Healthy Advisor

Born into a prosperous family in Vietnam, Kim-Ha Nguyen’s life changed dramatically when her family fled the country following the fall of Saigon. Arriving in the United States as a teenager with limited English, she watched her parents rebuild their lives through determination, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to education. Those early experiences shaped the perspective she would carry into every stage of her life. As she built a career in information technology, raised three children, and later transitioned into financial planning, Kim-Ha faced another defining chapter when her young son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She learned to approach life’s hardest moments not as obstacles, but as puzzles that required patience, persistence and the willingness to accept help. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton speaks with Kim-Ha Nguyen, senior managing director at U.S. Capital Wealth, about her journey from refugee to financial advisor, the resilience that carried her family through extraordinary challenges, and how compassion became one of the defining qualities of her work. Kim-Ha discusses: How immigrating to the United States shaped her work ethic, resilience and outlook on opportunity Why her son’s brain tumor changed the way she approaches both life and her relationships with clients How viewing difficult moments as puzzles helped her remain focused during periods of uncertainty Why saving matters more than chasing investment returns     How family, community and professional support helped her through life’s most difficult seasons and strengthened her compassion for others Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect With Kim-Ha Nguyen: LinkedIn: Kim-Ha Nguyen LinkedIn: U.S. Capital Wealth Website: U.S. Capital Wealth Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton [email protected] LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management About Our Guest: Kim-Ha Nguyen brings more than 25 years of experience to her role as Senior Managing Director at U.S. Capital Wealth.  She specializes in advising high-net-worth clients on fee-based investment management and holistic planning, drawing on her extensive expertise to navigate complex wealth decisions and deliver strategies that achieve lasting results.  Known for her disciplined approach and long-term perspective, she has built trusted relationships that span generations. In 2025, her leadership was recognized with a nomination for Advisor of the Year (Regional – Southwest) by the InvestmentNews Excellence Awards. Before joining U.S. Capital Wealth in 2011, Kim-Ha built a distinguished career at UBS Financial Services, where she served as Vice President of Investments for 12 years. She began her finance career in 1999, following 18 years as an IT Consultant in the Energy sector. A graduate of the University of Houston, she earned her B.S. in Computer Science, Magna Cum Laude

Michael Kitces has spent years studying what drives satisfaction among financial advisors, going beyond firm performance metrics to focus on personal wellbeing and career fulfillment. His latest research, the 2025 Advisor Wellbeing Study, reveals how advisor happiness has shifted in recent years and what factors are shaping those changes. Drawing from responses across the industry, the study highlights both encouraging trends and emerging concerns. One of the most notable findings is that overall advisor wellbeing has improved, largely due to more stable work environments and stronger market conditions. But not all advisors are experiencing that progress equally, as younger professionals report lower optimism and a weaker sense of purpose. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton speaks with Michael Kitces, Chief Financial Planning Nerd at Kitces.com, about what truly drives advisor wellbeing. He explains how experience, autonomy, compensation structure, and firm dynamics all shape long-term satisfaction and career direction. Key takeaways: How stabilized work environments and rising markets have contributed to improved advisor wellbeing since 2023 Why younger advisors report lower optimism and purpose, especially in firms with outside ownership structures The connection between experience, autonomy, and long-term satisfaction in advisory careers How compensation per hour, not total income, plays a key role in advisor happiness and fulfillment Why staff support and delegation are critical to reducing burnout and improving productivity outcomes Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Kitces Report On What Actually Contributes To Advisor Wellbeing 2025 Financial Advisor Success Podcast by Michael Kitces Connect With Michael Kitces: LinkedIn: Michael Kitces LinkedIn: Focus Partners Wealth Website: Focus Partners Wealth Website: Kitces.com Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton [email protected] LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management About Our Guest: Michael E. Kitces is the Head of Planning Strategy for Focus Partners Wealth, a private wealth management firm located in St Louis, Missouri, that oversees more than $50 billion of client assets. In addition, he is the co-founder of the XY Planning Network, AdvicePay, fpPathfinder, and New Planner Recruiting, former practitioner editor of the Journal of Financial Planning, and the publisher of the e-newsletter The Kitces Report and the popular financial planning industry blog Nerd’s Eye View through his website www.Kitces.com, dedicated to advancing knowledge in financial planning. Michael is also a popular speaker on financial planning and practice management topics, and can be seen presenting at 50-70 regional and national conferences for financial advisors every year. Michael is one of the 2010 recipients of the Financial Planning Association’s “Heart of Financial Planning” awards for his dedication to advancing the financial planning profession. In addition, he has variously been recognized as financial planning’s “Deep Thinker,” a “Legacy Builder,” an “Influencer,” a “Mover & Shaker,” part of the “Power 20,” and a “Rising Star in Wealth Management” by industry publications. These awards were presented to honor Michael’s active work in the financial planning community. Michael is also a co-founder of NexGen, a community of the next generation of financial planners that aims to ensure the transference of wisdom, tradition, and integrity from the pioneers of financial planning to the next generation of the profession.

