Why Every Financial Advisor Needs to Understand Taxes With Stephen Jarvis

Why Every Financial Advisor Needs to Understand Taxes With Stephen Jarvis

Taxes influence virtually every financial planning recommendation, yet many advisors hesitate to make tax planning part of their client experience. In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP®welcome Stephen Jarvis, CPA, founder of Retirement Tax Services, for an in-depth conversation about bridging the gap between financial planners and tax professionals. Stephen explains why every advisor should incorporate tax awareness into their planning process—even without becoming a tax expert. He shares practical advice on building stronger CPA relationships, requesting tax returns from clients, creating successful referral partnerships, evaluating tax designations, and developing communication skills that accelerate career growth. The discussion also explores why experience matters more than additional credentials, how advisors can confidently begin offering tax planning, and why taking action on new ideas is the key to long-term success. Whether you're an aspiring financial planner or an experienced advisor looking to strengthen your tax planning process, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement immediately. Executive Producer: Jadah Riley What You'll Learn Why tax planning belongs in every financial planning engagement The easiest way to start incorporating taxes into your advice process How to build stronger relationships with CPAs and tax professionals Why requesting tax returns can uncover planning opportunities Strategies for creating long-term referral partnerships The pros and cons of tax designations for advisors Communication techniques that separate top advisors from the rest Why implementation matters more than information Key Takeaways Every financial decision creates tax consequences. Advisors don't need to become CPAs—but they do need tax awareness. Strong CPA relationships begin with understanding each other's value. Asking for tax returns is one of the simplest ways to improve client outcomes. Real-world experience develops tax planning skills faster than collecting credentials. Difficult conversations are a career-defining skill for advisors. Recording and reviewing yourself is one of the fastest ways to improve communication. Knowledge only creates value when it's followed by action. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Stephen's Favorite Tax Code Oddities 02:20 Stephen Jarvis' Journey into Tax Planning 06:00 Why Every Financial Decision Has Tax Consequences 10:00 Building Better Relationships Between Advisors & CPAs 15:15 The First Step Into Tax Planning 19:10 Breaking the Ice with Tax Professionals 24:10 Building Referral Partnerships That Actually Work 29:10 The Future of Tax Planning in Financial Advice 33:00 Should Advisors Pursue Tax Designations? 35:10 How to Get Clients to Share Their Tax Returns 37:10 Career Advice: Communication & Difficult Conversations 38:15 Podcasting as a Communication Tool 39:13 Knowledge Only Matters If You Take Action

Beyond the Financial Plan: Seth Streeter on Becoming the Advisor Clients Need

In this episode of The Blueprint | An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® welcome Seth Streeter, Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Mission Wealth, for an inspiring conversation about what it truly means to help clients build wealth. Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey and decades of experience serving clients, Seth explains why the future of financial planning extends far beyond investment management. He introduces his powerful 12 Dimensions of Wealth framework, shares why authenticity is one of an advisor's greatest competitive advantages, and discusses how emotional intelligence, deep listening, and purpose-driven leadership will differentiate the next generation of financial planners in an AI-powered world. Whether you're an aspiring CFP® professional, an associate advisor, or an experienced planner looking to deepen client relationships, this episode offers practical insights that will help you become more than a technical expert—you'll learn how to become the trusted guide your clients need most. Executive Producer: Jadah Riley What You'll Learn How the 12 Dimensions of Wealth help clients define true fulfillment Why authenticity is one of the greatest competitive advantages for advisors The difference between being a technical "mechanic" and a trusted client "guide" How deep listening strengthens client relationships and builds lifelong trust Why emotional intelligence (EQ) is becoming more valuable than technical expertise How AI is changing financial planning—and where human advisors create the most value Practical ways early-career advisors can develop coaching and leadership skills How Mission Wealth built a culture focused on purpose, growth, and client impact Key Takeaways Financial planning is about helping clients build meaningful lives—not simply growing portfolios. The strongest client relationships are built through curiosity, empathy, and authentic conversations. Advisors who embrace their unique personalities attract more aligned clients and career opportunities. AI will increasingly automate technical work, making human connection even more valuable. Great advisors ask better questions instead of simply providing better answers. Developing guide skills today will become one of the greatest differentiators for tomorrow's financial planners. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Meet Seth Streeter 02:45 – Building Mission Wealth from the Ground Up 08:00 – Starting a Firm with Purpose 13:30 – The 12 Dimensions of Wealth Explained 18:30 – Helping Clients Find Fulfillment Beyond Money 23:15 – From Financial Planner to Trusted Guide 27:30 – Deep Listening & Coaching Conversations 31:15 – Why EQ Will Matter More Than AI 34:15 – Hiring Future Financial Advisors 36:15 – Final Advice for Early-Career Planners

