Ep. 05: When Wealth Meets Trust: Compassionate Financial Planning with Nicole Meihofer
Managing someone’s wealth isn’t just about numbers, strategies, and returns—it’s about trust. In this episode, Anne sits down with Nicole Meihofer, founder of Pearlvest Capital, to explore the deeply personal side of wealth management.
Nicole shares her journey from Merrill Lynch to launching her own independent firm, revealing how personal loss and professional challenges shaped her empathetic, client-centered approach. Through stories (like guiding a client through trauma spending after loss and helping a family manage a sudden inheritance), Nicole shows why trust and radical candor are at the heart of sustainable financial relationships.
She also opens up about the painful lessons learned from a failed business partnership, and how rebuilding trust in herself became just as critical as regaining her clients’ confidence.
What You’ll Learn:
How personal empathy can transform financial advising into a trust-driven relationship.
Why radical candor is essential for building authentic client connections.
The impact of trauma spending—and how advisors can compassionately help clients recover.
Why slow, intentional implementation builds lasting trust.
How transparency and proactivity prevent broken trust in client relationships.
Ideas Worth Sharing:
“A lot of times… trust isn't ‘What are you doing behind the scenes?” It’s making sure the clients feel seen and heard.” - Nicole Meihofer
“Behind the scenes, the things that people don't see are just as important as the things that people see. When I am doing work for my client, I'm doing the work behind the scenes. That is what builds trust. It's not seen, but it builds trust and confidence in yourself.” - Nicole Meihofer
"Don't make it about you... You have to understand what they want and they need, and also give them their space." - Nicole Meihofer
About Nicole Meihofer:
Nicole Meihofer is the founder of Pearlvest Capital, an independent wealth management firm dedicated to helping clients align their investments with both long-term security and their current quality of life. With a career shaped by experience at Merrill Lynch and personal loss, Nicole brings a modern, compassionate approach to financial planning. She specializes in guiding entrepreneurs, families, and professionals through complex financial decisions with empathy and transparency.
Resources:
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Follow Nicole:
Website: https://www.pearlvest.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemeihoferweigel
Follow Anne:
LinkedIn: Anne Claessen
Connect With Us
If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Rise and Fall of Trust wherever you get your podcasts. Got a story about trust being built, broken, or tested? We’d love to hear it. Reach out or pitch yourself as a guest at The Rise and Fall of Trust
And if you’re thinking about launching a podcast that builds trust and drives results, that’s our jam. Schedule a free call at Cashflow Podcasting to learn more.