Staying Human: The Balance Between Technology and Personalized Advising

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are rapidly changing the financial advising industry, how do advisors maintain the human touch? Financial planning is no longer just about crunching numbers; it requires personalized strategies, accountability, and deep relationships that technology alone cannot provide.

In a recent episode of Only Human, host Yohance Harrison sat down with Chelsea Ransom Cooper, managing partner at Zenith Wealth Partners, to discuss how technology is reshaping financial advising. Chelsea shared her personal journey into finance, the importance of representation in wealth management, and how her firm leverages technology while keeping the advisor-client relationship at the core.

The Evolving Role of Tech in Financial Advising

Technology is a powerful enabler, but it’s not a replacement for financial advisors. Chelsea emphasizes that tools like RightCapital, Holistaplan, and Altruist are essential for efficiency but cannot replace the human component in financial decision-making.

“It’s not the technology, it’s the advisor,” Yohance reminds us, echoing the sentiment that while automation enhances efficiency, clients still need a human guide to navigate financial decisions.

Essential Tools for RIAs

For independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), selecting the right tech stack is crucial. Chelsea’s firm, Zenith Wealth Partners, leverages several platforms to streamline their operations:

• RightCapital – A financial planning tool for scenario modeling and budgeting.
• Holistaplan – A tax analysis software that provides tax-efficient strategies.
• Altruist & Schwab – Custodians for managing client investments.
• Wealthbox – A CRM to keep track of client interactions.
• Notion AI – Used for internal process management and documentation.

These tools help advisors optimize workflows, generate reports, and visualize financial plans, but they don’t replace the need for a personalized approach.

The Human Component: Why Advisors Still Matter

Despite the rise of AI, Chelsea emphasizes that human accountability is key. Clients don’t just need data—they need a trusted advisor to help them interpret, contextualize, and act on that information.

Consider the psychological aspect of money. Many clients struggle with financial decisions due to emotional or behavioral biases. An algorithm might recommend an investment strategy, but only an advisor can provide the encouragement, coaching, and reassurance that leads to action.

For example, tax planning software like Holistaplan can generate an optimal strategy, but clients may hesitate to implement it. Advisors play a critical role in breaking down complex concepts and providing actionable steps that clients feel comfortable taking.

Breaking Barriers in Financial Advising

Chelsea also highlights the importance of diversity in financial planning. Many clients seek advisors who understand their backgrounds, cultures, and financial experiences. This is particularly true for first-generation wealth builders, who may not have access to the same financial knowledge or networks as more established investors.

A Need for More Representation

During the conversation, Chelsea reflected on how being a Black woman in financial advising shaped her perspective. “A lot of times, people prefer to work with advisors who look like them—and that’s okay,” she explains. Representation matters in finance because it fosters trust and relatability.

This is why Chelsea and her team at Zenith Wealth Partners focus on making financial planning accessible, particularly for individuals who may not meet the traditional asset minimums required by larger firms.

Marry, Date, Counsel: Ranking RIA Tech Tools

In a fun segment, Yohance and Chelsea played “Marry, Date, Counsel”, ranking their favorite financial planning tools:

• Marry: Notion AI – Chelsea’s most valued tool for internal organization, process documentation, and AI-powered assistance.
• Date: Zox AI – An AI note-taker that automates meeting summaries and enhances client communication.
• Counsel: RightCapital – While useful, Chelsea sees room for improvement, particularly in AI integration to streamline planning even further.

How AI is Reshaping Financial Planning

The conversation also touched on the growing role of AI in finance. RightCapital recently launched its own AI-driven financial planning features, signaling a shift toward greater automation.

However, Chelsea warns against over-reliance on technology. “Clients might be able to generate their own tax reports and financial projections,” she says, “but they still need an advisor to provide context and accountability.”

The future of financial advising will likely be a hybrid model, where AI-powered tools assist advisors in creating more efficient, data-driven, and personalized financial plans.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Tech with the Human Touch

Financial advising is undergoing a transformation, but one thing remains clear: technology can enhance advising, but it can’t replace advisors. The best advisors will be those who know how to leverage AI for efficiency while maintaining deep, meaningful client relationships.

Chelsea’s advice to RIAs considering new tech? “Focus on what makes you more efficient—not just what looks good on paper.”

Want to hear the full conversation? 🎧 Listen to the Only Human episode with Chelsea Ransom Cooper and learn how to balance technology, human interaction, and financial expertise in your practice.