Virtual US Financial Advisor

EP26: Holistic Financial Planning with Danqin Fang: What Really Matters

Planning your financial future isn't just about numbers. On this episode of the Virtual US Financial Advisor podcast, host Hannah Mitrea talks with Danqin Fang, founder of Wealth Beyond Math, about why how we feel about money may matter more than what's in our accounts. Danqin shares her journey from growing up in a coastal town in China to launching her firm in Austin. She explains how her love for numbers and people led her to financial planning, but the emotional side of money truly lit the spark. "Money is the means to the end, not the end," she explains, challenging how we usually think about financial goals. You'll hear how clients often discover that the dream house or savings number they've worked toward wasn't what actually mattered. Danqin walks us through when one client decided to sell their nearly finished luxury home to prioritize time with family instead. She also reveals how beliefs formed in childhood, like being told something is "too expensive", can shape our financial behavior for life. This episode dives into how mindset, emotions, and clarity impact financial planning more than any spreadsheet can. Danqin's approach focuses on deeper conversations, thoughtful reflection, and aligning money with purpose. "We make people climb the ladder fast, but what if it's on the wrong wall?" she asks. Here are the top must-listen takeaways from the podcast:  (1:45) Immigrant career journey into U.S. financial planning (5:08) Leaving a firm to pursue holistic life planning (11:12) A $1M+ custom home project paused (16:53) Childhood scarcity belief blocked spending in retirement (19:54) Why financial plans must reflect personal beliefs and values (22:12) The real reason financial plans fail (24:26) The role of motivation in money planning (27:34) What holistic financial planning means (31:23) Why money is the tool, not the goal (37:47) Why taking time early saves time (and stress) later (43:44) The first step to any real financial change If you've ever felt stuck between saving and living or questioned whether your financial plan matches your real goals, this one's for you. Tune in to hear how Danqin helps clients build more than wealth; she helps them build peace. About Danqin Fang Danqin Fang is the Founder and CEO of Wealth Beyond Math®, a virtual, fee-only financial planning firm based in Austin, Texas. She has over 14 years of experience advising over 200 families and overseeing $500M+ in assets. Danqin holds the CFP®, CFA®, and RLP® designations and focuses on helping professionals and business owners make financial decisions aligned with their goals. Originally from China, she now lives in Austin and leads a firm committed to life-centered, holistic financial planning. Contact Danqin Today!  LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danqinfang/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/danqinfang/ Website [https://www.wealthbeyondmath.com/] https://www.wealthbeyondmath.com/ Disclaimer: The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

EP025: Simplifying Financial Complexity: Gaby Lahoud's Approach to Analytics

What does it take to integrate effective AI tools in financial analytics? Exploring the financial sector, Gaby Lahoud found that conventional accounting practices needed more flexibility for modern challenges and needed to be more confining for his innovative spirit. This discovery led him to establish Be Certified Pro LLC and Serenity Advisors LLC, diving deep into financial analytics. Gaby noted a big problem in how companies used technology in their financial planning. Despite heavy investments in ERP systems, many still preferred the old way of doing things with tools like Excel, which caused inefficiencies. Eager to fill this gap, Gaby brought sophisticated financial modeling into his practice, dramatically improving how firms make decisions. He simplifies complex financial models with clear explanations, making sure everyone understands. Gaby stresses the importance of using good data and the right AI commands to benefit fully from today's technology. He often says, "Garbage in, garbage out," highlighting that output quality depends entirely on the quality of input. Also, Gaby believes in the power of external perspectives to avoid getting lost in details and to ensure data is well-organized and accessible. Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the podcast:  (4:33) Will AI take your job? (7:51) Why is creativity becoming crucial in modern education? (10:42) Why scenario planning is crucial for financial management (13:59) Why every business needs advanced analytics (17:44) The power of proper market analysis (23:01) The impact of poor data on business decisions (26:31) The importance of a fresh perspective on data (29:15) The chaos of multiple ERP systems in one company Today, Gaby Lahoud is a respected CFO and CEO dedicated to teaching and empowering businesses and individuals worldwide to make wise financial decisions. Tune in to hear him share his deep knowledge of financial modeling, the critical nature of data quality, and how effective education can transform finance on the "Virtual US Financial Advisor" podcast. About Gaby Lahoud Gaby Lahoud is the founder and CEO of Serenity Advisors, co-founder and CEO of B Certified Pro LLC, and Adjunct Instructor at Cleveland State University. He also serves as the President of IMA Lebanon Chapter and manages G.L. Real Estate. With over 15 years of experience in finance, accounting, education, and public speaking, Gaby has a robust presence in both regional and international markets. Contact Gaby Today!  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaby-lahoud-cfa-cma-pmp-csca-mba-66a9ba43/]  Serenity Advisors LLC [https://serenityadvisors.net/] B Certified Pro LLC [https://bcertifiedpro.com/] Disclaimer: The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

