The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast

FPA NexGen®
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Dive into the world of financial planning with "The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast," where hosts Deshawn Peterson, CFP® and Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA, navigate you through the lives of the next generation of financial planners. Join us as we uncover the personal journeys, triumphs, and challenges of emerging professionals in the industry. Whether you're just starting out, a career changer, or a seasoned planner, find inspiration and valuable insights in this podcast.

  1. Why Most Advisors Feel Unprepared—and How to Fix It

    1D AGO

    Why Most Advisors Feel Unprepared—and How to Fix It

    n this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Patrick Marcinko, CFP® Lead Advisor at Bogert Wealth, to explore what it truly takes to grow into a confident, client-facing financial planner.  Patrick shares how early-career advisors can overcome imposter syndrome through preparation, repetition, and intentional learning. From shadowing experienced advisors to navigating real-life client complexities, this episode highlights the gap between technical knowledge and real-world application—and how to close it. If you're looking to accelerate your development, build credibility with clients, and step confidently into a lead advisor role, this episode delivers practical, experience-driven insights you can apply immediately. What You’ll Learn How to overcome imposter syndrome early in your career Why preparation is the ultimate confidence builder The importance of shadowing and real client exposure How to communicate value and handle client objections Why intentional learning accelerates advisor growth Key Takeaways Confidence is earned through repetition, not shortcuts Financial plans must adapt to real-life uncertainty Great advisors act as educators, not decision-makers Being busy isn’t the same as being effective Patience is a competitive advantage in your career Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Patrick’s background 03:30 – Managing a $5M student investment fund 07:00 – Family experiences that shaped his career path 11:00 – When financial plans meet real life 15:00 – Lessons from lead advisors: patience & adaptability 19:30 – Building confidence through reps and preparation 23:00 – Overcoming imposter syndrome 26:45 – Transitioning into business development 30:30 – Handling objections and communicating value 33:45 – Intentional learning vs. “checking the box” 36:00 – Final thoughts on patience and long-term success

    39 min

  2. MAR 18

    Lillian Turner on Launching a Firm and Leading FPA NexGen in 2026

    In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP® , EA and Alison Miller, CFP® sit down with Lillian Turner, CFP® , RLP® , CSLP® founder of Daring Greatly Wealth and 2026 Chair of the FPA NexGen committee. Lillian shares her path from financial scarcity and an unconventional start in the profession to launching her own firm, developing a life-planning-centered approach, and leading the next generation of financial planners.  This conversation explores what it really takes to build a career in financial planning when the path is not clear, how to identify alignment in your work, and why discomfort often becomes the catalyst for growth. Lillian also outlines her 2026 vision for FPA NexGen, including support for career changers, first-generation financial planners, and aspiring advisors seeking the right fit in the profession. Executive Producer: @Jadah Riley What You’ll Learn How Lillian Turner built her career in financial planning from the ground upWhy alignment matters when choosing a firm or career pathWhat early-career advisors can do to move past imposter syndromeHow entrepreneurship reshaped Lillian’s view of financial planningFPA NexGen’s 2026 priorities for career changers and aspiring planners Key Takeaways Growth often happens when you are pushed beyond your comfort zoneThe right firm fit can shape both confidence and career trajectoryAuthenticity and values can become a true competitive advantageCareer changers and first-generation planners need more visible pathways into the profession Chapters 00:00 Welcome + introducing Lillian Turner 02:05 Wedding planning, spending, and the client experience mindset 06:10 How Lillian found financial planning without a clear roadmap 12:20 Breaking into the industry and navigating early career challenges 19:05 Moving to Arizona, firm culture, and learning what was not aligned 25:10 Becoming a lead advisor unexpectedly and growing through discomfort 29:20 Launching Daring Greatly Wealth and building a life-planning practice 33:05 How Lillian defines alignment, authenticity, and career fit 35:10 Lillian’s 2026 goals as FPA NexGen Chair 37:00 The “ignite” question: what accelerated her career

    38 min
  3. Ignite Your Financial Planning Career: Confidence, Content & Community

