By

Anthony DiPiero

Behind The Rainmaker Multiplier Book: The Why

April 17, 2025

The Rainmaker Multiplier On-Demand Podcast

Behind The Rainmaker Multiplier Book: The Why

In This Episode

Discover the powerful insights behind Jason L Smith’s book, The Rainmaker Multiplier: How to Create a Self-Sustaining, Scalable Financial Planning Business. In this first installment of a special series, host Matt Seitz, Chief Marketing Officer at C2P, sits down with C2P’s founder and CEO who built a business designed to be an “insurance policy” for his family’s future.

Listen as Jason shares the deeply personal catalyst behind writing this book – preparing for his second open heart surgery – and how this experience reinforced his commitment to creating a self-sustaining, self-managing business model that would continue to thrive regardless of his presence.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • The Rainmaker Multiplier Inspiration: How Jason’s health challenges led to the creation of a self-sustaining business model and inspired both The Bucket Plan® and The Rainmaker Multiplier books.
  • Four Freedoms: Understanding time freedom, financial freedom, relationship freedom, and purpose freedom as the ultimate rewards of building a proper practice
  • Elements of a Self-Managing Company: The importance of systematizing your processes and building a team that can operate without your daily involvement
  • Multiplier Effect: How financial advisors can multiply their impact while working fewer hours through proper business structure

Whether you’re a seasoned financial advisor looking to scale your practice or a new entrepreneur seeking to build a business with lasting value, this episode provides invaluable insights on creating a practice that works for you rather than one that consumes you.

Resources:

Behind The Rainmaker Multiplier Book: The Why

About the Host:

Matt Seitz, is a Partner and the Chief Marketing Officer at C2P, with over 15 years of experience across finance, accounting, and professional services industries. He’s known for his expertise in strategic planning, digital marketing, lead generation, and content marketing. Matt’s approach centers on relationship marketing, prioritizing customer satisfaction through data-driven marketing plans with demonstrable ROI. His contributions to the industry have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Cleveland’s Notable Marketing Executives in 2021 by Crain’s. Additionally, Matt has been named a finalist for CMO of the Year in 2023 by WealthManagement.com for their Industry Awards and recognized as a finalist in ThinkAdvisor’s LUMINARIES for exceptional executive leadership in the RIA/IAR Firms category. 

Follow Matt Seitz on LinkedIn

 About the Guest:

Jason L Smith is a father, husband, nationally acclaimed speaker, financial planner, best-selling author, coach, and entrepreneur dedicated to simplifying financial planning for families worldwide and supporting advisors everywhere. He is the Founder and CEO of C2P, as well as his own financial services practice, JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management. Jason’s passion and expertise lie in all aspects of holistic financial planning, further evidenced by being Founder and CEO of Prosperity Capital Advisors, a nationally recognized planning-first RIA. As a skilled leader in the financial services industry, Jason truly enjoys helping advisors secure and scale their businesses and better serve clients through C2P’s trusted processes and models.

Follow Jason L Smith on LinkedIn

Dave Alison financial advisor Jason L Smith The Bucket Plan On-Demand

Financial Clarity for Women Through Bucket Planning

April 16, 2025

The Bucket Plan® On-Demand Podcast

Financial Clarity for Women Through Bucket Planning

In This Episode

About the Episode:

Empowering women through financial planning starts with understanding their values, life stages, and emotional needs. In this episode, host Kirsten Schlumbohm sits down with Grace Nicholson and Lisa Chenet to explore how The Bucket Plan® helps female clients visualize financial security, make informed decisions, and feel confident in their ability to thrive—both now and in the future.

