#162 - Design Your Business Around Your Lifestyle - Rafael Melendez

Money decisions are rarely just about math. The hardest part is often the human side. Rafael Melendez of NextGen Financial Planning joins us to discuss how fee-only financial planning helps younger families move from stress and uncertainty to confident, intentional decisions.We explore Rafael’s path into the profession, what he learned from sales-driven environments, and how those experiences shaped his client-first approach. We also break down what “fee-only” really means and why it can be a great fit for people who need planning guidance without having millions invested.Rafael shares his journey from joining NextGen during the pandemic to becoming a partner as the firm evolved. We discuss firm ownership, balancing growth with flexibility, and his advice for aspiring RIA owners: design the life you want first, then build the business around it.We also walk through a real-world planning scenario involving a high-stress job, stock compensation, student loans, and the decision to earn less in exchange for a better quality of life.Subscribe for more conversations like this, share with a planner friend, and leave a review. What value matters most in your next financial decision?Rafael's Social and Websitehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-melendez/https://www.nextgenfinancialplanning.com/