    MAR 11

    Ignite Your Financial Planning Career: Confidence, Content & Community

    Season 4 of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast kicks off with a powerful theme: Ignite. Hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Alison Miller, CFP® explore how early-career financial planners can ignite their professional growth by leaning into discomfort, developing their voice, and building community within the profession. In this episode, the team discusses the pivotal habits and mindset shifts that helped accelerate their own careers—from volunteering with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) to creating content, asking uncomfortable questions, and learning how to receive feedback. The conversation dives into the real skills that help financial planners grow faster in their first decade in the profession: confidence, curiosity, consistency, and the courage to put yourself in the room where growth happens. If you’re an emerging advisor navigating the early stages of your financial planning career, this episode provides practical insights you can apply immediately. What You’ll LearnWhy getting uncomfortable early can accelerate your career growthHow FPA involvement and networking can improve client communicationWhy asking questions—even when unsure—builds professional confidenceHow creating content can help advisors develop their unique voiceThe importance of receiving feedback without defensivenessHow discipline and consistency compound over time in advisory careersKey TakeawaysGetting uncomfortable early helps accelerate career growth.Professional community involvement strengthens advisor development.Asking questions builds confidence and deeper understanding.Creating content helps advisors develop their voice.Consistency and discipline compound over a career.Learning to accept feedback accelerates professional growth. Episode Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Season 4 of The Blueprint 02:10 – The theme for this season: Ignite 04:15 – Why listener feedback will shape the season 06:05 – What accelerates a financial planning career? 08:40 – Getting involved with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) 12:05 – How professional communities improve client conversations 16:10 – Asking uncomfortable questions early in your career 20:05 – Building confidence through small career wins 23:10 – Why creating content helps advisors find their voice 26:35 – Developing your own financial planning style 30:10 – The power of discipline and consistency in career growth 32:30 – Why receiving feedback is a critical professional skill

    36 min
  4. Why Passion Comes After the Work: Lessons from Two Years Behind the Mic

    JAN 21

    Why Passion Comes After the Work: Lessons from Two Years Behind the Mic

    What does it really take to build a meaningful career in financial planning—and why does passion usually show up after the hard work? In this reflective Season 3 finale of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP® turn the mic inward. Deshawn shares lessons from two years as a podcast host, exploring how consistency, discipline, and intentional effort compound into professional growth, stronger relationships, and long-term fulfillment. This episode dives into the behind-the-scenes realities of podcasting, career pivots, networking, and the often-overlooked skills that separate good advisors from great ones—like deep listening, focus, and learning to trust the process even when outcomes aren’t guaranteed. Whether you’re an early-career financial planner, a career changer, or someone navigating uncertainty in your professional journey, this conversation delivers timeless insights for building a career with purpose. What You’ll Learn Why passion often follows consistency—not inspiration How discipline beats motivation over the long run The role of listening in leadership and client relationships Lessons for career changers entering financial planning How small, simple habits compound into career success Key Takeaways Passion in your career is often built after consistent effort—not before it Discipline and routine matter more than motivation for long-term success Deep listening is a critical leadership and relationship-building skill Simple, repeatable habits compound into meaningful professional growth Career setbacks and missed opportunities provide valuable feedback when reviewed honestly Early-career advisors benefit from narrowing focus sooner rather than trying to do everything Merging personal values with professional life can create greater clarity and sustainability Episode Chapters 00:00 Why passion is built—not discovered 06:30 The hidden work behind launching and sustaining a podcast 12:45 Developing elite listening skills as a leader 20:10 Building genuine professional relationships 28:40 Discipline, motivation, and finding your “why” 38:15 Career pivots, setbacks, and learning from failure 49:30 Advice for early-career and career-changing advisors 57:00 Final reflections and Season 3 wrap-up

    27 min
  5. How FPA Involvement Helped This Student Land Internships and Gain Career Clarity

    JAN 13

    How FPA Involvement Helped This Student Land Internships and Gain Career Clarity

    In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP sit down with Ian Mueller, a senior at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), to explore what early-career financial planners can learn from real-world experience—long before passing the CFP® exam. Ian shares how getting involved in FPA leadership as a student helped him build a national network, land multiple internships, and compete at the highest level in the FPA Financial Planning Challenge. From creating a comprehensive financial plan to presenting it under pressure in front of industry professionals, Ian breaks down what the competition taught him about client communication, values-based planning, and the “art” of financial planning. The conversation also covers why Ian chose a dual major in economics and financial planning, how a psychology minor complements advisory work, and why asking better questions—not knowing all the answers—is the fastest way to grow in this profession. What You’ll Learn How FPA involvement accelerates early-career growth What judges look for in the Financial Planning Challenge Why client values matter more than optimization How to get the most out of internships Tips for students attending their first industry conference Key Takeaways Early real-world experience matters – Hands-on planning experience helps bridge the gap between coursework and client-facing work before earning the CFP® designation. FPA involvement accelerates careers – Student leadership and engagement create meaningful networking opportunities and open doors to internships and jobs. The Financial Planning Challenge mirrors real client meetings – Success requires clear communication, preparation, and a client-first mindset—not just technical accuracy. Client values matter more than optimization – The most mathematically “correct” solution isn’t always the best recommendation for the client. Strong communication separates great planners – Simplifying complex financial concepts builds trust and improves client understanding. Curiosity maximizes internship value – Asking thoughtful questions and learning directly from advisors leads to faster professional growth. Conferences build confidence and clarity – Industry events help students understand career paths, expand networks, and gain perspective early. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Ian’s background 04:45 – Dual majors, psychology, and accelerated education 09:30 – What the FPA Financial Planning Challenge really tests 18:40 – Communicating complex advice to real clients 28:10 – Getting involved in FPA and restarting a student chapter 37:00 – How networking led to internships 46:15 – Why the “optimal” answer isn’t always the right one 55:00 – Conference advice for students & early-career advisors