The episode offers powerful real-life examples of how financial advisors can use tools like the Concerns & Priorities Worksheet, Pyramid of Risk, and Now, Soon, and Later Buckets to foster deeper trust and more meaningful relationships with women navigating widowhood, divorce, or retirement.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Why Women Need a Financial Coach: Addressing the scarcity mindset and coaching clients toward confidence and clarity.
  • Permission to Spend: Helping women transition from fear-based saving to purpose-driven spending.
  • Long-Term Care & Independence: Planning proactively to avoid becoming a burden on loved ones.
  • Legacy Planning that Resonates: Structuring thoughtful plans around family, pets, and personal values.
  • Emotional Intelligence in Advising: Building strong relationships through empathy, listening, and vulnerability.

Resources:

Statistics:

Financial Clarity for Women Through Bucket Planning

About the Host:

Kirsten Schlumbohm, BPC, is Vice President, Head of Annuity Sales at C2P and the voice behind A Women’s Clarity. She has over 15 years of industry experience, in which she has served as an insurance and annuity wholesaler, sales trainer and leader, and financial advisor. In addition to her life and health insurance licenses, she holds her Series 66 and a degree from Iowa State University.

Kirsten is committed to empowering people and helping them reach the retirement finish line. She believes in optimizing processes to build strategies out of silos and encourage tighter collaboration. When she isn’t busy helping her advisors, Kirsten can be found running trails in the great state of Oregon, watching Iowa State Football, and changing the world by rescuing one senior dog (or two) at a time with her husband Jeff.

Follow Kirsten on LinkedIn

About the Guests:

Lisa M. Chenet, CFF®, BPC is the Director of Operations at CLP Financial Group in Virginia. After initially working as a computer programmer at NASA, Lisa found her true calling in the financial services industry, inspired by being raised by a successful financial advisor father.

With an impressive array of certifications and investment advisor licenses, Lisa brings tremendous expertise, Lisa brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her genuine, down-to-earth style and array of certifications and investment advisor licenses helps her make complex financial matters more understandable for clients.

Passionate about financial education, Lisa established the Woman’s Division at CLP Financial in 2020 to assist women in achieving financial independence. As a trusted financial coach, she guides clients towards security through her comprehensive knowledge, empathetic nature, and dedication to their best interests.

Follow Lisa on LinkedIn

Grace Nicholson is an accomplished Investment Advisor Representative, Fiduciary, and Financial Planner with over 12 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industries. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Grace is the Founder of Akamai Advisors where she leverages her significant knowledge and expertise to guide clients through their retirement, helping ensure their financial independence and confidence.

Grace specializes in tax-free income strategies, life insurance, long-term care planning, and various financial products. Her holistic approach involves reviewing every financial aspect of her clients’ lives, building trust by always prioritizing their needs. Committed to increasing financial literacy, Grace works to simplify complex financial concepts, empowering her clients to make informed decisions for their future.

Follow Grace on LinkedIn

The Art of Connection: Networking Strategies for Financial Rainmakers

April 10, 2025

The Rainmaker Multiplier On-Demand Podcast

The Art of Connection: Networking Strategies for Financial Rainmakers

In This Episode

What does successful networking look like for those in the financial services industry, and why does it matter? Join Kirsten Schlumbohm, Vice President of Annuity Sales at C2P, for valuable lessons on the art of networking within the financial services industry, featuring Julie Pinkerton, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF®, CEO & Managing Member of Evozen. Going beyond traditional networking methods, they discuss the nuances of building meaningful professional relationships, especially for women and minorities in finance.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Networking Strategies: Uncover why successful networking is more than just exchanging business cards. Julie shares her top strategies for making impactful connections that last beyond the initial meet-and-greet.
  • Becoming Referable: Find out how to make yourself and your practice more referable, including the simple yet often overlooked tips like ensuring your professional headshot is up-to-date and authentically you.
  • Challenges for Women and Minorities: Dive into the unique challenges faced by women and minorities in the financial industry and the strategies to overcome them. Discover how niche markets and intentional networking can play a pivotal role in career advancement.
  • Practical Networking Tips: Pinkerton shares practical advice, such as taking photos with new contacts at events to remember conversations better and the importance of approaching networking with intentionality to foster genuine relationships.
  • The Role of Digital Platforms: Explore how the ClientFirst™ platform redefines professional networking by focusing on more than just geographical proximity, enabling financial professionals to connect based on expertise, credentials, and client needs.

