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 ...

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...

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 ...

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-...

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...

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...

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®,...

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?...

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...

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...

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...

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...