What makes a client relationship truly exceptional in today's financial world? In this episode, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Editorial, chats with Larry and Denise Sprung from Mitlin Financial about crafting a world-class client experience. The Sprungs share the heartwarming story behind their firm's name and reveal how their approach goes beyond traditional client interactions by treating each client as a part of the family through personalized service and proactive communication. Larry and Denise discuss: The importance of integrating family values into financial services (03:15) Building personalized client experiences that exceed expectations (08:45) The backstory behind Mitlin Financial's founding and philosophy (17:10) Practical tips for financial advisors to enhance client relationships (24:00) Creating a legacy of trust and integrity in financial planning (30:20) And more Resources: joyfuladvisor.com Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Larry and Denise Sprung: Larry Sprung LinkedIn: Larry Sprung Facebook: Larry Sprung Twitter: Larry Sprung Denise Sprung LinkedIn: Denise Sprung Mitlin Money Mindset Podcast About Our Guests: Larry Sprung, CFP®, is the founder and wealth advisor at Mitlin Financial, Inc. As a fiduciary advisor, he and his team are dedicated to facilitating the customization of clients’ portfolios as they work toward reaching their financial objectives. Larry is also the host of the Mitlin Money Mindset™, a podcast that’s all about getting your mind right when it comes to all things money. Outside the office, one of Larry’s greatest passions is raising awareness for mental health. He spent over 12 years serving on the National Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and sits on its financial and investment committees. Denise Sprung is passionate about promoting sound and accurate financial education. She believes financial literacy is essential for the next generation and takes pride in supporting Mitlin Financial, Inc.’s mission to use its platform to educate and empower others. With over a decade of marketing experience, Denise brings a wealth of expertise to Mitlin Financial. As the founder and operator of a trademarked blog with a large social media following, she excels in delivering content that keeps clients informed and provides valuable insights into the financial world. Beyond finance, Denise is deeply committed to helping others. She serves as the co-chair of the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, established in memory of her brother Keith, who died by suicide in 2004. Each May, Denise organizes a mental health awareness book fundraiser, where participating authors donate a portion of their sales to the fund. Since its inception, the fund has raised over $1.7 million and has made a significant impact by sharing Keith’s story and fostering meaningful conversations around mental health. Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

What does it truly mean to provide a world-class client experience? In this episode, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Editorial at Carson Group, speaks with Sarah Cain, VP of Carson Coaching. Together, they unravel the art of moving beyond the basics of financial services to create interactions that clients rave about. Listen in as they explore how small, intentional actions can leave a lasting impact on client relationships. Ana and Sarah discuss: The significance of creating a world-class client experience Powerful components that shape exceptional client interactions Strategies for enhancing onboarding processes Leveraging technology to meet modern client expectations The role of continuous education in client relationships Effective ways to collect and act on client feedback And more Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Sarah Cain: Carson Group LLC BeneForza LinkedIn: Sarah Cain Calendly: Sarah Cain About Our Guest: Sarah Cain is passionate about using proven strategies to help business owners create and grow strong businesses that balance purpose and profit. She challenges successful entrepreneurs to build more sustainable businesses and is a strong advocate for B Corp certification. Prior to joining Carson Group Coaching in 2016, she spent over a decade at a $750 million hybrid RIA firm in Kansas City, with successive roles, including Chief Operations Officer. Her tenure as COO involved overseeing strategic projects and managing a team of internal stakeholders in the areas of technology, client service, financial planning, and back-office roles such as trading and new business coordination. Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

