Analog Advisor

What is the role of a wealth advisor? What are the conversations, holistic strategies, and skill sets that set a sound advisor apart from a mediocre one? Today co-hosts Wes Brown and Dr. Sonya Lutter sit with Matt Sommer, Head of Specialist Consulting Group at Janus Henderson Investors, to explore the role of advisors in the year 2024. Through this enlightening conversation, Matt shares several findings from his recent research: 85% of all investors desire more financial education, life expectancy is correlated to wealth, and 70% of investors admit to making mistakes due to emotions.Based on his research and experience, Matt shared his refreshing take on the role of financial advisors in providing financial support beyond investments and the importance of providing peace of mind and behavioral coaching.Book Recommendation in this Episode: Thinking Fast and Slow Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

In this recap episode of Analog Advisor, hosts Wes Brown and Dr. Sonya Lutter explore two of their most recent episodes with financial psychologist Dr. Daniel Crosby and Money Habitudes expert Cara Macksound. The conversation explores how our personal beliefs, attitudes, and habits around money form our Money Habitudes that shape our finances and overall well-being and life satisfaction. Wes and Sonya explore the limiting beliefs they've held around money and the importance of self-awareness and reflection in financial decisions.  Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

When asked to describe what he does, today’s guest says that he deals with the messiness of money as it intersects with the strangeness and oddity of being a human being. Where money intersects with meaning, you’ll find psychologist, behavioral finance expert, podcaster, and author of the new book Soul of Wealth, 50 Reflections on Money and Meaning, Dr. Daniel Crosby. In this fascinating and illuminating conversation, Daniel joins Wes and Sonya to dissect how our behaviors and understanding of money can open a pathway to the things that really matter. Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

Grief and loss are a part of being human. While it may be a universal experience, many of us don’t know how to feel it for ourselves, let alone meet our loved ones in their grief. In today’s episode, co-hosts Sonya and Wes share a special conversation about grief, loss, and resiliency, and Sonya shares a vulnerable part of her story. Together they explore the impact of loss, and Sonya shares how she has made the conscious decision to work through her grief in a way that honors how it has impacted her, while not defining who she is. She further provides practical and tangible ways to come alongside our loved ones in grief. This episode deals with the heartbreaking topic of suicide. If your story has been impacted by suicide, we hope that today’s episode meets you where you are and that in it, you might find connection and a shared hope. However, we encourage you to do what is best for you and, if needed, decide to skip it and return for our next episode. Additionally - if you or someone you love struggles with suicide ideations, we want to remind you of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

We know that our beliefs and behaviors around money are deeply personal. However, many financial professionals still try to keep the personal stuff out of the conversation.What if there was a way for us to have better financial conversations? Today’s guest, Cara Macksound, CEO of Money Habitudes, has built a career out of helping people understand the psychology of money to empower them to manage their financial well-being.And she’s doing it through The Money Habitutes - a game-like assessment used by financial professionals to help people understand and talk about their finances in a fun, constructive way.  Join us for a fascinating conversation that explores the context and lenses through which we view money and how it impacts our relationship to risk, money, and the people in our lives.About Our Guest: Cara Macksoud, FBS® is the CEO of Money Habitudes. She completed the Financial Therapy Graduate Certificate at Kansas State University and holds a BS in Finance from NYU Stern School of Business. She is a Certified Financial Behavior Specialist® and a member of the Financial Therapy Association where she serves on their business development committee. She is also a member of the Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) and is an AFC candidate.Prior to joining Money Habitudes, Cara was the CFO/COO for The Animation Project, an incentivized workforce development program for at-risk youth. Before her time in the nonprofit sector, Cara was an ETF trader for 12 years and, at the time, the youngest female to earn a trading seat on the floor of the NYSE.Connect with Cara on LinkedInLearn more about Money HabitudesRecommended Reading from this episode: Elon Musk - Walter IsaacsonSend us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