Growing up in a small Pennsylvania town, Max Kulyk knew from an early age that the identity others saw didn’t fully match how he understood himself. Over the course of several decades, he built a career in financial services, raised a family, pursued theology and founded Chicory Wealth, all while continuing to explore questions of purpose, identity and authenticity. After years of reflection and personal growth, Max made the decision to begin his gender transition at the age of 64. That experience deepened his understanding of what it means to feel truly seen, while also reinforcing his commitment to creating a workplace where employees, clients and advisors are supported. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton speaks with Max Kulyk, CEO and founder of Chicory Wealth, about his personal journey, his path into financial advice, and how his experiences shaped the culture and values of his firm. They discuss building an advisory business rooted in meaningful conversations, creating healthier workplaces, and the impact of authenticity on leadership, well-being and client relationships. Max discusses: How growing up as a member of the LGBTQ+ community influenced his personal and professional journey Why his relationship with money led him from theology into a career in financial planning How Chicory Wealth was built around advisor wellbeing, family support and a people-first culture What inspired his decision to transition and how the experience changed his perspective Why helping people feel understood has become a guiding principle for both leadership and client relationships Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect With Max Kulyk: LinkedIn: Max Kulyk LinkedIn: Chicory Wealth Website: Chicory Wealth [email protected]  Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton [email protected] LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management About Our Guest: Max Kulyk is the CEO and founder of Chicory Wealth, a fee-only financial life planning and sustainable wealth management firm. Since entering the financial services industry in 2002, Max has focused on helping people build healthier relationships with money by connecting financial decisions to their personal values, goals, and overall well-being. Before Max began his career in financial planning, he studied political philosophy and theology, earning a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is the author of Integrating Money and Meaning: Practices for a Heart-Centered Life. Outside of work, Max enjoys spending time with his wife, Dr. Wendy Farley, their four children, grandchild, family dog Teddy, and visiting Orcas Island in Washington. His interests also include pickleball, good beer, and time with family and friends.

Michael Kitces has spent years studying what drives satisfaction among financial advisors, going beyond firm performance metrics to focus on personal wellbeing and career fulfillment. His latest research, the 2025 Advisor Wellbeing Study, reveals how advisor happiness has shifted in recent years and what factors are shaping those changes. Drawing from responses across the industry, the study highlights both encouraging trends and emerging concerns. One of the most notable findings is that overall advisor wellbeing has improved, largely due to more stable work environments and stronger market conditions. But not all advisors are experiencing that progress equally, as younger professionals report lower optimism and a weaker sense of purpose. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton speaks with Michael Kitces, Chief Financial Planning Nerd at Kitces.com, about what truly drives advisor wellbeing. He explains how experience, autonomy, compensation structure, and firm dynamics all shape long-term satisfaction and career direction. Key takeaways: How stabilized work environments and rising markets have contributed to improved advisor wellbeing since 2023 Why younger advisors report lower optimism and purpose, especially in firms with outside ownership structures The connection between experience, autonomy, and long-term satisfaction in advisory careers How compensation per hour, not total income, plays a key role in advisor happiness and fulfillment Why staff support and delegation are critical to reducing burnout and improving productivity outcomes Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Kitces Report On What Actually Contributes To Advisor Wellbeing 2025 Financial Advisor Success Podcast by Michael Kitces Connect With Michael Kitces: LinkedIn: Michael Kitces LinkedIn: Focus Partners Wealth Website: Focus Partners Wealth Website: Kitces.com Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton [email protected] LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management About Our Guest: Michael E. Kitces is the Head of Planning Strategy for Focus Partners Wealth, a private wealth management firm located in St Louis, Missouri, that oversees more than $50 billion of client assets. In addition, he is the co-founder of the XY Planning Network, AdvicePay, fpPathfinder, and New Planner Recruiting, former practitioner editor of the Journal of Financial Planning, and the publisher of the e-newsletter The Kitces Report and the popular financial planning industry blog Nerd’s Eye View through his website www.Kitces.com, dedicated to advancing knowledge in financial planning. Michael is also a popular speaker on financial planning and practice management topics, and can be seen presenting at 50-70 regional and national conferences for financial advisors every year. Michael is one of the 2010 recipients of the Financial Planning Association’s “Heart of Financial Planning” awards for his dedication to advancing the financial planning profession. In addition, he has variously been recognized as financial planning’s “Deep Thinker,” a “Legacy Builder,” an “Influencer,” a “Mover & Shaker,” part of the “Power 20,” and a “Rising Star in Wealth Management” by industry publications. These awards were presented to honor Michael’s active work in the financial planning community. Michael is also a co-founder of NexGen, a community of the next generation of financial planners that aims to ensure the transference of wisdom, tradition, and integrity from the pioneers of financial planning to the next generation of the profession.

