RIA Episodes

In this episode of RIA Collective, Mark Elzweig joins us to discuss the mechanics of making a successful transition to an independent advisor. He emphasizes the importance of due diligence and thoroughness in the process, as well as staying within guidelines and playing by the rules. Mark also highlights how the landscape of independence has shifted, making it easier and more lucrative for advisors to go independent than ever before. He encourages advisors to seek out legal advice and speak with...

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven is joined by financial advisor Jude McDonough to discuss the journey of transitioning from the banking world to the financial advising industry. Jude emphasizes the importance of putting the needs of your clients first, and how crucial it is to fully understand the households you are serving in order to truly act as a fiduciary. He speaks about the challenges and rewards of making the move to independence, and how it allows advisors to b...

This week Charlie talks with Cary Carbonaro, Director of Women and Wealth at Advisors Capital Management. Cary has more than two decades of advising experience and has had a winding path within the world of finance. Cary spent many years in a captive environment before she made the move to RIA. However, that independence was lost when Goldman bought out her firm and Cary found herself back in a wirehouse again. The loss of independence and freedom grated on Cary and she quickly made the switch b...

This week Charlie sits down with Juan Munoz CFP®, AIF®, Founder of Life Strategy Financial. Juan is a CFP focused on supporting his clients over anything else. Juan has worked in several different areas of the financial industry, but having the trust and confidence of his clients has always been the priority. After working several years in a traditional wirehouse environment with all the standard incentives and conflicts, Juan knew that he had to make a change. Since founding his RIA in 2019, J...

In this episode, Charlie speaks with Stacey Hyde, Founder of Envision Financial Planning. She has moved through several areas of financial services from banking to insurance and, now, financial planning. Charlie and Stacey trace her journey through the various realms of financial services, how she proved her skills and leadership potential early in her career, and how she finally found her ideal position as a dedicated financial planner at her own firm. Stacey serves as an excellent example of t...

In this episode, Charlie speaks with Justin Long CFP®, Founder of Diazo Wealth Group. Justin is much more than an advisor. In his own words, he is a bespoke financial concierge that truly goes above and beyond to support his clients in every aspect of their lives. Rather than just working with his clients on their investments or financial plans, Justin takes pride in being a one-stop shop for every life need that his client brings to his attention. Need a document at 11 pm for an emergency? Jus...

This week on RIA Collective, Charlie talks with Marc Aarons, the founder of Money Managers Inc. They discuss Marc's history in the automotive sales field, the struggles of that role, and how becoming an advisor and, later, a true fiduciary, has reduced his stress and given him an opportunity to truly support his clients every day. Marc Aarons Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ocmoneymanagers/ Website: https://ocmoneymanagers.com/

In this important episode of RIA Collective, Charlie interviews leading breakaway attorney Corey Kupfer. Corey offers his tips and insight to help you break away from the large firms with less friction and greater success. Charlie and Corey discuss authenticity, negotiations, and the key considerations as financial advisors stuck in a bad situation progress toward joining or opening an RIA.

Brian George formed Planning Network Partners, LLC in 2022 because he believed that his methodology of developing a tight network of seasoned professionals in different fields of finance could benefit other Financial Advisors. In 2021, he created Charitable Planning Network, LLC to help Financial Advisors bring greater value to their clients while delivering more gifts to their clients’ favorite charities. Charitable giving motivated his work, but he also believed that clients could benefit thr...

Kelly Olczak, CFP®, Co-Founder, Lynn Leigh and Company, a Registered Investment Advisory Firm Description: Industry veteran Kelly Olczak, CFP®, Co-Founder of LynnLeigh & Co, Inc. walks us through her journey from a technology career to Financial Services. During the past 20 years, Kelly grew with Edward Jones, transitioned to LPL, and started her own RIA. According to Kelly, sufficient planning helped her transition smoothly. Learn how to plan for change.