales. Duff shared valuable tips on when to bring in a bookkeeper and how to establish a smooth working relationship. Thursday's episode featured Jamie tackling the age-old struggle of balancing professional development with family life. She shared her savvy strategies for mapping out the year, including surge scheduling and strategic conference attendance. The key takeaway? Time is precious, so plan wisely and communicate openly with your loved ones to achieve both personal and professional growth. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - Dollars and Sense: Why Bookkeeping Matters More Than You Think with Guest Duff Tucker [Episode 274] -  I Have No Time

In this episode of The Perfect RIA podcast, Jamie Shilanski tackles the perennial challenge of balancing professional development with family responsibilities. She emphasizes the critical importance of intentional time management and forward planning. Jamie also shares her nuanced strategy for conference attendance, which involves a thoughtful blend of in-person events and online courses, allowing for continuous learning while maintaining a presence at key industry gatherings. Recognizing the complexities of managing family obligations alongside career growth, Jamie offers practical advice for professionals. Perhaps most crucially, she underscores the importance of open, honest communication with spouses about career goals and commitments, fostering mutual understanding and preventing potential resentment. Through these strategies,Jamie provides a roadmap for professionals seeking to advance their careers without sacrificing family harmony.  I Have No Time

In this episode of The Perfect RIA podcast, Matthew Jarvis and Duff Tucker, Account Services Manager for Belay, discuss the often-overlooked world of bookkeeping for small businesses. Their conversation sheds light on common misconceptions and the genuine value of professional bookkeeping services. Duff emphasizes the importance of business owners focusing on their core competencies while entrusting financial record-keeping to experts. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the time and mental energy saved by hiring a bookkeeper to the crucial role of accurate financial reporting in business management and growth. Matt and Duff also explore how clean, well-maintained books can be a significant asset in business acquisitions and decision-making processes. Dollars and Sense: Why Bookkeeping Matters More Than You Think with Guest Duff Tucker [Episode 274] Resources in today's episode: - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn - Duff Tucker: Website | LinkedIn - Connect with BELAY for a Financial Consultation

In this recap episode, Amber is covering this week’s highlights. On Monday, Matt and Micah explored the stark differences between advisors who smash their Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) and those who remain stuck. Both groups start with excitement, but only those who embrace hard work and stick to a rigorous process succeed. The importance of having a consistent process was a major point. Believing that an external factor will magically change your situation is futile and avoidance isn’t an option for success.  On Thursday, Jamie dove into intuition in business decisions, particularly in team management. She explained deductive and inductive reasoning, linking intuition to the latter. Jamie advised trusting your gut, especially when it signals someone is a poor fit. If someone consistently feels off and you’re waiting for inevitable conflict, it’s time to let them go for everyone’s benefit. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - Daydreaming Won’t Make You a Successful Financial Advisor [Episode 273] - Fire Them Already!

In this conversation, Jamie Shilanski discusses the role of intuition in decision-making as business owners. She explains the two types of intuition: deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning, making it clear why listening to your gut is more than just a cliché. Jamie dishes on the workplace drama that is toxicity and its soul-sucking effect on the team, a reminder that a positive environment is non-negotiable. Jamie provides insights into the hiring process and the need for clear job descriptions, onboarding processes, and training programs. Surround yourself with A-level players to cultivate a team that's not just good but downright unstoppable. Fire Them Already! Resources in today's episode: - Shilanski & Associates Careers - Checkr Background Checks  

Matt and Micah are breaking down the difference between actual goals and mere fantasies. Why do some financial advisors hit their big hairy audacious goals (BHAGs) while others just daydream? Spoiler: hard work, self-awareness, and a hefty dose of accountability. They emphasize that achieving real goals, unlike fantasies, requires the willingness to put in the hard work. Successful financial advisors don’t just pat themselves on the back; they recognize their weaknesses and know where they need to improve.  Matt and Micah also stress the importance of tracking progress. If you’re not measuring your progress, you’re slacking, because this helps identify where you need to pivot. And yes, even your free time should be somewhat productive—focus on activities that contribute to your personal and professional growth, not just your Netflix queue. Daydreaming Won’t Make You a Successful Financial Advisor [Episode 273] Resources in today's episode: Resources - Micah Shilanski: Website | LinkedIn - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn - Bringing Peace Of Mind To Your Prospects And Clients With Guest Paul Moffat

In this week’s recap episode, Amber first revisits Monday's show featuring Dan Murphy from Commonwealth, who shared valuable perspectives on fostering transformational growth and delivering exceptional value in today's evolving advisory landscape. Dan introduces the intriguing concept of the "experience economy" and offers practical strategies for strengthening client relationships in an era increasingly influenced by AI and automation. The episode then shifts to Jamie's discussion on the various stages of an advisor's career path - from Growth to Freedom to Empire. Jamie provides thoughtful advice on overcoming self-doubt, confidently communicating your worth, and consistently providing value to clients. She highlights the significance of regular self-assessment, effective communication, and maintaining confidence in your unique value proposition. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - Crafting Unforgettable Client Experiences with Guest Dan Murphy [Episode 272] - Mindset Mastery: Overcoming Barriers to Charging Premium Fees