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  • Podcast

Episode 244: Understanding the Money Brain

Les Szarka of Szarka Financia

“I always tell folks, this is financial therapy. I need to understand where you’re coming from to be able to fully give you advice to get to where you want to be.” – Les Szarka

In this episode, Les Szarka, Founder and CEO of Szarka Financial, shares his 40+ year journey in financial services and how a deep understanding of human behavior has shaped his approach to financial planning. Les reflects on his early career lessons, his passion for behavioral finance, and why truly understanding clients requires more than technical expertise. He discusses how emotions and subconscious decision-making influence financial outcomes and why authentic relationships are at the core of long-term success.

Episode 244: Understanding the Money Brain covers:

  • The role of behavioral finance in better financial decision making
  • Building trust and credibility through education, not sales
  • Creating a client first culture through empathy, authenticity, and strong teams

About Les Szarka

Chief Executive Officer and founder of Szarka Financial

Les Szarka is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Szarka Financial, bringing nearly 40 years of experience as a financial advisor and retirement planning specialist. Throughout his career, Les has focused on helping individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions by building deep, trusted relationships and maintaining a strong commitment to guiding clients toward their long-term financial goals.

Les has a particular passion for Behavioral Finance and Investing, incorporating insights from psychology and human behavior into his planning approach. This perspective allows him to help clients better understand the emotional and subconscious factors that influence financial decision making, leading to more thoughtful and confident outcomes.

In addition to his advisory work, Les is a well-known financial media commentator. He was interviewed weekly on Fox 8 News for more than seven years and has appeared as a financial expert on Weekend Morning News, Noon News, and New Day Cleveland. He also served for several years as a financial correspondent on the television program Golden Opportunities, which aired Sunday mornings on NBC Channel 3 WKYC.

https://www.szarkafinancial.com/

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker Dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge and Szarka Financial are not affiliated.

The opinions expressed are those of the interviewees and do not represent the opinions or views of the interviewer and/or Cambridge.

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