Carolyn Armitage spent decades building a career in wealth management while privately carrying the emotional effects of childhood trauma. For years, she compartmentalized those experiences, believing she could simply push through them while focusing on work, achievement and daily life. After an emotional breaking point following her mother’s funeral, Carolyn began exploring deeper forms of healing, including somatic therapy and psilocybin, a natural psychedelic compound found in over 200 species of mushrooms. That process helped her better understand how unresolved trauma had shaped her nervous system, relationships and sense of self over the course of her life. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton speaks with Carolyn Armitage, founder and CEO of Wealth Management Consulting and RIA Circle, about her experience with trauma recovery, emotional healing, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Her experience led her to produce a recent documentary, “Journeys,” a two-hour film addressing the ethics behind the use of psilocybin to navigate trauma. She discusses: How childhood trauma shaped Carolyn’s nervous system, relationships and emotional responses for years Why somatic therapy helped her understand the physical effects of unresolved childhood trauma What she experienced during her guided psilocybin journey and emotional healing process How forgiveness, emotional safety and self-worth became possible after years of internal struggle The creation of the documentary “Journeys” and her mission to increase awareness around psychedelic-assisted healing Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Website: Journeys’ Film  Connect With Carolyn Armitage: LinkedIn: Carolyn Armitage LinkedIn: Wealth Management Consulting LinkedIn: RIA Circle Website: Wealth Management Consulting Website: RIA Circle Email: [email protected]  Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton [email protected] LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management About Our Guest: Carolyn Armitage is a longtime leader in the wealth management industry with experience spanning advisory work, executive leadership, consulting, and investment banking. Having built and led multiple wealth management firms throughout her career, she brings a broad perspective shaped by her work as an advisor, operator, and consultant. Her background includes building high-performing teams, guiding firm growth, and helping organizations create long-term value through strategic leadership and integration. After beginning her career as a financial advisor, Carolyn developed a strong understanding of the challenges advisors face firsthand. Over the years, she expanded her expertise through leadership roles across both large and boutique firms, helping organizations improve operational structure, advisor engagement, and enterprise value. Her experience has made her a trusted consultant to RIA leaders and wealth management executives navigating growth, succession, compensation design, and strategic planning decisions. Carolyn has held leadership positions with several major firms and organizations, including HD Vest, now Avantax, ING Advisors Network, now part of Voya and Cetera Group, and Thrivent Advisor Network. She also led the Large Enterprise Business Management Consulting Team at LPL Financial. Prior to leading Thrivent’s independent RIA platform, TAN, Carolyn worked with ECHELON Partners, where she provided investment banking and consulting services to some of the industry’s largest and most established firms. Her experience across advisory services, consulting, investment banking, and firm leadership gives her a deep understanding of the wealth management value chain and the complex business, family, and legacy decisions firm leaders often face.

