Financial Planner Search

Gregory Wilnau
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Finding a financial advisor is easy. Finding the right one is hard. Most advisors look the same on paper — credentials, services, a polished website. But what you actually need to know is how they think, how they treat people, and whether you'd even enjoy working with them. That's what Financial Planner Search is for. Each episode, we sit down with an independent financial advisor for an honest, in-depth conversation. No sales pitch. No jargon. Just a real look at who they are, how they work, and who they're best suited to help. By the end, you'll know what they’re all about. Whether you're approaching retirement and looking for a fiduciary for the first time, thinking about leaving your current advisor, or simply want to make a smarter hiring decision — this show gives you the inside access you need.

  1. 2d ago

    Executive Comp & Flat-Fee Planning with Malcolm Etheridge | Financial Planner Search

    In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Malcolm Etheridge, a Certified Financial Planner and Enrolled Agent at Capital Area Planning Groups, discusses his specialized approach to untangling complex executive compensation issues for senior leaders at publicly traded companies. He highlights how his firm operates as a stripped-down multifamily office tailored for high-net-worth families and "recovering DIYers". Malcolm shares his unique journey transitioning from computer engineering to becoming a self-proclaimed "tax nerd" , explaining why deeply understanding tax implications is vital to diagnosing a client's true financial health. He also breaks down his structured 5-meeting onboarding framework and details how his team helps clients navigate sudden corporate shifts, such as Microsoft's recent early retirement offers. TakeawaysNavigating Complex Executive Equity Compensation: Solving intricacies like vesting windows, blackout periods, and regulatory filings for busy corporate leaders. The 5-Meeting Onboarding Experience: Building deep alignment by separating mathematical planning from core money psychology. Flexible Flat-Fee & Asset Management Models: Giving clients the freedom to "choose their own adventure" without forcing them to give up investment control.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Capital Area Planning Groups and Executive Comp 07:24 Navigating Corporate Milestones and Microsoft's Early Retirement Offers 12:53 Flat-Fee Planning, AUM, and Serving the Recovering DIYer 20:25 The 5-Meeting Onboarding Process and Client Action Items 29:17 Guidance and Next Steps You can find them at: CAPGLLC.com If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/ #financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #equitycompensation #taxplanning

    30 min

  2. 4d ago

    Quarterback Planning for High-Income Founders with Josh Davis | Financial Planner Search

    In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Josh Davis, founder of Davis Private Wealth, explains his client-centric approach to wealth management and strategic tax reduction for high-income business owners. Celebrating nine years of building his practice from the ground up, Josh operates as a dedicated "financial quarterback". He specializes in harmonizing disconnected asset pools, insurance policies, corporate structures, and estate plans into one unified roadmap. Josh highlights the unique challenges faced by multi-entity business owners and details how he guides burnt-out entrepreneurs through complex operational transitions—whether turning a business passive or preparing for an ultimate exit. He also peels back the curtain on his firm's hyper-detailed backend work, from systematically tracking annual retirement plan limits to checking CPA filings for costly systemic errors. TakeawaysThe Fiduciary Quarterback Model: Integrating separate legal, insurance, and tax professionals into a central, proactively managed strategy. Transition Planning for Burnout: Shifting entrepreneurial focus away from active, high-stress operations toward wealth security and lifestyle freedom. Bespoke Contribution Tracking: Guarding against oversights by continuously managing annual funding thresholds across multiple corporate accounts.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Independent Practice Overview 01:00 Inspiration: Learning Family Values and the Passion for Finance 02:19 Navigating Systemic Shock: Supporting Business Lockdown Relief & Government PPP Updates 04:41 Core Triggers: Exploding Tax Brackets and the Road to Retirement 07:25 Mindset Architecture: Navigating Active Entrepreneurial Burnout vs. Passive Systems 11:22 Client Discovery: Asking Fiduciary Questions on Estate Plans and Fees 13:46 Target Demographics: Defining Needs for Complex Entities Earning $500,000+ 16:18 Multi-Entity Structures: Managing Partner Agreements, Liquidity Events, and Losses 18:50 The Onboarding Journey: Transparency and Clear Expectations 21:39 Behind the Scenes: Error Prevention, Tax Auditing, and Contribution Limits 24:07 Vision for Growth: Scaling Internal Infrastructure to $300 Million 30:09 Conclusion and Next Steps You can find them at: https://davisprivatewealth.com/ If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/ #financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #businessowners #taxarchitecture #fiduciary quarterback

    31 min

  3. May 20

    Work Optional Planning & SWAT Medic Calm with Nick Lager | Financial Planner Search

