The Advice-Only Podcast
Hosted by the Sarah Sprague Gerber and Advice-Only Network, this show takes you behind the scenes with Advice-Only financial advisors who are transforming how people think about money and financial planning. Each episode features candid interviews with Advice-Only Network advisors who share their unique approaches to building client-centered practices, navigating industry challenges, and delivering unbiased financial guidance. You'll hear authentic stories about their entrepreneurial journeys, innovative business models, and the lessons they've learned while putting their clients' interests first. Whether you're a financial advisor looking to build or evolve your practice, or someone seeking genuine insights into personal finance from...
Episode 12 - Give, Give Give: How Cody Garrett Built Multiple Revenue Streams through Radical Generosity
Today we welcome Cody Garrett, founder of Measure Twice Financial, Measure Twice Planners, and Measure Twice Money, plus co-author of the new book "Tax Planning to and Through Early Retirement." Cody's philosophy that "the more you give away, the more you'll receive in return" has shaped not just his marketing but his entire approach to business. His vision for Advice-Only planning becoming mainstream drives his continued educational efforts and generous sharing of resources.
Key Topics Covered:
The Blue Ocean Discovery - How one phone call revealed that advice-only was a massive unmet need, leading Cody to...Episode 11 - Academia and Financial Planning Education with Annabelle Dobson
Today we welcome Annabelle Dobson, Assistant Director of the Financial Professional Development Program at the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business. This rapidly growing program has reached over 1,000 students and is graduating about 80 students annually from their CFP® approved wealth management minor - making it a significant pipeline of new financial planning talent in the country.
Annabelle brings a unique perspective on the intersection of academia and industry, working daily to connect students with career opportunities while helping firms find the next generation of financial planners.
Key Topics Covered:
The Student Pipeline - H...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.
<...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...
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...
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 j...
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...
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...
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.