Tag: The Planning Center
Finding Your New Normal: Planning Through Life’s Biggest Transitions with Michelle Malton (Ep. 7)

Finding Your New Normal: Planning Through Life’s Biggest Transitions with Michelle Malton (Ep. 7)

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Some seasons of life arrive suddenly, others build slowly. Either way, change can feel chaotic.

In this conversation, The Planning Center partner Michelle Maton CFP®, EA, CeFT joins Jude Boudreaux and Caleb Arringdale to share how she helps clients move from uncertainty to a grounded “new normal.” You’ll hear why big decisions can wait, how a decision-free zone brings breathing room, and what it really takes to navigate transitions like divorce, widowhood, sudden wealth, and retirement. Expect practical language you can use, gentle structure for hard days, and honest stories from the work of walking with clients through change.

What to expect:

  • The four stages of transition and why “passage” takes time
  • Creating a decision-free zone that protects you from regret
  • Retirement identity, cash-flow rhythms, and mini-experiments
  • The role of values in rebuilding what comes next
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jude Boudreaux CFP®: 

Connect with Caleb Arringdale:

Connect with Michelle Maton:

About our Guest: 

Michelle Maton, CFP®, EA, CeFT®, is a Senior Financial Planner at The Planning Center. Her most important responsibility as a partner is to help our clients achieve their financial goals. On any given day, you will find Michelle focusing on financial planning, tax strategies and reviews, and transition planning, which helps clients for the inevitable ups and downs in life, for better or worse. In addition, Michelle works with the rest of our team to create more efficient client service systems and processes.

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From History to Legacy: How The Planning Center Builds for the Future with Eric Kies (Ep. 6)

From History to Legacy: How The Planning Center Builds for the Future with Eric Kies (Ep. 6)

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When a firm chooses people over ego, everything changes.

In this conversation, CEO Eric Kies joins Jude Boudreaux and Caleb Arringdale to share how The Planning Center shifted from individual silos to an ensemble practice where clients are served by a team, not a single advisor. They talk candidly about investing in “soft” skills like communication, coaching, and retreats, why that’s actually the hard work, and how a 50-year vision creates stability for families across generations. You’ll hear stories about building systems, giving up control, and the human moments that money can’t solve, but great planning can hold.

What to expect:

  • Ensemble vs. siloed practices in plain language
  • The 50-year sustainability mindset
  • Why culture work beats quick wins
  • AI as a tool, not a substitute for real connection
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jude Boudreaux CFP®: 

Connect with Caleb Arringdale:

Connect with Eric Kies:

About our Guest: 

As the president of The Planning Center, Eric Kies is responsible for the daily management of the firm. Eric’s long-term goal for the firm is to continue building a team of talented financial planners and staff who are ready to serve successive generations of families. He wants our firm and its lead planners to be a resource in the community that people can turn to and trust for solutions to their problems. In Eric’s work with clients, his focus is on working with business owners and executives with complex planning needs and goals, such as those with significant or irregular incomes.

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From Music to Money: The Unique Culture at The Planning Center (Ep. 3)

From Music to Money: The Unique Culture at The Planning Center (Ep. 3)

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What makes financial planning akin to crafting a symphony? How do emotions and logic dance in sync when managing investments?

Join Jude Boudreaux, CFP®, and the ever-enthusiastic Caleb Arringdale, EA, as they welcome Matt Knoll, CFP®, a seasoned financial planner and musician, to the “Living Beyond the Numbers” podcast. Matt, who holds a vital role in the Planning Center’s investment committee, shares insights into weaving a balanced financial strategy that harmonizes with life’s melodies. Drawing from years of experience, including mentorship under influential leaders, Matt discusses the essence of investment philosophy, the art of rebalancing portfolios, and the emotional aspects of investing.

