Retirement decisions often hinge on knowledge consumers do not realize they lack. In this session, Jamie Hopkins, co-creator of the Retirement Income Literacy Study, interviews Eric Ludwig about findings from multiple waves of consumer research and a companion study of financial advisors. They explore persistent retirement-income knowledge gaps, the disconnect between confidence and actual understanding, the impact of working with an advisor on retirement outcomes, and links between professional designations and advisor literacy. The conversation concludes with practical strategies for improving client education, identifying misunderstandings, and communicating expertise clearly without overwhelming clients while helping advisors build trust through informed conversations.

Eric Ludwig, Ph.D., CFP®, RICP®, Director, Center for Retirement Income

Jamie Hopkins, Esq., MBA, CFP®, LLM, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, CEO of Bryn Mawr Captial Management and Chief Wealth Officer of Byrn Mawr Trust and WSFS

Stephen J. Resch, CLTC, Vice President Retirement Strategies Division

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a communication style that helps strengthen clients' motivation for and commitment to change. Their motivation is already there, and MI is a way of helping them uncover it. MI helps explore your clients' own reasons for change in a collaborative way that puts the clients' interests first. In this presentation, you'll learn what MI is and how to use it in your financial planning practice. MI is composed of four stages, engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning, which integrate nicely into your work with clients. You'll learn more about the skills used in motivational interviewing that will make you a better listener, both in your practice and in your life. These skills are asking open-ended questions/prompts, affirmations, reflections, and summaries. Your clients are already motivated. MI helps your clients identify and strengthen that motivation.

Derek Hagen, CFP®, CFA, FBS®, CFT™, CIPM, Lead Financial Advisor at Root Financial and the founder of Meaningful Money

Unlock the hidden potential of centers of influence to build powerful referral relationships that consistently introduce more of your ideal-fit clients. Many advisors understand the value of COIs, but far fewer have a repeatable strategy for identifying, engaging, and activating them. The most successful advisors don't simply network—they build intentional partnerships that create mutual value and drive long-term growth.

Chris Smith, Founder and CEO

Brought to you by the Women & Finance Knowledge Circle, join Gretchen Halpin, Co-Founder of Beyond AUM, for an interactive discussion on what it really takes to grow an advisory firm in today's evolving landscape. As traditional marketing gives way to AI-driven search, changing client expectations, and increasing competition, sustainable growth requires more than generating new leads—it demands alignment across your marketing, operations, client experience, and team.

Together, we'll explore the many paths to growth, from organic marketing and referrals to new markets, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. More importantly, we'll discuss how to build the internal systems, culture, and client experience that allow your firm to grow without compromising the relationships that made it successful in the first place. Be prepared to participate, share ideas, and learn from your peers.

What You'll Learn:

• How advisory firms are creating new business through organic, inorganic, and relationship-driven growth strategies
• The evolving role of content, SEO, and AI in helping the right prospects find—and trust—your firm
• Practical ways to expand into new markets while maintaining a consistent client experience
• How to balance growth with operational capacity so scaling strengthens, rather than strains, your business
• Strategies for creating a culture where your team understands, embraces, and contributes to your firm's growth

Whether your firm is looking to accelerate growth, enter new markets, or simply build a more scalable foundation for the future, this session will provide practical ideas and engaging discussion to help you grow with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.

Gretchen Halpin, Co-Founder

Brought to you by the FPA Latino Knowledge Circle, join us for the Next Generation of Planners: Celebrating Latino Success. Featuring Jose Pena and Cindy Randolph. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re recognizing the achievements and contributions of our Latino community by highlighting a few member journeys, including the milestone of passing the CFP exam. Hear Jose and Cindy share their experiences, study strategies, and tips for success, while connecting with fellow FPA Latino Knowledge Circle members and celebrating the next generation of planners.

Larry Pon wants to continue the tax conversation with you! Have questions? Larry has answers! Join us for a LIVE Q&A session where Larry answers your tax-related questions and provides up-to-date insight on laws and regulations. 

In October, Larry will be joined by Rodney Powell and they will be discussing medicare.

If you have questions ahead of time, you can send them to [email protected]. 

Lawrence Pon, CFP®, CPA, PFS, EA, USTCP, AEP, Pon & Associates