
Root Ready
A podcast for growth-minded financial advisors
Episodes
17 episodes
How to Quickly Communicate the Real Value of Your Advice
Advisors often stumble when they try to prove their worth by listing services. Tax planning, investments, estate documents... it can feel like noise to a prospect who just hears “another $27,000 a year.” What really moves the needle is helping ...
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Episode 17
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25:05

Frame It Right: A Simple Shift That Changes Client Behavior
Have you ever had a client who was financially ready to retire but just couldn't pull the trigger? They keep working, chasing one more bonus, one more year of 401(k) contributions, watching their financial projections climb higher while their a...
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Episode 16
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11:58

Getting Clients to Open Up: A Framework for Financial Advisors
Advisors often face a gap between what clients ask for and what they truly need. Retirement projections and tax strategies are important, but beneath them is a deeper desire for clarity, purpose, and a meaningful life.In this episode of ...
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Episode 15
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24:09

The #1 Way to Be a Standout Team Member
Becoming an extraordinary financial advisor takes more than technical skill—it requires mastering teamwork.This episode breaks down the five pillars of collaboration: trust, listening, influence, respect, and care. These qualities shape ...
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Episode 14
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25:44

Why You Feel Busy But Get Nothing Done
Ever end the day feeling busy but not productive? You’re not alone. In this episode, we tackle the productivity paradox that plagues so many advisors—being in constant motion without meaningful progress.Robert Brault said it best: “W...
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Episode 13
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20:47

How Great Advisors Help Clients Face the Fear of Retirement
Some clients are more than financially ready to retire, but still can’t bring themselves to do it. The real issue often isn’t the numbers. It’s the fear of losing identity, structure, and purpose after decades of work.In this episode of ...
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Episode 12
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25:08

Want to Be a Better Advisor? Learn to Frame Wealth the Right Way
What if real wealth goes beyond money?In this episode of Root Ready, Harry Sommers joins James for a thoughtful conversation on redefining wealth—not just for clients, but for ourselves as advisors. Together, they explore a more expansi...
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Episode 11
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26:30

How to Master the Skills That Usually Only Come With Age
What makes a truly great financial advisor? It’s not just technical knowledge or years in the industry. In this episode, we explore what clients—especially those approaching retirement—really want: a trusted guide who understands the emotional ...
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Episode 10
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26:00

Politics and Planning: What’s the Right Balance for Advisors?
In this episode, we’re taking a surprising cue from Hamilton to explore a common challenge for advisors: how to handle political conversations with clients. Should you speak up like Hamilton or hold back like Burr? There’s no one-size-...
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Episode 9
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17:15

Keys to Nailing Withdrawal Rate Conversation with Clients
Today’s episode goes beyond the 4% rule to uncover the real concerns behind client questions like, “How much can I safely spend in retirement?” We explore the origins of sustainable withdrawal strategies, from Bengen’s 1994 research to Guyton’s...
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Episode 8
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23:28

Roth Conversions Done Right: What Great Advisors Know That Software Doesn’t
In this episode of Root Ready, James shares how advisors should think about Roth conversions—starting with the basics and not just relying on software.Software can help with numbers, but it can’t see the full picture. James explains why...
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Episode 7
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22:42

A Guide for Navigating Client Conversations When Markets Are Crazy
When market volatility strikes, emotions often run high. Clients nearing retirement may feel especially vulnerable, and traditional conversations around long-term investing can sometimes miss the mark.In this episode, James Conole, CFP®,...
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Episode 6
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30:55

Become a Highly Effective Advisor: Time Management & Productivity Tools
Struggling to get meaningful work done despite your technical expertise and people skills? You're not alone. Every financial advisor knows the frustration of ending a busy day feeling like nothing important was accomplished.The culprit?...
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Episode 5
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22:50

How to Create Meaningful Conversations When Presenting Portfolio Performance to Clients
We explore how advisors can effectively present portfolio performance to clients, especially during periods when their investments underperform relative to major market indices like the S&P 500. Through practical examples and a structured a...
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Episode 4
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27:59

Your Role as an Advisor Is Not What You Think It Is
A simple question from my dad years ago completely transformed my approach to financial advising: "What is your role as an advisor to your clients?" After several incorrect guesses, his answer stunned me with its clarity and wisdom - "Your role...
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Episode 3
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12:36

Defining the Six Core Standards of Financial Advisor Excellence
What separates truly exceptional financial advisors from the merely adequate ones? It's not credentials, years of experience, or even what firm they've worked for – it's something more fundamental.In this foundational episode of the Roo...
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Episode 2
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25:53

Root Ready Intro Episode: A Podcast for Growth-Minded Financial Advisors
What does it truly mean to be an exceptional financial advisor in today's world? The answer goes far beyond technical designations or sales ability.The Root Ready podcast tackles a critical gap in advisor development. While the industry...
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Episode 1
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12:44