Building genuine community and authentic connections is the cornerstone of success and fulfillment, especially for women in financial services. In this episode, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Editorial at Carson Group, speaks with Joanna Ehresman and Leah Alter, co-hosts of the WomenShare Podcast. Together, they explore the transformative power of community, celebrate women's achievements, and discuss strategies for overcoming challenges unique to women in the financial services industry. Their passion for creating a supportive network shines through as they emphasize the importance of lifting each other up. Joanna and Leah discuss: Encouraging women to authentically show up, build networks, and seek genuine connections The challenges women face as the “only ones in the room” and the lessons learned in overcoming burnout and isolation The importance of sharing insights and experiences to foster collective success and support future generations in financial services Celebrating milestones, both personal and professional, as a way to build confidence and a sense of community Redefining success by creating balance, authenticity, and joy in both personal and professional lives And more! Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Leah Alter and Joanna Ehresman: Website: WomenShare Podcast YouTube: WomenShare Podcast LinkedIn: Leah Alter LinkedIn Joanna Ehresman About Leah Alter: Leah Alter is the Founder of Marketing by Foxie. After years in New York City's entertainment and events industry, she moved to Austin, TX, joining an independent Broker-Dealer and RIA. At the Broker-Dealer/RIA, Leah worked on the business development team before transitioning to marketing consulting, where she helped advisors brand and market themselves in a highly regulated industry. She led marketing workshops and programs, with one of her initiatives earning two Wealthmanagement.com Award nominations. She also contributed to the marketing team, packaging and delivering products and services for financial professionals. Leah later joined a digital marketing agency serving the financial services and FinTech industries, gaining valuable expertise from industry specialists. Most recently, she was Vice President of Marketing at a FinTech company, focusing on branding, social media thought leadership, and launching a new website. A passionate marketer, Leah is dedicated to helping her clients succeed. About Joanna Ehresman: Joanna is the Founder of Momentum Growth Solutions and co-host of WomenShare , leveraging her 20+ years of marketing expertise to empower clients and listeners to make a greater impact. Her passion for marketing stems from seeing the profound impact professional financial advice has on clients' lives. At Momentum Growth Solutions, Joanna helps companies accelerate growth by aligning their purpose with their brand and marketing strategies while advising internal teams for sustainable results. Joanna also serves on the Board of Directors for BestPrep, a nonprofit focused on youth financial literacy and career skills. She lives near Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband and three sons. Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

Are your goals big enough to bring transformation, not just transactions, into your life? This week, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Editorial, sits down with executive business coach J.J. Peller to explore the power of setting ambitious goals. Join the conversation as they delve into why thinking beyond "realistic" goals can unlock your true potential. J.J. unravels the art of goal-setting, emphasizing the mindset's role in overcoming challenges and the importance of having a clear, compelling vision. This episode is packed with insights for financial advisors and anyone ready to take their aspirations to the next level! J.J. Peller discusses: (03:06) Why setting a grand vision is pivotal for success (08:04) The importance of mindset in achieving big goals (12:08) Personal anecdotes about doubling goals and the impact (17:45) The significance of accountability and mentorship (19:19) Strategies for committing fully to your goals And more Resources: Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life by Arnold Schwarzenegger The Science of Change by Dr. Richard E. Boyatzis Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with J.J. Peller: Carson Coaching J.J. Peller LinkedIn: J.J. Peller About Our Guest: J.J. Peller helps ambitious, driven, growth-minded financial advisors maximize their potential so they can thrive in life and business. He believes that human potential is virtually limitless. Like 99.99% of people around the world, most have only scratched the surface of their greatest potential—a category J.J. acknowledges he is in as well. J.J. is passionate about using his coaching skills to help financial advisors tap more of their potential, enabling them to deliver even greater value to even more people. He started his career as a financial advisor and witnessed firsthand the importance and meaningful impact financial advisors have on people’s lives. Over time, J.J. realized his personal gifts, skills, and passions aligned more with helping advisors nationwide become the greatest version of themselves, so they can serve their clients at the highest level possible. Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