Tune in for these insightful strategies and more as these two successful financial professionals (who met through intentional networking), discuss how to grow your practice and make impactful connections in the financial industry.

Resources

Sources

The Art of Connection: Networking Strategies for Financial Rainmakers

About the Guest:

Julie Pinkerton, CLU®, ChFC®, LUTCF®, is a distinguished executive, entrepreneur, and US News contributing writer, who has carved a niche for herself as the “Rainmaker of Rainmakers.” With over three decades of experience, she has demonstrated vast expertise in bridging the gaps between various facets of financial services, including insurance, investments, and strategic planning.

In 2017, Julie founded Evozen, and introduced ClientFirst™, a digital platform designed to connect independent Rainmakers across tax, legal, insurance, and investment fields. Her various roles highlight her commitment to innovation, showcasing her dedication to fostering a scalable, profitable, and inclusive industry. In addition to Pinkerton’s professional achievements, she contributes as a writer to U.S. News & World Report, where she shares insights on topics like scaling practices, enhancing firm valuation, and the importance of organic growth.

Follow Julie on LinkedIn

Dave Alison financial advisor Jason L Smith The Bucket Plan On-Demand

Guiding Clients Through Market Volatility: The Bucket Plan® Advantage

April 8, 2025

The Bucket Plan® On-Demand Podcast

Guiding Clients Through Market Volatility: The Bucket Plan® Advantage

In This Episode

About the Episode:

Do your clients call in a panic when the market drops, ready to abandon their long-term strategy based on the day’s headlines? In this candid conversation, hosts Dave Alison and Jason L Smith, discuss how advisors can effectively guide clients through market volatility using The Bucket Plan® framework. Jason shares the evolution of the approach he pioneered from the early days of his career through multiple market cycles, highlighting how time-segmented planning helps clients maintain perspective during uncertain times. The discussion explores why clients react emotionally to market fluctuations and how advisors can reframe these conversations to reinforce long-term thinking. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

  • Be the Voice They Hear First: Why proactive outreach before clients call you can increase confidence and referability during market turbulence 
  • Framing Client Conversations: Simple frameworks to acknowledge concerns while reinforcing plan discipline and identifying opportunistic planning moves 
  • Preventing “Whipsaw Trades”: How to stop clients from making emotional decisions that permanently damage their wealth 
  • Growth Through Volatility: Real examples of gathering assets and generating referrals by demonstrating leadership when other advisors go silent 
  • Practical Implementation: Step-by-step approaches for practices of all sizes, from solo advisors to larger ensemble firms 
  • Beyond Platitudes: Moving past “stay the course” to specific, actionable conversations that reinforce your value 
  • Tactical Opportunities: Using market volatility for tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversions, strategic rebalancing, and dollar-cost averaging 

Resources: 

Statistics: 

Dave Alison financial advisor Jason L Smith The Bucket Plan On-Demand

About the Host:

Dave Alison, CFP®, EA, BPC is an accomplished financial planner and business leader committed to helping advisors expand their reach and improve the quality of their service to clients. In addition to being the President and a Founding Partner of C2P and the Founder and CEO of Alison Wealth Management — his own financial services firm — he is also the President and Founding Partner of Prosperity Capital Advisors, an acclaimed planning-first RIA. Dave leverages his expertise in all things financial planning, particularly taxes and solutions for high-net-worth clients, to educate financial professionals on best practices and ways to raise the bar in their own practices. Wealth Management, his own financial services firm.