On the morning of 9/11, Dr. Nathan Harness was a young stockbroker starting his second day working in the World Trade Center. The events that unfolded that day have altered the world as we know it.  For Nathan, surviving this traumatic and life-altering experience has shaped how he approaches every aspect of his life and spurred him to a profession where he can help others. In the face of the darkest parts of humanity, Nathan witnessed sacrifice, empathy, and hope. Dr. Nathan, Professor and Director of Financial Planning at Texas A&M, joins Wes Brown and Dr. Sonya Lutter today to share his remarkable story. He highlights the significance of living with intentionality, gratitude, and purpose and the role of empathy and resilience in shaping his character and teaching. Join us for this inspiring conversation that invites us to see the best in humanity and ourselves. Connect with Dr. NathanRecommended Reading from this episode: The Radical Elimination of Hurry The American Story The History of Financial Planning Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

How does our understanding of money shape our pursuit of happiness? Wes Brown and Sonya Lutter are joined by renowned behavioral finance expert Meir Statman to learn how our financial decisions impact our life satisfaction and explore the intersection of money and psychology through Meir’s extensive research and experiences.Meir shares insights from his book ‘A Wealth of Well-Being,’ discussing the critical role of empathy, resilience, and personal values in financial planning. You’ll also learn practical strategies for integrating financial stability with life’s other domains, tackling gender dynamics in finance, and the transformative power of giving back. Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

What's the relationship between wealth, stress, and anxiety? It's more nuanced than you may think. Hosts Dr. Sonya Lutter and Wes Brown reflect on insights from experts like Dr. Jim Grubman, Moira Somers and Lenore Skenazy, debunking the myth that more money means less stress. Tune in to learn effective strategies for managing stress, like developing support resources, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing tasks.Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

Does emotional acumen have a place in the technical finance world? Clinical neuropsychologist Moira Somers sits down with hosts Wes Brown and Dr. Sonya Lutter to share the critical role of integrating emotional intelligence into financial advising to help clients overcome barriers to implementing advice. Moira shares valuable insights on addressing both the emotional and technical dimensions of money management, offering strategies that foster lasting impact and genuine financial empowerment.Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

Have you ever wondered how the wealth management industry has changed over time and where it's headed in the future? Tune in to hear Dr. Jim Grubman, expert in family wealth and dynamics, unpack his model of "wealth 3.0" - a new approach that moves beyond the fear and negativity of the past to create a more robust field of family advising.Dr. Grubman sits down with hosts Wes Brown and Dr. Sonya Lutter to share effective strategies for nurturing financially savvy children, confidently navigating complex wealth issues, and more.Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

With over two decades of experience in psychology, social work, marriage, and family therapy, Shanna Jager has realized the power of a strengths-based approach. She joins hosts Wes Brown and Sonya Lutter to share how focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses can revolutionize everything from personal growth to family finances.Shanna, Executive Director of the Children’s Alliance in Kansas, discusses her journey from the National Guard to becoming a Clifton Strengths coach, and how she applies these principles to uplift and develop social workers, thereby improving outcomes for children and families.Learn how you can apply these strategies to foster success and fulfillment in your own life and the lives of those around you. Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

Is constant parental supervision limiting children's ability to develop problem-solving skills? In this episode, hosts Wes Brown and Dr. Sonya Lutter explore childhood independence and resilience with guest Lenore Skenazy, founder of the organization Let Grow and author of the book "Free-Range Kids."Skenazy shares her journey advocating for more freedom for kids through experiences like independent travel. Skenazy discusses reasonable childhood independence laws and how giving kids opportunities to overcome minor challenges and adversity can build resilience in a way that benefits both children and parents.Links: Let Grow Website | LinkedIn | InstagramFree Range Kids Website | BookLenore Skenazy on LinkedIn Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

In this recap episode, hosts Dr. Sonya Lutter and Wes Brown reflect on conversations about mental health with Elizabeth Afeman, and navigating the combined emotional and financial implications of relationship changes with Dr. Michael Kothakota. They discuss why rates of anxiety and depression remain dangerously high after years of isolation and  why positive psychology approaches may hold more promise for improving mental health than simply medicating symptoms.Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

In the second part of the conversation with financial advisor Michael Kothakota, hosts Wes Brown and Sonya Lutter aim to offer listeners actionable advice for navigating the complexities of financial well-being and relationship dynamics.From making academic research more accessible and the importance of financial transparency in marriages, to handling client emotions, and the impact of financial delegation on relationships, Michael shares invaluable insights.Through candid discussion and thoughtful reflection, Michael shares practical strategies for fostering open communication, shared values, and financial empowerment within relationships.If you haven't listened to part one of their conversation, head back to the Analog Advisor feed and check it out.Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

