Modern Financial Advisor

Join Mike Langford in this eye-opening episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast as he chats with Dan Zitting, CEO of Nitrogen Wealth, formerly Riskalyze. They discuss the evolving landscape of financial advising, emphasizing the importance of a strong digital presence, the role of AI in enhancing advisor-client interactions, and actionable strategies to tackle slow organic growth in the industry. Dan offers fresh perspectives from his software and tech background, sharing insights on reducing advisor friction, leveraging AI for better client meetings, and the necessity of adapting sales motions for younger generations. Key Themes: The strategy behind Riskalyze’s rebrand to NitrogenUsing Net Promoter Score (NPS) to measure advisor successWhy risk tolerance is more than just age-based assumptionsHow AI and agentic workflows are transforming client meetingsRethinking referrals, sales motion, and digital trust building Don’t miss this engaging conversation on how modern advisors can deliver clarity, confidence, and scalable growth in an ever-evolving landscape. Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Modern Sales Motion 00:43 Introduction to the Podcast 02:14 Conversation with Dan Zitting Begins 03:13 Rebranding from Riskalyze to Nitrogen 06:10 Challenges and Opportunities in Wealth Management 15:48 The Importance of Digital Presence 22:32 Adapting to Changing Client Behaviors 30:53 Injecting Value into Client Conversations 31:47 Understanding Client Risk and Confidence 33:14 The Importance of Advisor-Client Relationships 36:11 Engaging the Next Generation of Clients 38:59 Realistic Risk Communication 48:35 AI and the Future of Financial Advising 53:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this illuminating episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford sits down with Jason Early, CEO of RISR, to discuss how targeting business owners can massively elevate a financial advisor's practice. The discussion covers why treating a privately held business as just another asset is a missed opportunity, and how business owners, who control a significant portion of private wealth, are an untapped client segment. Learn how RISR's technology helps advisors understand and manage the complexities of business owner clients, moving beyond typical financial advice to drive substantial assets under management and deliver significant value. Don't miss the actionable insights on succession planning, risk management, and leveraging the unique needs of business owners to grow your advisory business. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Financial Advisors and Business Assets 00:34 Welcome to the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast 00:38 Introducing Jason Early and RISR 02:24 Myth Busting: Business Owners and Wealth 04:25 The Complexity of Business Owners' Financial Needs 05:21 The Evolution of Financial Planning 06:34 The Importance of Comprehensive Financial Advice 07:54 Connecting with Business Owners 10:35 The Role of Financial Advisors in Business Succession Planning 13:00 Understanding the Business Owner's Perspective 16:26 The Riches in Niches Strategy 24:07 The Confidence and Competence Gap 28:49 Blue Oceans vs. Red Oceans 29:30 The Importance of Tools for Business Advisors 29:55 How RISR Works for Advisors 30:58 Financial and Qualitative Insights for Business Owners 33:02 The Growing Trend of Private Company Ownership 38:51 Advisors' Role in Business Succession and Exit Planning 47:19 The Complexity and Opportunity of Working with Business Owners 51:04 The Rise of Solopreneurs 53:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Felipe Toews, CEO of Toews Asset Management and author of 'The Behavioral Portfolio: Managing Portfolios and Investor Behavior in a Complex Economy.' Delve into the intricacies of behavioral finance, market timing challenges, and the crucial role of effective advisor-client communication. Discover why Felipe believes that traditional portfolio management strategies might be leading advisors and clients astray, especially when considering unexpected market scenarios and significant losses. This episode offers valuable perspectives on educating investors and rethinking portfolio construction to better navigate a complex economic landscape. Don't miss this insightful discussion that could transform how you communicate with your clients and approach portfolio management. Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Economic Perceptions 00:45 Introduction to the Podcast 02:12 Guest Introduction: Felipe Toews 03:54 Behavioral Finance 101 07:47 Challenges in Market Timing 14:40 The Importance of Proactive Communication 21:20 Historical Market Analysis 27:44 Economic Growth and Inflation Challenges 29:25 Behavioral Portfolio Design 31:40 Critique of Traditional Investment Strategies 33:39 Adapting to Market Changes 36:22 Addressing Investor Behavior 44:12 Crypto and Speculative Investments 49:29 Future Economic Risks and Portfolio Strategies 55:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford is joined by Arnim Holzer, Global Macro Strategist at Easterly EAB, for an insightful discussion on market volatility and the need to rethink traditional asset allocation models. They explore the historical context of Modern Portfolio Theory, its simplifications, and why its assumptions may not hold in today's economic