The Advice-Only Podcast

Episode 10 - From Social Worker to Financial Planner with Krystal Fortner

Today we welcome Krystal Fortner, a unique voice in financial planning who combines her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) background with comprehensive financial planning. After 15 years in child welfare and 7-8 years of thinking about starting her own firm, Krystal started her Advice-Only firm in 2023 and hasn't looked back since. Krystal brings a refreshing perspective, calling herself the "driver's ed teacher" who keeps the bus on the road while clients do the driving. Her therapy background creates immediate trust with clients who "breathe a sigh of relief" knowing they won't be judged for past financial mistakes. Key Topics Covered: The Therapy Connection - Krystal's clinical social work skills help her use behavioral modification techniques to create sustainable habits and help clients see possibilities they never thought achievable Client Empowerment - She's passionate about educating clients through implementation, including helping women place their first trades to seeing that "light bulb moment" when they realize their own capabilities Chapter-Based Financial Planner - Krystal shares her "chapter-based" planning process that spreads comprehensive planning across 4-6 focused meetings Advice-Only Champion - After working under various models, she explains why Advice-Only feels like the most honest and transparent approach Krystal's story inspires both advisors hesitating to make their own leap and consumers who may have felt intimidated by traditional financial planning. Her warm, behavioral-focused approach offers a fresh perspective on what financial planning can be. Be sure to listen for this great quote from Krystal: "Anything in life is truly possible, whether it be financially related or non-financially related. Just having the drive and determination and finding someone who can see your vision even when you can't will get you there."

Episode 9 - Building an Hourly-Only Practice with Zach Lundak

In today's episode, Sarah talks with Zach Lundak, founder of Barrett Financial Planning, who launched his hourly-only practice just over a year ago Zach's enthusiasm for his work shines through as he discusses several topics: The Hourly-Only Model - Why Zach chose this approach for clients who want financial planning expertise but prefer to maintain control of their portfolios, and how it serves people who aren't willing to turn over discretionary management to an advisor. Client Focus Areas - The two primary concerns driving his clients - getting a professional sanity check on their retirement readiness and navigating complex Roth conversion strategies. YouTube as Marketing - Zach's deep dive into building a YouTube channel from scratch, including the learning curve, the importance of consistency, and how even a modest following can generate meaningful business results. He shares insights from his weekly mastermind group with other advisor-YouTubers. Entrepreneurial Journey - The mental and financial challenges of leaving a steady paycheck to start a firm while raising two young children, including how his daughter "Ladybug" inspired his firm's logo. We hope you enjoy this episode full of practical wisdom for both advisors considering the hourly model and consumers approaching retirement. Zach sums up his enthusiasm with this great quote: "I hope everyone gets to work on a project they're fired up about. It's been so much fun."

Episode 8 - Estate Planning Realities and Roth Conversion Strategies with Mike Piper

In this advice focused episode of the Advice-Only podcast, host Sarah Sprague Gerber sits down with Mike Piper whose accolades include prolific author, owner of the popular Oblivious Investor blog, founder of his own Advice-Only practice, and creator of the Open Social Security calculator. Mike brings his unique perspective as someone who has had the rare opportunity to spend extensive time deeply researching financial planning topics. Mike specializes in working with clients approaching and in retirement (median client age 65), making him perfectly positioned to discuss two critical topics for this life stage. His approach balances deep technical expertise with genuine empathy, particularly when discussing the challenges facing grieving families. Key Topics Covered: Estate Planning Realities - Common mistakes from outdated beneficiary designations to unfunded trusts, including a shocking real case where a godchild received a six-figure inheritance instead of the intended $5,000, plus compassionate guidance for survivors facing enormous administrative tasks during grief After a Death Occurs - Practical first steps for getting organized, taking detailed notes, and knowing which tasks are truly time-sensitive versus those that can wait for better days, along with why "brain fog" during grief is completely normal Roth Conversion Strategy - What conversions are, why that temporary income dip between retirement and Social Security/RMDs creates opportunities, and how the size of your tax-deferred accounts and beneficiaries matter more than you might think Execution Details: Target tax bracket thresholds rather than IRMAA limits, use taxable account dollars to pay conversion taxes, and why the "widow's penalty" is real but not scary Mike's story offers invaluable guidance for both advisors helping clients navigate these complex decisions and anyone approaching retirement themselves. Listen for his reminder to be gentle with yourself during difficult times provides both practical and emotional wisdom. "These things are important and you will get them done. But be forgiving with yourself."

