July 2025 – Behind the Curtain Finance

Building Trust First: The Real Foundation of Financial Planning (Ep. 7)

By BehindTheCurtainFinance | July 22, 2025

Trust and alignment form the bedrock of effective financial planning, but how do you build these foundations with clients?

In this episode, Thomas Manetta shares his journey from traditional financial advisory roles to founding Manetta Wealth Management, where he prioritizes conflict-free and transparent client relationships. He explores the essential components of financial planning, emphasizing simplicity, transparency, and long-term client alignment.

Thomas discusses:

[00:04:00] The shift from product-pushing in institutional settings to alignment-focused, comprehensive advice as an independent advisor
[00:07:52] How trust, established through transparent investment planning, sets the tone for all other aspects of client relationships
[00:09:07] How many clients don’t realize the fees they’re paying and benefit from being empowered with knowledge and transparency
[00:13:05] How emotional reactions to markets can derail long-term growth and the advisor’s role is to maintain perspective
[00:15:23] The future of advisory work is shifting from just investment strategy to planning around taxes, estates, and cash flow management
And more!

Connect with Thomas Manetta:

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Authenticity Over Automation (Ep. 6)

By BehindTheCurtainFinance | July 8, 2025

AI may reshape financial services—but it will never replace empathy.

This week, Thomas J. Manetta shares how owning his firm redefined his identity, strengthened client bonds, and sparked a deeper purpose. With automation rising, it’s the human touch that sets advisors apart. This episode explores why genuine relationships are the future of advisory services.

Thomas discusses:

[00:07:53] How AI will streamline investment, tax, and estate planning, but cannot replace the emotional intelligence and advocacy of a human advisor
[00:02:42] The power of alignment—between advisor, client, and custodian—is a foundation for authentic and trust-based relationships
[00:02:00] How launching his firm led to personal transformation and stronger client connections, marked by vulnerability and mutual respect
[00:06:26] How advisors should prioritize intention and empathy in planning processes, integrating emotional care with financial advice
[00:13:38] The emerging shift in the profession toward human-centric, authenticity-led practices, and how tech like ChatGPT can help clients find aligned advisors
And more!

Connect with Thomas Manetta:

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From Tragedy to Triumph: A Personal Tale of Financial Empowerment (Ep. 5)

By BehindTheCurtainFinance | July 1, 2025

What does it mean to truly put clients first in the world of finance?

Thomas J. Manetta at Manetta Wealth Management shares a compelling story of steadfast commitment and authenticity in serving clients. This episode dives into how Thomas helped a client navigate financial betrayal and personal adversity, reinforcing the value of building genuine, long-term relationships in financial advising.

Thomas delves into:

[00:00:53] The challenges and rewards of rescuing a client from a toxic financial relationship
[00:09:55] Navigating personal tragedy alongside clients and the role of empathy in finance
[00:12:59] How the landscape of financial services is evolving with technology and independent advisor models
[00:16:48] Encouraging a new generation of advisors to break free from traditional models and focus on client alignment
[00:18:03] Insights into the creation of a podcast as a means to share and educate about authentic financial advising.

Connect with Thomas Manetta:

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