Best James Conole Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 445: Leveraging Educational YouTube Videos To Drive Hundreds Of New Clients Per Year with James Conole 1:29:59

9d ago1:29:59

1:29:59

James Conole's firm has experienced explosive growth over the past few years (expecting to double its revenue to more than $10 million in 2025) thanks in part to his YouTube channel, which educates and builds trust with ideal prospects before they ever book a meeting. James is the founder of Root Financial, an RIA based in Encinitas, California, th…

1
Ep 446: Getting Known In Your Local (Facebook Group) Community To Quickly Add $30M In The First Two Years with Misty Lynch 1:30:00

1d ago1:30:00

1:30:00

After growing her AUM by $30 million in just two years, Misty Lynch has become a go-to financial planning expert for small business owners and families within her community. This is thanks in part to her reputation inside local Facebook groups frequented by her ideal target client, where she rarely promotes herself but is frequently recommended. Mi…

1
What Should You Do With Your 401k When You Retire? 16:25

2d ago16:25

16:25

Your 401(k) is likely your largest retirement asset—so the decisions made about it can have a lasting impact. This episode explores the pros and cons of keeping a 401(k) versus rolling it over to an IRA. Learn when it makes sense to stay in a 401(k), especially for those retiring between ages 55 and 59½, when a special IRS rule allows penalty-free …

1
DIY vs. Financial Advisor: How to Know When It’s Time to Get Help │ Root Talks 20:11

7d ago20:11

20:11

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether you really need a financial advisor, this episode is for you. James and Ari unpack the deeper reasons people seek financial guidance—and why the decision often goes far beyond dollars and cents. Much like seeing a doctor for preventative care, working with the right advisor is about protecting your fu…

1
Want to Be a Better Advisor? Learn to Frame Wealth the Right Way 26:30

8d ago26:30

26:30

What if real wealth goes beyond money? In this episode of Root Ready, Harry Sommers joins James for a thoughtful conversation on redefining wealth—not just for clients, but for ourselves as advisors. Together, they explore a more expansive framework of financial planning that considers time, energy, relationships, and purpose. This isn’t about chas…

1
5 Signs It’s Time to Retire - Right Now 9:37

9d ago9:37

9:37

At 90 years old, will you remember that final bonus or the time you didn’t spend with the people you love? This powerful question reframes how we think about retirement timing beyond the numbers. Yes, financial readiness matters. But delaying retirement for "just one more cycle" or "just one more raise" often leads to a dangerous pattern—constantly…

1
Are You Saving Money in the Right Order? 25:43

14d ago25:43

25:43

We all know we should probably save some more, but when we pass the piggy bank phase and have larger amounts of money, things get a little more complicated than just dropping some coins every once in a while. In this episode of Real Personal Finance, Scott and Nick get into a little detail that most people skip: “where” and “how” matter as much as …

1
Ep 444: Driving More Client Referrals In The First 100 Days By Crafting An Exceptional Onboarding Experience with Libby Greiwe 1:30:00

16d ago1:30:00

1:30:00

When Libby Greiwe realized that most client onboarding processes felt either clunky or cold, she decided to transform her own. What she has developed—based on her years as both a financial advisor and coach—is a system designed to create a seamless, personalized client experience that not only demonstrates professionalism, but also inspires client …

1
Watch Me Stress Test a $1 Million Retirement Plan 19:28

16d ago19:28

19:28

A seven-figure portfolio can feel like a green light for retirement—but the numbers don’t always tell the full story. In one case study, a couple with over $1 million saved faced a withdrawal rate close to 14% based on their desired lifestyle. That’s nearly three times higher than what’s typically considered sustainable. This story is a reminder th…

1
Why Brokerage Accounts Might Be the Most Underrated Tool in Your Financial Plan 18:35

21d ago18:35

18:35

Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs often get all the attention, but there’s another tool that can play a powerful role in your long-term strategy: the humble brokerage account. Unlike retirement accounts with age restrictions and penalties, brokerage accounts offer flexibility. You can access funds at any time, for any purpose without early …

1
How to Master the Skills That Usually Only Come With Age 26:00

22d ago26:00

26:00

What makes a truly great financial advisor? It’s not just technical knowledge or years in the industry. In this episode, we explore what clients—especially those approaching retirement—really want: a trusted guide who understands the emotional side of financial planning. Many people ask, “Can younger advisors provide meaningful advice about retirem…

