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Episode 114

On this week's episode of Next Mile, I sit down with Torie Happe, Head of Partnerships at Holistiplan. Torie began her career at LPL Financial, where she managed new accounts, led RIA conversions, and developed new operational procedures. In 2016, Torie transitioned into fintech at Riskalyze. She later held leadership roles at FIX Flyer and Onramp Invest before joining Holistiplan in 2022 as Head of Partnerships.

We discuss how Holistiplan enables advisors to turn complex tax returns into clear, actionable plans. Torie also discusses the difference between tax planning and tax advice, how firms can bridge that gap, and where Holistiplan seamlessly integrates into an advisor's tech stack. Torie also talks about Holistiplan's academic program, which provides hundreds of students with free access to the firm's award-winning software and a certification course to enrich their curriculum and credentials.

Key Takeaways

Simplicity wins. Magic happens when you make complex financial concepts simple enough for clients to actually understand and engage with.

Use technology as a bridge, not a barrier. Fintech tools like Holistiplan are there to enhance advisor-client relationships, not replace them.

Plan first, execute second. Tax planning lays out the "what-ifs." Tax advice executes the "what now." Small firms can thrive by focusing on that planning layer before involving a CPA.

AI is powerful, but people are irreplaceable. While AI can streamline workflows, clients will still want authentic, face-to-face interaction with their advisors.

Quotes

"We took something really complicated (tax) and made it really simplistic for an advisor to understand." ~ Torie Happe

"Tax planning is really just planning for your life. What are you doing with every dollar you've spent or will spend this year? The tax advice piece is that execution piece, and that's where you're going to your tax professional to execute on the plan that your advisor has built." ~ Torie Happe

"Clients actually want to talk to a human. You're dealing with their everyday money and their lifestyle. They don't want to just be automated into whatever email campaigns or text messages you're going to send out." ~ Torie Happe

Links

Torie Happe on LinkedIn |Holistiplan |Nitrogen |The Outsiders

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—Kyle Van Pelt