Shows
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS5E1 Intro to Our Ongoing Advice SeriesAfter the success of our series on the ins and outs of the PY, Nathan and Jordan have decided to launch another series focused on a very specific, very important part of financial advice - Ongoing Advice. In this week's episode, they walk through their plans for the series, as well as where they're coming from as they embark down this path. They agree on a few big points: Ongoing assistance of clients is hugely valuable. Defining what you want to achieve with ongoing advice is crucial. Ongoing service can lead to significant positive im...2025-05-0856 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E20 Neurodiversity with Katherine SpitzkowskyThis week's episode is a must-listen, especially for any business owners or managers out there. Katherine Spitzkowsky, of Yulania Financial, takes us through the power of meeting people where they are - clients, staff, family, friends. She helps us explore the realities of working with the neurodiverse population and shows the care and attention that empathetic advisers bring to their practice. And the bit at the end, where we talk about the logistical realities of employing people with the superpowers and challenges of neurodiversity is eye-opening, challening and super useful. Let us k...2025-05-011h 08
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E19 Discussing Big Issues with Sarah AboodIn this week's episode, Nathan and Jordan speak with Sarah Abood, CEO of the FAAA. Sarah and her team have been in the front lines for all of the big fights affecting advice in recent years, from: The outrageous debacle that is CSLR The quicksand that's been the QAR > DBFO stream The ballooning costs of providing advice And the myriad of other issues affecting members of the peak body for advisers. In this conversation, Sarah's good enough to entertain our questions, thought bubbles and general rantiness, to help explain what the FAAA is finding in th...2025-04-171h 07
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E18 Q & AWe're mixing it up this week - breaking away from our usual programming around one big topic, to answering a handful of the questions we've had come through. Ranging from dealing with overly-long SoAs, the power of peer groups, living in a vertical house of integrated conflicts, the questions are universally interesting, well-worded and powerful. The answers, well, they're ok, by comparison. The most powerful question though, that brought an unexpected and unusual level of introspection to proceedings, was around how to stop defining yourself by the worst mistake you've made as an adv...2025-04-1059 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E17 'Fixing' SoAsAren't SoAs just the worst? Clients hate them. Regulators hate them. We hate them. If only the DBFO changes had have swept them away and saved us. Instead, we get stuck with that throwback to the 80s - the CAR. Nothing's changed, what're they doing, come on. Well. Yes and no, is our argument in this week's episode. You're right - nothings really changed. But also - there's nothing in the current rules that says SoAs need to be the dogs breakfast of templated text, disclaimers and pointless pages they've b...2025-04-031h 04
Coffee and a Case NoteJames d'Apice, Jordan Vaka, and Nathan Fradley | Challenge the Standard Podcast March 2025This is probably my favourite podcast to appear on as a guest! Another great discussion with Jordan and Nathan about life, branding, Drake v Kendrick, hourly rates, touch football results, and how to chart a principled path in professional services.Enjoy!You can find Jordan's and Nathan's pod here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/challenge-the-standard-in-financial-advice/id1725733771Nathan's site: https://www.nathanfradley.com.au/Jordan's site: https://www.planningsolo.com.au/www.gravamen.com...2025-03-281h 09
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E16 Branding with Abi GatlingA recurring theme in this latest series is the idea that being clear on who you love to serve, how you serve them and the value you provide them is, really, the key to success in financial advice. Entwined with this idea is the importance of how you're branding yourself - as a practitioner, business owner and professional. Which is why we've invited Abi Gatling of Crisp Communications on to this week's episode, to unpack just what branding is. In a fun chat, Abi helps us by explaining: What branding is How it c...2025-03-271h 01
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E15 Growing a Firm with James D'ApiceWe were going to call this one 'Return of the D'Ap', in line with the Mark Morrison classic jam. But, as with all things Challenge the Standard, we've gone the more professional and serious route for this return episode with James D'Apice. Founder of Gravamen. purveyor of Coffees and Case Notes, prolific podcast participant, you probably know James from his online presence (or his previous appearance on this podcast). We had great fun checking back in with James about: how he's going tracking the life metrics he outlined in our last discussion what the gr...2025-03-201h 09
