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Brett Nelson, CFP® and Partner Advisor at AdvicePeriod, started his career by studying mechanical engineering and working in Silicon Valley, but has always had a lifelong passion for leveraging new technology and managing money. Since becoming a financial advisor, Brett has been on the lookout for new ways to support his clients. In this conversation, he shares how he began offering Flourish Cash† as a value-add to help clients earn more and protect their savings.
Flourish: Thanks for joining us, Brett. To start, tell us about your career journey. You have a unique combination of education and experience with a background in mechanical engineering and an MBA. What led you to wealth management?
Brett Nelson: I started out in big tech doing financial analysis and strategic planning. I was always that guy who liked thinking about money. As a kid, I kept track of what I made mowing lawns and wondered how to make it grow.
Over time, friends and family started asking for advice, and I realized I loved helping people make smart decisions about money. So, when I hit a point where I could pause my corporate path and rethink what I wanted long term, I decided to transition into wealth management.
I got licensed, and I quickly saw that a sales-heavy approach didn’t sit well with me; I wanted to advise, not sell. In my previous roles, I had experience working alongside corporate leaders to make informed, strategic decisions. I bring that same rigor to the families I work with today.
Flourish: How did your background working for tech companies shape your perspective on how technology can enhance the client experience and improve financial advising?
Brett: After business school, I had the opportunity to work in the tech industry in Silicon Valley. I liked thinking about what’s coming next and how it might help people today. In wealth management, that means asking, “What are we spending time on that we really shouldn’t be?”
Technology lets us reduce friction and focus on what matters most, helping clients make better decisions and use their time more effectively. Whether it’s organizing cash more efficiently, streamlining reporting, or reducing redundant tasks, tech should help reduce complexity in our financial life.
Clients want real strategic guidance, not more complexity. That’s what I strive for by using technology.
Flourish: You are passionate about helping people raise financially responsible children. Where does this passion come from?
Brett: It comes from my own experience. When I was a kid, I asked my parents about money all the time, and they just weren’t comfortable talking about it. So like many people, I learned through trial and error, which can be expensive. I made avoidable mistakes early on. As a parent, and as an advisor, I want to help break that pattern.
For the families we work with, especially those preparing to pass on wealth, it’s not just about what you leave behind, it’s who you prepare. We’re seeing more families engage us in multigenerational planning, where we’re not just managing money but guiding the next generation through it. That’s deeply rewarding.
We get to bring teenagers into the conversation, with their parents’ support, and help build that early confidence. Not every kid will be naturally curious about money, but the ones who are should have a safe place to ask questions.
Flourish: What made you first interested in using Flourish?
Brett: I’ve always believed that where your cash sits matters. Early in my career, I worked with clients who were just getting started financially and helped them develop smart habits. Using a high-yield savings account was one of the simplest, most impactful steps we could take.
Fast forward to today, and Flourish feels like the modern version of that idea, but better. It has more robust features than the typical savings account. It’s a strategic tool that fits seamlessly into the bigger financial picture for clients.
Flourish: How did you start suggesting Flourish to clients?
Brett: We kept it straightforward. We listed out where clients had their cash, how much, and what kind of rate they were earning.
Many of our clients are busy executives or entrepreneurs. They often have large balances sitting in low-yield accounts or underinsured balances that are over the FDIC limit. So we share Flourish as a possible solution and show them the numbers.
There’s no hard pitch. It’s just, “Hey, here’s something that could help.” About half our clients have jumped on board. Being able to prefill the paperwork for our clients has made a huge difference. It’s quick, easy, and low effort. Clients like that.
Flourish: How has Flourish helped your firm and your clients?
Brett: Clients have responded really positively, especially when they see their monthly interest updates. For many, the extra interest alone can help cover a good portion of our advisory fee. That’s a tangible, easy-to-understand win.
It’s also a great tool when clients have sizable cash events, such as selling a business, receiving an inheritance, or earning a large bonus. Flourish gives them a safe spot to park the money while we figure out the next smart move together.
Flourish: Do you have any specific stories about how a client benefited from using Flourish?
Brett: Yes, recently we had a client transition from another advisor. She is a very successful real estate agent, already holding a pretty large cash balance in her checking account, and then she closed a major deal with a commission that pushed her significantly over the FDIC limit.
Her account was paying a competitive rate, but the Flourish Cash rate was even higher. By moving the client’s cash balances to Flourish, she is earning a better interest rate and has enough FDIC insurance without needing to set up savings accounts across multiple institutions. It was a quick win and a great way to start the relationship.
Flourish: We’re so glad things worked out for you and your client. Thanks for sharing your story!
AdvicePeriod is a brand utilized by Mariner Platform Solutions (“MPS”). Investment advisory services are offered through MPS, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.
AdvicePeriod, MPS, and Flourish are separate and unaffiliated firms. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. This material is provided for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the individual being interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Firm or any clients of the firm. The inclusion of any external party in this interview does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the Firm. The information provided is not intended as financial, investment, or legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. This feedback may not be representative of the experience of other customers and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.
