New Planner Podcast

What if you could experience multiple financial planning firms, real client meetings, and industry experts all in one internship? In this episode, Hannah Moore, CEO of Guiding Wealth Management and creator of the Amplified Planning Externship, shares how a unique program started during the pandemic and quickly grew into one of the most recognized learning experiences for aspiring financial planners.

Listen in to learn how the Externship works, what participants actually do during the eight-week program, and why the community and real-world exposure make such a big impact on career direction. You'll learn who the Externship is...

What happens when your career doesn't go according to plan? Today, James Conole and Erin Varghese join the show to share their very different paths into the financial planning profession. They talk about career setbacks, getting fired, starting over, and ultimately finding the right firm and culture to grow their careers.

Listen in to learn how Erin transitioned from banking into financial planning, why starting at a small RIA can accelerate your learning, and how James went from being fired to starting his own firm from scratch. You'll also hear what it takes to build a strong...

What does it really take to leave a stable, high-level career and start over in financial planning? In this episode, Lisa Schaefer shares her journey from working in public policy to becoming a financial advisor. You'll learn how mentorship played a critical role in her transition, why starting with the Series 65 helped her test the waters, and how she navigated the uncertainty of breaking into a completely new industry.

Listen in as Lisa opens up about the realities of taking a pay cut, working in a high-pressure, commission-based environment, and ultimately finding the right firm fit that...

How do you build confidence and a successful advisory business when you're just starting in financial planning? In this episode, financial planner Landon Warmund shares his journey into the profession, from growing up with a father who was a financial planner to developing his own path in the industry. You'll learn how an early curiosity about money, a chance discovery of a CFP program in college, and a willingness to put in the reps helped Landon begin building his own client base shortly after graduation.

Listen in to hear how he found traction by focusing on a...

What would make someone walk away from a 21-year engineering career and a good salary to start a financial planning business from scratch? In this episode, Aubrey Williams of Open Path Financial opens up about the personal and professional journey that led him to leave engineering and pursue financial planning full-time. You'll learn how his role gradually shifted from technical work to management and financial decision-making, sparking an interest in personal finance that would ultimately change his career path.

Listen in as Aubrey explains how a difficult life transition pushed him to educate himself about money, which...

What happens when a retired military officer and his son decide to build a financial planning firm together and do it their own way? In this episode, Joe and Spencer Turkal, co-founders of Sierra Hotel Financial, share how they transitioned from the insurance channel to launching an independent firm aligned with their long-term philosophy and values.

You'll learn how they evaluated their next move, divided responsibilities based on complementary strengths, and built a client experience rooted in clarity and structure. They also break down how they charge, their three-meeting planning process, the tools they use, and why...

Tamsie Black, Annie Gray, and Marianne Alamos are recent graduates who have stepped into their first full-time financial planning roles at Wealthway Financial Advisors, and they join the show today to share their journeys into the profession. If you're interested in navigating the transition from student to professional, building confidence early, and preparing for the CFP exam, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Tamsie, Annie, and Marianne talk about how each of them discovered financial planning, why they chose it as a career, what excites them most about the profession, and what drew them to...

Brennon Holleb is a Financial Planning and Wealth Management student at Virginia Tech, and he joins the show today to share why he chose to pursue a career in financial planning. If you're interested in how to intentionally prepare for a financial planning career from the very beginning, or what top students are doing to stand out in today's competitive hiring landscape, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Brennon shares how his grandparents introduced him to saving, investing, and the stock market—even arranging a meeting with their financial advisor when he was just 13. You'll le...

Matt Higbie is the Managing Director of Birchwood Capital, and he joins the show today to talk about his transition from investment banking to financial planning. If you're interested in what it takes to pivot into financial planning from a high-demand field, navigate a major pay cut, or build your skills in a fully virtual advisory model, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Matt shares how he began his career in investment banking before realizing he wanted a more client-centered path, ultimately leveraging his network to secure his first financial planning role—even while taking a...

Robert Jeter is the owner of Back Bay Financial Planning & Investments, and he joins the show today to talk about his career journey to becoming a financial planner and firm owner. If you're interested in understanding how to navigate career decisions, grow within a firm, or eventually make the leap to starting your own, this episode is for you.

Listen in as Robert shares how he first became interested in financial planning while in college, what he hoped to find in his first job, and how he convinced his parents that the profession was far different from...