    In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Nick Lager, founder of Tactical Wealth Planning, discusses his unique transition from serving as a 911 paramedic and SWAT medic to guiding individuals through major financial crossroads. Nick introduces his specialized "Work Optional" framework, a methodology developed from his first-responder background to give burned-out, late-career professionals a predictable runway to step away from their jobs on a moment's notice. Focusing heavily on high-earning medical device and pharmaceutical sales leaders with portfolios between $1M and $5M, Nick breaks down how to decouple from corporate constraints. He highlights how to bypass the "healthcare handcuff"—the fear of losing employer insurance before Medicare age—by deploying creative coverage solutions. Operating with a "Small Giants" philosophy, Nick details how running a boutique, quality-focused practice allows him to bring deep diagnostic calm and highly individualized strategy to his clients' tax architecture, income streams, and portfolio designs. TakeawaysThe Work Optional Framework: Shifting the focus from traditional age-based retirement to creating conditional life options across four strategic pillars: healthcare, tax architecture, cash flow, and portfolio design. Breaking the Healthcare Handcuff: Providing actionable validation and alternatives for late-stage professionals who stay in unfulfilling roles solely to keep corporate medical benefits. Bounded, High-Touch Service: Intentionally prioritizing client care quality over institutional scale to maintain rapid execution and meaningful relationships.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Practice Overview01:34 The Tactical Origin: From SWAT Medic to Wealth Planner02:51 Moving Past Corporate Volume and Cookie-Cutter Models04:52 Serving Burned-Out Medical Device and Pharma Professionals06:31 Solving the Number One Handcuff: Early Retirement Healthcare10:51 Breaking Down the 4 Pillars of the Work Optional Framework13:57 Bringing First-Responder Calm to Financial Volatility17:11 Adopting a "Small Giants" Philosophy for Bespoke Care21:28 Encouraging Clients to Live Fully and Value Life's Fragility25:56 The Onboarding Assessment and Strategic Portfolio Alignment30:58 Conclusion and Next Steps You can find them at: https://tacticalwealthplan.com/ If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/ #financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #workoptional #healthcareplanning #wealthmanagement

    32 min

  4. May 13

    Tax-Focused Retirement and Entrepreneurial Strategy with David Brooks | Financial Planner Search

    In this episode of Financial Planner Search, David Brooks, founder of Retire Smart, shares his unique journey from a college dropout managing the world's top-performing pizza franchise to becoming a millionaire in his 20s and, eventually, a seasoned wealth advisor. After a massive, unexpected tax bill from the sale of his businesses changed his life, David dedicated his career to proactive tax planning for retirees and entrepreneurs. David discusses his SMART and SERVE models, his commitment to an "education-first" approach that includes teaching 104 classes a year, and his unconventional strategy of hiring interns and even clients to build a high-performing ensemble practice. TakeawaysProactive Tax Strategy: Utilizing the tax code's incentives to prevent retirees and business owners from overpaying their "number one expense". The Education Ecosystem: Building trust and confidence through a comprehensive curriculum covering Social Security, Medicare, and even digital assets.Chapters00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Pizza to Portfolios 10:59 Building a Strong Team through Internships and Culture 17:58 Identifying Culture Fit: Hiring the "Right People on the Bus" 25:12 Educational Curriculum and the Smart Document Checklist 33:11 Client Onboarding and the 15-Minute Discovery Process You can find them at: https://retiresmartnow.com/ If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/

    35 min

  5. May 11

    Empowering Business Owners through Comprehensive Planning with Sal Perez | Financial Planner Search

    In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Sal Perez, founder of Totem Wealth Management, shares his journey from a low-income background in Kissimmee, Florida, to building a national wealth management firm. Sal discusses how his Hispanic background, where money was often considered a taboo subject, inspired his "calling" to improve financial literacy and help others reach their goals. His practice specializes in serving early to mid-stage business owners and entrepreneurs, moving them from reactive "after the fact" tax situations to proactive, comprehensive financial strategies. Sal emphasizes the importance of adaptability, operating under the philosophy that an advisor should "be like water" and the critical role of trust and persuasion in getting clients to act on beneficial recommendations. Takeaways Comprehensive Wealth Strategy: Moving beyond simple investments to cover tax, estate, and benefit planning. Proactive Entrepreneurial Support: Helping business owners scale and mitigate tax bills before they become a burden. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Origin Story 06:25 The "After the Fact" Trap: Reactive vs. Proactive Planning 10:42 Client Acquisition: Leveraging Referrals and Social Media 12:53 Scaling a Firm: From Solopreneur to Team Leadership 16:21 The Art of Persuasion: Tailoring the Message to the Client 21:29 Lessons from Vanguard and Professional Development 23:53 Onboarding Process: The 15-Minute Discovery to Full Execution 30:29 How to Connect with Totem Wealth Management You can find them at: https://totemwealthmanagement.com/ If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/ #financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #entrepreneurship #taxstrategy #financialliteracy

    31 min

  6. May 7

    Tax-Efficient Wealth for High-Earning Professionals with Francisco Blanco | Financial Planner Search