Is your client experience helping you grow—or driving business away? Tammy Breitenbach, Executive Business Coach, joins Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Editorial, to explore how advisors can design standout client experiences that foster loyalty and growth. By combining human interaction, strategic service models, and technology, Tammy reveals how firms could transform relationships and drive profitability in a digital-first world. Drawing from her client strategy and business growth expertise, Tammy also shares actionable steps for creating exceptional experiences that keep clients thriving and engaged. Tammy discusses: How consistent service models and strategic client segmentation could define and elevate client experience excellence, ensuring maximum impact The value of leveraging advisory councils to gather client feedback, uncover blind spots, and focus on what matters most to clients Ways to optimize time and efficiency by delegating routine tasks and using AI-driven tools for personalized communications and seamless meeting follow-ups The role of transparency in building trust, including how addressing mistakes honestly strengthens client relationships and loyalty Strategies for implementing meaningful changes, such as focusing on one or two key improvements annually for sustainable growth How technology and human interaction can create a standout client experience in a digital-first world And much more! Resources: Zocks Morningstar Ep. 194: Tammy Breitenbach: Helping Advisors Transition Their Business Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Carson Group LLC Connect with Tammy Breitenbach: LinkedIn: Tammy Breitenbach, ACC, MBA Carson Group LLC About Our Guest: Tammy Breitenbach, ACC, MBA, is an Executive Business Coach at Carson Coaching. Tammy finds a business’ unique ecosystem by understanding the history, the team, and what makes each practice tick. She can advise how to implement improvements or processes in a way that will work effectively for them. Tammy is passionate about helping advisors draw absolute satisfaction from their practices – that includes running a business that functions well to support their more significant wants and purpose in life. Before joining Carson Group in 2018, Tammy spent 10 years of private consulting as the Principal Consultant of Catalyst Partners, a company she founded in 2008. At Catalyst, Tammy specialized in providing hands-on business counsel and leadership advice exclusively to owners of Independent RIAs and their key staff to help them grow stronger, more profitable businesses. Send us your questions; we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

Are you spending too much time on tasks that are holding you back from your potential? Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Editorial, and Executive Business Coach Jessica Colston, MS, PCC, team up in this episode to reveal how delegation and AI could transform the way advisors approach their work. Rather than simply assigning tasks, Ana and Jessica present delegation as a strategic approach to maximizing efficiency and personal growth. They share a practical framework for tapping into team strengths, engaging gig workers, and embracing technology to streamline operations. Jessica also explores AI's impactful potential in financial advisory. Tools like Otter and Zocks help advisors summarize meeting notes, craft client communications, and spark creative ideas, freeing up time to focus on what matters most. Listeners will gain actionable insights to deepen client relationships, optimize their workflows, and step into the work they love most, leaving routine tasks to trusted team members and cutting-edge tools. Jessica Discusses: Building Effective Teams: Use tools like the Kolbe assessment to delegate tasks aligned with team members’ natural strengths Improving Client Experiences: Free up time for personalized attention, especially during sensitive moments Practical Delegation Tips: Start small—identify two tasks to delegate this month. For guidance, try Carson Coaching’s “100 Tasks to Delegate” tool And much more! Resources: 100 Tasks Every Advisor Should Delegate Otter.ai Zocks.io Kolbe Fiverr Upwork Navigating Change in Financial Planning with Erin Wood, CFP®, CRPC®, FBS® Beyond Biases: Rethinking Behavioral Finance with Brian Portnoy, CFA Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Jessica Colston: LinkedIn: Jessica Colston, MS, PCC Carson Group LLC Carson Coaching About Our Guest: Jessica Colston’s passion is partnering with firm owners to discover the gap between their current situation and their desired success and then working with them to implement strategies that help them pursue their firm’s full potential. A strong advocate of the importance of goal setting and process-based businesses, she sees the timeless concepts outlined in Tested in the Trenches paired with executive coaching as a powerful way already-successful advisors can increase their IQ (Implementation Quotient) and break through plateaus. Jessica earned her BA in Marketing from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI. She later found her passion for coaching and consulting with business owners and earned her Executive and Professional Coaching Graduate Certificate. Send us your questions; we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

