AFO|Wealth Management Forward

In this panel episode, Rory speaks with Seth Fineberg, founder of Accountants Forward, and Phillip Hecker, CEO of Bento Engine, about their contributions to The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management and the major inflection point in the accounting profession. They explore the evolution of financial advice—from Advice 1.0 (transactional) to Advice 2.0 (goal-based planning) and now Advice 3.0 (comprehensive wealth management), where proactive, personalized guidance strengthens client engagement. Discover why Theodore Roosevelt’s words—"Clients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care."—are more relevant than ever, and how professionals can move beyond technical expertise to demonstrate true empathy and impact. Find out why they believe the Virtual Family Office model, combined with timely and personalized client engagement, drives the greatest impact. Discover how fostering a Return on Relationships (ROR) mindset empowers advisors to connect with clients through a human-first approach, building trust, deepening loyalty, and driving long-term success. Do you want to know if most American’s are filing for Social Security at the wrong time? Want to learn how financial engagement can help advisors connect with the next generation and build lasting relationships? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this special Holistic Guide to Wealth Management book episode with Phillip, Seth, and Rory.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Tim Maurer, CFP®, registered life planner, and Chief Advisory Officer at Signature FD, as well as a regular contributor to CNBC and Forbes. Tim shares his philosophy that personal finance is more personal than finance, emphasizing the role of emotions, behavior, and storytelling in financial planning. Discover why most clients implement less than 20% of financial plan recommendations—and how behavioral finance can help bridge that gap. Learn how Tim’s Live, Grow, Protect, and Give framework transforms traditional financial planning by aligning money with our different stages of life. Tim also explores the power of narrative, drawing insights from Donald Miller’s StoryBrand approach, and explains why advisors should act as guides—not heroes—in their clients’ financial journeys. Are you curious about how to improve client engagement and create lasting impact? Want to learn how to move beyond numbers and help clients align their money with their life’s purpose? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this Personal Finance conversation with Tim Maurer.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Michael Ly, CEO of Reconciled, a leading virtual accounting and advisory firm, and General Partner of the AF Fund, a venture capital fund dedicated to accounting and fintech startups. Michael shares how he built one of the fastest-growing accounting firms and why he’s now investing in AI-driven financial tools that streamline workflow automation, revenue recognition, and payments. Discover how his dual role as a firm owner and investor provides him with a unique advantage in identifying transformative technologies and why he believes accountants should start thinking like investors. Learn about the latest innovations shaping the profession, the challenges of integrating software with services, and how to build a remote workforce culture. Are you curious about how AI, automation, and fintech and venture investing? Want to learn how firm owners can leverage technology to scale efficiently? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this insightful conversation with Michael Ly.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Dr. Michael Thomas, lecturer at the University of Georgia, accredited financial counselor, and author of Black Financial Culture: Building Wealth from the Inside Out. Known for his TED Talk on financial empathy, Dr. Thomas explores how financial decisions are shaped not just by personal choices but by the systems we navigate—familial beliefs, societal norms, technological influences like social media algorithms, and even the way physical environments encourage spending. Discover how financial socialization—the way we inherit money beliefs—impacts behaviors, and why financial empathy, incorporating cognitive, emotional, and compassionate understanding, is essential for building trust. Dr. Thomas also shares the NURSE acronym (Name, Understand, Respect, Support, Explore), a powerful framework for financial advisors to deepen client relationships and foster behavioral change. Learn why businesses leverage psychological triggers to influence spending habits, how advocacy can drive financial literacy reform, and how financial professionals can move beyond just education to empower real action. Are you curious about how systems shape our behaviors? Want to learn how financial empathy can help clients overcome shame and take control of their financial future? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Thomas. Book: Black Financial Culture: Building Wealth from the Inside Out https://www.amazon.com/Black-Financial-Culture-Building-Wealth-ebook/dp/B0BY1SLHRJ Hire Dr. Michael: https://www.modomsolutions.com/

In this episode, Rory speaks with George Kinder, author, mindfulness teacher, and founder of the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, widely known as the father of life planning. George shares how his journey from tax professional to global leader in life planning was driven by his passion to align finances with freedom and fulfillment. Discover the power of his three life-planning questions, which help clients prioritize what matters most, and learn about the EVOKE process—a framework combining trust-building, deep listening, and actionable steps to design and live ideal life plans. George also highlights the importance of mindfulness in transforming suffering into wisdom and unlocking the freedom of the present moment. His latest book, The Three Domains of Freedom, explores how we can unlock the freedom of the moment, develop a life plan, and improve civilization. Are you curious about how life planning fosters clarity, confidence, and gumption? Do you want to learn how to craft your ideal day, week, or year? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this thought-provoking and inspiring conversation with George Kinder.

