How to Tell if Financial Planning Research Works

In this episode of the Shares podcast, Chet Bennetts, PhD, CFP®, ChFC®, CLF®, CLU®, RICP®, and cofounders of WolfBridge Wealth Michael Kothakota and Jessica Wery, PhD, discuss the implementation of research outcomes in financial services practices. They look at how firms can determine the value of research, the best methods of bringing this discussion to clients, and more.

To learn more about single-case research and its benefits, view the full research paper by Kothakota and Wery.

Chet Bennetts, PhD, CFP®, ChFC®, CLF®, CLU®, RICP®, serves as the Larry R. Pike Chair for Insurance and Investments, the Roger Hull/James S. Bingay Chair of Leadership, and Assistant Professor of Financial Planning. With over 20 years in the financial services industry, Bennetts has served in roles from customer service, to being a financial planner, to leading 80 advisors in over five states.

Bennetts earned his M.S. in Family Financial Planning from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and also obtained his CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, and CLF® designations. An adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, he is a course associate at Columbia University in their Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management program. He is married with three children, all of whom are in college.

Michael Kothakota is a financial planning practitioner and researcher. He is co-founder of WolfBridge Wealth and holds a PhD in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University. His research focuses on financial planning practice, divorce, and methods. His work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals including the Financial Planning Review, Journal of Financial Therapy, the Journal of Financial Planning and Counseling, and the Journal of Financial Planning. He currently is the academic editor of the Journal of Financial Planning, is a lecturer at Columbia University and is faculty at the Ultra High Net Worth Institute.

Jessica Wery is a researcher, educator, and financial planning practitioner whose work focuses on advancing evidence-based practice through rigorous applied research. She is co-founder of WolfBridge Wealth and holds a PhD in Curriculum from North Carolina State University. Her research expertise centers on single-case research methodology, intervention evaluation, measurement, and practice-based evidence. Her work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals including the Financial Planning Review, Journal of Financial Therapy, Behavioral Disorders, and Annals of Dyslexia. Prior to focusing on financial planning, she conducted research and evaluation studies in education, behavioral intervention, and applied research methodology.

Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are the hosts’ and guests' own and do not necessarily represent those of The American College of Financial Services.

More Research From The College

• Learn what truly makes an expert
• How research can help you onboard the next generation
• Use research insights to capture your ideal clients