Episode 10 - From Social Worker to Financial Planner with Krystal Fortner

Today we welcome Krystal Fortner, a unique voice in financial planning who combines her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) background with comprehensive financial planning. After 15 years in child welfare and 7-8 years of thinking about starting her own firm, Krystal started her Advice-Only firm in 2023 and hasn't looked back since.Krystal brings a refreshing perspective, calling herself the "driver's ed teacher" who keeps the bus on the road while clients do the driving. Her therapy background creates immediate trust with clients who "breathe a sigh of relief" knowing they won't be judged for past financial mistakes.Key Topics Covered:The Therapy Connection - Krystal's clinical social work skills help her use behavioral modification techniques to create sustainable habits and help clients see possibilities they never thought achievableClient Empowerment - She's passionate about educating clients through implementation, including helping women place their first trades to seeing that "light bulb moment" when they realize their own capabilitiesChapter-Based Financial Planner - Krystal shares her "chapter-based" planning process that spreads comprehensive planning across 4-6 focused meetingsAdvice-Only Champion - After working under various models, she explains why Advice-Only feels like the most honest and transparent approachKrystal's story inspires both advisors hesitating to make their own leap and consumers who may have felt intimidated by traditional financial planning. Her warm, behavioral-focused approach offers a fresh perspective on what financial planning can be. Be sure to listen for this great quote from Krystal:"Anything in life is truly possible, whether it be financially related or non-financially related. Just having the drive and determination and finding someone who can see your vision even when you can't will get you there."