Terri Kallsen has had an outstanding career in financial services over the last 30 years. During her tenure at Charles Schwab, she led 7,000 employees and managed $1.6 trillion in assets, played a key role in transforming Wealth Enhancement Group as COO and over the last two years, she has been instrumental in building Rise Growth Partners, the RIA investing company started by former United Capital CEO Joe Duran. And this year, she’s serving as chair of the CFP Board, a huge undertaking. Terri has done this all while raising three children, moving three times and being a mentor to many women and young professionals in the industry. The path was not always easy. Through it all, running has been a constant for Terri, and a form of therapy through stressful times. She has completed 21 marathons, 50 half-marathons and numerous triathlons, and she brings the same endurance, discipline and vision from the course to her approach in wealth management. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton interviews Terri Kallsen, managing partner and head of partnerships at Rise Growth Partners and chair of the CFP Board, about her journey through leadership, ethical crossroads, and personal resilience. Terri reflects on integrity, fiduciary duty and building a career aligned with her true north. She discusses: Balancing executive leadership, motherhood and earning the CFP through intense life transitions Choosing integrity over trends when fiduciary concerns conflicted with firm strategy Building a wealth management culture grounded in planning, ethics and client focus Using marathon training to develop discipline, resilience and long-term thinking Finding clarity by defining your true north during high-pressure career moments Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect With Terri Kallsen: LinkedIn: Terri Kallsen Website: Rise Growth Partners Website: CFP Board [email protected]  Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton [email protected] LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management About Our Guest: Terri Kallsen, CFP, is an accomplished wealth management executive known for leading strategic initiatives and driving innovative solutions across both large institutions and rapidly growing RIAs. As Managing Partner and Head of Partnerships at Rise Growth Partners, a minority investor and strategic advisor to leading firms, she leads enterprise transformation for partner firms—supporting strategic planning, organic growth initiatives, client experience innovation, and platform and performance reporting enhancements.  Before joining Rise, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Wealth Enhancement Group (WEG), where she oversaw advisor teams, platform and digital strategy, high-net-worth offerings, and trust services. Prior to WEG, she was Executive Vice President of Investor Services at Charles Schwab, where she led 7,000 employees and $1.6 trillion in assets under management.  Known for her innovative thinking and commitment to advisor advocacy, Terri is a respected speaker and writer who has been featured in Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, MSNBC, CNN, and other leading outlets.  She has been recognized numerous times for her dedication to mentorship, empowering women in the workplace, and advisor advocacy: – San Francisco’s Financial Woman of the Year in 2019 – InvestmentNews Women to Watch 2024 Female Trailblazer of the Year Finalist – Named by Financial Planning as one of 20 People who will shape wealth management in 2025 – InvestmentNews Top Financial Professionals in the US | Hot List 2025 Terri currently serves as Chair of the CFP Board of Directors. She also sits on the Hollins University Board of Trustees.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University in Minnesota and a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Terri earned her CFP certification in 2005 and is also a Certified Wealth Strategist. She received her Finance CFO Certificate at the University of Chicago Executive Education Program.

Throughout his career, RJ Moore has led some of the largest wealth management firms in the industry through challenging times. He’s held CEO positions at Cetera Financial Group, Legal & General Investment Management America, and ABN AMRO La Salle Bank. He’s also the former president of LPL Financial. But perhaps his biggest challenge came during the summer 2023, when he was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma. His doctor called, saying the skin cancer had spread to much of his body, including his brain, heart, lungs, the lymphatic system and liver. When he got the news, RJ made a conscious decision not to view the cancer as something he had to fight or battle. What if the adversity could become a turning point for gratitude, perspective and a deeper connection with others? In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton speaks with RJ Moore, partner at Private Advisor Group, about his unexpected journey with melanoma. He shares how the diagnosis reshaped his view of life, leadership, and daily priorities.  He discusses:     The moment RJ learned his melanoma had spread rapidly throughout his body and vital organs     How meditation and breathing practices helped him stay calm after hearing he had months to live     Why RJ replaced the idea of “fighting cancer” with a mindset centered on grace and gratitude     The impact of support from family, friends and the advisory community during treatment     Practical ways advisors can stay present and appreciate everyday moments in busy lives Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect With RJ Moore: LinkedIn: RJ Moore Website: Private Advisor Group [email protected]  Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton [email protected] LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management About Our Guest: RJ Moore is a Partner at Private Advisor Group and helps lead the overall governance of the firm. He brings over 30 years of experience in financial services to the team. Prior to joining Private Advisor Group, RJ has held CEO positions at Cetera Financial Group, Legal & General Investment Management America, and of ABN AMRO La Salle Bank. He was also President of LPL Financial. RJ earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Financial Management Services from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts of Business Administration from the University of Texas. He is the former chair of Invest in Others and has also served on the boards of The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Chicago Historical Society, and Jane Addams Hull House. In addition, he is an ardent supporter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Navy Seal NSW Family Foundation. In 2024, RJ was honored at the AIM Steps Against Melanoma Foundation walk. RJ lives in San Diego with his wife, Sarah. Outside of work, he enjoys visiting family and friends across the U.S., spending time in Palm Springs, and reading Historical Biographies. RJ Moore is solely an investment advisor representative of Private Advisor Group, and not affiliated with LPL Financial.

