Michael McAlpin

Michael McAlpin: Redefining Financial Advisory with Advanced Planning and Technology 

The financial advisory industry has progressed significantly over the past two decades, particularly in response to dramatic shifts in market dynamics and client expectations. Originally characterized by traditional practices and a rigid fee structure, the field has been increasingly challenged to adapt and innovate. The importance has moved from mere asset management to offering holistic solutions that address a broad spectrum of financial needs. This transformation is driven by a growing recognition that financial advising must be both adaptive and client-centered, leveraging technology to enhance service and deliver more personalized experiences. 

Michael McAlpin, a CEO & CCO and Wealth Advisor, has made significant strides in reshaping how financial advisory services are delivered. Starting his career in 2001, amidst the turmoil of the tech bubble burst, he gained invaluable insights into risk and resilience. Michael's philosophy prioritizes client support over industry norms, demonstrating a dedication to both innovation and personalized service. 

In 2021, Michael founded Intellicapital Advisors LLC, a firm that represents a fresh perspective in financial advisory. The company is committed to delivering exceptional value through a client-centric approach, addressing the shortcomings of traditional models. By offering advanced planning and tax expertise while embracing cutting-edge technology, Intellicapital Advisors LLC aims to provide clients with a transformative and empowering experience, ensuring that their needs and values are at the forefront of every decision. 

Navigating the Financial World 

Michael plunged into the financial world in 2001, starting at a time when the tech bubble was about to burst. This experience was akin to learning to swim in a tsunami, but it imparted invaluable lessons about risk and resilience. Manning, the 1-800-FIDELITY hotline at Fidelity Investments, provided a rigorous introduction to the field. Starting in a bear market demonstrated the true nature of risk, revealing that even "safe" assets can be unpredictable. Fidelity's top-notch boot camp training laid the foundation needed to develop into the Wealth Advisor he is today. 

Over the next 20 years, he climbed the Fidelity ladder, progressing from fielding calls to crafting annuity strategies and becoming a financial consultant in sunny Florida. With experience handling over 500 client cases, he encountered a wide range of scenarios, from brilliant financial moves to less successful ones. Eventually, he became a wealth planner in Fidelity's new wealth management division, with the goal of becoming a registered investment advisor and eventually starting his own firm. 

In 2021, he founded Intellicapital Advisors LLC, driven by a desire to prioritize client support over maximizing profits. His philosophy challenged the industry standard 1% fee, noting that 30% goes to the actual investment managers, while 70% benefits the firm and advisor. By offering advanced planning, tax expertise, and even covering tax preparation for clients, he aimed to deliver exceptional value and genuine care. 

Seeking Innovation and Excellence in Financial Advisory 

When selecting technology and building the company, there was always a quest for that spark—something innovative that evoked a sense of excitement. The focus was on addressing the issues observed at the previous firm. The term BAFA, which stands for Bad Ass Financial Advisor, reflects this ethos, and clients would likely agree with this assessment. The aim was to be a champion for clients, utilizing top-notch tools and bringing fresh ideas to the table. Otherwise, paying a fee wouldn't be justified, and clients might as well opt for a service like Vanguard. 

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Four Pillars of Comprehensive Client Onboarding 

The process of onboarding a client is structured around four pillars: 

1. The Plan of Record: Utilizing E-Money Advisor, scenarios are modeled to illustrate the impact of decisions before clients make them. 

2. Investment Planning: Nitrogen is used to quantify risk and build custom portfolios, which are subsequently back-tested in E-Money. 

3. Tax Optimization: Assets are strategically transitioned, and Roth conversions are explored. CPA partners at Retirement Tax Services ensure everything is thorough and accurate. 

4. Legacy Planning: Legacy planning is deeply personal for him. His father passed away at a young age, leaving his mother in a difficult situation. The father had even allowed his life insurance to lapse due to his illness, creating a challenging scenario that he never wanted anyone else to endure. 

Empowering Widows with Financial Security 

Due to the early passing of his father when he was 17, he has a particular concern for widows, ensuring they are well cared for and have a solid financial foundation. His most rewarding experiences come from working with widows. Ensuring they achieve financial security and peace of mind after losing their spouse is incredibly fulfilling for him. It goes beyond merely handling money; it’s about ensuring they are well taken care of. One might say he now looks after many 'moms.' 

Tailored Investment Solutions with Values in Mind 

It's all about personalization. The firm has core strategies, but if a client wants an ESG focus, they can accommodate that as well. It's akin to a supermarket of investments—providing access to numerous managers and strategies so clients don't have to compromise on their values. 

Elevating Client Experience with Cutting-Edge Tech 

He is a tech enthusiast at heart. Back in 2005, his MBA project was a smart home company—an idea well ahead of its time. Today, his own home resembles a sci-fi movie set. When it comes to clients, technology is about enhancing their experience. He wants clients to feel as though they've upgraded, not downgraded. To achieve this, he spent the first year and a half developing a seamless, integrated platform that he hopes will make clients think, "That's pretty Bad Ass!" 

Balancing Efficiency and Client-Centric Service 

The industry is heavily focused on efficiency, often pushing advisors to minimize the time spent with clients. This emphasis on speed has led to a noticeable disconnect. The belief is that technology, if applied thoughtfully, has the potential to enhance client relationships rather than diminish them. Many opportunities are missed due to rushed meetings and insufficient follow-up, such as with Roth conversions that demand thorough planning and tax knowledge. While this approach might reduce assets under management in the short term, it is considered the best course of action for the client’s long-term benefit. 

In the independent advisory sector, where the fiduciary standard prevails, the priority is always the client’s interests. There is a strong optimism about leveraging technology in innovative ways to improve service and forge enduring client relationships. 

Personalized Financial Advising with a Focus on Long-Term Partnerships 

If clients work with them, they will experience a different kind of financial advising. The team is passionate and genuinely cares about clients' needs. The leader is known as the 'problem finder,' dedicated to uncovering opportunities that clients might not even know exist. It is the little things that add up to make a significant difference. 

They are not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, they focus on building a long-term partnership where clients feel empowered and informed. 

An Unconventional Approach to Financial Planning 

Buckle up and prepare for a financial adventure! They are not your typical suit-and-tie advisors; they are more like tech-savvy sherpas, guiding clients through the complex terrain of financial planning with a touch of humor and a wealth of expertise. Clients should come prepared to be challenged, have their assumptions questioned, and discover hidden opportunities they never knew existed. The focus is on digging deep into clients' goals, dreams, and fears to create a plan uniquely tailored to them. 

Clients should be ready to have some fun along the way. The approach emphasizes that financial planning should be empowering, not intimidating. The goal is to ditch the jargon, embrace technology, and build a lasting relationship that helps clients achieve financial peace of mind. 

"Navigating the financial world is akin to learning to swim in a tsunami, imparting invaluable lessons about risk and resilience."
"Legacy planning is deeply personal, driven by the desire to ensure that no one else endures the challenges faced due to lack of proper financial planning."