Episode 4: Alex Sierra of Cetera Advisors

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Alex Sierra, CFP®

Episode Summary: In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson speaks with Alex Sierra, a Certified Financial Planner specializing in building generational wealth for educators, public employees, and nonprofits. Alex shares his journey into financial planning, how he developed his niche, and the importance of planning over investing in today’s market. They discuss the impact of community, the benefits of subscription-based financial planning, and strategies for advisors looking to grow and sustain their practice.

What You'll Learn:

• Alex’s journey into financial planning and his focus on creating generational wealth
• How Alex and his team specialize in different niches, including educators, nonprofits, and female business owners of color
• The benefits of subscription-based financial planning and how it works
• Why financial planning should focus on goal-based strategies over investment returns
• How community plays a role in Alex’s practice and his efforts to give back
• Liability management strategies and when to bring in professionals to assist with debt management and home equity

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to the episode and guest, Alex Sierra
• [01:00] What Alex is grateful for: His team and upcoming family addition
• [03:00] How having a team has expanded Alex’s capacity and allowed for specialization
• [04:30] Alex’s journey into financial planning and early influences from his family and community
• [07:00] The importance of community and how it integrates into Alex’s practice
• [09:00] Planning over investing: Why goal-based financial planning is more important than ever
• [10:30] Subscription-based financial planning: How Alex structures his services for different income levels
• [13:00] Client engagement process: Tri-annual reviews, monthly newsletters, workshops, and YouTube videos
• [15:00] Tips for advisors starting with social media and YouTube
• [17:00] Liability management: The role of debt in financial planning and when to bring in a liability advisor
• [20:00] Final thoughts: Be genuine, find your niche, and build authentic client relationships

Resources Mentioned:

• HolistaPlan: Tax Planning Software
• eMoney: Financial Planning Software

Connect with Us:
Reach out to Alex with your questions or feedback. Contact Alex Here

Follow us on social media for updates and more insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you are interested in being our next guest, reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to get scheduled.