In this best of episode, Rory highlights standout conversations from 2024, featuring industry leaders and innovators. Discover insights from Allan Koltin on the future of accounting, including the rise of private equity and potential IPOs for accounting firms. Hear Chris Tabb break down the three key assessments every business owner should consider for value acceleration: attractiveness, owner readiness, and financial preparedness. Learn how Robert Kirk leverages behavioral data to personalize client communications and how Jody Padar envisions the CPA firm of 2030 evolving with private equity and AI. This episode also features moments from Nate Hoskins, Trevor Greenway, and others, exploring how storytelling, data-driven decisions, and leadership development are reshaping how we work with clients. Are you curious about how emerging technologies and trends are redefining professional services? Want actionable strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of accounting and wealth management? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this best-of compilation 2024.

In this special episode Rory highlights the most impactful conversations of 2024, featuring insights from leaders in behavioral finance, accounting, and wealth management. Discover how Amy Mullen’s values-based planning can deepen client connections, Dr. Preston Cherry’s “Secure the BAG” framework fosters financial compassion, and Nathan Astle’s practical framework navigates financial relationships. Learn about Bari Tessler’s approach to aligning money with emotions through mindfulness, Jeff Bartsch’s insights on storytelling, Alan Whitman’s call to challenge industry norms, and Samantha Lamas’s advice on preparing for retirement with emotional readiness. Are you curious about how to use storytelling to build trust with clients? Want to learn how aligning financial decisions with personal values can lead to greater satisfaction and success? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this best-of behavioral finance compilation.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Yuri Kapilovich, better known as “The Fun CPA,” about how he’s transforming the accounting profession by rejecting the traditional burnout culture and embracing work-life synchronicity. Discover how Yuri built a thriving practice that allows him to work fewer than 40 hours a week during busy seasons while staying highly responsive to his clients. Learn how his strategic approach to client selection and his focus on efficiency have helped him maintain a manageable workload and attract ideal clients. Yuri shares the power of personal branding, detailing how his engaging social media presence of over 10,000 LinkedIn followers has become a referral magnet. Are you curious about how to escape the grind and create a more rewarding practice? Want to learn how accountants can thrive by breaking outdated industry norms? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this engaging conversation with Yuri Kapilovich “The Fun CPA.”

In this episode, Rory sits down with Dr. Preston Cherry, founder of Concurrent Wealth Management, director at the Charles Schwab Center for Personal Financial Planning at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, and author of Wealth in the Key of Life: Finding Your Financial Harmony. Discover how financial wellness isn't just about numbers—it's about aligning your values, goals, and money decisions to create a life of purpose and meaning. Learn how tools like the "honest self-audit" and identifying your "money story" can help you build a stronger relationship with your finances. Dr. Cherry also shares his insights on creating financial compassion, embracing flexibility amidst uncertainty, and understanding the role of gratitude and grace in financial planning. Learn how how writing a financial purpose statement can illuminate your true priorities. Do you want to know why Dr. Cherry wrote about Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror" metaphor? Are you ready to uncover the deeper connections between wealth and well-being? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with author Dr. Preston Cherry.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Chris Tabb, founder of Inevitable Sale and a certified exit planning advisor who specializes in white-label exit planning solutions for accounting firms and professional advisors. Discover why thinking about exit planning from day one can significantly improve business value and ensure a smoother transition. In fact, five out of six business owners currently do not have an exit plan, highlighting the importance of proactive planning to ensure successful outcomes. Learn about the three assessments Chris uses to evaluate businesses: attractiveness to buyers, personal readiness, and financial readiness. Chris also shares his expertise on how to create a value-creator business rather than just a lifestyle business, highlighting the importance of leadership, transferable value, and removing owner dependency. Are you interested in how to make your business more attractive to potential buyers? Do you want to know how to grow your audience on LinkedIn and via newsletters? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this engaging discussion with Chris Tabb.