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E14 The Review SoA DilemmaIt's an ethical dilemma all advisers have faced - should you charge ongoing clients for new SoAs? And if you should, then how do you do it? Or, if you think you shouldn't - why not? This week's episode sees Jordan and Nathan explore this potentially thorny topic, but with the clear goal of unpacking why this is something that makes so many of us feel so uncomfortable. Is it because, as Nathan puts it, the SoA 'is an us problem, it's not a client problem', so we're uncomfortable passing on th...2025-03-131h 01
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E13 CybersecurityThis week's episode is a unique one - informative and terrifying. Well, terrifying if you're as nervous about a cyber breach as Jordan is. Our guest this week, the unflappable Fraser Jack, joins Nathan in more calmly exploring the importance of cybersecurity for professional service firms. Fraser takes us through: Their approach, which involves starting with the Big Picture and rolling from there to eventually the tech solutions (instead of the other, arguably more common but less effective) direction. Case studies, including how losing a laptop cost a group $100,000, or how a succession of ve...2025-03-061h 11
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E12 Adviser ActivityIn a worryingly slow turnaround time, this week's episode is a full 7 days after Nathan wrote, published and shared our survey around The Activity of the Average Adviser. We're disappointed at taking nearly half as long as your average insurance amendment quote, so would like to apologise to our listeners. Even so, hopefully you enjoy our examination of the first dataset provided by our generous listeners (in seriousness - having 42 people take the time to share their thoughts on this is incredibly lovely, so thank you). In this episode, Nathan and Jordan unpack the...2025-02-271h 03
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E11 Tech StackIt's fun, shiny and exciting - but is chasing the newest part of your tech stack really going to help you with your business? In this week's episode, Nathan and Jordan unpack the role of the tech stack you use in your practice. They discuss: What's the best approach to searching out new tech? What are some of the pitfalls to avoid? Will new tech solve all your problems, like the sales pitch says? They run through a few of the systems they're using, but also flag where they're coming up short and w...2025-02-201h 00
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E10 Connecting & ReferringEvery successful (throwback to last week) advisory practice will have found a way to bring more referrals into the business. But, in this weeks episode, Jordan and Nathan explore some of the other parts of the referral equation. For instance: Is there such a thing as a 'bad' referral? How can you increase the chances of a referral contributing to the business you're trying to build (instead of making it harder)? How important is it to have solutions for referrals out of your business? Be it to other advisers who might be a better fit...2025-02-1344 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E9 Defining SuccessWhat makes a 'successful' financial adviser? Do you feel like a successful financial adviser? If not, why not? This week's episode is all about answering these questions (and a few more). Jordan and Nathan highlight: The importance of defining your own version of success Why articulating and sharing that with the people around you matters The metrics that you could measure to track this version of success And there are some pretty vulnerable moments along the way, where they each unpack their own path towards defining, pursuing and - maybe, sorta...2025-02-0656 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E8 Preferred ProductsAs an Australian financial adviser, you've heard of your Approved Product List, or APL. But do you have a Preferred Product List, or PPL (we're making it a thing). Of course you have the product you prefer, but how robust is the methodology you've used to build that out? Is it aligned with your ideal client, the space you work in, your investment philosophy, business priorities and beliefs? In this week's episode, Nathan and Jordan piggyback off their recent work in reviewing their own PPLs to talk about them in more deta...2025-01-3049 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E7 Ethical InvestingHow do you approach the ethical investing conversation with your clients? Open discussion? Advocate for the option? Or just avoid it and hope they don't ask? (Don't feel bad if this is you - you might be in the majority). In this week's episode, Nathan and Jordan explore this very big, somewhat intimidating topic. And, as always, the aim is to explore it from the perspective from the adviser's chair. What are the practical elements you need to cover? What are the questions you need to ask - a...2025-01-2354 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E6 Granny Flat RightsAfter last week's digression down rant-y alley, this week we explore the more interesting, technically fascinating topic of Granny Flat Rights. What they are, why they matter, how financial advisers can help and the (many, many) traps to avoid as you're helping clients navigate this complex space. This is one of the more techincally complex topics Nathan and Jordan explore, but their repeated attacks on Grandpa Joe from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, as well as their elaborate family tree they create for their fake clients, hopefully makes it all seem a lot more practicaly. ...2025-01-161h 07