EP024: Breaking the Money Silence: Why Women Must Take Charge of Finances - With Cary Carbonaro

Join host Hannah Mitrea on the Virtual US Financial Advisor podcast as she welcomes Cary Carbonaro, a certified, award-winning financial advisor, and a “women and wealth expert”. Our guest is dedicated to guiding women in financial planning.  In this episode, Cary shares her journey from founding a sorority in college to facing personal and professional challenges. She talks about how societal norms often deter women from taking control of their finances and the key moments that shaped her financial perspective. Cary dives into financial literacy essentials, like budgeting and understanding net worth. She asks, "Are you aware of what's coming in and going out each month?" and stresses the importance of knowing your assets and liabilities. Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the podcast:  (6:02) Why aren't more women financially empowered?  (7:52) The power of preemptive financial planning  (9:31) When should financial experts be consulted (12:20) Are you tracking what comes in and out? (16:24) The need for nationwide financial literacy (19:20) Is your financial planner acting in your best interest? Discover the pitfalls that busy individuals face in neglecting financial plans and how a dedicated advisor can make a difference. Cary questions, "Do you know your credit score and why it's important?" and emphasizes the crucial role of personal responsibility in financial independence.  Tune in for an engaging conversation that demystifies finance and encourages you to manage your future confidently. About Cary Carbonaro Cary Carbonaro is a Certified Financial Planner with over 25 years of experience, including prestigious roles at JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, and Lord Abbett Investment. Recognized as a 2016 Investment News Woman to Watch and a CFP Board Ambassador, Cary is known for her dedication to financial literacy and advocacy. As a leading financial educator and influencer, she has been featured across various media platforms and has spoken globally on financial literacy. As a trusted advisor, Cary is committed to guiding clients through the complexities of private wealth management. Contact Cary Today!  LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carycarbonarocfp/] Website [https://carycarbonaro.com/]  Disclaimer: The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

EP023: Three Buckets to Freedom: Jim Barnash on Optimizing Income and Taxes for Retirement

