Financial Planning – Behind the Curtain Finance

Rethinking Taxes: How Year-Round Planning and AI Are Changing the Game (Ep. 8)

By BehindTheCurtainFinance | August 5, 2025

What if taxes didn’t have to be so stressful?

This week, Thomas Manetta shares how real-time tax planning and new tech tools are transforming the advisor-client relationship. He also opens up about his own education journey and how AI is rewriting the rules, both in school and in finance.

From Holistiplan to ChatGPT, this episode uncovers how integrated planning is the future of financial services.

Thomas discusses:

How Holistiplan software enables year-round conversations that reduce tax-time stress
Why he requires three years of tax returns from every new client
How AI and automation could reshape both IRS operations and client planning workflows
The dramatic shift in education around AI tools, including his graduate school experience
The vision of a fully integrated planning platform at the custodial level
And more!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Behind the Curtain: How Authentic Financial Advice Changes Lives (Ep. 4)

By BehindTheCurtainFinance | June 24, 2025

What happens when life unexpectedly hands you the responsibility of managing finances for the first time?

Delve into an emotional story of trust, transformation, and resilience as Thomas Manetta shares a heartfelt account of his long-standing client relationship. After the passing of her husband, Thomas steps in to help a client who faced the daunting task of managing her estate and finances – something she had never done before.

Thomas Manetta discusses:

The deep-seated impact of personal connections in financial advising. [00:00:57]
How aligning interests and providing conflict-free advice can transform client relationships. [00:05:34]
Building trust with family members who are skeptical of financial advisors. [00:06:20]
The significance of empathy and authentic support during difficult life transitions. [00:13:02]
Reflections on the emotional strength required to serve clients deeply. [00:14:54]

Resources:

The Emotional Impact of Financial Decisions: A True Story (Ep. 3)

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The Emotional Impact of Financial Decisions: A True Story (Ep. 3)

By BehindTheCurtainFinance | June 17, 2025

What truly makes a financial advisor irreplaceable during life’s toughest times?

In this heart-touching episode of “Behind the Curtain Finance,” host Thomas Manetta shares the emotional journey of helping two sisters facing significant life challenges. Join Thomas as he navigates through complexities, offers empathy, and reshapes what it means to be a financial advisor today. Discover how Thomas turned a difficult situation into a bond of trust and transparency, underscoring the powerful impact of a truly client-first approach.

This is a must-listen for anyone who values genuine, conflict-free financial advice!

Thomas discusses:

How two sisters found financial clarity during a crisis [00:00:52]
The challenges and triumphs in offering true fiduciary care [00:03:30]
Navigating the complexities of handling a loved one’s financial affairs [00:07:24]
The strategic advantages of modern platforms like Altruist [00:13:19]
The profound personal growth that stems from delivering client-focused service [00:14:45]

This episode is a deep dive into the heart of financial advising, where human connection meets professional integrity.

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Background: Personal and Professional (Ep. 1)

By BehindTheCurtainFinance | June 10, 2025

How do you know that you’re truly working for your clients and not just for a paycheck?

Join Thomas Manetta of Manetta Wealth Management as he takes you behind the scenes of financial advising without the smoke and mirrors. He shares his personal journey from trading floors to founding an independent advisory firm dedicated to conflict-free and client-first financial advice.

Thomas discusses:

The challenges and realizations that prompted his shift from traditional financial firms to independence [00:01:16]
The impact of real-world education and formal learning in shaping his advisory philosophy [00:03:09]
Key lessons and experiences from his time at various firms, including the 2008 Lehman Brothers crisis [00:08:29]
The role of custodians like Altruist in supporting independent advisors and clients [00:12:12]
His mission to help other advisors embrace independence for a more fulfilling career [00:19:48]
And more

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Reflections on Ownership: Healing from the Past (Ep. 2)

By BehindTheCurtainFinance | June 10, 2025

What happens when a financial advisor decides to break free from corporate constraints and prioritize client interests above all?

Thomas Manetta from Manetta Wealth Management takes you on his journey from the traditional financial world to independent advising, highlighting the cracks in the system that many clients may not even be aware of. Discover why he believes the independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) space, especially platforms like Altruist, can truly revolutionize client-advisor relationships by eliminating these conflicts.

Thomas discusses:

His encounter with a notorious non-compete [00:02:33]
The transformation when becoming a firm owner [00:13:29]
Real-life stories of supporting clients through personal hardships [00:17:48]
Why going independent means more meaningful connections [00:18:00]
And more

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