Tag: Robert Curtiss

Mastering the Art of Listening with Matt Halloran (Ep. 65)

Mastering the Art of Listening with Matt Halloran (Ep. 65)

What happens when you truly listen? Are you truly listening or just waiting for your turn to speak?

Robert Curtiss speaks with Matt Halloran, co-founder of ProudMouth, about the art and power of listening. Matt, fresh off releasing his new book “Shut the F Up and Listen,” dives into the epidemic of loneliness and how improved listening skills can pave the way to deeper connections and understanding.

Discussion points include: 

  • The art of “Listening to Listen” and not just to respond 
  • Understanding the five types of communicators: skydivers, hang gliders, water skiers, snorkelers, and scuba divers 
  • How holding space can enhance your listening ability 
  • Practical exercises for honing your listening skills
  • The surprisingly fun eavesdropping exercise for developing a listening focus
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Matt Halloran:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Matt Halloran is a co-founder and chief relationship officer at ProudMouth, the world’s leading influence accelerator for financial advisors.

Matt is an in-demand speaker who has appeared on over 1,000 podcasts and given hundreds of speeches. He hosts ProudMouth’s Top Advisor Marketing Podcast, where he and industry leaders empower advisors to become trusted, recognized authorities.

Matt is the author of The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors, the first social media book for financial services. His new book, “Shut the F Up and Listen,” is also available now!

Why the Future of Financial Planning is Relationship-Focused with Mike Cy (Ep. 63)

Why the Future of Financial Planning is Relationship-Focused with Mike Cy (Ep. 63)

As the financial world becomes increasingly interconnected, true wealth management goes beyond portfolios—it’s about clarity, relationships, and forward-thinking strategies.

Robert Curtiss and Mike Cy take us into the heart of their holistic approach to financial planning, showcasing the tools and processes that empower clients to achieve confidence in their financial futures. They uncover how cutting-edge technology and adaptability redefine wealth strategies, even in a post-COVID world, while fostering enduring, multi-generational success.

Tune in and discover how a client-first, innovation-driven approach transforms financial advisory into a tool for lasting impact!

Key topics discussed include:

  • Building aligned relationships through the Fit Process
  • Enhancing client experiences with high-tech onboarding strategies
  • Using the Sounding Board Service for proactive financial guidance
  • Simplifying complexities with the Value-Added Support Team (VAST)
  • Unlocking exclusive private market opportunities with alternative investments
  • Adapting virtual engagement tools for seamless client support
  • Creating long-lasting multi-generational financial plans
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr.:

About Our Guest:

Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. has enjoyed a 14-year career in the financial services industry. Mike is a passionate and energetic leader who enjoys developing business refinement and practice management strategies and thrives on helping his clients achieve their goals.

He got his start in the industry at a large insurance marketing organization, where he consulted financial advisors across the country on product and marketing solutions for their businesses. During his time with this firm, he was introduced to Pareto Systems and began learning about the Pareto Process.

After six years of coaching and consulting advisers, Mike decided to become a financial advisor himself and built a practice with his father in Overland Park, KS. Together, they managed millions of dollars of assets and utilized various insurance-based products. Mike knew the value of creating professional contrast in an incredibly competitive marketplace and began implementing many of Pareto’s processes.

Here’s What You Need To Know About Value-Added Service Teams with Mike Cy (Ep. 27)

Here’s What You Need To Know About Value-Added Service Teams with Mike Cy (Ep. 27)

Professionals collaborating with other professionals can lead to more creative solutions, more innovative ideas, and ultimately better results for advisors and their clients.

In this episode, Rob Curtiss is joined by returning guest and business consultant at Pareto Systems, Mike Cy, to talk about value-added service teams while referring to the importance of advisors collaborating with like-minded advisors to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.

Listen in and discover how Rob’s relationship with his clients goes beyond their investments and the ways he leverages strategic partnerships within his business.

Rob and Mike discuss:

  • Ways the financial planning strategy they have been building together can benefit you and your clients 
  • Why (and how) to incorporate life coaching aspects into your client’s financial planning process
  • Tips and tricks you need to build valuable connections with other professionals within your industry
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Mike Cy:

About Our Guest:

Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. has enjoyed a 14-year career in the financial services industry. Mike is a passionate and energetic leader that enjoys developing business refinement and practice management strategies and thrives on helping his clients achieve their goals.

He got his start in the industry at a large insurance-marketing organization where he consulted financial advisors across the country with product and marketing solutions for their businesses. It was during his time with this firm that he was introduced to Pareto Systems and began learning about the Pareto Process.

After six years of coaching and consulting advisers, Mike decided to become a financial advisor himself and built a practice with his father in Overland Park, KS. Together they managed millions of dollars of assets and utilized various insurance-based products. In an incredibly competitive marketplace, Mike knew the value of creating professional contrast and began implementing many of Pareto’s processes.

Exploring The Benefits of Direct Indexing with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep. 26)

Exploring The Benefits of Direct Indexing with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep. 26)

Want to know how to personalize and customize your investment portfolio while potentially gaining tax benefits?

Let us introduce you to direct indexing!