David Tenerelli is a financial advisor at Values Added Financial, and he joins the show today to share his transition from middle school band director to a career in financial planning. You'll hear about his pivotal decision to leave after 10 years for a new opportunity, why—despite his experience—he chose not to start his own firm, and what ultimately shaped his path forward.

Listen in as David talks about how he discovered his passion for personal finance early on, yet initially dismissed financial planning as a career because of the sales-driven stereotype often associated with advisors. You...

Sten Morgan is the Founder of Legacy Investment Planning and the Elite Advisor Network, and he joins the show to share his journey to becoming a firm owner. If you're interested in what it really takes to find your place in the profession, build a thriving firm, and expand your impact through leadership and coaching, this episode is for you.

Listen in as Sten opens up about why he began his career as an intern in the insurance channel, what kept him there for so many years, and what prompted a search for the right fit across...

Travis Hibbard is a financial advisor at Fiduciary Financial Advisors, and he joins the show to share his transition from engineer to financial advisor after 18 years in a large manufacturing company. If you're interested in making a mid-career transition, leveraging financial independence to create flexibility, or understanding the real-world decisions involved in starting a firm, this episode is for you.

Listen in as Travis shares how guidance from his mother, a financial planner, set him on a path toward financial independence and made his transition into the profession smoother. He also walks through the key decisions involved...

Emily Koochel is the Manager of Financial Wellness at eMoney Advisor, and she joins the show to share how she found her way in the financial planning world. If you're interested in exploring non-linear career paths in financial planning, blending education and technology, or understanding how fintech is shaping the future of the profession, this episode is for you.

Listen in as Emily shares how she was drawn to financial planning for its blend of numbers and people, and how a mentor encouraged her to pursue a master's degree before starting her career at a small firm...

Andrew Sivertsen is a shareholder and Senior Financial Planner at The Planning Center, Inc., and he joins the show today to share how he found financial planning through one of his siblings and has never looked back. If you're interested in discovering financial planning through a non-traditional path, balancing work and CFP coursework, or growing into ownership and leadership within a firm, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Andrew shares how he began his career studying biology before finding his way into financial planning by following in his brother's footsteps. You'll hear how he started...

Mark Hansen is a financial advisor at Second Comma, and he rejoins the show today to talk about the ups and downs he has experienced—and how he has shifted his business—since last being on the show two years ago. If you're interested in strengthening your value proposition, reducing client churn, or learning from the real-world lessons of an advisor-turned-entrepreneur, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Mark shares how a period of losing clients pushed him to change his business model, hire a coach, and get hyper-clear on his value proposition and service offering. He a...

Lillian Turner is the Founder of Daring Greatly Wealth, and she joins the show today to share how her interest in financial planning in high school turned into owning her own firm. If you're interested in the realities of career pivots, early leadership roles, and building a firm from scratch, this episode will be especially valuable.

Listen in as Lillian opens up about how growing up watching her parents struggle with money disagreements shaped her desire to help others, leading her from an accounting major to finance and into her first financial planning internship through a career...

Charlotte Morgan is a financial planner at Creative Planning, and she joins the show today to share her career journey from college student to successful practitioner. If you're interested in navigating early career uncertainty, taking a break and re-entering the profession with confidence, or understanding what it's like to experience an acquisition from the inside, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Charlotte shares how she began college planning for a career in accounting or finance, but ultimately discovered financial planning through a family friend. You'll hear how she stepped away after a few years (and...

Kelly Metzler Randall is a Principal and Lead Advisor at Burton Enright Welch, and she joins the show today to share how she transitioned to financial planning after earning a chemistry degree. If you're interested in exploring career pivots into financial planning, understanding how to grow within an RIA, or seeing what it really looks like to rebuild your career after a relocation, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Kelly shares how her love of science and math initially led her into lab work—until she realized it wasn't fulfilling and began exploring business and fi...

Vincent Clark is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Elwood & Goetz Wealth Advisory Group, and he joins the show today to share how his career trajectory brought him from an information systems major to financial planning. If you're interested in redefining your career path, moving from technical roles into client-facing planning, or learning what it takes to evolve into a mentor for newer planners, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Vincent shares how he first chose his career path based on income potential—but soon discovered a deeper purpose after helping a star athlete's family member na...