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E5 Licensing (50th Episode!)So, somehow, we've hit 50 episodes! And to celebrate, Nathan's allowed Jordan to climb up on his soapbox and wax lyrical about his favourite subject in advice - Licensing. While he insisted on keeping it relatively constructive and useful, Jordan still manages to provide his, uh, unvarnished thoughts on the merits of the current system. Nathan's patience shines through towards the end of the episode too, when Jordan kicks on a straight-to-camera diatribe that turns the air blue (and his face puce). A big thank you to everyone who's listened to any of our ran...2025-01-141h 02
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E4 MarketingBuilding an outstanding financial planning practice boils down to two, simple (but not easy) ideas - finding new people to work with, and making the process of working together efficient, effective and excellent. Jordan and Nathan have discussed the second part of that equation - now it's for the first part: finding new people to work with. In this week's episode, they talk about the importance of knowing your desired audience, defining who you're going to help and finding the right approach and channel for you and the business you want to build. 2025-01-0258 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E3 Oh No, A Clip Episode!Don't you hate it when you are really getting into a 2000's sitcom, and the writers go on leave mid season, so the producers peice together a clip episode of throw back moments from throughout the show? Well, I hope not, because that's what we have gone and done. With a full year of episodes under our belt, Nathan thought it would be great look glance in the rear window and boy did he regret it. Turns out peicing together an episode of great moments from a C grade podcast was more work than he a...2024-12-2655 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E2 Onboarding ProcessHow do you feel about the process you follow when you're bringing on clients? Are you one of those unicorns we hear about that has every, single element nailed down so the whole thing is tight as a drum? Or are you like the rest of us - it's fine. I mean, it could be better, but it could be worse. Right? Right...? Well, in this week's episode, Nathan and Jordan unpack the steps they follow when they start workign with a client. The good, the bad and the ug...2024-12-191h 00
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS4E1 Christmas Client ConversationsAdvisers are, famously, an empathetic bunch of people. So, let's imagine a situation our clients could very possibly find themselves in this festive season. Christmas lunch with the extended family. The matriarch of the family is at the head of the table, with the various siblings, cousins, in-laws and hangers on scattered around the festive tablecloth and grossly optimistic piles of food. Wine's flowing, as are beers and sparkling apple juice for the rest of us. Between polishing off the third plate and the regret that follows, your client trundles up to G...2024-12-121h 00
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS3E6 The PY Series Wrap UpFollowing what was a steep learning curve for both of our hosts, in this episode Jordan and Nathan reflect on each episode and wrap up their thoughts on best practice for PY. They cover The importance of communication and structure for a PY. The cost/investment in the PY for a business Staging PYs for greater skill and advice capability in your business How they would roll out a PY Nathan: advice@nathanfradley.com.au www.nathanfradley.com.au Jordan: jordan@planningsolo.com.au www.pl...2024-11-2840 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS3E5 Letters to the EditorAs part of preparing for this PY series, Nathan and Jordan put together a survey and asked people to provide some feedback on their experience of the PY. Employees. Business owners. Partners. Associates. Anybody with an opinion on the subject. In an outcome both surprising and gratifying for Nathan and Jordan, people actually responded! And their answers are thoughtful, useful, insightful and, frankly, wonderful. In this week's episode, Jordan and Nathan discuss the responses and identify some of the common themes people are finding through the experience. They also spend...2024-11-2141 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS3E4 PY Insights with Danielle WaughThis week, Jordan and Nathan speak with Danielle Waugh - Advice Education Manager from TAL's Risk Academy - about: TAL's commitment and contribution to the PY process Insights she's found from working with multiple practices, across multiple licensees Why some of the terminology can be a little bit misleading This is a really interesting discussion because Danielle does a great job in providing a macro, functional view of the on-the-ground reality of the PY across the profession. Additional Information: TAL's PY Manager and Support Info Nath...2024-11-2148 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS3E3 The Next Generation of Adviser with Alisdair BarrThis episode of our Professional Year 'mini-series' is all about that pathway from university to the world of advice - and where the PY piece fits into that entire puzzle. Nathan and Jordan are joined by Alisdair Barr of Striver, a key player in the recruitment, training and retention of new talent in advice. Alisdair takes us through: Their ambitious goal of helping find the next 5,000 advisers over the next 10 years