environment. The conversation delves into the instability of asset correlations during periods of volatility, the impact of macroeconomic conditions, and the importance of incorporating volatility-sensitive strategies into portfolios. Advisors can benefit from practical advice on how to use high Sortino ratio funds and strategies to manage downside risks and enhance client portfolio resilience. The episode also touches upon the relevance of active versus passive management, the implications of the global pandemic on markets, and the importance of client perception of portfolio performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:10 Guest Introduction: Arnim Holzer 01:24 Casual Conversation: Weekend Plans 02:21 Diving into Market Volatility 03:01 Challenging Traditional Asset Allocation Models 05:22 Flaws in Modern Portfolio Theory 06:27 Correlation and Volatility in Asset Allocation 16:06 Impact of Fed Policy on Market Correlations 24:00 Impact of the Pandemic on Inflation 24:55 Housing Market Dynamics During the Pandemic 26:13 The Fed's Response and Fixed Income Challenges 27:00 Volatility and Portfolio Management 28:36 Advisors' Role in Managing Volatility 31:25 Optimizing Portfolios with High Sortino Ratios 36:46 The Importance of Risk Management 42:40 Connecting with Arnim Holzer 44:20 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Modern Financial Advisor Podcast, host Mike Langford chats with Terry Mullen, Chief Revenue Officer of Fispoke, about how financial advisors can now offer comprehensive banking services to their clients. Once exclusive to wirehouse advisors, these services are now accessible to RIAs and independent financial advisors, thanks to new technology and banking arrangements. Mike and Terry discuss the evolution of financial advice, the immense market potential, and the transformative power of integrating banking solutions for financial advisory businesses. Learn about how Fispoke is bridging this gap, the opportunities for growth, and the future of comprehensive financial planning. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that could change the way you offer financial advice! Sponsored By: PodBox - Help your guest sound their best on your podcast, webinar, or important Zoom call with a PodBox microphone setup. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: How Financial Advisors Can Help Clients Navigate The Black Box of Healthcare Costs - Mike mentioned the parallels between the work that Drew Schockley and the team at Move Health are doing for financial advisors and their clients on the health insurance landscape. Like banking, every client is going to have health care needs. As a financial advisor, you should be offering sound advice on areas like these that affect your clients’ financial lives in significant ways.Episode 1 - The Truelytics Origin Story with Terry Mullen - As Mike mentioned in this episode, Terry Mullen was the first ever guest on the podcast back when it was actually called The Valuations Podcast. Jump in the time machine and give it a listen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:26 Guest Introduction: Terry Mullen 01:36 The Evolution of Financial Advisory Services 02:52 The Next Wave: Comprehensive Banking Services 03:38 Identifying the Problem and Market Opportunity 05:28 Fispoke's Integrated Banking Solutions 10:45 Growth Opportunities for Financial Advisors 17:17 Future Prospects and Closing Thoughts 19:09 The Impact of Healthcare on Job Mobility 19:50 Breakaway Advisors and Wirehouse Firms 20:53 Fispoke's Integration with Independent Broker-Dealers 21:45 The Role of Technology in Financial Advisory 23:45 The Future of Banking Advisors 28:48 Fispoke's Banking Partnerships 29:50 Technology Integration with Advisor's Tech Stack 32:55 The Benefits of Smaller Banks 34:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

Jake Claver, of Digital Ascension Group joins Mike Langford for an exploration of the growing importance of digital assets in wealth management. They discuss the concept of 'digital lottery winners'—clients who have gained significant wealth through cryptocurrencies—and the necessity for financial advisors to adapt to this new landscape. Jake also dispels a few common myths that financial advisors may have about who is investing in crypto and digital assets. The conversation also touches on the risks associated with holding digital assets and the future of regulation in the crypto space. The conversation highlights the opportunities for financial advisors to engage clients in discussions about digital assets, the potential impact of regulation on the market, and predictions for the future of transactions in a digital economy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Assets and Wealth Management 03:01 Understanding Digital Ascension Group's Services 07:59 The Rise of Digital Lottery Winners 09:23 The Importance of Advisors in the Crypto Space 15:32 Institutional Custody Explained 22:10 The Risks of Holding Digital Assets 24:37 Understanding Institutional Custody in Crypto 25:57 The Profile of Digital Lottery Winners 28:00 The Role of Financial Advisors in Crypto 30:29 Opportunities for Financial Advisors 32:27 Engaging Clients with New Asset Classes 34:15 The Future of Financial Products on Blockchain 36:29 The Impact of Regulation on Crypto 40:28 Market Predictions and Economic Insights 45:19 The Future of Transactions in a Digital Economy