In this special episode, Jesse Lineberry, Program Director of the CFP program at Virginia Tech, returns for our annual deep dive into the New Planner Recruiting 2025 Salary Report. If you're interested in salary trends, comparing compensation expectations across channels, or understanding what firms and candidates are prioritizing in today's hiring market, this episode is for you!

Listen in as we unpack this year's findings, from average salaries across experience levels to regional trends and differences between RIA, broker-dealer, bank, and insurance expectations. We also explore why paraplanner salaries jumped, why student expectations stayed flat, and what's fueling...

Have you ever had to take a step back to move forward? That's exactly what Emily Green did when she left her career as a surgical assistant to pursue financial planning. After realizing she wanted more client connection, Emily explored entrepreneurship, discovered her passion for finance, and found her way to MY Wealth Planners.

In this episode, Emily shares what it was like to start over in her 30s, the lessons she learned from her mentor, and how asking the right questions helped her grow into her role as an associate planner. Her story is a reminder...

Daniel Stefanski is an Associate Wealth Planner at MY Wealth Planners, and he joins the show today to share how he accidentally discovered financial planning and how his career has progressed so far. If you're interested in breaking into financial planning, navigating a career transition, or learning how to strategically pursue opportunities that align with your values, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Daniel shares how he initially dismissed financial planning as just investment sales but discovered his passion for it after landing a co-op position with a financial planning firm during COVID-19. He explains...

Patrick Moore is the Founder and a Wealth Advisor at Ironclad Wealth Management, and he joins the show today to share his financial planning journey. If you're interested in starting your own firm, learning from early entrepreneurial challenges, or building a career grounded in mentorship and growth, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Patrick shares how his father introduced him to the financial services industry through the insurance channel, where the two worked together after Patrick graduated from college. You'll hear how that experience inspired him to pursue more comprehensive financial planning, ultimately leading him...

Haley Ellis is the Director of Operations at Allegiance Financial Group Advisory Services, and she joins the show today to share her transition into the financial planning profession. If you're interested in navigating career moves with confidence or overcoming challenges as a young professional, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Haley shares how she discovered financial planning later in her college career and secured an internship that confirmed her passion for helping others. She also talks about her move across the country to start her first full-time role, the process of earning her licenses and...

Mary Ann Sullivan is the Founder of 395 Financial Planning, and she joins the show today to share how she was able to go from a 20-year career in public education to becoming a financial planning firm owner. If you're interested in making a mid-career transition, starting a firm that serves everyday professionals, or learning how certification can build confidence and credibility, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Mary Ann shares how she discovered her passion for financial planning, took the initiative to pursue her education, and landed her first position. You'll learn how she passed...

Keith Wayne, Senior Financial Planner at Mercer Advisors, returns to the show to share how his career has progressed since he first joined us back in episode 97. If you're interested in advancing your career within a firm, developing specialized expertise, or understanding the realities of moving from analyst to senior planner, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Keith shares how his role has evolved over the past three years from analyst to financial planner to senior financial planner, where he now builds financial plans in a centralized planning role. He also explains how he pursued...

Today I'm joined by two guests from Strategic Financial Planning: Bryan Lee, the firm's founder, and Valerie Carpenter, a financial planner on the team. They share their career journeys and key insights for anyone interested in launching and scaling a firm, growing as a new planner with the right mentorship, or picking up practical tips for entrepreneurial success.

Listen in to hear how Bryan launched his own firm at just 27, grew it strategically, and focused on hiring and developing new planners. Valerie reflects on what inspired her to pursue the financial planning program, how she connected with...

Jeanna Fifer is a partner and Kristin Baker is an associate financial planner with Cordis Financial, and they join the show today to talk about their distinct paths into financial planning. If you're interested in exploring career pivots, finding the right professional fit, or learning how collaboration can create long-term success in financial planning, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Kristin reflects on her career in banking, corporate America, and her time as a stay-at-home mom before stepping into her current role. Jeanna explains how starting right after college and working at two RIAs positioned...

Caroline Piehl is a partner at TimeWise Financial, and she joins the show today to share her non-traditional path to financial planning. If you're interested in navigating career pivots, building a family-founded firm into your own, or learning what it takes to merge and grow a business, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Caroline shares how she went from pursuing her dream job at Nike in brand management to realizing it wasn't the long-term path she wanted. She explains how she pivoted to join her father's financial planning firm, starting from the ground up before...