This month, Jamie Hopkins’ new book, “Your Retirement Sketchbook,” co-written by Bonnie Treichel, hits bookstores, and a lot of advisors know Hopkins as a retirement planning expert. Less known is his own personal story, which includes the passing of his father in a job-site accident when he was 8 years old. “This has impacted so many things in my life—my desire to be a dad, a sense I would die early, a fear of heights and a scarcity mindset for years around money,” he writes in the book. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton chats with Jamie Hopkins, CEO of Bryn Mawr Trust and co-author of “Your Retirement Sketchbook,” about those fears and how childhood loss shaped his approach to retirement planning and life. He also explains the importance of financial advice access for underserved workers, the career decision that helped him be more present with his children, and why protecting health and relationships should matter as much as building wealth. Jamie discusses: The childhood tragedy that shaped his perspective on money, planning and family priorities Why many workers in trades and small businesses lack access to retirement guidance and financial advice How one comment from his son reshaped his approach to work and travel How scarcity around money can influence lifelong habits and emotional relationships with finances How Jamie invests in his own health Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Book: Your Retirement Sketchbook by Jamie Hopkins and Bonnie Treichel Connect With Jamie Hopkins: LinkedIn: Jamie Hopkins Website: Bryn Mawr Trust [email protected]  Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton [email protected] LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management About Our Guest: Jamie P. Hopkins is CEO of Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors and CWO of WSFS. A Wall Street Journal best-selling author, educator, and executive speaker, Jamie has previously served on numerous advisory boards around the financial services industry, such as Wing.app, Wealth.com, C2P, IncomeLab, and was a national trustee member of NAIFA. He currently sits on the advisory board of Focal, an AI startup. Jamie is also the founder and president of the 501(c)(3) non-profit, FinServ Foundation, and was recognized as the 2021 RIA Thought Leader of the Year by WealthManagement.com and Top 10 Investopedia 100 Top Financial Advisor for 2023. Jamie has also taught financial planning courses and created course content at Creighton University and American College of Financial Services since 2012.

In 2018, Melissa Caro’s perfectly healthy 72-year-old mother was suddenly diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and within 24 hours she became her sole caregiver, her financial planner, her life coach and her healthcare advocate. At the same time, her 87-year-old stepdad was falling apart and spiraling into dementia, and her husband was in the hospital with severe back problems. As a Type A personality, she struggled significantly during this time. During one doctor’s visit for her mother, a nurse reminded her to take care of herself. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton speaks with Caro, founder of My Retirement Network, a financial education resource for clients and the advisors who serve them, on how she navigated caregiving while managing her career and other responsibilities. She discusses the emotional complexity of caregiving, the gap in financial literacy for those without advisors, and how her experience shaped her mission to help people understand their finances during life’s most challenging moments. She discusses: Her journey into financial services The sudden shift from professional routine to full-time caregiving The financial, physical and emotional toll caregiving can have on a person The things that helped her cope and get through the struggling times How financial fear intensifies during illnesses How her caregiving experience shaped the work she does today with My Retirement Network How personal loss can help advisors listen, communicate and frame their role with clients Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect With Melissa Caro: LinkedIn: Melissa Caro LinkedIn: My Retirement Network Website: My Retirement Network [email protected] Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton [email protected] LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management About Our Guest: Melissa Caro is a Certified Financial Education Instructor, CFP, and the founder of My Retirement Network, a digital media platform dedicated to promoting financial literacy. With a mission rooted in the belief that knowledge empowers people to create the future they envision, Melissa brings decades of experience in finance and education to her work. She has witnessed firsthand the positive impact that understanding finances can have on people’s lives, far beyond just numbers. Melissa’s goal is to make financial literacy accessible and meaningful for everyone. My Retirement Network was created to bridge the gap between complex financial concepts and the everyday decisions that shape financial futures. The platform empowers individuals at every stage, whether they’re planning for retirement, starting a career, or teaching their children about money, to understand and take control of their financial well-being. Through education and awareness, Melissa supports people on their journey to building a stronger, more informed financial foundation.

After facing divorce, financial hardship and even losing her home in a wildfire, Bridget Venus Grimes rebuilt her life and career around helping other women do the same, taking control of their finances, finding community and redefining success on their own terms. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton sits down with Grimes, president of WealthChoice and co-founder of Equita Financial Network, to explore her journey from Wall Street trader to pastry chef to financial planner for breadwinner women. From personal struggle to powerful purpose, Grimes reveals how she built a network to uplift female advisors and how coaching, balance, and connection helped her thrive through life’s toughest seasons. She discusses: The unconventional path that led Bridget from trading floors to Paris kitchens and back to finance How divorce, debt and disaster shaped her passion for empowering women through financial planning Why pay inequity and lack of flexibility persist for women in financial services What inspired her to create Equita Financial Network How coaching, community, and boundaries can protect advisors from burnout Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify The Healthy Advisor: Overcoming Insecurities and Self-Doubt With Stephanie Bogan Focused on the Future: Breadwinner Women, Gen Z, and Succession with Bridget Venus Grimes Connect with Wealth Management: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Diana Britton [email protected] LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: Wealth Management Connect With Bridget Venus Grimes: LinkedIn: Bridget Venus Grimes [email protected] Equita Financial Network LinkedIn: Equita Financial Network WealthChoice LLC LinkedIn: WealthChoice LLC About Our Guest: Bridget Venus Grimes, CFP, is President of WealthChoice, a wealth management firm for women executives, and Co-founder of the SEC-registered investment advisor Equita Financial Network, a community of women-led financial planning firms. Bridget began her career in 1987, trading stocks for private hedge funds in New York City, before pursuing her passion for financial planning for women. Bridget believes in empowering women to take confident steps toward a better life. She authored the best-selling book Corner Office Choices: The Executive Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom and has written countless articles for major US media channels. Her commitment to women’s financial education extends not only to women professionals but also to fellow financial planners. She has spoken at major industry conferences and co-hosted the Financial Planning Association’s Women’s Knowledge Circle. Bridget splits her time between Arizona and California and enjoys boating, golf, entertaining, anything French, and, most of all, cooking. She holds a B.A degree in German language and literature and a minor in Art History from Mount Holyoke College.

