Short-Term Hard, Long-Term Easy: Ex-Edward Jones Advisor on Building Beyond $1B

Short-Term Hard, Long-Term Easy: Ex-Edward Jones Advisor on Building Beyond $1B

From The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors by Mindy Diamond Financial Advisor Recruiter and Consultant

May 14, 2026 · 43 min · Season 1 · Episode 359

About this episode

Ricky Smith discusses his transition from Edward Jones to founding Inspired Wealth Planning and the growth of his independent firm.

With Ricky Smith—Founder & Managing Partner, Inspired Wealth Planning Overview Jason Diamond speaks with Ricky Smith of Inspired Wealth Planning about leaving Edward Jones after 30 years, evaluating 12 firms, and building an independent business that grew to $1.25B in assets under care in less than three years. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/cobAfEl0_To About this episode… What happens when you stop thinking like a renter and start thinking like an owner? Not just in theory, but in how you run your business, make decisions, and show up for clients. For Ricky Smith, that question didn’t come at the beginning of his career. It came 30 years later, after building a highly successful practice at Edward Jones and beginning to see the business through a different lens. Today, Ricky is the founder and managing partner of Inspired Wealth Planning, the…

People in this episode

Host: Jason Diamond

Guest: Ricky Smith

Topics covered

  • financial independence
  • business growth
  • wealth management
  • career transition
  • investment strategies

Keywords

  • financial advisor
  • independent business
  • assets under care
  • career change
  • wealth planning

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Inspired Wealth Planning, Edward Jones, Kestra Private Wealth Services

Places: seven locations

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