Is traditional behavioral finance missing the mark? Brian Portnoy, CFA, founder of Shaping Wealth, joins Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Editorial, to introduce “Behavioral Finance 2.0,” a fresh take that goes beyond client-centric advice to a human-centric model. Rather than “fixing” biases, Brian emphasizes tapping into clients’ real motivations and strengths. He shares how advisors can go deeper, guiding clients toward true well-being by focusing on the physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial dimensions of their lives. Listeners will gain actionable insights into building trust and empathy with clients, moving them from “okay” to “great,” and creating more meaningful financial relationships that help clients thrive. Brian discusses: Why traditional behavioral finance often misses the point by pathologizing normal human behaviors How a human-centric approach helps advisors support clients’ full well-being—physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial Shaping Wealth’s four-part model of flourishing, and how it lets advisors step into dual roles as “mechanics” for technical planning and “guides” for life’s big transitions The power of emotional intelligence (EQ) in building trust, empathy, and more impactful client relationships Why understanding “money stories” helps advisors connect with clients on a deeper level by exploring what money really means to them The future of behavioral finance—using insights from positive psychology to help clients live richer, more fulfilling lives And much more! Resources: "The Geometry of Wealth" by Brian Portnoy "How I Invest My Money" by Brian Portnoy and Joshua Brown "The Investor's Paradox" by Brian Portnoy Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Brian Portnoy: LinkedIn: Brian Portnoy, CFA Shaping Wealth About Our Guest: Brian Portnoy is the founder of Shaping Wealth, a consultancy focused on helping advisors integrate human-centric, holistic approaches into wealth management. His insights on behavioral finance and emotional intelligence are transforming how advisors support clients through all aspects of life, emphasizing human flourishing over technical solutions alone. Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

Ever wondered why clients resist making financial decisions during life's biggest changes? By focusing on change management and behavioral finance strategies. Erin Wood, Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at Carson Group, joins Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Editorial, to explore how financial advisors can support clients during major life events. Drawing on Bruce Feiler's concepts of "flashbulb moments" and "life quakes," Erin shares actionable steps for incorporating empathy and structure into planning. Listeners will learn how to apply behavioral finance insights, overcome decision paralysis, and enhance client outcomes through strategic environment adjustments and refined financial approaches. Erin discusses: How change management principles help advisors guide clients through career changes, loss, and other significant life events The influence of "flashbulb moments" and "life quakes" on financial behaviors, and how advisors can navigate these pivotal experiences using Bruce Feiler's framework The five stages of change—pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance—and how to support clients through each stage, especially when partners are at different phases Common behavioral biases, including money avoidance, money worship, and money vigilance, and tools like the "postcard exercise" to uncover clients' financial priorities Effective methods for overcoming decision paralysis to help clients move past indecision, address biases, and achieve aligned financial goals How small changes in the environment, inspired by Dr. Wendy De La Rosa's insights, can enhance financial discipline, such as pairing budgeting with rewards The importance of continuous learning in behavioral finance, with recommendations for certifications like the Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) for practical application And much more! Resources: Bruce Feiler Ep. 254: Understanding Behavioral Finance to Improve Client Outcomes with Dr. Wendy De La Rosa Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Erin Wood: LinkedIn: Erin Wood, CFP®, CRPC®, FBS® Sweet Financial Partners Carson Wealth About Our Guest: Erin Wood is an experienced financial planning professional with a focus on behavioral finance and change management. She helps clients and advisors navigate the complexities of life transitions by integrating empathy and evidence-based strategies into financial planning. Erin is passionate about continuous education and practical applications of behavioral finance to create more meaningful client relationships. Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

Why do clients resist sound financial advice, even when it’s in their best interest? It’s not about logic—it’s all about psychology. Behavioral scientist Dr. Wendy De La Rosa, Assistant Professor at The Wharton School, joins Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Editorial, to reveal the surprising factors behind client resistance and how financial advisors can use these insights to transform their approach. Dr. De La Rosa shares cutting-edge research on income volatility, generational behavior trends, and the powerful role of perception in financial decision-making. Financial advisors will learn actionable strategies to navigate these complexities, build personalized client plans, and strengthen client relationships by understanding the psychological tools that truly drive behavior. Dr. Wendy discusses: How income frequency influences client spending and saving behaviors The essential role of financial advisors in guiding clients through an increasingly manipulative financial landscape The impact of financial shame and how empathetic advisory practices can help clients overcome this barrier The power of environment design in encouraging positive financial behaviors through simplified processes Generational trends, focusing on Gen Z’s pragmatic and value-driven approach to finances, and how advisors can tailor their guidance The concept of "financial health days" and how structuring them can empower clients to take manageable steps toward financial wellness Practical tools like the "Three B Framework" (Behavior, Benefits, and Barriers) that advisors can use to positively influence client decisions And much more! Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Wendy De La Rosa: The Wharton School LinkedIn: Wendy De La Rosa About Our Guest: Dr. Wendy De La Rosa is an Assistant Professor at The Wharton School and a leading behavioral scientist with a focus on financial decision-making. Her research explores the intersections of emotions, perceptions, and behavior, impacting the way individuals manage their money. She collaborates with companies and advisors to develop strategies that positively influence client outcomes, particularly during moments of income fluctuation. Dr. De La Rosa is passionate about bringing behavioral finance insights into advisory practices, helping financial professionals better connect with and support their clients. Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