The absolutely critical role academics play in showing students the joy, satisfaction and meaning that can come from a career in financial advice (and...2024-11-0753 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS3E2 A PY Structure with Phil ThompsonIn this week's episode, Jordan and Nathan are continuing their exploration of the Professional Year. They're joined by Phil Thompson from Skye Wealth this week, who with his characteristic openness and generosity, shares the structure they've built to help people grow through the PY. Phil explains: The structure they've built to bring on, develop and grow people through the process. Why they don't rush into putting someone into the PY. Why the legacy impact of what he's doing doesn't really concern him. How the investment they've made in growth and leadership across the business h...2024-10-311h 03
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS3E1 Intro to Our PY SeriesSo, what's the deal with this professional year thing? How's it work, why do we have it, what's wrong with it - what's right with it? In this week's quick episode, Jordan and Nathan introduce the framework for their upcoming series on the Professional Year (PY). Specifically, why they're doing this. Why bother dedicating multiple episodes to something that - at this stage at least - has no bearing on their own businesses? The simple answer is - to address some of the pockets of ambiguity still undermining the entire process. So we're int...2024-10-2442 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E20 The Three Tier ProblemFinancial advisers were up in arms a few months ago, at the introduction of a new 'lite' version of financial adviser being introduced to the market. These 'Qualified Advisers' wouldn't have the obligations of fully fledged advisers, and clients would be vulnerable to the same harms we've all spent years trying to eliminate. Yet - there's already another tier of 'adviser' in the market who have it relatively easy, compared to the onerous burdens on us Relevant Providers. Which is why in this week's episode, Nathan and Jordan explore, dance around and prod the...2024-10-1758 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E19 Conscious Performance with Vanessa BennettThis week's episode sees Vanessa Bennett, from Next Evolution Performance join Jordan and Nathan which, given how often her work has been referenced on this podcast, is timely! In this episode, Vanessa discusses: The corrosive impact ambiguity can have in the workplace. How an awareness of neuroscience can empower leaders to build the best environment for their team. Why multi-tasking is a myth - and gives a name to something we're all guilty of (Constant Partial Attention...yikes!) Why recognising the fundamental nature of humanity - and working with it, instead of against it - makes for...2024-10-101h 05
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E18 Insurance Needs AnalysisWorking out how much life, TPD, trauma and income protection insurance someone needs used to be a key part of a financial adviser's training. But with the decline of insurance, Nathan and Jordan thought it might be worth revisiting this crucial, but often controversial topic. They discuss: how they each come up with their insurance coverage recommendations how falling in love with an overly complicated calculator can lead to all sorts of headaches the fundamental nobility that exists in persuading people to hold an appropriate level of insurance And the key point they explore is...2024-10-0457 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E17 M & A with Steve PrendevilleThere are two incredibly significant days in the life of any business owner - the day they buy it, and the day they sell it. Which is why Nathan and Jordan have invited Steve Prendeville of Forte Asset Solutions on to the pod this week. Steve's been a key part of the M & A landscape for financial advisers for long enough to give clear insights on: the multiples in the market - how much, and what they're based on the CRITICAL importance of cultural fit between buyer and seller who's driving activity across the m...2024-09-1953 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E16 That SMSF EpisodeSMSFs - we've got a few thoughts on them. And, well, you should know before listening that those thoughts are really far from positive. In this week's episode, Jordan and Nathan do what they can to annoy those advisers out there using SMSFs responsibly. They don't do it deliberately - they're here to call out the rogues, the one-size-fits-all, conflict-heavy, bias brigade. But it gets...well, it gets a bit heated...so they also expect this one to generate a bit of a reaction. (And they look forward to it!). You...2024-09-1250 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E15 Retirement VillagesThis week's episode sees independent financial advisers Nathan Fradley and Jordan Vaka unpacking another very niche, very specific topic for their fellow financial advisers - retirement villages. Not Aged Care facilities, which are different again. But rather the over 55s, 'lifestyle', retirement villages becoming more and more popular with our on-the-cusp-of-retiring clients. They unpack: the drivers behind this increase in popularity some definitions and distinctions the tips and traps financial advisers should be aware of when speaking with clients and, yet again, the opportunity this kind of advice affords advisers to get ou...2024-09-1246 