Follow Dave Alison on LinkedIn

About the Guest:

Jason L Smithis a father, husband, nationally acclaimed speaker, financial planner, best-selling author, coach, and entrepreneur dedicated to simplifying financial planning for families worldwide and supporting advisors everywhere. He is the Founder and CEO of C2P, as well as his own financial services practice, JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management. Jason’s passion and expertise lie in all aspects of holistic financial planning, further evidenced by being Founder and CEO of Prosperity Capital Advisors, a nationally recognized planning-first RIA. As a skilled leader in the financial services industry, Jason truly enjoys helping advisors secure and scale their businesses and better serve clients through C2P’s trusted processes and models. 

Follow Jason on LinkedIn 

 

Supercharge Your Firm’s Growth with Accountability Charts

April 2, 2025

The Rainmaker Multiplier On-Demand Podcast

Supercharge Your Firm's Growth with Accountability Charts

In This Episode

As advisors, we’ve all experienced the frustration when marketing tasks fall through the cracks, client onboarding hits unexpected delays, or business development activities get neglected because everyone thought someone else was handling them.

In this episode, Matt Seitz, Chief Marketing Officer at C2P sits down with Jason L Smith to discuss how creating a clear system of responsibilities can transform team effectiveness and practice profitability. Jason explains his journey through various business systems and how he developed accountability charts and the “Responsibility Agreements” approach now powering both C2P and his firm, JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Beyond Traditional Team Charts: Understanding why standard approaches to team structure fall short in financial practices and how a responsibility-focused system provides strategic clarity
  • Responsibility Agreements Framework: Breaking down all business activities into distinct areas with clear ownership and measurable outcomes
  • Evolving Your Structure: Adapting your team framework as your practice grows from solo advisor to enterprise
  • Maintaining Responsibility with Outside Partners: Ensuring clear ownership even when working with external service providers
  • The Trading Card System: Implementing a visual approach to role assignments that creates transparency and flexibility
  • Breaking Growth Bottlenecks: Strategies for helping team members who struggle to delegate responsibilities effectively
  • Separating Revenue Drivers: Why distinguishing between marketing, business development, and financial services functions creates exponential growth opportunities
  • Implementation Steps: Practical guidance for bringing this system into your practice, starting with The Teamwork Movement Training

Whether you’re leading a small practice or managing a growing team, this episode provides both the strategic framework and tactical implementation steps to bring clarity to your team structure and help drive sustainable growth.

Resources:

Books:

Supercharge Your Firm's Growth with Accountability Charts

About the Host:

Matt Seitz, is a Partner and the Chief Marketing Officer at C2P, with over 15 years of experience across finance, accounting, and professional services industries. He’s known for his expertise in strategic planning, digital marketing, lead generation, and content marketing. Matt’s approach centers on relationship marketing, prioritizing customer satisfaction through data-driven marketing plans with demonstrable ROI. His contributions to the industry have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Cleveland’s Notable Marketing Executives in 2021 by Crain’s. Additionally, Matt has been named a finalist for CMO of the Year in 2023 by WealthManagement.com for their Industry Awards and recognized as a finalist in ThinkAdvisor’s LUMINARIES for exceptional executive leadership in the RIA/IAR Firms category. 

Follow Matt Seitz on LinkedIn

About the Guest:

Jason L Smith is a father, husband, nationally acclaimed speaker, financial planner, best-selling author, coach, and entrepreneur dedicated to simplifying financial planning for families worldwide and supporting advisors everywhere. He is the Founder and CEO of C2P, as well as his own financial services practice, JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management. Jason’s passion and expertise lie in all aspects of holistic financial planning, further evidenced by being Founder and CEO of Prosperity Capital Advisors, a nationally recognized planning-first RIA. As a skilled leader in the financial services industry, Jason truly enjoys helping advisors secure and scale their businesses and better serve clients through C2P’s trusted processes and models.

Follow Jason L Smith on LinkedIn

AI-Powered Content Creation: Compliance and Best Practices for Advisors

March 27, 2025

The Rainmaker Multiplier On-Demand Podcast

AI-Powered Content Creation: Compliance and Best Practices for Advisors

In This Episode

Discover how to effectively and compliantly incorporate AI into your financial advisory practice. Join Host Kalem Mackey as he sits down with Dustin Anaas, Compliance Analyst at C2P, to explore the transformative potential of AI-powered content creation for financial advisors.

Listen as Dustin shares his expertise on leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT while navigating compliance considerations, offering practical insights on how advisors can enhance efficiency without compromising regulatory standards or losing their authentic voice.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • AI Implementation Approaches: Practical strategies for incorporating AI tools into daily operations and marketing efforts
  • Compliance Considerations: Guidelines for using AI tools while maintaining regulatory compliance in the financial services industry
  • Content Creation Best Practices: Tips for leveraging AI without losing your authentic voice or brand identity
  • Training & Learning Strategies: Approaches for building AI proficiency for yourself and your team
  • Process Improvement: Using AI to enhance workflows rather than just completing individual tasks

Whether you’re new to AI tools or looking to optimize your current implementation, this episode provides valuable guidance on balancing innovation with compliance in the rapidly evolving landscape of financial technology.

Resources:

AI-Powered Content Creation: Compliance and Best Practices for Advisors

About the Host:

Kalem Mackey, CFP®, BPC is an accomplished financial services executive with over 20 years of industry experience. As Executive Vice President and Partner at C2P, as well as founder of Superior Financial Planning, he is dedicated to helping American families achieve their financial aspirations. Mackey’s expertise spans sales management, insurance wholesaling, and financial advising. He is a strategic leader and a sought-after industry speaker, sharing his knowledge in retirement income planning and tax management. Prior to C2P, Mackey earned his bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego and founded his own financial planning firm.

Mackey’s career is marked by a strong commitment to client success. He works closely with advisors and insurance distribution partners to deliver exceptional experiences and tailored insurance solutions. As a Bucket Plan® Best Interest Process Trainer, he provides coaching and support to help advisors offer comprehensive financial planning strategies.

Follow Kalem on LinkedIn

 About the Guest:

Dustin Anaas is an accomplished and versatile professional with a diverse background in video, podcasting, and new media. Dustin currently serves as a Compliance Analyst at C2P Enterprises, a position that reflects his commitment to achieving results and his expertise in compliance communication. His career has been marked by various roles, including Office Manager at Kern Landscape Resources, Marketing Manager at AutoVitals, and General Manager at BlueDrone, where he managed order fulfillment operations, reduced costs, and enhanced brand awareness. Notably, as Director of Video Production, Dustin founded and led the company’s video department, producing a wide range of content and managing YouTube channels that generated over 50 million organic views and 100,00 for unique subscribers. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dustin Anaas is a dynamic professional with a passion for delivering results and fostering positive relationships in the workplace.

Follow Dustin on LinkedIn

Navigating Market Uncertainty: How to Address Common Investor Concerns

March 26, 2025

The Bucket Plan® On-Demand Podcast

Navigating Market Uncertainty: How to Address Common Investor Concerns

In This Episode

About the Episode:

As markets respond to policy changes and economic shifts, financial advisors need informed perspectives to guide client conversations through uncertain times. In this episode, host Dave Alison speaks with Dr. Apollo Lupescu of Dimensional Fund Advisors, who brings over two decades of investment expertise to the conversation. He explains how tariffs function, why their inflationary effects differ from expectations, and how markets have historically performed during similar periods of uncertainty.

The discussion also covers critical topics including concentration risk in tech stocks, global diversification benefits, and practical strategies for communicating with anxious clients. By placing current market fluctuations in historical context—including the market’s remarkable resilience during major “black swan” events—Dr. Lupescu provides advisors with the perspective needed to help clients maintain investment discipline regardless of current headlines.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Policy Change Impact: How transitions between administrations create both anxiety and opportunity in the markets, with particular focus on tariff policies and business environment changes.
  • Tariff Mechanics: A detailed explanation of how tariffs function throughout the supply chain and their potential impact on inflation, company earnings, and consumer prices.
  • Tech Concentration Risk: Analysis of how major tech companies can dominate market indices and the diversification considerations this creates for balanced portfolios.
  • Global Investment Perspective: Why international markets may present opportunities during periods of domestic uncertainty and how global diversification reduces concentrated risks.
  • Inflation Outlook: Why tariff-driven inflation differs from other inflationary pressures and how investors can protect purchasing power through equity markets and inflation-protected securities.
  • Historical Context: Compelling data showing market resilience during previous periods of uncertainty, including growth during administrations that implemented significant tariffs.
  • Client Communication Strategies: Practical advice for advisors on validating client concerns while maintaining focus on long-term investment discipline.