1
Ep 443: Going Deep With Business Owners And Real Estate Investors To Grow $200M Of AUM In 5 Years with Griffin Kirsch 1:30:00

23d ago1:30:00

1:30:00

Griffin Kirsch built a $200 million AUM firm in just five years—while maintaining a 70% profit margin. Delivering high-touch planning to business owners and real estate investors without charging fees on those assets, Griffin's focus on providing hard-dollar value to his clients (especially around tax strategy and real estate decisions) has fueled …

1
5 Things Retirees Regret - And What You Still Have Time to Get Right 13:27

23d ago13:27

13:27

After working with hundreds of people navigating retirement, we’ve seen a clear pattern: the biggest regrets aren’t about money. They’re about meaning. Too often, people retire from something—but never toward something. They solve the financial side without planning for the life side. And that leads to some common regrets: No clear purpose after wo…

1
Ep 442: Attracting $100M Per Month Of Like-Minded Clients By Being Vocal About (Divisive) Issues You’re Passionate About with David Bahnsen 1:30:00

30d ago1:30:00

1:30:00

David Bahnsen has built a reputation for speaking his mind, not only on issues related to financial markets, but also on topics many advisors shy away from, like religion and politics. Which has paid off for him in the form of attracting $100 million of new client assets to his firm per month as his content has built his credibility, deepened audie…

1
Stop Worrying About Running Out of Money: Here's What You Need to Do 14:41

30d ago14:41

14:41

The biggest question I hear from people planning for retirement is this: Am I going to run out of money before I run out of life? But here’s the thing, no matter how much you’ve saved, that fear doesn’t automatically go away. In this video, I walk through what the data actually says about your chances of running out of money, where the 4% rule come…

1
Politics and Planning: What’s the Right Balance for Advisors? 17:15

1M ago17:15

17:15

In this episode, we’re taking a surprising cue from Hamilton to explore a common challenge for advisors: how to handle political conversations with clients. Should you speak up like Hamilton or hold back like Burr? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but the key is staying grounded in your role as a guide, not a commentator. When clients bring up p…

1
This Is What Financial Planning Really Changes 18:25

1M ago18:25

18:25

What does it really mean to change someone’s life through financial advice? While we’re not saving lives like doctors, the impact we have on our clients’ futures can be just as meaningful. Often, it’s not about the numbers—it’s about helping someone move forward when fear is holding them back. We’ve seen it firsthand. Like the dentist who had every…

1
Ep 441: What It Really Takes To Implement And Scale Compliance As An Independent RIA Grows with Leila Shaver 1:30:00

1M ago1:30:00

1:30:00

As advisory firms grow, so does the complexity of compliance—and Leila Shaver has built a business dedicated to helping them scale without costly missteps. She provides strategic guidance that keeps firms aligned with regulatory expectations as their teams, client bases, and responsibilities expand. Leila is the founder of My RIA Lawyer, a Georgia-…

1
How Much Do You Need to Retire on $10K a Month? 13:17

1M ago13:17

13:17

If your goal is to spend $10,000 a month in retirement, how much do you really need saved? The answer isn’t as simple—or as overwhelming—as it might seem. In this episode, I break down the key factors that influence your retirement number beyond the common 4% rule. We’ll explore how Social Security can significantly reduce what you need to save, wh…

1
From Saver to Spender: How to Ease the Emotional Shift into Retirement 26:09

1M ago26:09

26:09

Retirement is supposed to be the reward after decades of hard work, but for many, the hardest part is learning how to actually spend the money they’ve saved. In this episode, we explore why that transition feels so uncomfortable and how creating a retirement paycheck can help make spending feel safe and sustainable. We talk through the natural phas…

1
Ep 440: Making Client Meetings More Consistent Across Multiple Advisors By Utilizing A “Money Personality” Assessment with Nina Hajjar 1:29:59

1M ago1:29:59

1:29:59

What if you could decode a client’s financial behavior before the first meeting? Nina Hajjar has done just that by creating a custom “money personality” assessment. This innovative tool helps her advisory team better understand client behavior, tailor communication styles, and deliver more personalized, consistent service across their $500-million …

