EP026: Danqin Fang: Why Financial Planning Needs More than Just Math

Planning your financial future isn't just about numbers. On this episode of the Virtual US Financial Advisor podcast, host Hannah Mitrea talks with Danqin Fang, founder of Wealth Beyond Math, about why how we feel about money may matter more than what's in our accounts.

Danqin shares her journey from growing up in a coastal town in China to launching her firm in Austin. She explains how her love for numbers and people led her to financial planning, but the emotional side of money truly lit the spark. "Money is the means to the end, not the end," she explains, challenging how we usually think about financial goals.

You'll hear how clients often discover that the dream house or savings number they've worked toward wasn't what actually mattered. Danqin walks us through when one client decided to sell their nearly finished luxury home to prioritize time with family instead. She also reveals how beliefs formed in childhood, like being told something is "too expensive", can shape our financial behavior for life.

This episode dives into how mindset, emotions, and clarity impact financial planning more than any spreadsheet can. Danqin's approach focuses on deeper conversations, thoughtful reflection, and aligning money with purpose. "We make people climb the ladder fast, but what if it's on the wrong wall?" she asks.

Here are the top must-listen takeaways from the podcast:

(5:50) Immigrant career journey into U.S. financial planning

(9:26) Leaving a firm to pursue holistic life planning

(15:54) A $1M+ custom home project paused

(21:51) Childhood scarcity belief blocked spending in retirement

(25:01) Why financial plans must reflect personal beliefs and values

(27:21) The real reason financial plans fail

(29:47) The role of motivation in money planning

(33:10) What holistic financial planning means

(37:19) Why money is the tool, not the goal

(44:18) Why taking time early saves time (and stress) later

(50:39) The first step to any real financial change

If you've ever felt stuck between saving and living or questioned whether your financial plan matches your real goals, this one's for you. Tune in to hear how Danqin helps clients build more than wealth; she helps them build peace.

About Danqin Fang

Danqin Fang is the Founder and CEO of Wealth Beyond Math®, a virtual, fee-only financial planning firm based in Austin, Texas. She has over 14 years of experience advising over 200 families and overseeing $500M+ in assets. Danqin holds the CFP®, CFA®, and RLP® designations and focuses on helping professionals and business owners make financial decisions aligned with their goals. Originally from China, she now lives in Austin and leads a firm committed to life-centered, holistic financial planning.

Contact Danqin Today!

LinkedIn

Website

Disclaimer:

The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.