For 35 years, Mark Singer owned an independent financial planning firm, Safe Harbor Retirement Planning, in the Boston area, a Commonwealth Financial Network affiliate. During that time, he was living life at full speed—running three businesses, exercising, playing golf, boating, spending time with grandchildren—until he had a life-changing stroke in October 2022. He lost his ability to speak, swallow, eat and perform the most basic functions. His recovery forced him to slow down and retire from the business earlier than he expected. In this episode of The Healthy Advisor, host Diana Britton talks with Mark Singer, a retired financial advisor, about how the stroke reshaped his view of success and identity. His story points to the strength of resilience, perspective and compassion, both in business and in life. Diana and Mark discuss: Mark’s journey from textile manufacturing to founding Safe Harbor Retirement Planning in Boston The moment the stroke upended his life, and how he figured out a way forward Mark’s mantra of “focus on the what is, not the what if.” How things played out with his financial planning business The role of friendships, community and client relationships in his recovery Lessons learned from 35 years as an advisor Resources: Listen to The Healthy Advisor on WealthManagement.com Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to The Healthy Advisor on Spotify Connect With Mark Singer: LinkedIn: Mark Singer [email protected]  Connect with WealthManagement.com: WealthManagement.com LinkedIn: Diana Britton [email protected] LinkedIn: Informa LinkedIn: WealthManagement About Our Guest: Author Mark Singer has been recognized for his vision and creativity within the world of financial planning. He is the author of two books, and the most recent, The Six Secrets to a Happy Retirement, is available on Amazon.com. Drawing upon his over three decades as a founder of one of the leading retirement firms in Boston, the book profiles the financial, emotional, and physical issues associated with the transition into retirement. He retired from his role as president of Safe Harbor Retirement Planning in 2022, and had served as the Retirement Guide to thousands of investors since 1986. Mark’s approach was to focus on each individual client and ask the questions that other advisors and investors often overlook. Mark is a frequent speaker and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, ABCNews.com, FoxNews.com, and Bloomberg Radio, as well as locally (Boston) on NECN and WRKO.  Mark is also a multiyear recipient of Boston Magazine’s 5 Star Wealth Manager Award.

Ryan Marcus has a passion for helping the wealth management industry better serve the neurodivergent community. He argues that the industry is not serving them in an intentional way. Neurodivergence refers to divergence in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or normal. It’s frequently used with reference to autistic spectrum disorders. The … Read More Read More

Lisa Erickson spent 37 years in financial services, ultimately leading the Public Markets Due Diligence team at U.S. Bank, which manages over $500 billion in client assets. In addition to her business acumen, she was best known for her selflessness, positivity and character. But earlier this year, Lisa chose to retire early after being diagnosed … Read More Read More

The summer after his freshman year in high school, John Connell went on the Texas Giant rollercoaster in Arlington, Texas, the tallest wooden rollercoaster in the U.S. at that time. John ended up in the hospital, with injuries the doctors weren’t sure he’d recover from. That became an “origination point,” a wake-up call that forever … Read More Read More

After a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry—rising from clinical research to business development and marketing—Paula Nangle took a step back to raise her young children and reflect on what truly mattered.   Motivated by her early experiences with money and a desire to make a meaningful impact, she reinvented herself as a Certified Financial Planner, … Read More Read More

Drew Shockley grew up on a dairy farm in Tennessee. He started working in insurance for $7.50/hour, and by his 30s had built and sold multiple companies—including an eight-figure exit in 2020. From the outside, it sounds like a dream. But the road to Drew’s success was not a straight path. Along the way, he … Read More Read More

When natural disasters hit, your life can turn upside down. Beth Bosworth experienced this firsthand when Hurricane Helene hit her town of Asheville, N.C. on Sept. 27, 2024. The hurricane caused severe damage to the city, including fallen trees, destroyed power lines, and flooded roads. Her neighborhood is still feeling the effects of that storm … Read More Read More