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E14 AFCA with Shail SinghAFCA. All advisers will have an opinion on the ombudsman. Good, or more frequently, bad. But what if there's more to the story? What if, perhaps, AFCA has been a convenient boogeyman for people to throw at advisers as part of their compliance regime - "well, you know how AFCA can be, so you better put it in our 96 page SOA template, just to be sure". So Nathan and Jordan invited Shail Singh, Lead Ombudsman - Investment and Advice, from AFCA on to the podcast this week to learn more about AFCA. 2024-08-2955 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E13 Snitches Get StitchesWhat do you do if a new client comes in, having received poor advice from another adviser? On this weeks episode Jordan and Nathan discuss the complexity that comes with dobbing in poor advice including Assessing if it is infact poor advice, Whether you should speak to the adviser yourself, Whether the client wants to do anything about it & If this consideration changes when you beleive this to be structural or systemic At the end of the episode the boys also sheepishly call out for votes on the Financial Standard Power 50 Most Influential Adviser awards, w...2024-08-2646 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E12 Binding Financial Agreements With Jemma MackenzieThere's no such thing as a pre-nup in Australia right? That's at least what many people believe. This week, Jordan and Nathan welcome special guest Jemma Mackenzie from Forte Family Lawyers on the podcast to dispell that myth, and explore the how and why of Binding Finanical Agreements for people before a relationship, during a relationship or after a relationship. You can reach Jemma at https://fortefamilylawyers.com.au/ As always you can reach us on linkedin or at jordan@planningsolo.com.au advic...2024-08-1659 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E11 Out On Your OwnGoing out on your own isn't for the faint of heart - it's intimidating, stressful and plain old hard. However, it can also be tremendously rewarding building your own thing, the way you think it should be done. So this week, Jordan and Nathan explore what it looks like to really go out on your own. Between them, they've started more than their share of financial planning firms, so they bring that experience to the discussion. Because financial advice does offer individual advisers a greater opportunity to build their own thing than just abo...2024-08-0858 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E10 Client CapacityIn this week's episode, Nathan and Jordan examine a big issue that ALL practitioners are going to have to confront in their career - our client's capacity to provide details, instructions and decisions with our advice. Nathan and Jordan discuss: What IS client capacity and what are the different forms it takes? Why should financial advisers care? What are some tips for advisers to follow when navigating this complex area? What are the limits of adviser responsibility and involvement? What can we learn from other professions (particularly our colleagues in the legal space)? And, finally, what a...2024-07-0454 min
Life, Loss and Legacy - A PlanningSolo Podcast9. Superannuation As a Widow with Nathan FradleyEvery working Australian will have, somewhere, a superannuation account. And in that account will be some money and, likely, some insurance. But how do you, as the executor of your loved one's estate, handle this unique and complex asset? Who do you speak with, what do you ask them, how will they handle it, where do you go? Well, I've asked independent financial adviser, Nathan Fradley of Fradley Advice, to join me in this week's episode to explore this very detailed and, frankly weird, topic. Because dealing with superannuation as...2024-07-0139 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E9 Values Based AdviceFinancial advice is financial advice. Simple, right? Well, not when you think about the evolving spectrum of options we advisers have to choose from. Do you want to focus on technical advice? Product advice? Goals-based advice? Or values-based advice? Or something different again? What are these different approaches, what motivates these distinctions and, crucially – does who stands to benefit determine what they really mean? Nathan and Jordan explore the different ways to approach advice, discuss the pros and cons of the different methods – and try not to giggle too much...2024-06-2759 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E8 CSLR with Phil AndersonHas the advice profession ever been as united as it is now in the face of the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort? Nathan and Jordan have certainly spent more time than is healthy railing about it - even to the point of alluding to these eye-rolling sessions of exasperation in recent episodes. But instead of just ranting and raving, we thought the more sensible path would be to invite a knowledgeable, qualified, reasoable adult on to explain thing and answer our questions. Which is why we're so grateful to Phil Anderson, General Manager Po...2024-06-201h 01