In this episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA), to talk about direct indexing and its advantages for investors. 

Listen in as they delve into various cases of direct indexing, including its tax benefits, ESG customization, and active engagement with companies.

Sam discusses:

  • Direct indexing and how it allows investors to personalize and customize their portfolio with individual stocks while applying ESG aspects
  • Various cases of direct indexing, including setting a tax budget, customizing portfolios based on ESG or faith-based values, and active engagement with companies through proxy voting
  • The minimum required for direct indexing
  • Direct indexing as a flexible and customizable tax-efficient tool (which can be used in various investment scenarios, including in IRAs).
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Sam Miller:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest: 

Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® is the Director of Research & Marketing and a member of the SEIA investment management and research department, where he contributes thought leadership and expertise to the due diligence, portfolio construction, and investment selection processes. He works closely with SEIA’s Investment Committee to formulate and communicate opinions on the economic and investment environment.

What You Should Know About ESG and SRI in Investment Planning with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep. 23)

What You Should Know About ESG and SRI in Investment Planning with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep. 23)

The idea of aligning our money with our goals is a common practice. However, the focus today is aligning our investments with what we are truly passionate about.

In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA). Together they unpack the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and socially responsible investing (SRI) within portfolio planning and how personal beliefs influence investment planning.  

Sam discusses:

  • How the term ESG entered the mainstream media
  • The value of aligning our ESG and SRI investments with what we are passionate about
  • How to implement ESG and SRI investments within our portfolio 
  • What you should know about the different financial planning vehicles and their role in how financial plans are built
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Sam Miller:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest: 

Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® is the Director of Research & Marketing and a member of the SEIA investment management and research department, where he contributes thought leadership and expertise to the due diligence, portfolio construction, and investment selection processes. He works closely with SEIA’s Investment Committee to formulate and communicate opinions on the economic and investment environment.

SECURE Act 2.0: Here’s What To Do Differently in 2023 (Ep. 22)

SECURE Act 2.0: Here’s What To Do Differently in 2023 (Ep. 22)

The SECURE Act 2.0 has brought significant changes to retirement planning in 2023 and beyond, especially in IRA and 401(k) plans.

In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares key highlights from the SECURE Act 2.0 and how you can use the new provisions to save in taxes, contribute more effectively to your retirement accounts, and improve your overall retirement picture.

Rob discusses:

  • How’s the SECURE Act 2.0 impacting required minimum distributions (RMDs)
  • When you might be able to accelerate your retirement savings
  • Legislative changes starting in 2024 (which you should start thinking about now)
  • Major changes around 529 plans, catch-up contributions, and Roth conversions
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

What’s Next For Retirement & Financial Planning (Ep. 20)

What’s Next For Retirement & Financial Planning (Ep. 20)

As time passes, client needs (and government regulations) surrounding retirement accounts change. 

So, what are some considerations advisors need to think about when it comes to building future retirement accounts?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss looks into the future. From company improvements to how government changes to retirement accounts will impact 401(k) contributions. Rob shares how he balances service to others with service to himself while still focusing on providing clients the financial care they need.

Rob discusses:

  • His approach to creating an impeccable experience for his clients
  • What makes him different from other practices
  • His focus on financial planning as the needs of his client base shifts
  • Ways the increase in retirement contribution will change retirement planning
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Expanding Investment Opportunities Through Effective Tax Planning with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep.19)

Expanding Investment Opportunities Through Effective Tax Planning with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep.19)

Building tax strategies around investment plans provide a layer of security to reduce the cost of returns while allowing you to further invest that money.

In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA). Sam unpacks the different types of investment options clients can consider, how they fit within portfolio planning, and the importance of including a tax planner in your investment planning.

Sam discusses:

  • His role at SEIA and his approach to portfolio construction and investment selection
  • How he separates alternative investments based on how fiduciarily responsible they are for their clients
  • What additional elements have opened up in the wake of inflation to diversify portfolios
  • Strategies to liquefy a singular long-term investment while avoiding a huge tax cost
  • The tax planning associated with capital gains and qualified opportunity zone funds
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Sam Miller:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest: 

Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® is the Director of Research & Marketing and a member of the SEIA investment management and research department, where he contributes thought leadership and expertise to the due diligence, portfolio construction, and investment selection processes. He works closely with SEIA’s Investment Committee to formulate and communicate opinions on the economic and investment environment.

Looking Into The Future of The Millionaire Next Door (Ep.18)

Looking Into The Future of The Millionaire Next Door (Ep.18)

With everything that has happened in the past few years, financial planning firms have evolved — not only in the way they serve but also in where they are heading.

In this episode, Robert Curtiss explores the past and future of his practice. He shares some areas his firm has expanded on, touching on aspects outside of traditional finance, such as his podcast and all things client experience.

Rob discusses:

  • The elements he has added to his practice for the benefit of his clients
  • Ways he develops the relationship with clients to make the financial planning process easier
  • Some financial planning improvement areas he’s looking to focus on
  • A new way to look at actions taken today and how they will bloom in the future
  • What you should know about his practice management approach 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss: