The retirement industry has changed, and advisors are feeling it. In this episode, Tom and Nicholas Ross, Chief Strategy Officer at FIG, explore how the post-pandemic reset has reshaped the financial advice industry. They explore why traditional business models eventually plateau, how client expectations have evolved, and why advisors are increasingly stepping into the role of a wealth counselor.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

🔄 Advisor confidence after industry disruption

👥 Shifting client expectations post-pandemic

🧭 The rise of the "wealth counselor" mindset

🧩 Why holistic planning matters more than ever

🔗 Leveraging partners instead of doing everything in-house

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

As the financial advisory industry evolves, flexibility - not formulas - is becoming the differentiator. In this episode, Derek Gubala, Co-President of AlphaStar Capital Management, joins Tom to share what he's seeing across the independent RIA landscape heading into 2026. From shifting advisor demographics to customizable platforms, modern training, and the growing importance of client experience, this conversation explores what advisors must rethink to grow, and stay relevant, in a rapidly changing industry.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

🚀 Advisor demographics are changing and expectations are too

🧩 One-size-fits-all platforms are losing relevance

🧠 Training must go beyond products to business-building skills

🤝 Retention and client experience are becoming growth strategies

📣 Marketing still matters, but messaging and consistency matter more

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155

This episode introduces FIG's brand-new Advisor Empowerment Series, a live, collegiate-style learning experience designed to give financial professionals deeper mastery of the topics that drive today's planning conversations. Nicholas Ross and Dave Henry also discuss FIG's highly praised playbooks- covering life insurance, annuities, long-term care, estate planning, and business owners- and explain how advisors are using them to spark better client conversations and uncover new opportunities. Then, they reveal the four upcoming course tracks for 2026: business owner planning, life insurance training, succession planning, and differentiation strategies.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

🎙️ Podcast Purpose: empowering advisors through deeper education
📘 Intro to Playbooks: structured tools for client conversations
🎓 Why advisors need live, interactive education
🏢 Deep-dive courses launching in 2026
🚀 Differentiation Strategies: advanced planning to elevate your practice

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155