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E7 June 30It's that time of year again! Where we advisers put ourselves under huge amounts of pressure to meet the deadline of the end of the financial year. From superannuation contributions to CPD points to those hardy souls still running on a year-end FDS regimen, it's a time of strain, pressure and, to be honest, sacrifice. So Jordan and Nathan spend some time in this week's episode discussing what June 30 often means for financial advisers how that experience can be improved the value in respecting your own boundaries the unfortunate reality of us be...2024-06-1346 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E6 A Game of Numbers with Phil ThompsonRisk advice is dead - but nobody seems to have told this week's guest, Phil Thompson of Skye Wealth. Phil's a business person who happens to own one of the fastest growing and, to our knowledge, most efficient risk-only practices in the country. In this week's episode, he helps us better understand: The perpetual evolution of systems, processes and policies that drive his business How his focus on data - and willingness to share that data - helps move the world of risk advice into the future Why focusing on the part of the ad...2024-06-0657 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E5 Professional YearIn this week's episode, Jordan and Nathan discuss the Professional Year. We're a few years into this addition to our profession, so they discuss it from a few different perspectives: How it compares to how other professions tackle the idea of on-the-job experience. the opportunities it offers new advisers, employers and the profession as a whole. some views on it from an employer's perspective. The tension between academic knowledge, on-the-job experience and the qualitative/quantitative aspects of our work. Be warned - Jordan seemed in a particularly negative mood, so there's some mild ranting. Fuelled, it...2024-05-3150 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E4 End of Life Pt 2If you're a financial adviser for long enough, you're going to come up against one of life's inevitabilities - the death of a client. And, because you're a diligent financial adviser, your client will have been well prepared. Insurance in place. Estate planning sorted. Wealth invested soundly. But, Nathan and Jordan ask in part of of a double-episode, should we actually do when the time comes? What are the procedural steps financial advisers should be taking when they learn of a clients imminent, or sudden, death? Ho...2024-05-2437 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E3 End of Life Pt 1If you're a financial adviser for long enough, you're going to come up against one of life's inevitabilities - the death of a client. And, because you're a diligent financial adviser, your client will have been well prepared. Insurance in place. Estate planning sorted. Wealth invested soundly. But, Nathan and Jordan ask in part 1 of this double-episode, should we actually do when the time comes? What are the procedural steps financial advisers should be taking when they learn of a clients imminent, or sudden, death? How c...2024-05-1645 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E2 Your Lifestyle Business with James D'ApiceLook, I'll be honest - I don't really know how to caption this episode. It's chaotic, it's hilarious, it's interesting and it was fun as all get out to record. We're joined by James D'Apice, of Gravamen Law and the Coffee and a Case Note podcast. And, wooee, does it get wild. Belt up, listen in and join us for the ride. Plus, you can reach James via: https://gravamen.com.au/ James d'Apice | LinkedIn YouTube And everywhere else the internet sun...2024-05-0956 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS2E1 Practical Efficiency with Sacha BurchgartThis weeks episode has Nathan and Jordan talking with the inaugural FAAA Adviser of the Year - Sacha Burchgart. Jordan manages to absolutely mangle the intro - rolling through all sorts of mistakes - before leaving it up to Sacha and Nathan to save the episode. In doing so, they discuss: The efficiencies Sacha has found by rolling out a practical tech stack. The critical importance of staff buy-in to the plans of the practice owner. How empowering staff helps make things 10x better. How Sacha has structured her business to reflect her plans. How wi...2024-05-0256 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E20 Long Story Short with Jayden AdamsThis week the boys are joined by Jayden Adams, Director and Financial Adviser at Adams Financial Group. Knowing from a young age he wanted to be a financial adviser, but not knowing the best path, Jayden takes Nathan and Jordan through his journey to date. Jayden discusses what he wishes he'd have known earlier, as well as the tips and ideas he'd like to pass on to upcoming financial advisers. Jayden recently won FAAA Gen Next Rising Star of the Year 2023, and he also explains how that process improved his business and his vi...2024-04-1944 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E20 Long Story Short with Jayden AdamsThis week the boys are joined by Jayden Adams, Director and Financial Adviser at Adams Financial Group. K nowing from a young age he wanted to be a financial adviser, but not knowing the best path Jayden takes Nathan and Jordan through his journey to date, and what he wish he knew earlier, to empart on upcoming financial advisers. Jayden recently won FAAA Gen Next Rising Star of the Year 2023, and he also explains how that process improved his business and his vision for the future of his career.2024-04-1944 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E19 AnnuitiesBack to a technical topic, this week the boys discuss Annuities, looking at How