    28 min
  6. Why Most CFP® Candidates Fail (And the Smarter Way to Pass)

    12/23/2025

    Why Most CFP® Candidates Fail (And the Smarter Way to Pass)

    In this episode of The Blueprint | FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP sit down with Matt Goren, PhD, CFP®, Chief Strategy Officer at Danko Education and a leading voice in CFP® exam education. Matt shares how his background in social psychology and financial education has reshaped how future advisors should prepare for the CFP® exam — and why traditional, lecture-heavy study methods are failing today’s younger candidates. With the average age of CFP® candidates dropping rapidly, the way advisors learn, retain information, and manage test anxiety must evolve. This conversation goes far beyond exam tactics. Matt breaks down how to study smarter (not longer), why “mastering 80%” beats chasing perfection, and how early-career planners can navigate burnout, anxiety, and identity shifts while building long-term careers in financial planning. What You’ll Learn Why engagement is the prerequisite to learning How to study for the CFP® exam without burnout The “80% rule” that leads to higher pass rates How to manage test anxiety using psychology-backed techniques Why CFP® exam success doesn’t automatically equal real-world readiness How early-career advisors can thrive in a rapidly changing industry Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why engagement comes before learning 05:10 – Matt’s journey into financial education 12:45 – The changing CFP® candidate 19:30 – How teaching methods must change 27:40 – Pass the exam vs. learn everything 36:00 – Test anxiety & psychology-based strategies 47:20 – Ethics: the most underestimated CFP® topic 56:30 – Work-life balance during exam season 1:05:15 – CFP® knowledge vs. real-world advising 1:15:40 – The future of financial planning & AI 1:24:10 – Career adversity and long-term success

    38 min
  7. From Starbucks to Industry Troublemaker: Designing a Career You Actually Love

    12/08/2025

    From Starbucks to Industry Troublemaker: Designing a Career You Actually Love

    Early in your career, choosing (or staying with) the wrong firm can be the biggest source of hidden risk. In this conversation, Mike Zarrelli, CFP, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP talk with Alanah Phillips, MBA—entrepreneur, career-change success story, advisor advocate, recruiter, coach, podcast host, and “industry troublemaker”—about how Next Gen advisors can build careers that are both profitable and aligned. Alanah unpacks the true landscape of the industry—banks, wires, IBDs, RIAs, and “pseudo-independent” models—through her “efficient frontier” lens of risk and reward. She also walks through how advisors can break up with their broker-dealer, decode contracts, and negotiate compensation with more clarity and confidence. If you’re an early-career or G2 advisor wondering whether you’re in the right place, this episode is your playbook. What You'll Learn: How to think about your career like a portfolio: risk vs. reward The difference between captive, independent, and “pseudo-independent” firms How to recognize when you’re misaligned with your firm or team Practical steps for breakaways, lift-outs, and career pivots How to prepare for compensation conversations (beyond just asking for a raise) Creative ways to structure your role, benefits, and growth path Key Takeaways: Why Next Gen financial advisors need to understand the full industry landscape (banks, wirehouses, independent broker-dealers, RIAs, and “pseudo-independent” firms) before making a career move. How to think about your financial planning career path using an “efficient frontier” framework—balancing career risk and reward instead of just chasing a big-name firm. What it really means to be “misaligned” with your firm, and how G2 and associate advisors can recognize red flags around culture, control, and unclear succession or partnership paths. Practical guidance on breaking up with your broker-dealer or captive firm: understanding non-competes, non-solicits, non-accepts, and why clients often still choose to follow their advisor. How early-career advisors can prepare for compensation negotiations—using market data, benchmarking, and creative asks (PTO, remote work, licenses, conferences, mentorship) to grow income and opportunity. Why thinking of yourself as the “sports agent of your own career” helps you make smarter moves as a Next Gen wealth management professional, not just accept the first or easiest path. How hosts Mike Zarrelli, CFP, EA and Deshawn Peterson, CFP and guest Alanah Phillips, MBA frame advisor success as making more money, having more fun, and building a career in financial planning that’s truly aligned. Chapters: 00:00 The “efficient frontier” of your advisor career 03:14 Meet Alanah Phillips, MBA & her “industry troublemaker” mindset 07:32 Acting as a “sports agent” for financial advisors 12:45 Mapping the industry landscape: banks, wires, IBDs & RIAs 18:50 Alanah’s career change: from Starbucks to advisor advocate 24:30 What alignment really looks like for a financial advisor 30:40 Contracts, non-competes, non-solicits & non-accepts explained 38:55 How much risk do you really need to take to go independent? 44:10 Preparing for compensation and promotion conversations 51:05 Creative negotiation: beyond base salary and payout grids 56:20 Final advice for Next Gen advisors feeling “stuck”