Key discussed topics include:

  • The intersection between music and financial team dynamics
  • Crafting an unselfish succession plan
  • Understanding portfolio rebalancing and emotional investment triggers 
  • Navigating market volatility and long-term Investment planning 
  • How taxes and investments can dance together 

Connect with Jude Boudreaux CFP®: 

Connect with Caleb Arringdale:

Connect Matt Knoll:

About Matt Knoll: 

Matt Knoll is a seasoned financial planner and musician who brings a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and creativity to his work. As a Senior Financial Planner at The Planning Center, Matt plays a key role in helping clients align their financial decisions with their personal values. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in comprehensive financial planning, investment strategy, and guiding clients through major life transitions. He also leads the firm’s investment committee and supports the trade-desk operations, ensuring strategic consistency across client portfolios.

Matt began his journey at The Planning Center as an intern before joining full-time in 2013. He holds the Certified Financial Planner™ designation and is registered to provide advisory services in Illinois, Iowa, and Texas. Known for his calm presence and thoughtful approach, Matt has a gift for making complex topics feel clear and manageable.

Outside of his financial work, Matt is a passionate musician and host of The Frontline Podcast for Christian Men, where he supports men in pursuing growth and purpose. Whether in the office or behind a microphone, Matt is committed to helping people live more intentionally—financially, spiritually, and relationally.

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Turning Tax Challenges into Financial Opportunities With Caleb Arringdale (Ep. 2)

Turning Tax Challenges into Financial Opportunities With Caleb Arringdale (Ep. 2)

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What is tax planning really, and how can it make a difference in your financial life?

Join Jude Boudreaux, CFP®, as he sits down with his co-host, Caleb Arringdale, EA, a vital member of The Planning Center’s tax team, to uncover the world of proactive tax strategies. With a focus on turning potential tax obstacles into opportunities, this episode delves into optimizing your fiscal future, whether through tax loss harvesting, navigating electronic tax documents, or even exploring the power of donor-advised funds.

Key discussion points in this release include:

  • The importance of proactive communication with your tax advisor
  • Aligning financial goals with tax strategies for better outcomes 
  • Preparing for evolving tax laws while minimizing disruption 
  • Practical steps for a smoother tax season 
  • Utilizing tax loss harvesting and childcare credits to your advantage 

Connect with Jude Boudreaux CFP®: 

Connect with Caleb Arringdale:

About our Guest: 

Caleb Arringdale began his accounting career at a CPA firm in Bettendorf, IA, where he specialized in small business and not-for-profit accounting and taxation. After several years, he transitioned to the role of controller at Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream, also in Bettendorf. In that position, he oversaw the accounting department and collaborated closely with the CFO, gaining a deep understanding of the economics behind running a mid-size restaurant chain and working directly with store managers across the U.S. (And yes—he ate a lot of pizza.)

Later, Caleb and his wife relocated to Galesburg, IL, where he joined a small but community-focused accounting firm. There, he had the opportunity to work with many local leaders and businesses on a wide range of financial matters.

After several rewarding years, he made the move to The Planning Center, where he’s found his true passion: working closely with clients to help them plan effectively for their futures.

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The Stories Behind the Numbers: Why We Plan the Way We Do (Ep. 1)

The Stories Behind the Numbers: Why We Plan the Way We Do (Ep. 1)

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What if your definition of success wasn’t about money, but the life you get to live because of it?

In this episode, host Jude Boudreaux, CFP®, and his “Director of Positivity,” Caleb Arringdale, EA, introduce the heart behind Living Beyond the Numbers. They share their personal stories—from Jude launching a financial planning firm with a newborn at home, to Caleb’s journey from public accounting into people-centred planning, and what drives their work with clients today.

Key discussions include:

  • Why values should shape your financial decisions, not just the numbers
  • The early money lessons (and struggles) that shaped Jude and Caleb’s careers
  • How Jude defines success through his relationship with his wife, Karen
  • What “prioritize later” means for your financial and personal well-being
  • The power of integrated planning, mentorship, and intentional conversations
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jude Boudreaux CFP®: 

Connect with Caleb Arringdale:

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