When Stacie Calder first joined the financial services industry, she pounded the pavement and quickly climbed the corporate ladder. But her rise came with a cost.  In this episode, she opens up about the persona she adopted to fit a traditional mold of leadership, one that silenced her authentic voice in favor of external approval. … Read More Read More

What happens when professional achievement outpaces personal well-being? Dr. Preston Cherry, founder of Concurrent Financial Planning, seemed to have it all—a thriving career and a secure six-figure salary in his late 20s. But beneath the surface, he was stuck in a seven-year fog, struggling to align his personal life with his financial success. In this … Read More Read More

Mary Saylor had been working hard to earn her accounting degree at Penn State University when she got some shocking news at the beginning of her senior year—she was pregnant. And while many women would think of it as a roadblock, Saylor saw it as a blessing. It didn’t stop her from pursuing her degree … Read More Read More

Many advisors know Aaron Klein as the super-friendly, charismatic leader of Nitrogen, formerly Riskalyze, the company he founded about 13 years ago as a risk tolerance documentation tool. He’s since stepped down from his role leading the company. What most advisors probably don’t know is Aaron’s personal journey—the challenges he faced balancing running a major … Read More Read More

Michelle Begina started her journey to financial independence after an unexpected betrayal. When she was just 17 years old, her parents used her college fund to buy a yacht instead of supporting her education. Michelle then had to forge her own path, overcoming adversity and reshaping her perceptions of money and trust. In this episode, … Read More Read More

George Kinder, raised in St. Clairsville, Ohio, was inspired by his passion for freedom and creativity to explore a deeper purpose for his life beyond traditional career paths. His work as a tax preparer revealed a universal longing for fulfillment, leading him to pioneer life planning, a method empowering individuals to pursue their true aspirations. … Read More Read More

Adventure racing—an off-road, navigation-based sport that fuses endurance, strategy, and teamwork—became a life-changing journey for Ryan VanGorder. What started as a casual comment while watching The Echo Challenge with friends transformed into a relentless pursuit of his physical and mental limits. Since 1999, Ryan and his team have tackled grueling competitions that stretch from a … Read More Read More

Having grown up around financial planning, Matthew Newman realized the importance of having everything in place before tragedy strikes. His father’s advice to plan for the negative moments was a lifeline.  At age 39, he was diagnosed with Grade 3 Astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer. At the time, he had three children under 5, … Read More Read More

It was not just one struggle in her life that shaped Marissa Nehlsen. Since her formative years, she’s faced adversity and come out stronger every time.  Despite significant hardships, including the loss of her family farm, enduring domestic abuse from her father, and coping with Stargardt disease, which has led to blindness, Marissa has built … Read More Read More

In her role as head of culture and field experience at RBC Wealth Management U.S., Shareen Luze is responsible for making sure the firm’s 2,200 financial advisors feel supported and have a similar employee experience as those in the home office. One particular area of focus, which has become more acute in the global pandemic, … Read More Read More

While studying at Duke University, Martine Lellis started to feel sick. It developed quickly into a hospital visit where she was diagnosed with pneumonia in both her lungs. The condition escalated into a near-deadly situation, so her doctors decided to induce a coma even before her parents were able to reach her.  It became so … Read More Read More

Kimberly Sanders followed a typical path into financial services, gaining an undergrad in finance and working for a series of banks and brokerage firms. When she became pregnant, she made the decision to stay home for eight years to raise her kids. But when it was time to return to work, the path was not … Read More Read More

At the end of 2022, Kristine McManus got an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis. Yet doctors thought it was the least aggressive form and easily treatable.  Shortly after her surgery, she received multiple messages from the hospital; it turns out she had the most aggressive form of breast cancer, triple-negative. Her outlook on life changed as … Read More Read More

As the staggering number of Opioid overdoses and deaths continue to increase, so does the threat on family finances and retirement dreams. Cheryl Canzanella knows that all too well. In August 2017, she lost her husband to an accidental overdose, exposing her to the horrific realities of the opioid crisis. Since his death, she’s made … Read More Read More

At just 10 years old, William Hoffman’s son Liam was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis (NF), a rare genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. When Will and his family got the news, they could have succumbed to despair.  Instead, Will leaned into it, and has made it his mission to find … Read More Read More

While wellbeing and mental health have become a more mainstream conversation among the wider U.S. population since the pandemic, it’s a topic still largely untouched by the financial services industry. New research from Kitces.com aims to measure and track trends across advisor wellbeing, just as the industry benchmarks anything else.  Over 1500 members of financial … Read More Read More