When Jim Barnash stepped into the insurance world, he quickly understood that whole life insurance wasn’t the complete financial solution many needed. This insight led him to the financial planning sector. He saw a big gap. Many people were only relying on accountants for tax work, creating a disconnect in their financial plans. Unwilling to let this stand, Jim reintegrated tax planning into his practice in 2016, making a significant difference for many individuals. Jim uses a simple analogy of three buckets to explain different categories of income. He highlights the importance of understanding these categories, especially when planning for retirement. He talks about Roth 401(k) contributions and Roth conversions as ways to enhance tax-free income. Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the podcast:  (4:31) Are You Getting the Right Tax Advice? (6:27) Are Your Taxes Tied Together? (7:22) Navigating the Three Buckets of Income (10:43) Is Roth 401(K) the Right Choice for You? (13:52) The Roth Dilemma: Higher Taxes Now? (23:06) Avoiding the Pitfalls of Portfolio Overlap (25:51) Breaking the Myths of Financial Planning (26:33) The Snowball Effect of a 401(K) Today, Jim Barnash is the president of JA Barnash and Associates. He’s committed to providing a comprehensive and tailored financial strategy for his clients, helping them retain more of their income and achieve their financial goals. Hear from Jim as he shares his journey and insights into financial and tax planning and how understanding different categories of income can lead to optimized financial outcomes. About Jim Barnash, CFP® Jim Barnash's journey is a story of passion and expertise in financial planning and tax solutions. Starting his career with Equitable Life Insurance, he quickly realized the need for comprehensive financial planning and tax solutions. Now, as the Founder of JA Barnash & Associates, Jim is all about helping individuals, couples, and closely held business owners put together the pieces of their financial puzzle for over 30 years.  When he's not deeply involved in financial planning and tax solutions, Jim is giving back to the community. He served as the President and Chairman of the Financial Planning Association and as an adjunct faculty member for W.R. Harper College and DePaul University. Eager to explore financial strategies and tax solutions with Jim? Reach out to him at jim@jabarnash.com, call 847-894-2299, or find out more about him and his team at his website [https://jabarnashassociates.com/]. Disclaimer: The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.

EP022: Timing, Planning, and Adapting: Navigating Financial Waters with Mark Newfield

Navigating the intricate world of financial planning, Mark Newfield highlights the crucial need for a well-laid-out plan. Without it, investment management lacks significance. He observes that the world of financial advising has its complexities, with many being unclear about the real role of financial advisors. Mark believes in a process-driven approach to financial planning. He understands the value of mapping out an individual's financial journey, taking into account their past, present, and desired future. This perspective is shaped, in part, by Mark's personal journey from a successful corporate life to starting his own business at the age of 46. While Mark can't transform the entire financial world's views, he chooses to do things his way. He focuses on understanding his clients' financial vision, ensuring they are adequately saving for their future without unnecessary restrictions. Mark's approach, combined with his emphasis on loyalty and the importance of a trusting relationship with a financial advisor, plays a key role in his success. Today, Mark Newfield, CFP® and RICP®, serves as the Managing Director and wealth management advisor at Journey Strategic Wealth. His team is dedicated to understanding and guiding their clients' financial futures.  Here are the top-must-listen takeaways from the podcast:  (0:48) Is investing enough without a plan?  (1:56) What really is financial planning? (3:55) Is your financial journey intentional? (5:54) How to begin your financial journey? (10:55) The crossroads: personal vs. professional life (16:31) Why withdrawing in a downturn hurts (19:33) How investment timing affects returns (24:16) Can financial plans truly be static? (26:15) How often should you change financial advisors? (30:20) Why loyalty matters in financial services (33:11) What should we look for in a financial advisor? (38:23) Books every financial enthusiast should read Join us on the "Virtual US Financial Advisor" podcast as Mark shares insights from his journey and his perspective on creating an effective financial roadmap. Dive deeper into the financial world with us, where we bring you industry leaders and their transformative stories Mark Newfield's journey is a blend of hands-on experience and expert advice. From an auto mechanic and retail store manager to a consultant at Accenture to the founding of his own financial planning firm (which is now a part of Journey Strategic Wealth), Mark has always been about guiding and fixing. Today, he leads his division at JSW, ensuring his team offers the best care and value to their clients. When he's not diving deep into financial strategies, Mark enjoys college basketball, golf, and family trips. Eager to connect and share? Reach out to him at mnewfield@journeysw.com, call 8045259700, or find him on Twitter (@MJNewfield [https://twitter.com/MJNewfield]), LinkedIn (Mark Newfield [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marknewfield/]), and substack (marknewfield.substack.com [https://marknewfield.substack.com/]). For weekly insights, tune into his YouTube channel, @mjnewfield [https://www.youtube.com/@mjnewfield]. Disclaimer: The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.