Statistics:

Navigating Market Uncertainty: How to Address Common Investor Concerns

About the Host:

Dave Alison, CFP®, EA, BPC is an accomplished financial planner and business leader committed to helping advisors expand their reach and improve the quality of their service to clients. In addition to being the President and a Founding Partner of C2P and the Founder and CEO of Alison Wealth Management — his own financial services firm — he is also the President and Founding Partner of Prosperity Capital Advisors, an acclaimed planning-first RIA. Dave leverages his expertise in all things financial planning, particularly taxes and solutions for high-net-worth clients, to educate financial professionals on best practices and ways to raise the bar in their own practices. Wealth Management, his own financial services firm.

Follow Dave Alison on LinkedIn

About the Guest:

Dr. Apollo Lupescu is a Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, a leading global investment firm. He joined Dimensional in 2004 after completing his PhD in Economics and Finance from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Over his tenure, Lupescu has held various leadership roles across the firm’s research, advisor relations, client services, and retirement business teams. Currently, he serves as Dimensional’s “secretary of explaining stuff,” frequently presenting at financial advisor conferences and investor events worldwide.

Prior to Dimensional, Lupescu owned and operated Apollo Consulting Group, providing consulting services to the U.S. Department of State and the White House. His passion for finance and investing also led him to teaching engagements at UC Santa Barbara. His academic achievements, combined with experiences across government, consulting, and investment management, make him a respected voice in communicating complex financial concepts.

Follow Apollo Lupescu on LinkedIn

Getting Ahead as A Female Advisor: Putting Your Health First

March 20, 2025

The Rainmaker Multiplier On-Demand Podcast

Getting Ahead as A Female Advisor: Putting Your Health First

In This Episode

Financial advisors—especially women—spend their careers creating safety nets for others while often neglecting their own. Join guest host Kirsten Schlumbohm, Vice President and Head of Annuity Sales at C2P, as she sits down with Rebecca Bloom, author and founder of When Women Get Sick, to address health advocacy for female advisors.

Bloom draws on her 25+ years of experience to explain why this pattern of neglect is particularly dangerous for high-achieving professionals and provides a roadmap for breaking it. Their discussion highlights how financial advisors can apply their professional skills to personal healthcare challenges while also better serving female clients by understanding the health-wealth connection.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • The Advisor’s Health Paradox: Why financial professionals excel at planning for clients’ healthcare needs but often neglect their own—and the business impact of this oversight.
  • Transferable Advisory Skills: How to repurpose your client advocacy, team-building, and communication skills for your own healthcare journey.
  • Strategic Health Team Building: Creating your own “health org chart” with assigned roles based on strengths—just as you would structure a client’s professional support network.
  • Healthcare System Navigation: Practical techniques for preparing for appointments, communicating with providers, and managing medical information.
  • Setting Boundaries: Maintaining professional boundaries while managing health challenges—crucial for advisors whose clients depend on their wellbeing.
  • Client Support Enhancement: How your personal health advocacy journey can improve your ability to guide clients through their own health-related financial planning needs.

Resources:

Statistics:

Getting Ahead as A Female Advisor: Putting Your Health First

About the Host:

Kirsten Schlumbohm is the Vice President, Head of Annuity Sales at C2P. She has over 15 years of industry experience, in which she has served as an insurance and annuity wholesaler, sales trainer and leader, and financial advisor. In addition to her life and health insurance licenses, she holds her Series 66 and a degree from Iowa State University.

