The role of the financial advisor is evolving. In this episode of Retirement Inside Out, host Tom Lamendola sits down with FIG's Chief Strategy Officer Nicholas Ross to explore why the industry is shifting toward a wealth counselor mindset — and what that means for advisors and clients alike. As client expectations become more complex and traditional advisory models reach their limits, Nicholas explains why holistic planning, strategic partnerships, and deeper client relationships are becoming the new foundation for successful advisory firms. In this episode, we discuss: 🔄 How the financial advice industry changed after the pandemic 👥 The new expectations clients have for their advisors 🧭 Why the “wealth counselor” model is gaining momentum 🧩 The growing importance of comprehensive financial planning 🔗 Leveraging partnerships to expand capabilities and scale 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders and innovators shaping retirement planning. 🎧 Listen to the audio podcast or find more episodes here: https://bit.ly/RIO-Pod --- Follow us for more: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Facebook: http://bit.ly/FIG_FB1 Instagram: http://bit.ly/FIG_IG X: http://bit.ly/FIG_TWR Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT

The financial advisory industry is entering a new era, and flexibility may be the most important competitive advantage. In this episode of Retirement Inside Out, Tom Lamendola is joined by Derek Gubala, co-president of Alphastar Capital Management, to discuss how the independent RIA landscape is evolving and what advisors must do now to stay relevant in a rapidly changing profession. From advisor demographics to modern training models and the growing importance of client experience, Derek explains why firms that embrace adaptability are positioned to thrive in the years ahead. In this episode, we cover: 📊 How advisor demographics are reshaping the future of the industry 🧩 Why customizable advisory platforms are replacing rigid models 🧠 The importance of training advisors to build businesses — not just sell products 🤝 Why retention and client experience are becoming growth engines 📣 How consistent marketing and messaging strengthen advisor brands 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of financial advice and retirement planning. 🎧 Prefer audio-only? Listen here: https://bit.ly/RIO-Pod --- Follow us for more: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Facebook: http://bit.ly/FIG_FB1 Instagram: http://bit.ly/FIG_IG X: http://bit.ly/FIG_TWR Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT

50 years. Countless advisors. One mission: Empowering Financial Professionals™. Since being established in 1976, we’ve helped shape what’s possible—while continuing to evolve for what’s next. Curious what that looks like today? Explore more at FIGMarketing.com. --- Follow us for more: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Facebook: http://bit.ly/FIG_FB1 Instagram: http://bit.ly/FIG_IG X: http://bit.ly/FIG_TWR Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT

Is the market entering a golden era of innovation, or the early stages of an AI bubble? In this episode of Retirement Inside Out, Tom Lamendola is joined by Tony Parish, CIO at Alphastar Capital Management, to unpack the economic forces shaping the investment landscape heading into 2026. Tony discusses the risks investors may be overlooking, the potential impact of Federal Reserve policy changes, and whether today’s AI boom is comparable to past technology revolutions. In this episode, we cover: 📈 The current state of markets and economic momentum ⚠️ Concentration risks and volatility investors should watch 🏦 How Fed policy and interest rates could shape the next cycle 🛡️ Risk mitigation strategies in a strong market environment 🤖 AI innovation: transformational shift or speculative bubble? 📘 Get The Innovator’s Guide to Compounding Connections: https://tinyurl.com/4mbx22j9 👉 Subscribe for more market insights and conversations with industry leaders. 🎧 Listen to more episodes here: https://bit.ly/RIO-Pod --- Follow us for more: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Facebook: http://bit.ly/FIG_FB1 Instagram: http://bit.ly/FIG_IG X: http://bit.ly/FIG_TWR Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT

We proudly introduce the 2026 GIFT Core Partners—nonprofit organizations advancing financial literacy, expanding educational access, and fighting hunger in the communities we serve. Through GIFT, our donor-advised fund, we give, invest, teach, and feed with purpose—supporting initiatives that create measurable, lasting change. The gift of giving doesn’t stop there. Nominate a charitable organization you believe in for the opportunity to receive a monetary donation and community recognition. 👉 Nominate your organization: https://bit.ly/4aNRtcU --- Follow us for more: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 X (Twitter): http://bit.ly/FIG_TWR Facebook: http://bit.ly/FIG_FB1 Instagram: http://bit.ly/FIG_IG Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT

Feel like you have too much on your plate? Clean it up and feel rejuvenated by closing your "open loops." Follow us on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT Learn more about Financial Independence Group: http://FIGMarketing.com #Perspective #ProTip #NewIdeas

In this edition, we connect with our Family Company, Alphastar Capital Management. Follow us on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT Learn more about Financial Independence Group: http://FIGMarketing.com #BusinessGrowth #CompanyCulture #Investment