Today I'm joined by Kaitlyn Carlson, Founder of Theory Planning Partners, and Jordan Paul, Lead Advisor there. Kaitlyn and Jordan share insights on navigating career pivots and key lessons they learned on their journeys in the field. If you're interested in launching a firm and fostering a culture built for long-term success, you won't want to miss this episode!

Listen in as Kaitlyn and Jordan talk about how their distinct paths led them into financial planning, as well as the challenges that come with starting and scaling a firm. They also open up about rethinking career choices...

Xander Larsen and Matt Pyron are associate advisors at 5280 Associates, and they join the show today to share how they transitioned from financial planning students to thriving professionals. If you're interested in learning how to make the most of mentorship, gain confidence through early career experiences, and add value as an associate advisor, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Xander and Matt share how their journeys have paralleled each other, from the mentors who guided them to the skills they developed through school jobs and early career roles. You'll learn what made 5280 a great fit...

Megan Madden is a financial advisor at the Bethesda Wealth Planning Group, and she joins the show today to share her career journey from wanting to go to beauty school to using her knowledge to empower women through financial planning. If you're interested in hearing how she built a meaningful career in financial planning while staying true to her values, you won't want to miss this conversation.

Listen in as Megan shares why she initially resisted going to college, but ultimately found her way to a small program in financial planning that matched her passions—and led to...

Andrea Eaton is a financial planner at Cornerstone Wealth Advisors, and she joins the show today to share how a guest lecture by a financial planning faculty member opened her eyes to a new career path. If you're interested in building a long-term career with one firm, finding the right cultural fit, or learning how to develop and mentor new planners, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Andrea shares her journey from the financial planning program at Texas Tech University to her current firm, where she started as an intern and has now been for...

Dustin Cidorowich is an Associate Financial Planner at R.W. Rogé & Company and he joins the show today to share his journey from corporate America to an entry-level financial planner position. If you're interested in making a career change into financial planning, understanding the realities of entry-level roles, or learning how to grow and thrive in a firm, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Dustin shares how he made the leap from corporate America to a financial planning role - navigating a significant pay cut to pursue a more fulfilling career. He talks about how h...

Samuel Kim is a Senior Client Services Associate at Questar Capital Partners and he joins the show today to share his path from pastor to financial planner. If you're interested in pursuing a non-traditional route into financial planning, balancing dual careers, or learning how to grow within a small firm, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Samuel shares how a career assessment sparked his interest in financial planning and why he chose a bi-vocational path to balance two careers. He discusses how networking helped him land his first role at a small firm, where he...

Jeremy Portnoff is the Founder at PortSalus Wealth Management and Sage Vincent is a Client Services Associate, and they join the show today to share how their career journey's brought them to working together at PortSalus. If you're interested in forging your own path in financial planning, finding the right mentorship, or learning how to thrive in a growing firm, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Sage and Jeremy share how their distinct paths led them to financial planning - Jeremy through a traditional degree that lacked mentorship, prompting him to start his own fee-only...

Matthew Gray is a Certified Financial Planner at Schrock Financial, and he joins the show today to share how he got started in financial planning and ultimately found the right fit. If you're interested in breaking into financial planning, navigating early career decisions, or learning how to approach compensation conversations with confidence, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Matthew talks about how a math professor introduced him to financial planning and what sparked his passion for the profession. He opens up about the challenges of finding his first opportunity, how earning key licenses helped him...

Wilson Liu is an associate advisor at Stone Steps Financial, and he joins the show today to share his transition from the tech industry to financial planning. If you're interested in switching industries, navigating a career transition into financial planning, or learning how to build confidence and contribute meaningfully as a new planner, this episode is for you!

Listen in as Wilson shares how his lifelong interest in personal finance and guidance from a friend in the profession helped him learn about different roles and channels, setting him on the path to transition into financial planning. He...

John Kiepe is a Founding Partner of Kiepe Wealth Management, and he joins the show today to share his unorthodox journey into the financial planning profession. If you're interested in building a career from the ground up, blending tax and financial planning, or learning how to grow a firm from scratch, this episode is for you!

Listen in as John shares how early roles in customer service - from Domino's Pizza to a bank and call center - helped build the skills that laid the foundation for his success in financial planning. He also explains what motivated...