Beyond the Plan®

When you think of emotional intelligence, what comes to mind? Most of us focus on interpersonal EQ (how we connect with and support clients) But just as important is intrapersonal EQ (how we manage our own emotions, stress, and decision-making) Think about it: You’re juggling client demands and staff management You’re constantly problem-solving because something always goes wrong And the role itself is stressful–especially if you run your own business Without self-awareness and self-management, the risk of burnout is high. In this episode of “Planning & Beyond,” James Woodfall joins me to discuss how advisors can turn EQ from a skill to a tool for longevity in your career. Learn how to strengthen your EQ and protect your energy. Tune in Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Link in comments. #PlanningAndBeyond #FinancialPlanning #Burnout #SelfAwareness

What’s one overlooked skill that separates good advisors from great ones? Emotional intelligence (EQ). According to James Woodfall, who dedicated his master’s dissertation to this topic, research shows that EQ directly correlates to… • Increased sales performance • Stronger client loyalty and retention • More referrals Yet, while every advisor is trained in technical skills, very few are taught how to navigate client emotions, build trust, and communicate effectively. Imagine if financial firms prioritized EQ training alongside financial modeling and tax strategies. And that’s where James comes in. As Founder of Raise Your El, James helps advisors connect more deeply, foster lasting relationships, and drive better client outcomes. Learn more from him in the latest episode of “Planning & Beyond.” Link in comments. #PlanningAndBeyond #FinancialPlanning #ClientRelationships #EmotionalIntelligence

Financial intimacy is far more than financial transparency… “What really matters in financial intimacy is emotional safety and connection.” - Ed Coambs These two are not the same AND both are needed in order to have a healthy financial coupleship. Financial transparency looks like: 🔹Clients showing their partner their bank statements. 🔹 Knowing each other’s income, bonus amount, etc. 🔹 Both contributing to expenses and or savings But financial intimacy is: 🔹… do they feel comfortable discussing their biggest financial fears with one another? 🔹… can they openly talk about money stress without tension? 🔹… do they feel like financial equals in decision-making? True financial intimacy means creating a space where both partners can express concerns, dreams, and struggles—without judgment. It’s about trust, collaboration, and building a financial future together. Learn how to foster deeper financial connection in your client relationships. Tune in to the latest episode of Planning & Beyond with Edward Coambs, CFP®, LMFT, CFT-I™ . Links in comments. #PlanningAndBeyond #FinancialPlanning #TrustAndTransparency #MoneyAndRelationships

Why Do Couples Struggle to Talk About Money? In the 15 years I’ve worked with couples, I can tell you that talking about money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about everything we often don’t see that sits below the waters. In this conversation with my colleague and friend Ed Coambs, he sheds light on this and explains further as to why talking about money can be difficult. A few highlights for me were: 🔹 Many couples never had cultural or familial modeling of healthy money conversations. They simply weren’t taught how to talk about finances. 🔹 Money talk is often tied to painful interactions—and that can show up in two ways: 1️⃣ The obvious—fights, criticism, open contempt. 2️⃣ The silent—a complete absence of money discussions, where finances were never openly addressed, unspoken patterns we inherit. Silence or the absence of fighting can sometimes be viewed as healthy or healthier than fighting. But when it comes to talking about money (or other things) that’s just not the case. Tune into our latest episode to learn more about how you can help your couples create greater intimacy and connection when it comes to talking about money. Link in comments. #PlanningAndBeyond #FinancialIntimacy #CouplesAndMoney #FinancialPlanning

The skills of MI are open-ended questions, prompts, affirmations, reflections, and summaries..." - Derek Hagen When do these skills actually come into play during client meetings? Let's break down the real-world application: 🔹 Discovery Meetings: This is the perfect time for open-ended prompts: "Tell me about what brings you here today..." Instead of: "What are your financial goals?" 🔹 Major Life Transitions: Use reflections to validate and explore: Client: "I'm thinking about retirement but I'm not sure..." You: "You're wrestling with this significant transition..." 🔹 Annual Reviews: Incorporate affirmations to acknowledge progress: "I've noticed how thoughtful you've been about building your emergency fund..." 🔹 Goal Setting Sessions: Strategic summaries to create clarity: "Let me make sure I understand - you're hoping to travel more while also supporting your grandchildren's education..." The magic isn't in using these skills occasionally - it's in weaving them naturally throughout your client conversations. They create a foundation of understanding that transforms surface-level meetings into meaningful partnerships. 🎓 Pro Tip: Start with one skill. Master reflections first - they're your gateway to deeper client connections. Want to learn how to implement these skills effectively? Listen to our full conversation with Derek Hagen. Link in comments. #FinancialPlanning #ClientCommunication #MotivationalInterviewing #AdvisorDevelopment #PracticeManagement