What does it take to succeed as an investor and advisor in today’s uncertain markets? In this episode of Retirement Inside Out, host Tom Lamendola sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and Shark Tank’s “Mr. Wonderful," Kevin O’Leary. Kevin shares his unfiltered perspective on tariffs, inflation, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping global supply chains. He also opens up about his personal rules for diversification and why the true mandate of every great advisor is capital preservation—not performance. In this episode, you’ll learn: 📊 Kevin’s take on tariffs and global markets 💡 The #1 rule of top advisors: preserve capital 🔀 How Kevin diversifies his portfolio (and why) 💼 Lessons from Shark Tank and venture investing 👉 Subscribe for more insights from top industry leaders. 🎧 Prefer audio-only? Listen to the podcast on your app or tune in here: https://bit.ly/RIO-Pod --- Follow us for more: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 X (Twitter): http://bit.ly/FIG_TWR Facebook: http://bit.ly/FIG_FB1 Instagram: http://bit.ly/FIG_IG Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT

Shark Tank's Kevin O’Leary says preservation of capital, not performance, is the #1 requirement for financial advisors. 📺 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/VHHBusVtCqk 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with top leaders shaping the future of financial services. #KevinOLeary #SharkTank #WealthManagement #FinancialAdvisors #Shorts #Podcast

Hey, you: Experience the present. Even if it's for 5 minutes. Follow us on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT Learn more about Financial Independence Group: http://FIGMarketing.com #Business #LiveInTheMoment #BusinessTips

Amazing things can happen when you put the right people in the right room. Follow us on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT Learn more about Financial Independence Group: http://FIGMarketing.com #FinancialServices #CompanyCulture #BusinessGrowth

Progress over perfection. Moving forward can be messy, but remember to give yourself grace. Follow us on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT Learn more about Financial Independence Group: http://FIGMarketing.com #MovingForward #Progress

What does cooking have to do with building a strong company culture where everyone feels heard? Follow us on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT Learn more about Financial Independence Group: http://FIGMarketing.com #Perspective #BusinessGrowth #NewIdeas

To be secure, you must be vulnerable. Here's why. Follow us on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT Learn more about Financial Independence Group: http://FIGMarketing.com #FinancialServices #Cybersecurity #Vulnerability #Culture #SOC2

What does it really take to shift an industry narrative? In this episode, SVP Leslie Lipscomb and Director of Operations Jessica Schloemp open up about the inspiration and impact behind Financial Trendsetters 2—a collaborative book written by women changing the face of financial services. From real talk on imposter syndrome to the value of lifting others as you rise, this episode goes beyond pages—it’s a call to elevate, empower, and pave a more inclusive path forward. In this episode: 📚 How Financial Trendsetters 2 came to life 🎤 Why sharing your story is a leadership move 🧠 Tools to navigate self-doubt and show up fully 💪 The power of women supporting women 🎓 How this book funds scholarships for future female leaders If you believe in progress through connection, this is the episode to watch. 👉 Subscribe to hear more stories that drive change. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform: https://bit.ly/RIO-Pod --- Follow us on these channels: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Twitter: http://bit.ly/FIG_TWR Facebook: http://bit.ly/FIG_FB1 Instagram: http://bit.ly/FIG_IG Subscribe here on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT

Technology alone doesn’t drive success—it’s how you use it that counts. In this episode, guest host Shawn Sigler chats with EVP Keith Burger to break down Lifecycle Manager, our proprietary fintech platform revolutionizing annuity and insurance portfolio oversight. From simplifying legacy contract reviews to identifying new revenue opportunities, this tech is designed with advisors—and their clients—in mind. Keith shares how Lifecycle Manager helps transform complexity into clarity, and why “refinancing retirement” could be the industry’s next big unlock. In this episode: 💻 How Lifecycle Manager brings simplicity to complex portfolios 🔍 Ways to uncover hidden value in existing contracts 🤝 Why tech should support, but never replace, advisor relationships 📈 What’s next: AI, improved UI, and life insurance insights If you're ready to modernize your process and stay ahead of the curve, don’t miss this one. 👉 Subscribe for more insights from top industry leaders. 🎧 Prefer audio-only? Catch the podcast here: https://bit.ly/RIO-Pod --- Follow us on these channels: LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Twitter: http://bit.ly/FIG_TWR Facebook: http://bit.ly/FIG_FB1 Instagram: http://bit.ly/FIG_IG Subscribe here on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT

Golf is a mental game, and so is life. How are you going to rebound from a setback? Follow us on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/FIG_LI1 Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FIG_YT Learn more about Financial Independence Group: http://FIGMarketing.com #PGAChampionship #QuailHollow #Golf

Chief Strategy Officer Nicholas Ross explains how financial advisors can rise above industry noise, personalize client outreach, and automate day-to-day tasks to operate like true CEOs. #FinancialAdvisors #Automation #BusinessGrowth #WorkflowOptimization #FinancialPlanning #BusinessOperations