After selling her business in November 2022, Tina Powell earmarked 2023 her “year of health.” The first step on that journey was to get a full body scan at the Princeton Longevity Center on Martin Luther King day 2023. That scan would change the trajectory of her life.  That day, her doctors discovered a 2.1 … Read More Read More

As a busy and often stressed-out executive at one of the top RIAs in the country, James Bogart found himself neglecting his well-being, resulting in weight gain and various health issues.  A series of hospital visits prompted him to hire a concierge doctor and a nutritionist, leading to a remarkable 70-pound weight loss over the … Read More Read More

Facing the hurdles of disadvantaged youth, Heather Kelly’s life was marked by a single mother, a disabled sister, and limited opportunities. She moved out of her home in Ozone Park, Queens, at the young age of 16. On top of that, she has struggled with dyslexia, a learning disorder and neurological condition that posed additional … Read More Read More

When financial advisor Cary Carbonaro met her first husband, she thought she had it all. She had a great upbringing in New York, wonderful family and friends. She was very successful. And while her fiancé looked very good on paper, the relationship turned out to be toxic.   Behind closed doors, the marriage was a nightmare, … Read More Read More

When Mike Wunderli started his journey into wealth management, he was excited about a career that had a combination of sales and finance, interpersonal and analytical. He built up an impressive book of business, helping entrepreneurs and business owners engineer liquidity events for their companies.  But then, the 2008 financial crisis hit, causing the downfall … Read More Read More

Maria Castillo Dominguez grew up in Ronda, a small mountaintop town in the south of Spain. And while she had a great support system, she also had a very humble childhood, and things were difficult for her family financially. And because of that background, she lacked a lot of opportunities. Most of her family members … Read More Read More

After selling her firm to EP Wealth in 2016, Lynn Ballou became a fixture among EP’s leadership team that worked to take the RIA to new heights. She’s also served as a mentor for younger advisors and a fierce advocate for greater diversity in the wealth management industry. Lynn had to put all of that … Read More Read More

In his financial advisory practice, Paul Peeler specializes in planning for mental illness caregivers and their families. But Paul has his own story of caring for a family member with a mental illness and the emotional toll the experience has taken on him. When a close family member spiraled into a mental health crisis, he … Read More Read More

A lot of people in the industry know Stephanie Bogan; she’s a sought-after business and practice management coach and speaker. Before starting Limitless Advisor, her current coaching firm, she founded a consulting firm at the age of 24 and sold it in a 7-figure deal to a Fortune 200 company. She then joined Joe Duran’s … Read More Read More

Sathya Chey Patterson was born into struggle. She came into the world in a Thai refugee camp, as her family had just escaped from the Cambodian genocide, an explosion of mass violence that saw between 1.5 and 3 million people killed at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, a communist political group, in the 1970s. … Read More Read More

Trigger warning: This episode discusses content some listeners may find upsetting. A lot of folks in the wealth management industry know Tyrone Ross; he’s a frequent speaker at industry events, an active “finfluencer” on social media, and a thought leader in the crypto asset space. Less known is his life journey and how he got … Read More Read More

A little more than six years ago, Robert started living a healthier lifestyle, working out a lot more, in an effort to lose weight. But one day while working out, he had a widowmaker heart attack, which happens when you have a blockage in the biggest artery in your heart. The name of it leaves … Read More Read More

Mary Martin had always been very health conscious, making sure she ate right and stayed in shape. But several years ago, she had a miscarriage at five months’ pregnant, although she didn’t know she was pregnant at the time. The experience helped her learn that from an emotional standpoint, she wasn’t really present in her … Read More Read More

Trigger warning: This episode discusses content some listeners may find upsetting. Journalist Davis Janowski grew up in the Panhandle of Florida, where he grew accustomed to sunny weather and developed a deep passion for the great outdoors. But when he moved to Syracuse, N.Y., at age 25 for grad school, the cold weather and lack … Read More Read More

When Lori Eisel first found out her son had an addiction problem, she tried to do everything in her power to get control over the situation and help him. But even years later, he is still on the road to recovery. In this episode, Diana Britton, managing editor at WealthManagement.com, speaks with Lori Eisel, president … Read More Read More

Advisor Joseph R. Biondo Sr. just recently celebrated 60 years in the financial services industry, but his path to success was not a linear one. In his 83 years, he has experienced his fair share of struggles—both personally and professionally. In fact, his life began with tragedy. Just three weeks before he was born, his … Read More Read More

A little over a year ago, advisor Jonathan DeYoe was in a healthy place; he was meditating on a regular basis, working out, eating and sleeping right. But in the summer of 2021, he tragically lost his only brother and business partner when he drowned in the Pacific Ocean. He says his life came to … Read More Read More