Trust Your Gut: How Nichole Graham Built a Career on Her Own Terms

In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® welcome Nichole Graham CFP®, CDFA Financial Analyst at Wellspring Divorce Advisors and Financial Advisor at Regista Financial Strategies. Nichole shares how trusting her intuition transformed her career, allowing her to embrace remote work, contract opportunities, and a rewarding specialization in divorce financial planning. She opens up about moving across the country, building community through FPA NexGen®, balancing work across multiple firms, and developing the confidence to become the advisor she was meant to be. For early-career financial planners, this episode is packed with actionable advice on career development, networking, client relationships, and creating a career aligned with your values. What You'll Learn Why trusting your instincts can accelerate your financial planning career How remote work can create new opportunities for advisors The advantages and challenges of transitioning from W-2 employment to 1099 contract work How FPA NexGen® can help build your professional network Why empathy is one of the most valuable skills in financial planning How financial planners can better serve clients navigating divorce Tips for managing multiple firms and balancing competing priorities Building confidence while developing your own advising style Key Takeaways Career growth often comes from taking calculated risks. Your work environment has a significant impact on long-term success. Community and mentorship can dramatically accelerate professional development. Authenticity builds stronger client relationships than trying to imitate others. Financial planners create tremendous value simply by helping clients feel heard. Independent and contract work offers flexibility but requires intentional planning. Emotional intelligence is just as important as technical expertise. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Meet Nichole Graham 01:25 – Moving Across the Country & Embracing Career Change 04:10 – Building Community Through FPA NexGen® 06:45 – Thriving in a Remote Work Environment 09:30 – Creating a Morning Routine for Success 12:15 – Transitioning from W-2 Employment to Contract Work 16:20 – Balancing Multiple Firms & Client Relationships 20:05 – How FPA NexGen® Accelerated Nichole's Career 23:30 – Volunteering, Travel & Avoiding Burnout 26:10 – Discovering Financial Planning as a Helping Profession 29:00 – Trusting Your Gut & Finding Your Own Voice 31:20 – Advice for Advisors Considering Independent Contract Work 32:25 – Final Thoughts on Supporting Clients Through Divorce

How Chris Wise Is Reinventing Financial Planning with Health, Wealth & Purpose

In this inspiring episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with entrepreneur and financial planner Chris Wise CFP®, founder of Wise Capital Partners, to discuss building a modern financial planning firm that prioritizes both wealth and well-being. Chris shares his journey from growing up in a financial planning family to forging his own path, returning to transform the family business, and leading through extraordinary personal challenges. He offers candid insights on mentorship, entrepreneurship, leadership, delegation, and why the future of financial planning extends far beyond investment management. From creating a culture of emotional wellness inside his firm to reimagining financial planning through a "health and wealth" lens, Chris challenges advisors to think differently about the impact they can have on clients' lives. For early-career advisors, business owners, and aspiring firm leaders, this conversation delivers practical wisdom on building a fulfilling career while helping clients build fulfilling lives. Hosted by Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP®. Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley What You'll Learn • Why mentorship accelerates growth more than trying to know everything yourself • How entrepreneurship changes the way advisors think about leadership • Why delegation is essential for scaling a successful advisory firm • How health and financial planning intersect to improve client outcomes • Lessons learned from taking over a family business during a crisis • Why early-career advisors should focus on learning before earning Key Takeaways • Strong relationships create better advisors and better businesses. • Financial planning is ultimately about helping people, not managing investments. • Building a team around your strengths creates greater long-term impact. • Health is one of the greatest forms of wealth clients can possess. • Mentorship provides experience that cannot be learned from textbooks. • Career success compounds over time through consistency and continuous learning. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Meet Chris Wise 02:45 – The Origin of "Wise Up" 07:15 – Growing Up Around Financial Planning 13:40 – Leaving and Returning to the Family Business 19:45 – Leadership Through Crisis During COVID 25:10 – Building a Personal Board of Mentors 30:45 – Entrepreneurship, Delegation & Wearing Multiple Hats 35:50 – Why Health Should Be Part of Financial Planning 40:15 – Creating Better Client Outcomes Through Emotional Wellness 42:15 – Advice for Early-Career Financial Planners 43:09 – Final Thoughts & Wise Up

Beyond Money: Breanna Rae Blaney on Wealth, Identity & Financial Planning

What if financial planning wasn’t just about accumulating wealth — but helping clients intentionally design their lives? In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Breanna Rae Blaney, CEO and Founder of Anya Institute and creator of the Integrative Wealth Advisor Certification and host of the Human Evolution Podcast. Breanna shares why financial planners occupy one of the most influential seats in a client’s life — and why the future of financial advice extends far beyond investments and retirement projections. Together, they explore money psychology, identity, financial planner self-awareness, relational intelligence, and how advisors can become trusted guides helping clients align money with meaning. Whether you’re a student entering financial planning, an early-career advisor, or a seasoned professional looking to deepen client relationships, this episode delivers practical tools and thought-provoking insights to elevate your impact. Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley What You'll Learn • Why money is a tool—not the ultimate goal • How financial planners shape client decisions beyond financial plans • The importance of understanding your own money story and money scripts • Why relational intelligence matters in modern wealth management • Daily habits that improve clarity, confidence, and advisor effectiveness • How curiosity and self-awareness strengthen client relationships • Why younger planners bring unique value to the profession • The future of transformational financial advice Key Takeaways • Financial planning extends beyond numbers—it shapes lives • Why self-awareness helps advisors better serve clients • Understanding your own beliefs around money improves advice delivery • The future of financial advice is deeply human • How curiosity, consistency, and reflection strengthen leadership Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 02:12 What money means and how perceptions evolve 06:15 Why wealth accumulation alone doesn’t create fulfillment 10:20 Becoming a guide instead of a problem solver 15:05 Identity, self-awareness, and advisor growth 19:42 Understanding money scripts and financial behaviors 23:55 Transformational client relationships vs transactional advice 28:11 Why younger advisors have an advantage 31:42 Meditation, routines, and building resilience 35:20 Morning habits for advisor performance 38:05 Final reflections on redefining wealth