Episode 7 - Maggie Klokkenga on Cash Flow Foundations and Finding Your Tribe

Sarah Sprague Gerber welcomes Maggie Klokkenga, financial planner at Abundo Wealth and former solo practitioner who brings both CPA and CFP® expertise to her unique approach to financial planning. Maggie reveals why cash flow and spending awareness must form the foundation before any other financial planning can succeed, sharing innovative approaches like "budgeting blocks" that transform flat spreadsheets into 3D visualizations that create powerful "aha" moments for clients. She goes beyond traditional number-crunching by incorporating money emotions, mindfulness techniques, and vision boards to help clients align spending with their true values. She also shares her refreshingly honest journey from solo practitioner to team member at Abundo Wealth, offering permission and validation for advisors who realize that changing paths isn't failure - it's growth. Whether you're an advisor considering different practice models or someone struggling with where your money goes each month, Maggie's journey offers both practical strategies and permission to forge your own path. "I cannot imagine not having done it because of all the wonderful relationships and things that I've done on my own that I just go, I did that." Resources Mentioned: Klontz Money Script Inventory (KMSI-R) - Free assessment to discover money beliefs from childhood (link to be provided in show notes) Budgeting Blocks by Amplified Planning - 3D visualization tool for spending categories PowerPay.org - Free website with debt payoff calculators and spreadsheets The Financial Wisdom of Ebenezer Scrooge by Rick Kahler, Brad Klontz, and Ted Klontz - Introduction to money scripts and intentional money management

Episode 6 - Holly Donaldson

In this inspiring episode of the Advice Only podcast, host Sarah Sprague Gerber sits down with Holly Donaldson, founder of Holly Donaldson Financial Planning and a true pioneer in the Advice-Only movement. Holly shares her remarkable journey from corporate banking to launching her own independent practice in 2006 - before "Advice-Only" was even a recognized term in the industry. After years in private banking serving ultra-high net worth families, a pivotal conversation with her sister gave her the push she needed to break free from the product-pushing culture and create something different. Holly offers practical wisdom for advisors considering the Advice-Only model, including her refreshing take on finding a business model that fits your personality rather than forcing yourself to adapt. She also shares her passion for mentoring the next generation, particularly young women entering the field, noting that women still represent only 25% of CFPs. Whether you're an advisor exploring different service models, a consumer seeking to understand your options, or someone considering a career in financial planning, Holly's nearly 20 years of experience offer valuable lessons about staying true to your values while building a sustainable practice. Listen for Holly's powerful closing question: "When you think you can't do that thing that you really want to do, have you taken a fresh look at what's holding you back?"

Episode 5 - Steven Fox

Join us as host Sarah Sprague Gerber interviews Steven Fox. Steven runs the new platform, AdviceOnly, a corporate RIA built to support Advice-Only Advisors who do not want to start their businesses independently. On this podcast, Steven shares many great stories and messages about why Advice-Only as a model is the best pathway for both advisors and consumers alike.

Episode 4 - Jeremy Schneider

Today we sit down with Jeremy Schneider, an entrepreneur and passionate personal finance educator and advocate. His social media brand, Personal Finance Club has over 1 million followers and now he is the Founder & CEO of Nectarine, an Advice-Only firm matching consumers with advisors on an hourly or ongoing basis. Jeremy shares his story on why he is so passionate about personal finance and how he built these two successful brands. The Nectarine endorsements mentioned in this episode have been provided by clients who have completed an engagement through Nectarine. No compensation was paid for any endorsement and the endorsements may not necessarily be representative of all Nectarine experiences. Please refer to hellonectarine.com for all relevant disclosures.

Episode 3 - Chad Gammon

Today's conversation is with Chad Gammon, financial planner and owner of Custom Fit Financial. Don't miss this engaging conversation as Chad breaks down all the different ways he serves his clients in an Advice-Only capacity.

Episode 2 - Mary Ann Sullivan

Today's guest is Mary Ann Sullivan, financial planner and owner of 395 Financial Planning. Learn more about Mary Ann's journey to becoming an Advice-Only advisor, hear her favorite client success stories, and learn why financial independence is THE goal everyone should be striving for.

Episode 1 - Eric Simonson

Discussion with Eric Simonson, who is the Founder & CEO of Abundo Wealth, a rapidly growing Advice-Only firm that serves clients nationwide. Eric is also the co-founder and CEO of the Advice-Only Network, a company built to help promote, support, and bring together Advice-Only advisors.

Episode 0

Introduction to The Advice-Only Podcast, where host Sarah Sprague Gerber and Advice-Only financial advisors share their stories, strategies, and straight forward advice about money.