Month: December 2024

A College Planning Roadmap with Keith Wilkerson (Ep. 11)

A College Planning Roadmap with Keith Wilkerson (Ep. 11)

Thinking about college but don’t know where to start? What if there was a roadmap that made college prep simple and stress-free?

In this episode, Brendon Murphy sits down with Keith Wilkerson, founder of College Thoughts, a boutique college consultancy that’s reshaping the journey to higher education. Keith shares his inspiring journey as a first-generation college student and how it shaped the comprehensive services offered by College Thoughts today. From essay editing to SAT prep, Keith’s team provides a holistic approach to navigating the college application process without the overwhelming package deals.

Keith discusses: 

  • (02:22) The shift from traditional packaged services to an hourly consulting model that benefits clients
  • (04:05) The benefit of starting college prep early and how they tailor their services to different ages
  • (10:53) The importance of being authentic in college applications and selecting schools that resonate with students
  • (12:51)  Insights on financial planning for college, including the FAFSA and alternative forms like the CSS profile
  • (16:56) Finding the right college fit over prestige
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Connect with Keith Wilkerson: 

About our Guest: 

Keith is a specialist in developing and implementing a program that teaches students the value of making the transition from being a good student to chasing greatness. Whether teaching innovative strategies to master standardized testing, helping students transition to a more challenging educational setting, or speaking about unlocking the mysteries of the college application process, Keith always wants students to strive for excellence instead of mere survival. His no-nonsense approach and proven strategies have helped many programs have successful events with ongoing follow-up.

Pat Lyman on Building a Trusted Financial Legacy (Ep. 10)

Pat Lyman on Building a Trusted Financial Legacy (Ep. 10)

How do financial experts kickstart their journey and the impact they leave behind?

In this episode, Brendon Murphy sits down with Patrick Lyman, President Emeritus of Compass Financial Solutions, to explore the evolution of financial planning over the past five decades. Pat shares insights from his 50-year career in the financial services industry, from starting with Prudential in 1972 to establishing Compass Financial in 2008, and his commitment to community empowerment. Their conversation dives into the importance of independence in financial advising, the transformation of life insurance products, and strategies for building guaranteed income in retirement.  Tune in to hear personal anecdotes about his beginnings in the insurance world and how he built Compass Financial Solutions.

Brendon and Patrick discuss: 

  • (01:33) How Pat got into the financial services industry
  • (05:03) The need for independence in offering tailored client products
  • (09:40) The evolution of Compass Financial Solutions and the importance of a personalized approach
  • (19:39) Essential advice for young professionals starting their financial planning
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Brendon Murphy: 

Connect with Pat Lyman: 

About our Guest: 

Patrick, president emeritus of Compass Financial Solutions, has over 50 years of experience in the financial industry, providing a strong foundation for his team’s guidance and service. His dedication is reflected in his certifications and memberships, including the American Society of Financial Services Professionals and the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants. In 2005, Patrick joined the Million Dollar Round Table and, in 2016, achieved Qualifying and Life member status, recognizing his commitment to ethics and excellence.

Patrick is also devoted to his community, leading YMCA workshops and supporting organizations like the Rotary Club of Upper Darby/Lansdowne and the Delaware County Police and Firefighters Organization. A member of the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels, he actively contributes to philanthropic causes.