There’s a shift happening in financial planning. A shift that's reshaping how advisors serve clients. From the early days of investment management to comprehensive planning and now more recently to holistic or life planning, there is an evolution emerging. And Jake Northrup, CFP®, CFA, CSLP®’s firm, Experience Your Wealth, is leading the charge. By taking the bold leap to bringing on a Financial Behavior Officer, Jake shares how this role has elevated the client experience as well as: -Why he felt his firm needed behavioral expertise -How this role has transformed client meetings -The unexpected benefits for advisors themselves As Jake notes, "Good financial planning and technical expertise are now table stakes." The firms that will thrive tomorrow are those expanding beyond traditional planning to embrace the psychological and behavioral elements of financial decision-making. 🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts! #PlanningAndBeyond #FinancialWellness #FinancialPyschology #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #ExperienceYourWealth

"Part of being a great advisor is being comfortable with discomfort." Jake Northrup, CFP®, CFA, CSLP® joins us in our latest Planning & Beyond episode and Jake’s framing of this is just spot on! Because let's be honest - sitting with clients through complex emotional territories isn't something your CFP courses trained you to do! Jake shares how bringing in a behavioral specialist transformed not just client outcomes, but his own experience as an advisor. Two key insights stood out: 1️⃣ The "emergency room doctor" effect: Just as ER doctors identify critical needs and make appropriate referrals, advisors can create immense value by recognizing when clients need additional support - without having to be the expert in everything. 2️⃣ The power of shared attention: With a behavioral specialist in the room, advisors can fully focus on technical elements while knowing the psychological dynamics are being carefully attended to. As Jake puts it, it's like having "someone on the balcony while you're on the dance floor." The result? Deeper client relationships, better outcomes, and (surprisingly) more mental freedom for advisors themselves. Want to hear the full conversation about integrating behavioral expertise into your practice? The latest episode of Planning & Beyond is out now. What's your experience with navigating the emotional aspects of client relationships? Share your thoughts below 👇 🎧 Listen now for more insights to enhance your client relationships. Links to Spotify and Apple Podcasts below! #PlanningAndBeyond #ClientRelationships #FinancialPlanning #Collaboration

"Sometimes the most valuable planning advice is knowing when to step back." - Emily Rassam As financial advisors, we often encounter situations where estate planning decisions surface deeper relationship dynamics or emotional barriers. In this week's Planning & Beyond episode, we explore a critical insight: Not every planning conversation can - or should - be resolved in your office. Key takeaway: While we can guide clients through many estate planning decisions, some situations benefit from specialized support through financial therapy or couples counseling. This is especially true when: •Complex family dynamics impact guardian selection •Couples struggle to align on legacy decisions •Past experiences create emotional barriers •Trust issues affect planning conversations The mark of exceptional planning isn't trying to be everything for everyone - it's knowing how to connect clients with the right resources at the right time. Join us as we explore the delicate balance between financial guidance and emotional support, and learn practical frameworks for identifying when additional expertise can enhance your client relationships. Listen to the latest “Planning & Beyond” episode now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Links down below. #PlanningAndBeyond #EstatePlanning #LegacyPlanning #FinancialTherapy

"Where financial planning meets human understanding" isn't just our tagline - it's the foundation of meaningful estate planning conversations. On this week's episode of Planning & Beyond, Emily Casey Rassam CFP®, CDAA, CRPS®, NSSA shares how she transforms complex estate planning discussions into practical action steps that deepen client relationships. She reveals: •Why document creation is just the beginning •How to navigate emotional resistance •Practical strategies for implementation •Tips for coaching clients on how to approach their parents The most impactful estate planning goes beyond technical expertise to address the human elements of legacy planning. Join us to discover how you can enhance your approach to these crucial conversations. Links down below. #PlanningAndBeyond #EstatePlanning #Family #LegacyPlanning #EndOfLife #FinancialPlanning #FuturePlanning

What does alignment mean to you? For Larry Sprung, it’s about being real—making sure your actions back up your words. It’s such a refreshing take on leadership and trust. Hear his perspective on why alignment is a must for his business. Listen to the latest “Planning & Beyond” episode now! Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Links down below. #PlanningAndBeyond #FinancialAdvisors #Authenticity #Leadership