they work Where adviser reluctance may come from How to identify clients that Lifetime annuities may be appropriate for What to watch out for And of course a bit of off topic banter. Remember, this is just a podcast and is not to be taken as financial advice. As always, Nathan can be reached via advice@nathanfradley.com.au, and Jordan via jordan@planningsolo.com.au. They're also both very fond of responding to comments, criticis...2024-04-1151 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E18 (Relevant) Risk ProfilingIn this episode, Nathan and Jordan tackle the (at-times controversial) risk profile questionnaire. Where does it come from? How relevant is the old tick-box questionnaire in a modern advisory practice? How can it protect clients, and advisers? And how can advisers take what's often been viewed as a perfunctory exercise in nothingness and make it useful, valuable and interesting for the clients they serve? As always, Nathan can be reached via advice@nathanfradley.com.au, and Jordan via jordan@planningsolo.com.au. They're also both very fond o...2024-04-0446 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E17 James O'ReillyIn this week's episode, Nathan and Jordan speak with James O'Reilly of Northeast Wealth. James - a long-time challenger of the standards in financial advice - discusses: The uniquely tantalising idea of Budget night in a house full of financial advisers. His path to building a practice aligned with his values, beliefs and priorities. The small steps they took as they made the BIG decision to only work with ethically aligned investments. The opportunity financial advisers have ahead of them to intentionally build a practice that leaves a legacy they can be proud of. The mechanics of...2024-03-2852 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E16 DivorceDivorce is one of life's most tumultuous transitions. So the more assistance and guidance you can get as you navigate that path, the better. But, as Jordan and Nathan explore in this episode, it can be hard to work out where financial advice can fit in the picture. After several years focusing in the area, they discuss: The three phases of the divorce process The differences between a divorce and a property settlement Recognising where we fit in the advisory hierarchy (hint: it's not at the top) The various ways great financial advice can h...2024-03-2153 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E15 Video SOAsThis week, we're discussing Video SOAs. What are they, how are they helpful and - most critically - what are they NOT? Jordan spends some time unpacking the process he follows in preparing advice, and Nathan provides clear guidance on how reviewing and rejigging that approach can lead to better client, adviser and practice outcomes. If you've been wondering whether Video SOAs are all they're cracked up to be, then tune in to find out more about the practical realities of implementing such a big change in your practice. 2024-03-1459 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E14 Martin McGrathIn this week's episode, Jordan and Nathan are joined by Martin McGrath of Financial Edge Group. An accomplished business owner and financial adviser, Martin is the winner of the FAAA's CFP of the Year award. In this episode, Martin takes us through: His journey from accountant to financial adviser to business owner to specialist. Why he decided to (strictly) focus his business on his chosen niche. The pros and cons of specialising his practice. The rewards of the FAAA awards process. Be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode for Mart...2024-03-0755 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E13 Super Performance (ASIC Report 779 Review)This week Jordan and Nathan explore the ASIC Report 779, exploring its aim, interesting findings and key takeouts and learnings for advisers. Before you doze off, the boys try to make this at least mildly interesting, covering How the report works, and why it was written. Why it's important you consider Performance when making investment recommendations. The role of licensees and research houses in supporting Super Choice decisions. And some other rants as is tradition. This is a longer than usual episode, but we hope you find it informative and at the very least enjoy Jordan and Nathan d...2024-02-291h 04
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E12 NichingIn this episode Nathan forgets to use his actual microphone so his episode sounds like he is recording from another room. Despite this, this is a great ep where Nathan and Jordan tackle the topic of niching in financial advice, in preparation for an upcoming series of episodes with various planners who found or chose their niche and became more successful because of it. Jordan and Nathan both describe how they found their niche; for Jordan, it was an active decion to choose his demographic, for Nathan his clients chose him. Despite the different path, t...2024-02-2244 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E11 Making Estate Planning Work with Lucy PercyThis week, Nathan and Jordan speak with the wonderful Lucy Percy, of Head and Heart Estate Planning, to explore how financial advisers and estate planning solicitors can work together. Most advisers know that estate planning is a key part of their clients financial arrangements - but actually making it work can be really difficult. How do you bring up the conversation? Who do bring in to help your