Kirsten is committed to empowering people and helping them reach the retirement finish line. She believes in optimizing processes to build strategies out of silos and encourage tighter collaboration. 

Follow Kirsten on LinkedIn

About the Guest:

Rebecca Bloom is a Yale College and New York University School of Law educated women’s health, workplace and benefits advocate, storytelling coach, editor and content strategist. A former workplace and benefits attorney, Rebecca advocates for women coast-to-coast, her longest and proudest affiliation with Bay Area Cancer Connections, where she has served as a healthcare advocate, insurance and workplace advisor for women fighting breast and ovarian cancer for over 26 years. Rebecca’s book, When Women Get Sick: An Empowering Approach for Getting the Support You Need, was published in 2025 by Broadleaf Books.

Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn

@whenwomengetsick

Helping Women in Finance Build Networks and Career Paths

March 13, 2025

The Rainmaker Multiplier On-Demand Podcast

Helping Women in Finance Build Networks and Career Paths

In This Episode

Women represent only 20-25% of financial professionals despite decades of diversity initiatives. In this special forum by A Women’s Clarity®, host Kirsten speaks with industry leaders about practical strategies to help change that and show how women can thrive in this environment. Hear from special guests: Lindsay Lewis, MBA, CHFC®, CFP®, Managing Director & Chair for Center for Women at The American College of Financial Services, and Alanah Phillips, founder of Advisor Launch Lab and Break Up With Your Broker Dealer.

Their conversation explores how mentorship can accelerate career development, why finding your professional “tribe” matters, and practical ways to build relationships that lead to greater professional opportunities. From leveraging designation programs to finding male allies who can advocate for you, the discussion provides actionable guidance for women at all career stages in our industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Finding Mentorship Opportunities: Practical approaches to building mentoring relationships that focus on specific skills rather than long-term commitments.
  • Building Professional Communities: Strategies for identifying and connecting with like-minded professionals who can provide support and collaboration.
  • Education as Career Advancement: How designations and continuous learning correlate to increased earnings and client retention.
  • Authentic Leadership Development: The importance of presenting your authentic self rather than conforming to industry stereotypes.
  • Male Allyship Strategies: Techniques for developing relationships with male colleagues who can advocate for you in professional settings.
  • Confidence Building: Methods for overcoming imposter syndrome and developing trust in your professional capabilities.
  • Future Industry Trends: Insights on evolving opportunities for women as wealth increasingly transfers to female clients.

Resources:

Statistics:

Helping Future Women in Finance Build Networks and Career Paths

About the Guest Host:

Kirsten Schlumbohm is the Vice President, Head of Annuity Sales at C2P. She has over 15 years of industry experience, in which she has served as an insurance and annuity wholesaler, sales trainer and leader, and financial advisor. In addition to her life and health insurance licenses, she holds her Series 66 and a degree from Iowa State University.

Kirsten is committed to empowering people and helping them reach the retirement finish line. She believes in optimizing processes to build strategies out of silos and encourage tighter collaboration.

Follow Kirsten on LinkedIn

About the Guests:

Lindsey Lewis, MBA, CHFC®, CFP® is a distinguished figure in the financial services industry, dedicating her career to empowering women to take control of their financial futures. As the Executive Director and Chair of the American College Center for Women in Financial Services, she drives research and advocacy aiming to modernize the industry by promoting diversity and quality talent recruitment.

Beyond her professional duties, Lindsey leads the Women Working in Wealth® initiative, which includes managing social media channels, hosting podcasts, and holding exclusive events designed to inspire and educate women interested in financial careers. Her contributions have earned her spots on the 2021 Investment News 40 Under 40 list and the Excell Represents Rising Star Woman in Wealth Management award. Lindsey’s passion for financial education extends to volunteering with $AVVY Ladies, a nonprofit offering pro-bono financial planning services.