    In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Francisco Blanco, founder of Stonebrook Wealth Partners, discusses his journey from being a teller at Chase Manhattan Bank to building an independent wealth practice in South Florida. Francisco specializes in providing tactical tax strategies for doctors, attorneys, and business owners, professionals who are often "too busy" to manage their own complex financial lives efficiently. He shares his philosophy on "going deep" in client conversations to build trust and his commitment to a proactive, "family office" style of service. Francisco also outlines his vision for Stonebrook as a platform to mentor and support other advisors looking to make the leap into independence without the headache of building a back-office from scratch. Takeaways Tactical Tax Planning: Specialized strategies designed for the unique income and time constraints of surgeons and attorneys. The Path to Independence: Providing a blueprint for other advisors to move from large bank channels to a client-focused, independent model. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stonebrook Wealth Partners 03:33 Inspiration: From Bank Teller to Independent Founder 09:20 Serving Busy Doctors, Attorneys, and Business Owners 15:45 Relationship-Driven Advice & The "Family Office" Feel 17:41 Vision for the Future: Building an Advisor Community 23:08 Mentorship and the Impact of Tom Bartella 26:13 The Onboarding Process: Hand-Holding and Proactive Care 32:25 Conclusion and Next Steps You can find them at: https://www.stonebrookwealth.com/ If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/ #financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #TaxStrategy #DoctorRetirement #IndependentAdvisor

    34 min

  7. May 5

    Collaborative Planning & Diverse Wealth with Marguerita Cheng | Financial Planner Search

    In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Marguerita (Rita) Cheng, CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth, explains why her practice always leads with financial planning before discussing asset management. Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Rita specializes in helping overwhelmed executives, CFOs, and diverse families navigate complex life transitions with a collaborative and supportive approach. She discusses her firm’s unique ability to serve younger, culturally diverse, and multiracial clients, often using a flat-fee model to ensure planning is accessible even before significant assets are moved. Rita also highlights her specialized work as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), focusing on helping individuals thrive through "silver" or "gray" divorce. Takeaways Financial Planning First: Why understanding the personal situation is more important than managing the portfolio. Supportive Onboarding: Moving from "information" to "actionable advice" through a structured, low-stress discovery process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Blue Ocean Global Wealth Overview 02:04 Navigating Life Transitions and Psychographics 04:51 Serving Younger and Culturally Diverse Clients 07:00 The Value of Flat Fee Financial Planning 08:40 Connecting Through Community and Centers of Influence 10:43 Personalizing the Process: Core vs. Lifestyle Expenses 14:03 Specialization: Supporting Clients Through Gray Divorce 15:52 Thorough Execution and Attention to Detail 17:45 Onboarding and Ongoing Relationship Cadence 23:57 Professional Development and Collaboration 25:34 Redefining Retirement as a New Beginning You can find them at: https://www.blueoceanglobalwealth.com/ If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/ #financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #diverserepresentation #flatfee #divorceplanning

    28 min

  8. Apr 30

    Exit Planning & Financial Autonomy for Entrepreneurs with Chris Clepp | Financial Planner Search

    In this episode of Financial Planner Search, Chris Clepp, founder of Building Towards Wealth, shares his journey from entering the insurance industry on September 11, 2001, to managing a specialized wealth practice for Gen X and Gen Y business owners. Chris focuses on helping high-speed entrepreneurs decrease their "mental load" so they can focus on their highest and best use being a great parent, spouse, and founder. He discusses the critical need for proactive exit planning, the pitfalls of last-minute liquidity events, and why he prefers the concept of "autonomy" over "retirement". Chris outlines his values-first onboarding process, which involves a deep dive into a client's "end in mind" to ensure their money serves as a servant rather than a master. Takeaways Decreasing Mental Load: Delegating the "what ifs" to a professional so founders can focus on their business and family. Autonomy Over Retirement: Creating a financial engine that allows for flexibility and contentment rather than just stopping work. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Specializing in Gen X & Y Business Owners 01:11 Inspiration: Lessons from 9/11 and the 2008 Financial Crisis 04:36 Client Triggers: Liquidity Events and Business Transitions 08:50 Key Questions: Taxes, Valuation, and Exit Timing 13:00 Values & Approach: Choosing Autonomy and Contentment 17:07 Vision for the Future and Generational Planning 20:51 Behind the Scenes: Coordinated Strategy and Cadence 22:35 Process: 90-Day Values Discovery and Long-Term Roadmap 26:47 Guidance and Next Steps You can find them at: https://buildingtowardswealth.com/ If you are a financial advisor looking to grow your business, you can find out more about Wilnau Design at https://www.wilnaudesign.com/ #financialplanning #finance #financialplannersearch #exitplanning #entrepreneurship #GenX #GenY

    26 min
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About

Finding a financial advisor is easy. Finding the right one is hard. Most advisors look the same on paper — credentials, services, a polished website. But what you actually need to know is how they think, how they treat people, and whether you'd even enjoy working with them. That's what Financial Planner Search is for. Each episode, we sit down with an independent financial advisor for an honest, in-depth conversation. No sales pitch. No jargon. Just a real look at who they are, how they work, and who they're best suited to help. By the end, you'll know what they’re all about. Whether you're approaching retirement and looking for a fiduciary for the first time, thinking about leaving your current advisor, or simply want to make a smarter hiring decision — this show gives you the inside access you need.

Information

  • Creator
    Gregory Wilnau
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Gregory Wilnau
  • Show Website
    Financial Planner Search