Tariffs, AI, Succession Planning & the Future of Financial Advice - Justin Nichols Returns

In this episode of The Personal Finance Project, Scott and Greg are joined once again by Justin Nichols, a nearly 30-year veteran of the financial industry, for one of the most wide-ranging and insightful conversations we've had this season. We kick things off with a State of the Economy - tariffs, inflation, interest rates, energy, national debt, and what's actually driving market resilience. From there, we explore how AI is reshaping productivity, why it may be helping companies more than consumers, and what long-term risks emerge when professionals begin relying on technology at the cost of real skill development.

Then we shift to one of the most important (and often overlooked) considerations for investors: Succession planning for your financial advisor

Justin breaks down why continuity, mentorship, team structure, and incentives matter more than most people realize - and how young advisors trained under experienced leadership ultimately protect clients from unexpected advisor turnover.

What we cover:
Why the economy has held up despite tariffs and political shifts
The ripple effects of AI on productivity and corporate cost savings
The dangers of over-relying on algorithms in skilled professions
Human emotion vs AI in real-world investing
What clients should ask about advisor succession
Why team-based planning offers continuity and stability
Ownership, incentives, and how firm culture impacts the client experience
The value of mentorship, apprenticeship, and skin in the game

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