Follow Lindsey on LinkedIn

Alanah Phillips is not only a recruiter, speaker, she’s also the founder of Advisor Launch Lab and Break Up With Your Broker Dealer. She co-chairs The American College of Financial Services’ Next-Gen Advisory Taskforce and hosts the Nextgen in 10 podcast for up-and-coming financial professionals. Alanah focuses her time in the industry trying to make it a more transparent, colorful, and fun place for the next generation to work with the goal of helping her network make more money, have more fun, or both.

Follow Alannah on LinkedIn

How to Translate Key Financial Planning Concepts to Clients

March 12, 2025

The Bucket Plan® On-Demand Podcast

How to Translate Key Financial Planning Concepts to Clients

In This Episode

About the Episode:

Discover how simplifying your language can lead to better client outcomes and practice growth. In this episode, host Dave Alison sits down with Greg Hammer, President and CEO of Hammer Financial Group, to explore the art of client communication through The Bucket Plan® framework.

Listen as Hammer shares how he’s built successful practice with the help of this process and communication techniques. Plus, hear practical examples of this language that resonates with clients and drives decision-making.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Connection Techniques: How to use tools from The Bucket Plan® like the Connection Questionnaire to establish meaningful relationships with prospects beyond just collecting financial data.
  • Change-Focused Language: Approaches for helping clients recognize that addressing their concerns will require making changes to their current financial situation.
  • Analogy-Based Education: Examples of powerful analogies that simplify complex financial concepts and make them more relatable to clients.
  • Retirement Income Planning: Strategies for discussing guaranteed income options and helping clients understand the trade-offs between certainty and growth potential.
  • Fear Reduction Strategies: Communication techniques that help clients overcome the fear of spending money in retirement.
  • Client Meeting Structure: How to keep initial conversations focused on client goals rather than jumping straight to technical solutions.
  • Retirement Lifestyle Planning: Approaches for helping clients plan for different phases of retirement spending (go years, slow-go years, and no-go years).

Resources:

How to Translate Key Financial Planning Concepts to Clients

About the Host:

Dave Alison, CFP®, EA, BPC, is a seasoned financial planner and entrepreneur committed to elevating advisors’ businesses and planning capabilities. As the President and Founding Partner of C2P Enterprises, Dave drives a shared vision of simplifying financial planning for a global audience of one billion people. He leads the company’s growth strategies, shapes its corporate direction, and guides the executive team, demonstrating a remarkable ability to transform vision into reality.

Beyond C2P, Dave contributes his expertise to various leadership roles, including Prosperity Capital Advisors, and Clarity 2 Prosperity, enhancing the financial landscape. Dave’s proficiency in integrating complex financial, tax, investment, insurance, and estate planning into comprehensive strategies led to the creation of Alison Wealth Management, which serves clients nationwide. A member of the Financial Planning Association®, Dave has consistently demonstrated his dedication and expertise, earning accolades such as the 2023 40 Under 40 recognition and won a ThinkAdvisor’s LUMINARIES award for Thought Leadership and Education at C2P.

Follow Dave on LinkedIn

About the Guest:

Greg Hammer is an experienced financial advisor and entrepreneur with over two decades in the financial services industry. After graduating from Yale University with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Hammer began his career in 1992. In 2004, he founded Hammer Financial Group, Inc., an independent financial advisory firm providing comprehensive wealth management, income planning, legacy planning, tax preparation, and Medicare planning services.

Hammer has built a successful holistic practice, serving over 2,200 tax clients and 800 financial advisory clients annually. He is recognized for his comprehensive advising approach, integrating financial, insurance, and tax planning under one roof. Hammer has received accolades such as being named a top five candidate for 2014 Advisor of the Year by Retirement Advisor magazine. He is an Ed Slott Master Elite IRA Advisor and has qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table’s Top of the Table. Beyond his professional endeavors, Hammer is actively involved in his local community, serving on boards and supporting charitable organizations.

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