Financial advisor and divorce planning specialist Michael Kothakota joins host Sonya Lutter and Wes Brown to offer invaluable insights into the intricate world of divorce planning and financial consulting.Michael shares his career trajectory, from serving in the National Guard to establishing his own firm. He also provides practical advice and expert guidance on divorce processes and the emotional complexities of navigating divorce cases from a financial perspective. Tune in to hear Michael's research-based strategies that will give you a new perspective on relationships, money, and finding solutions. Part two of this insightful conversation will drop later this month.Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

Money is often directly tied to mental well-being and status. Yet, despite growing up in a privileged family, Elizabeth Afeman grappled with depression and suicidal thoughts from a young age. Now, as an investment associate, Elizabeth shares her journey of overcoming mental health struggles and challenging societal assumptions. Hosts Wes Brown and Dr. Sonya Lutter speak with Elizabeth about the importance of seeing individuals holistically rather than making assumptions based on external factors like wealth or grades.Tune in to find our how their unconventional career paths in finance encourages us all to removing the "shoulds" from our vocabulary. Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

From the profound wisdom of finding internal happiness beyond material possessions to the transformative power of intentionally seeking positive experiences in life, our recent episodes have been deeply clarifying.Sonya Lutter and Wes Brown reflect on insightful conversations with guests Chris Budd and Dan Haylett. Delving into the intricate relationship between joy, happiness, and financial well-being. We explore the multifaceted nature of happiness at different life stages and the factors that influence our well-being.Through engaging discussions on effective listening, empathy-building, and embracing new beginnings, this recap offers practical guidance for cultivating joy and financial well-being in our lives: challenges conventional notions of wealth and fulfillment, invaluable insights into retirement as a new beginning, emphasizing the importance of building empathy, spending time outdoors, and embracing generosity for lasting mental health benefits.Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

How can you stitch together a fulfilling life in retirement when you lose the identity and social connections that came with your career? Wes Brown and Dr. Sonya Lutter sit down with financial advisor Dan Haylett to talk about exercises for a confident transition.Dan shares his philosophy of helping clients transition to retirement by prioritizing purpose, identity, and meaningful time spent.  Tune in to learn about the exercises he uses to help clients explore finding new purpose and living authentically according to their values in the next stage of life.Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

When financial planner and author Chris Budd redefined 'financial well-being,' it changed his entire outlook on coaching. Join hosts Wes Brown and Dr. Sonya Lutter as they learn the practical coaching techniques Chris uses to help his clients find purpose beyond wealth, challenging conventional assumptions about money and happiness. From contemplating life's purpose to embracing the transformative power of kindness, Chris shares invaluable wisdom that transcends traditional financial planning. He reminds us that happiness isn't merely a fleeting goal but a sustainable state of contentment and well-being.Drawing from Buddhist philosophy, he emphasizes joy as the essence of existence, attained through acts of kindness and advocates for intrinsic motivations over isolated goals, urging us to lead lives filled with meaning and purpose rather than constantly searching for them.Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.

Wealth isn't just about the money—it's about the richness of our relationships, the quality of our time, and the sense of contentment in our lives. In this episode, hosts Wes Brown and Sonya Lutter reflect on the first quarter of conversations on Analog Advisor. From exploring different "lands of wealth" to the impact of financial transparency on relationship satisfaction, they unpack how money changes the fabric of human connection.From dialogues with Dr. Jim Grubman and Scott Rick, Sonya and Wes have some serious insight to unpack. Learn how joint vs separate bank accounts impact relationship satisfaction and why financial transparency might be the secret ingredient to lasting happiness. Tune in to challenge conventional notions of wealth and well-being and consider the role money plays in our relationships.Send us a text- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Learn more about Analog AdvisorAnalog Advisor is produced by Mickenzie Vought and edited by Podcircle Subscribe Apple | SpotifyFollow Us on LinkedIn Wes Brown | Sonya Lutter | CogentBlue Have thoughts or ideas for future topics or episodes? Email us at podcast@analogadvisor.com.