Are you leveraging estate planning to strengthen your client relationships and grow your financial advisory practice? Learn how estate planning can deepen your client relationships and propel your advisory practice to new heights. In this episode, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Editorial, speaks with Andres Mazabel, Head of Advisor Sales at Trust & Will, about the significance of estate planning and longevity planning in the financial services industry. They emphasize the importance of integrating estate planning into advisory practices, discuss trends differentiating estate planning needs across demographics, and delve into the educational tools and strategies available to help advisors navigate this essential topic. By listening to this episode, advisors will gain insights into how they can enhance their practice by effectively incorporating estate planning into their services. Andres discusses: His experience in private banking and the impact of not having an estate plan The role of financial advisors in estate planning and how to educate clients on this critical topic Key trends in estate planning, particularly among millennials and Gen Z demographics What advisors should look for when choosing the right estate planning tool for them How advisors can leverage the right tools and platforms, like Trust & Will, to meet client expectations and enhance advisor-client relationships. Practical advice on initiating estate planning conversations with clients and integrating it as a core component of financial advisory practices. And more Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Andres Mazabel: Trust & Will LinkedIn: Andres Mazabel About Our Guest: Andres Mazabel, Head of Advisor Sales at Trust & Will, is helping to solve why more than 60% of families don’t have a plan to protect their loved ones. Trust & Will is a modern platform that simplifies estate planning, making it affordable and accessible to everyone. Andres manages relationships with RIAs and financial advisors to help add more value to their clients. As a consultative sales executive with over a decade of experience in Private Banking and the SaaS industry, Andres is passionate about building client relationships and finding solutions to their challenges. He thrives in team environments and enjoys presenting to C-Level executives. He has successfully managed the most profitable clients for two top 50 global Fortune 500 companies and is fluent in both Spanish and English. Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

Are you prepared to bridge the gap between wealth management and longevity planning? Learn how Kena Pettijohn is paving the way to plan for a financially stable future for the aging population. In this episode, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Editorial, dives into this month’s topic, estate planning and longevity planning, with Keena Pettijohn, CEO and Founder of Lifelogixs. Keena shares her 30-year career journey in financial services, the pivotal milestones, and the significant gap she identified between wealth management and longevity planning. Perfect for advisors interested in learning about the significance of understanding clients' life goals, and the integration of technology in wealth management. Keena discusses: Her early career and how she got started in the financial industry The importance of having a clear purpose and a servant mindset The gap between financial planning and the longevity needs of clients How advisors can turn financial coaching into life coaching by integrating financial wellness and holistic planning into their practice Her work in wealth management for aging clients and the concept of aging in place The importance of integrating financial planning with the real-life needs of aging clients, especially those wanting to age in place How advancements in technology can complement financial planning and help address the specific challenges of the aging population And more Keena Pettijohn is not an affiliate of CWM, LLC. Opinions expressed by guests of this podcast may not be representative of CWM, LLC. Resources: Lifelogixs: The Sassy Resources Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Keena Pettijohn: Lifelogixs LinkedIn: Keena Pettijohn About Our Guest: Keena Pettijohn, CEO and Founder of LifeLogixs is an accomplished Wealth Management Executive with over 25 years in Financial Services, Private Banking, Financial Planning and Trust Solutions in the Bank, Credit Union, and RIA Distribution Channels. Keena is a Leader for the Bank, Insurance, and Securities Association’s Innovations Lab, BISA’s organization to highlight emerging FinTech firms that support BISA’s membership. Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

On a first date, it’s a good idea to avoid talking about money, religion, and politics. While avoiding money talk with a client is an impossibility, it’s still a good idea to keep religion and politics out of the conversation. This week on Framework, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Coaching and Advisor Content, welcomes Megan Belt, Director of Public Relations at Carson Group, to discuss some of the best practices for communicating with clients during heated discussions, particularly surrounding election years. Megan starts by describing how to create a comprehensive communication plan for yourself and your employees in order to cover the grounds of what is appropriate to talk about, and what should be kept as inside thoughts. Ana and Megan then discuss the different ways you can discuss the current political and economic climate with your clients, while avoiding creating any uncomfortable situations. Tune into this episode for insights and professional advice if you have ever wondered where to draw the line between personal and professional conversations. Megan discusses: How to establish a clear communications policy with employees The importance of staying informed with current events in order to discuss how they affect your clients’ financial plans Staying calm and taking time to reflect personally on any thoughts or opinions before you put them online for everyone to see Having a firm, but still empathetic tone when speaking with a client who is getting heated about certain topics Remaining politically neutral when working with clients and making sure to always be doing what is best for them, regardless of their political views And more Resources: Carson Group Insights Blog Public Relations Society of America Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Megan Belt: LinkedIn: Megan Belt Twitter (X): @meganbelt About Our Guest: Megan Belt is the Director of Public Relations at Carson Group. As a results-driven leader, Megan has experience developing strategic communications plans for organizations ranging from small startups to Fortune 500 brands. Megan has held roles on both corporate communications and agency teams and has a proven track record of establishing executive thought leadership programs and developing integrated communications strategies. Megan’s passion for public relations extends far outside of her agency role. She enjoys volunteering her time to help local nonprofits and small businesses tell their stories. She also had an active role in the Omaha PR community, having served on the board of directors for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Nebraska Chapter and mentoring young professionals in her role as professional advisor for the University of Nebraska Omaha’s PRSSA student chapter and its student-run PR Firm, MavPR. Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

Data shows that regardless of who is currently in office, the ebb and flow of the markets and economy continues to move to its own rhythm. Opinions and emotions go hand in hand and can often create biases when discussing financial plans with a client. This week on Framework, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Coaching and Advisor Content, welcomes back Greg Opitz, Executive Business Coach at Carson Coaching, to discuss client communication strategies during times of change. They unpack the importance of truly knowing who your clients are when discussing changes in the political and economic landscape. Avoiding jokes or comments about current events could be the difference between maintaining or losing a client. Sharing loads of quotable advice and gold nuggets of wisdom, Greg continues to emphasize that sticking to your process is key and keeping track of milestones in your clients’ financial plans is a crucial factor in communicating their achievements to them in times when they feel that they aren’t doing as well as they should. Greg discusses: Really getting to know who your clients are in order to avoid unintentional offense when discussing polarizing topics Understanding your own biases and beliefs and recognizing how they can affect your judgment and decision making The most important “P Words”: planning, process, and people Staying true to your processes, even when it feels as though turbulent and uncertain changes are coming Keeping track of milestones in a financial plan in order to reassure clients that they are doing well when they feels as though they are not And more Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Greg Opitz: Carson Coaching LinkedIn: Greg Opitz About Our Guest: Greg Opitz is the Executive Business Consultant at Carson coaching. Greg has been working with financial planners for his entire professional career. Before joining Carson Coaching in May 2006, Greg served seven years as Director, Certification Services at the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. For the four years prior to his experience at the CFP Board, Greg was the Director, Student Service Center at the College for Financial Planning. He likes to joke with members, “I spent four years educating advisors, then seven years certifying them, and now consulting with them to enhance their practice and their lives.” Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