    43 min
  8. AI, NexGen, and the Future of Financial Planning: Key Insights from Inside FPA Annual Conference 2025

    11/24/2025

    AI, NexGen, and the Future of Financial Planning: Key Insights from Inside FPA Annual Conference 2025

    In this Blueprint | FPA NexGen episode hosts Mike Zarelli, EA, CFP® and Deshawn Peterson, CFP® bring you inside FPA Annual 2025 in Las Vegas to capture the voices shaping a profession that’s still young — and being built in real time. From students and career changers to firm owners, AI innovators, legacy-planning founders, and CFP Board leadership, this episode reveals what the next generation is learning, questioning, and creating as financial planning evolves. What You’ll Learn Why financial planning’s youth as a profession creates massive opportunity for NexGen advisors How students are choosing personal financial planning for its human impact Why career changers succeed — and how transferable skills translate into planning How the CFP® certification has become a client expectation What legacy planning truly includes beyond wills, trusts, and insurance How AI tools give advisors back 8–12 hours/week Why marketing platforms like Snappy Kraken accelerate early-career growth What firm owners are really hiring for (core values > résumé) How conferences compound your career through community and repeated exposure Why FPA’s new CEO says NexGen’s work is directly shaping the profession’s future Takeaways Financial planning is still young — which means NexGen has influence now, not later. Students and early-career advisors should lean into community as their accelerant. Career changers succeed when they align values, curiosity, and empathy with planning. The CFP® remains the gold standard: clients ask for it by name. Legacy planning requires organization, communication, and preparation — not just documents. AI is here to augment advisors, not replace them — especially when human connection stays central. Marketing is a business investment: growth, visibility, and valuation all depend on it. Firms hire for character: ambition, humility, and service mindset stand out. Conferences create the highest ROI for NexGen: connections, mentorship, and clarity. Chapters 00:00 — Welcome to FPA Annual 2025 02:12 — Annual vs. FPA NexGen Gathering: deeper content & broader ecosystem 05:40 — How Mike & Deshawn approach the conference as learners + leaders 03:13 — Interview: Noelle Lancaster — choosing planning & building student experience 05:04 — Interview: Zocks AI (Annie Ganousis) — AI myths, CRM integrations & time savings 08:18 — Interview: Snappy Kraken (Mary Rose Eagan) — marketing as a growth catalyst 22:30 — Interview: Michael Pumphrey, MS, CFP®, AFC® , EA — confidence, community & first-time conference tips 13:30 — Interview: Jump AI (Dallin Burningham) — using data, trends, and human connection 15:25 — Interview: James Serrano, CFP — content creation & finding your authentic voice 17:41 — Interview: Soma (Farah) — legacy planning beyond documents 21:09 — Interview: Josh Pierce, CFP®, CEPA® — building an RIA, getting fired, values-based hiring 25:06 — Interview: Eddie Bruegger (CSUF) — choosing planning & learning through conferences 28:11 — Interview: Leo Ortega — discovering career paths & the power of networking 31:09 — Interview: Dr. Jolly Jian (CFP Board) — the rising importance of the CFP® 33:47 — Interview: Akron Students (Gavin & Isaac) — advanced sessions & early insights 36:48 — Interview: FPA CEO Dennis Moore — community, NexGen, and shaping the future 39:41 — Hosts’ recap: biggest lessons, favorite sessions & one-word summaries 40:15 — Closing thoughts & why NexGen drives tomorrow’s profession

    45 min
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Dive into the world of financial planning with "The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast," where hosts Deshawn Peterson, CFP® and Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA, navigate you through the lives of the next generation of financial planners. Join us as we uncover the personal journeys, triumphs, and challenges of emerging professionals in the industry. Whether you're just starting out, a career changer, or a seasoned planner, find inspiration and valuable insights in this podcast.

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