In “How the Chaos/Order Cycle Relates to Financial Planning,” MQ Partner Joseph Kuo, CFP writes about the parallels that can be found in “creation myths” and financial planning. But as with the chaos cycle in mythology, financial planning follows a similar cycle. As time passes, we progress, and our lives change, the plan no longer […]
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Podcast: The Elements of a Financial Intimate Coupleship
In a recent edition of The Financial Therapy Podcast, MQ Partner Rick Kahler discusses his new book with his co-author, Debra Kaplan. Rick talks with his guest, Debra Kaplan, about their collaboration that resulted in them writing Coupleship Inc: From Financial Conflict to Financial Intimacy. They dive into some of the elements of a financially […]

Amy Mullen, CFP® Explains How to Influence Client Relationships With One Simple Inquiry
Virtual meetings can help to increase convenience and availability; however, the format of such meetings can have a drastic effect on a client’s trust and commitment to their financial advisor. MQ President Amy Mullen, CFP® shares additional information regarding recent MQ Research & Education research, explaining how advisors can influence the success of their client […]

Psychological Factors that Affect African American’s Financial Well-Being
Unfortunately, the financial security and well-being to navigate the unexpected and fulfill long-term goals is not an equally-shared experience for all families. An article published by the Journey of Financial Therapy explains the psychological factors that can result in African Americans’ positive relationships with their financial well-being.

Questions Advisors Can Use to Unlock Clients’ Money Memories
Each of us has a unique set of experiences and memories about the impact of money in our lives. These shape our behaviors, beliefs, and actions – sometimes without us even realizing it. In this article, Meghaan Lurtz, Ph.D., FBS writes that “talking about and contemplating the impact of money memories can help people to […]

Research Shows Disconnect Regarding Virtual Meeting Preferences
The latest research by MQ Research & Education indicates that a significantly higher percentage of client meetings are being scheduled virtually and on-line, as opposed to in-person. However, the research also indicates that the overwhelming majority of clients actually prefer at least occasionally in-person visits, counter to advisors’ assumptions. In addition, the research showed advisors […]

‘I’m Always Worrying’: The Emotional Toll of Financial Stress
In an article originally published by the New York Times, MQ colleagues Sara Asabedo, Rick Kahler, and Megan McCoy share insight into strategies for coping with concerns about inflation, uncertainty, and other money worries. They also discuss how to converse about these issues with family members. “ … [if] you know that you should be […]

Herman Brodie – The Power of Trust
In this hour-long podcast, Dr. Daniel Crosby speaks with author Herman Brodie (The Trust Mandate, 2018) regarding topics such as how advisors can strengthen their clients’ trust, and the low ratings that financial planners have experienced on the Edelmen Trust Barometer. “The issue is … the awareness of the kind of person I have in […]

Tactics for Asking Good Follow-Up Questions
Insight from initial interviews and conversations rarely provides truly useful information, as responses tend to be accepted without question while topics change quickly. However, there are valuable ways to dig deeper and learn more through proper follow-up questions. “Ask a follow-up that will help you really uncover what you are seeking to learn. Be curious, and […]

The Human Side of Money Ep. 55: Infusing Life Into The Financial Planning Process with Tim Maurer
In this episode of The Human Side of Money podcast, Tim Maurer discusses various methods and the obstacles advisors can run into when generating meaningful conversations with clients. He also notes his relationship with MQ’s Amy Mullen and Carol Anderson. “There’s something in our wiring as financial advisors that tends to prefer deferred gratification over […]