clients? And, when do bring them in? Finding people that you want to work with, that work in a way you're co...2024-02-1549 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E10: Misrepresenting ValueThis week, Nathan and Jordan address a big topic that might ruffle a few feathers - misrepresenting the value we provide clients in our advice. This episode covers a lot of ground, including debating where the value actually is in what we do how the use of projections in our advice can be a two-edged, and dangerous, sword Why, if they're not tailored, then they're useless And how a recent FSCP decision demonstrates the huge potential for misrepresentation to blow up in our faces. Also - a Fradcoin update and another potential sponsorship pitch. I...2024-02-0844 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E9 The Value of Advice In this week's episode, Jordan and Nathan start exploring the big and exciting topic of 'Value of Advice'. The guys discussdiscuss a few of the big questions: 2024-02-0240 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E8 Super SwitchingJordan and Nathan tackle the fundamental, but complex topic of Superannuation switching, and the ethical considerations that appear. They discuss the history of Superannuation products, investment philosophy, replacement, tradeoff discussions, Industry Funds versus Wrap accounts and the ethical challenges advisers face when looking at product replacement. 2024-01-2545 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E7 Tax Deductible Advice Fees with Conrad TraversThe ATO's release of Tax Determination 2023/D4 in late 2023 was swept up in the QAR kerfuffle. But it's a big, positive change worth talking about. 'Tax deductible' advice fees has felt like a pipedream for financial advisers for a long time. But a committed group of professionals, led by the FAAA, have spent over four years on making it a reality. So Nathan and Jordan invited Conrad Travers, a member of the group,on to the podcast to discuss just what it all means. They discuss: Where we were What's changed What advisers can sta...2024-01-1846 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E6 Introduction to Aged CareThis first episode of 2024 has Jordan and Nathan exploring the world of Aged Care in Australia. Nathan's deep expertise in the area is obvious as Jordan assumes the (comfortable?) role of Ignorant Idiot - asking Nathan questions other advisers might be too embarrassed to ask. If all you know about Aged Care advice comes from those times you visited your Nan, then this episode will help you better understand: The spectrum of options facing Australians in their later years. The complex combination of benefits and payments to consider. Navigating the emotional intricacies of family di...2024-01-1144 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E5 Planners On PlanningIn this slightly more casual episode, Nathan and Jordan discuss how they make plans in their businesses. They go into detail about the structure they use to plan for the New Year - from their 'why', strategic objectives and tactical action plans. Bringing in their expertise from the worlds of fitness and strength training (Nathan) and doubt and discomfort with success (Jordan), they explore how financial planners can make effective plans in 2024 - and beyond. They cover the challenges and opportunities that can come in translating a strategic plan into quarterly objectives, and the tension t...2023-12-2142 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E3 Ben Marshan and the Qualified AdvisersHot off the back of the most recent, and quite controvercial Quality of Advice review annoucements, Jordan and Nathan got Ben Marshan into the studio. Ben is a consultant for financial advice practices, having previously been the head of policy and engagement for the FPA. With his extensive experience in advocacy and lobbying the boys delved into what the latest annoucements would mean for advisers, and what they should do if they arent happy. You can find Ben on linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmarshan/2023-12-1440 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E4 AFCA Update October with Michael MillerIn this episode Jordan and Nathan are joined by Michael Miller, Senior Financial Adviser at Capital Advisory in Canberra, an FAAA fellow, CFP, Textbook author and frequent contributor to the Financial Planning industry on all things ethics. They discuss Michaels blog where he summarises the AFCA and AAT determinations to provide learnings to the profession as a whole, as well as the role of AFCA. As will be the case whenever Michael visits they also looked at some recent determinations and broke down the learnings. You can visit Michaels blog at https://michaelmiller.help/notes or...2023-12-1447 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E2 FAAA Congress 23 Wrap Up2023-12-1435 min
Challenge the Standard in Financial AdviceS1E1 Pricing in AdviceIn this thought-provoking podcast episode, Jordan and Nathan explore the complexities of pricing in financial advice, taking a relatively high level look at the history of how financial advice has been priced, how firms approach it in modern context and the pros and cons of each approach. As always the boys dont take things too seriously, nor do they claim to have all of the answers. Don't forget to join the conversation on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/challengethestandard/2023-12-1443 min