In this episode, Steven Jarvis, CPA, is joined by Stephen Delaney, Senior Client Success Consultant at Belay, to discuss one of the biggest challenges advisors face: finding the right people to help execute their vision. Rather than focusing on tax strategies, this conversation dives into how advisors can reclaim their time through effective delegation and hiring. Stephen shares how Belay vets thousands of applicants to match clients with highly qualified Executive Assistants and Client Services Assistants. The discussion explores why hiring is a skill that improves with experience, the importance of systems and processes, and how delegation creates more time to serve clients. Whether you're hesitant to hire your first assistant or looking to improve your hiring process, this episode provides practical insights to help you take action.

https://zurl.co/N1OwP

Today, Steven Jarvis, CPA, is joined by Darren Whissen from Invito to explore what it actually looks like for RIAs to implement alternative investments in practice. Darren shares his background running an RIA where nearly half of the client assets were allocated to illiquid alternative investments. Darren also walks through the compliance infrastructure required to support an alternatives program, including WSP updates, due diligence processes, and supervision requirements. The discussion highlights common pitfalls advisors should avoid, including poor manager selection, overly optimistic projections, and overconcentration in client portfolios.

https://zurl.co/MZkQl

In this episode, Steven Jarvis, CPA, is joined by Ben Cruikshank, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Flourish, for a conversation about the intersection of banking, cash management, and tax planning. Ben shares insights from working with thousands of advisors and affluent households, including the surprising amount of cash clients often hold outside of advisory relationships. Together, Steven and Ben discuss why truly comprehensive financial planning requires visibility into all aspects of a client's financial life - not just investment accounts.

https://zurl.co/NIchD

This episode explores how AI is changing the way financial advisors approach tax planning and client service. Steven Jarvis speaks with Fernando San Martin from Altruist about Hazel, an AI-powered tax planning tool designed to help advisors uncover opportunities in tax returns. Fernando explains that the focus is not on replacing advisors or CPAs, but on enhancing their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality insights at scale. The conversation highlights how tools like Hazel can surface tax-saving opportunities, save advisors time, and improve client conversations around tax strategy. They also discuss the importance of starting with client outcomes before selecting tools and how AI can help bridge the gap between personalization and scale.

https://zurl.co/X2oJU

Matthew Doran joins Steven Jarvis, CPA, to discuss why great tax planning isn't about memorizing rules - it's about helping clients make intentional decisions that improve long-term outcomes. From the QBI deduction to inherited IRAs and the widow's penalty, Matthew shares practical examples of how advisors can create value by proactively reviewing tax returns, managing taxable income, and collaborating closely with CPAs.

https://zurl.co/OJ2DV

Steven Jarvis is joined by compliance attorney Richard Chen to break down what compliance really means for financial advisors. They discuss how to balance providing value without crossing regulatory lines, the limitations of relying on software, and the importance of protecting client data. Richard reframes compliance as a core part of serving clients well, not something to avoid, but something to approach with clarity and simplicity.

https://zurl.co/7VC5w

Steven Jarvis is joined by Shelby Nicholl from Mureil Consulting to discuss how advisors can intentionally build better businesses and client experiences. Shelby explains that while many know her for helping advisors transition firms, her real focus is on aligning vision, operations, and client delivery. The conversation highlights the importance of defining where you are today and where you want your practice to go. They explore common misconceptions about transitions, emphasizing that the real work begins after the move when advisors must deliver on new promises.

https://zurl.co/cvTav

Steven Jarvis is joined by Phil M. Jones to explore how the right words can drive better client outcomes. Phil shares why success isn't just about expertise, but about knowing what to say at the right time. They discuss the shift from being a problem solver to a problem seeker, helping clients uncover issues they didn't realize they had. and practical ways advisors can structure conversations to build trust and inspire action. Discover practical strategies for effective communication, persuasion with integrity, and mastering conversational techniques to grow your financial advisory practice.

https://zurl.co/wHqaN