1
I've Helped Hundreds of People Retire Comfortably. Here's the Exact 7-Step Framework I Used. 21:38

1M ago21:38

21:38

Retirement planning isn’t about chasing numbers, it’s about building a life with intention. The Sequoia System helps you get clear on what matters most, organize your finances around that vision, and create a plan that supports the freedom, peace of mind, and purpose you’re truly after. We start with your life vision, translate that into a monthly …

1
Ready to Retire? Here's How to Tell Your Company │ Root Talks 24:32

2M ago24:32

24:32

In this episode, Ari and James explore the emotional and practical sides of retiring—specifically, how to have the conversation that officially ends your career. Whether you're months away or years out, this discussion tackles the fear, hesitation, and freedom that come with telling your boss you're done. You'll hear real stories from Root Collecti…

1
Keys to Nailing Withdrawal Rate Conversation with Clients 23:28

2M ago23:28

23:28

Today’s episode goes beyond the 4% rule to uncover the real concerns behind client questions like, “How much can I safely spend in retirement?” We explore the origins of sustainable withdrawal strategies, from Bengen’s 1994 research to Guyton’s Guardrails, and show how dynamic approaches can ease anxiety and build confidence. Most clients aren’t ov…

1
Ep 439: Scaling Financial Planning With Monday.com As A Project Management Hub In Lieu Of Wealthbox CRM with Alvin Carlos 1:30:00

2M ago1:30:00

1:30:00

Alvin Carlos made a strategic decision to build internal efficiency and client accountability into the heart of his planning process—a move that not only streamlined how his team manages financial plans and client tasks, but also helped him scale. Turning Monday.com into the operational core of his firm, he has carved out a niche in serving younger…

1
How Much Can We Expect to Spend in Retirement with a $4M Portfolio? 18:11

2M ago18:11

18:11

In this episode, we walk through a retirement planning scenario involving a couple in their early 60s with a $4 million investment portfolio. Their financial plan reveals something surprising: they may not need to wait until 65 to retire. Instead, thoughtful planning opens the door to retiring earlier—without compromising the lifestyle they value. …

1
Rethinking Your Retirement Timing 18:19

2M ago18:19

18:19

Why do some people delay retirement when they’re more than ready, while others want out the moment they hit the financial edge? In this episode, we explore the emotional weight behind retirement decisions, from the fear of losing identity to the overlooked value of early, healthy retirement years. You’ll hear how flexible paths like consulting or “…

1
Ep 438: Boosting Client Retention And Satisfaction By Asking Better Questions As Your Authentic Self with Nikki Savage 1:29:46

2M ago1:29:46

1:29:46

In this episode, financial advisor Nikki Savage discusses her approach to enhancing client retention and satsifaction by engaging in thoughtful, intentional relationship-building—specifically asking deep questions that uncover her clients’ true needs and using that insight to create highly personalized experiences. Listen in as Nikki reflects on fi…

1
Social Security at 62 vs 67 vs 70: When should you start claiming your benefits? 19:14

2M ago19:14

19:14

Deciding when to start your Social Security benefits might be the single most consequential financial decision of your retirement journey. Should you claim early at 62, wait until full retirement age at 67, or delay until 70 to maximize your monthly check? The answer isn't as straightforward as many think. Your Social Security benefit is calculated…

1
The Surprising Regrets of Wealthy Retirees | Root Talks 16:05

2M ago16:05

16:05

Retired with millions—but full of regret? In this episode of Root Talks, James and Ari share the real stories no one talks about: wealthy retirees who did everything “right” financially but still feel like they missed out. From sacrificing health and relationships for more savings, to realizing too late that they were planning for someone else’s ve…

1
Roth Conversions Done Right: What Great Advisors Know That Software Doesn’t 22:42

2M ago22:42

22:42

In this episode of Root Ready, James shares how advisors should think about Roth conversions—starting with the basics and not just relying on software. Software can help with numbers, but it can’t see the full picture. James explains why Root advisors use software as a tool, not the final answer. He talks through key things to consider before doing…

1
Ep 437: Becoming An IRA Expert To Differentiate By Charging The Highest Fee Instead Of The Lowest with Ed Slott 1:29:59

2M ago1:29:59

1:29:59

After the 1986 Tax Reform Act, Ed Slott made a strategic decision to specialize in IRAs—a move that not only set him apart in a niche field, but also helped him build a nationally recognized reputation as a leading expert. By leaning into his niche, he intentionally set himself apart from generalists by charging more to reflect the unique value he …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

James Conole Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide