By Marc C. Shaffer
As a financial advisor, I spend most of my days helping people think long term.
Retirement planning…Investment management…Estate considerations…Tax-efficient strategies.
The conversations are meaningful and often serious. But mindset matters just as much as math.
Over the past year, I’ve added a simple habit to my routine that has made a noticeable difference in how I show up for my clients, my family, and my community. It’s an app called Pep Talk, and I use it regularly. It’s quick. It’s energizing. And it’s surprisingly impactful.
What Is the Pep Talk App?
Pep Talk is an audio app built around short, powerful talks from athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, performers, and leaders. Think of it as a curated library of motivation and perspective.
Each “pep talk” is typically a few minutes long. Some are intense and high-energy. Others are reflective and thoughtful. All of them are designed to help you reset your mindset. The app features well-known voices from sports, business, and personal development. The talks focus on themes like:
- Resilience
- Discipline
- Confidence
- Leadership
- Overcoming setbacks
- Building consistency
- Finding purpose
It feels like having access to a locker room speech whenever you need one.
What Does It Cost?
Pep Talk operates on a subscription model, but it also offers a one-time payment option for lifetime access. At the time of writing:
- Monthly subscription: around $4.99 per month
- Annual subscription: around $49.99 per year
- Lifetime access: typically around $199 as a one-time payment
Pricing may change over time, so it’s always worth checking the app store for current details. I personally appreciate that they offer the lifetime option. If you know you’ll use something regularly, a one-time investment can make sense.
Why I Like It
I’ve always believed that personal growth and professional growth are closely connected.
In financial planning, we often talk about habits. Saving habits. Spending habits. Investment habits. The same is true with mindset. Listening to a five-minute pep talk in the morning can change the tone of your entire day. Sometimes I listen before heading into the office, sometimes before a workout or occasionally before a difficult conversation. It helps me pause and recalibrate.
One feature I especially enjoy is the widget. I have it set up on both my phone and my iPad so rotating motivational quotes show up right on my home screens. Throughout the day, I’ll unlock my device and see a short quote about discipline, focus, or perseverance. It’s a small touch, but it creates steady reinforcement without requiring extra time. That subtle reminder can shift your thinking in seconds.
And I do have a clear favorite. My all-time favorite episode is “Redirection” by Inky Johnson. I’ve probably listened to it 50 times. Every time I hear it, something new stands out. His perspective on setbacks, purpose, and how adversity can shape direction is powerful. It’s one of those talks that sticks with you long after it ends. Truly good stuff. There’s something impactful about hearing a high performer talk honestly about failure, discipline, and persistence. It reminds you that success rarely follows a straight path. That message applies whether you’re building a business, training for a race, navigating career transitions, or working toward financial independence.
Why This Matters Beyond Motivation
As a fiduciary financial advisor, I often tell clients that long-term outcomes are shaped by consistent behavior. Investment management services rely on disciplined portfolio management. Retirement income planning often depends on staying aligned with a long-term strategy, even during uncertain markets. Mindset influences daily decisions. And daily decisions compound.
In some cases, the difference between staying invested during volatility and making an emotional move may come down to perspective. The choice to pursue early retirement planning or strengthen wealth preservation strategies often begins with clarity and confidence. Short, consistent exposure to positive messaging reinforces discipline. It keeps long-term thinking front and center.
Small Habits Create Momentum
We tend to think growth requires dramatic action. Often, it begins with small, repeatable habits…
A five-minute talk.
A morning walk.
Reviewing your financial plan once a quarter.
Rebalancing your portfolio when appropriate.
Momentum builds quietly.
The Pep Talk app has become one of those steady habits for me. It’s simple, accessible, and easy to integrate into a busy schedule.
Final Thoughts
Financial planning is about more than numbers. It involves behavior, clarity, and consistency over time.
Whether you’re working with a retirement planning advisor, building your investment strategy, or just beginning your financial planning journey, mindset plays a meaningful role.
For me, Pep Talk has been a reliable source of energy and perspective. The daily talks and even the simple quotes on my home screen reinforce the focus I want to bring into my work and relationships. If you decide to try it, start with “Redirection” by Inky Johnson. You may find yourself replaying it more than once.
Sometimes growth starts with something as simple as pressing play.
The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions, which may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by others in the firm, and are meant for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. is not compensated by this vendor, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.