Most important take away

Finding the right financial planner requires understanding what you need (hourly advice vs. full planning), verifying credentials (CFP designation, fiduciary status, fee-only compensation), and trusting your instincts during the interview process. Even knowledgeable DIY investors benefit from a professional relationship, especially to ensure a spouse or partner has a trusted advisor if something happens to the primary financial manager.

Chapter Summaries

Introduction & Hannah Moore’s Background Robert Brokamp introduces the episode focused on finding the right financial planner. Guest Hannah Moore, founder of Amplified Planning and principal planner at Gatting Wealth, shares how she stumbled into financial planning after a college professor suggested she change her major, eventually buying a practice at age 26.

The Financial Planning Landscape Today The industry is shifting from pure investment management toward holistic financial planning. A “barbell” dynamic is emerging: mid-size firms are being acquired by large companies (similar to private equity in medicine), while many experienced planners are leaving big firms to start small practices.

Finding the Right Type of Advisor Most advisors still use an assets-under-management (AUM) model but increasingly lead with financial planning rather than just investment management. For hourly or project-based planning, resources like the Garrett Planning Network can help. Experienced planners who recently started their own firms are a particularly good option, as they often offer hourly work while building their client base.

The Value of Holistic Planning People who think they only need help with one area (like investments) often discover other issues — outdated estate plans, emerging tax situations, or insurance gaps. Getting a full financial picture is more valuable than a narrow review.

Planning for Your Partner A major reason people hire financial planners is to ensure their spouse or partner will be taken care of if something happens to them. Moore shares a real example of a client who recently passed, and how the surviving spouse had peace of mind because the planning relationship was already in place.

Credentials and Red Flags The CFP (Certified Financial Planner) certification is the gold standard. Fee-only advisors are preferred because their compensation comes solely from clients, not commissions. Key interview questions: What is your process? What documents will you review? How are you compensated? Will you be selling me products?

Vetting and Networking Look for planners connected to professional networks like NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) or FPA (Financial Planning Association). Also seek referrals from people in similar financial situations. Trust your instincts — if something feels off, keep looking.

Closing & Upcoming Episode Hannah Moore will return on April 11th to discuss the Amplified Planning externship and how to start a career in financial planning. Registration opens April 1st.

Summary

Actionable Insights:

• Seek CFP-certified, fee-only fiduciaries. The CFP designation is the gold standard credential. Fee-only means they are paid by you, not by product commissions, reducing conflicts of interest.
• Use directories to find qualified planners. The Garrett Planning Network and NAPFA directory filter for fee-only planners. Also ask trusted people in your network for referrals.
• Look for recently independent experienced planners. Veteran planners (15-20 years experience) who just left large firms to start their own practice often offer hourly or project-based work at competitive rates while building their client base — a strong value opportunity.
• Ask about their process in the initial meeting. Good planners can clearly articulate what documents they review, what analysis they perform, and what the ongoing relationship looks like. Be wary of anyone who cannot explain this.
• Verify they belong to professional organizations. Membership in NAPFA or FPA indicates ongoing education and access to a peer network, which improves the quality of advice they can provide.
• Get holistic planning, not just investment review. Even if you think you only need one thing checked, a comprehensive review often uncovers overlooked issues in estate planning, taxes, or insurance.
• Establish a planner relationship for your partner’s sake. If you manage the household finances, hiring a planner ensures your spouse has a trusted professional ready if something happens to you.
• Trust your gut during interviews. If something feels off, move on. Both spouses or partners should attend the initial meeting to ensure mutual comfort.

No specific stocks or investments were mentioned in this episode. The focus was entirely on how to find and vet a financial planning professional.