How prepared are you for the changing landscape of financial advisory with AI tools at your disposal? In this episode, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Coaching and Advisor Content, speaks with Eric Ludwig, PhD, CFP®, Asst. Prof. of Retirement Income, Director: Center for Retirement Income, RICP Program Director, The American College of Financial Services and Chet Bennetts, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, CLF®, Assistant Professor, Financial Planning and CFP®/ChFC Program Director, The American College of Financial Services about the integration of AI in finance. They share engaging anecdotes from their personal journeys and offer insights on how AI can streamline workflows for financial advisors. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of AI's capabilities, the importance of quality prompting, and the potential biases in AI-generated content. Eric and Chet discuss: The story behind how their research on AI in the financial services industry began The top takeaway from their Journal of Financial Planning article about how AI can help advisors The importance of prompting in obtaining accurate AI responses and understanding AI's limitations Real-world applications of AI in the financial services sector and its impact on marketing and client communication The cautions advisors should keep in mind as they start their AI journey How we should reframe our thinking about AI in the financial industry And more Resources: Streamlining Financial Planning with ChatGPT: A Collaborative Approach Between Technology and Human Expertise Retirement Income Literacy Quiz Samantha Allen: How AI is Transforming Digital Marketing The Digital Debrief Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Eric Ludwig: The American College of Financial Services LinkedIn: Eric Ludwig Connect with Chet Bennetts: The American College of Financial Services LinkedIn: Chet Bennetts About Our Guests: Eric T. Ludwig, PhD, CFP®, is an accomplished retirement income planning expert, assistant professor of Retirement Income, and RICP® program director. As director of the Center for Retirement Income at The American College of Financial Services, Eric is passionate about developing research and innovative solutions that help investors achieve financial security and personal fulfillment, two essential components of overall retirement well-being. An assistant professor of Financial Planning and the ChFC® and CFP® Certification Education Program Director at The American College of Financial Services, Chet Bennetts also serves as the Larry R. Pike Chair for Insurance and Investments. With over 20 years in the financial services industry, Bennetts has served in roles from customer service, to being a financial planner, to managing 80 advisors in over 5 states. Currently completing his PhD in Personal Financial Planning at Kansas State University, Bennetts’ research focus and passion is in the area of behavioral finance – specifically how financial well-being affects physical and psychological well-being – and particularly among service members and Veterans. Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…

How can financial advisors best leverage AI to revolutionize their digital marketing efforts? In this episode, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Coaching and Advisor Content, welcomes Samantha Allen, Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing at Carson Group, to explore the intersection of digital marketing and the financial services industry. Samantha shares her unique journey from advertising agencies to financial services, emphasizing the importance of social media, compliance, and AI in marketing strategies. Samantha shares her journey from agency life to a key role at Carson Group and valuable insights into effectively using AI tools like ChatGPT while also emphasizing the importance of human connection in a digital world and offers practical tips on balancing professionalism with authenticity. Samantha discusses: Her journey from agency work to leading digital marketing at Carson Group The importance of human connection and authenticity in digital marketing How she uses AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline content creation, allowing more time for strategic tasks How advisors can utilize AI to their benefit and what pitfalls to avoid How a good compliance team can actually help you innovate in a regulated industry Why advisors should focus on actionable metrics like website analytics and source reports to drive digital strategy What resources Carson makes available to our partners and those within our ecosystem Why advisors need to reframe their thinking when it comes to digital marketing And more Tune in to learn how you can enhance your digital marketing efforts and create meaningful connections in the financial services industry. Resources: Excell 2024: The Advisor Growth Conference Carson Group: Marketing Monitor The Mitlin Money Mindset Podcast: The Digital Debrief with Samantha Allen, Episode #167 Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón: Carson Group LLC LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón Connect with Samantha Allen: The Digital Debrief LinkedIn: Samantha Allen About Our Guest: Samantha Allen is a digital marketing expert with ten years of experience in integrated advertising. Sam is never short on ambition to tackle new and challenging projects and always has fresh ideas to contribute. She is an experienced leader who has a strategic understanding of the digital marketing landscape and a passion for innovation. In Samantha’s free time, she loves running, reading, hanging out with her golden retriever, and cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers! Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com .…