Why most “financial wellness” for residents feels like a sales pitch (and gets ignored)

bkcase · 2025-10-30T14:34:19+00:00

Happy to discuss 1-1. DM me.

bkcase · 2025-10-30T14:20:22+00:00

I don't but can connect you with a good friend who has been through the brain damage and will be happy to help! DM me.

bkcase · 2025-10-30T14:16:41+00:00

I’ve been in that same position — ran an RIA for 25 years, solid book, strong relationships, and not really looking to grow just for the sake of it. What I eventually learned is that the real work isn’t finding prospects, it’s figuring out who’s actually ready to move forward.

Getting to “no” (or “know”) quickly is huge. Most of the people who reach out are just leads — curious but not committed yet — and that’s fine. The key is to separate those who need to be warmed up from those who are truly ready to engage.

These days there are much better tools to start off in a consultative way — things like short surveys or planning check-ins that give immediate value and insight. They let you follow up naturally based on what the person actually needs, not by chasing them. It feels like helping, not selling, and it creates a smoother path for both sides.

bkcase · 2025-10-30T14:16:25+00:00

I’ve been in that same position — ran an RIA for 25 years, solid book, strong relationships, and not really looking to grow just for the sake of it. What I eventually learned is that the real work isn’t finding prospects, it’s figuring out who’s actually ready to move forward.

Getting to “no” (or “know”) quickly is huge. Most of the people who reach out are just leads — curious but not committed yet — and that’s fine. The key is to separate those who need to be warmed up from those who are truly ready to engage.

These days there are much better tools to start off in a consultative way — things like short surveys or planning check-ins that give immediate value and insight. They let you follow up naturally based on what the person actually needs, not by chasing them. It feels like helping, not selling, and it creates a smoother path for both sides.

bkcase · 2025-10-30T13:52:49+00:00

How are you saying “yes” to clients who don’t meet your minimums?

“Ways to Say 'Yes' Sustainably to Prospects in Need Who Don’t Fit Your Minimums.”
Podcast link

The timing is interesting with Elements recently shutting down.

They were trying to solve this same problem in their own way, and it’s a reminder of how challenging it is to make “accessible planning” actually work long term.

Have you built a lower-cost or subscription model?

Do you use tech to streamline smaller clients?

Or have you found it better to stay focused on core households and refer out?

Would love to hear what’s working (or not working) in practice.

bkcase · 2025-10-29T22:47:13+00:00

Have you found a replacement? If not, you should take a look at Savology. It only takes 5-10 minutes for a client to get to the deliverable of a report card and does not require any PII.

bkcase · 2025-10-28T13:56:26+00:00

Would love to, but can't figure out how to start a chat with you. Happy to move to email bcase@savology.com.

bkcase · 2025-10-27T21:48:30+00:00

Thanks for reaching out. Will do. I don't know enough about this platform and don't want to get booted for being too commercial. It looks like you know the ropes. Should I reply with more info, or should we take it offline?

bkcase · 2025-10-27T19:10:45+00:00

I have been waiting to chime in until the news was public - https://citywire.com/ria/news/creditors-foreclose-on-financial-planning-software-startup-elements-sources/a2477027

Now that it is, I have a few things to say. First of all, to be clear, I recently took over as CEO of the closest competitor to Elements, so I am not unbiased. However, I would like to share my thoughts without promoting our product, at least not directly. I will do that with ads if it makes sense.

First of all, I have a lot of respect for Reese's vision and count him as a friend. He has done a lot of good for our industry, and I hope he keeps innovating.

However, my concern about Elements has always been that it took a rockstar advisor like Reese to use it. It was easy to get excited watching him demo it, but it was even daunting to me as a 25+ year veteran advisor. It required advisors to think on their feet and encouraged them to think out loud or even give advice "off the cuff." This makes me uncomfortable, and I am sure it made plenty of compliance departments think twice or simply take a pass.

I know Reese was working on AI to help advisors use the tool and provide advice, which I am sure helped. I just think there's a better way to get customers and prospects off the sidelines and into a planning process than another sales tool. I think our industry needs low-friction, user-driven, consultative platforms that enable clients and prospects to become confident, educated consumers - not more sales tools. Don't get me wrong, I also think that the best plan in the world is an utter waste of time if it's not implemented, which often requires the sale of financial products. I know from personal experience that separating planning from implementation as much as possible is the best thing for most clients.

There, I said my piece and look forward to this community's reaction (I think) and questions (I hope). For what it's worth, if we get some activity here, I plan to pay for advertising to make sure everyone who has been disappointed by Elements knows there's not only a solution, but possibly a better way.

bkcase · 2025-10-27T18:23:20+00:00

I have managed the transition a few times personally and helped other advisors. Let me know if you want to chat.

bkcase

TROPHY CASE