CJ Burnett, CExP

CJ Burnett, CExP is an owner and financial advisor with The Next Step Planning Group & Florida Veterinary Advisors. He also hosts a podcast that discusses a wide range of financial topics for veterinarians called "The Smarter Vet Podcast." In 2024 he authored a book: Unleashed: The Financial Clarity Every Veterinarian Needs.

In 2022 CJ was invited to join a board of a dozen advisors that produces the educational content for financial advisors across the United States. When speaking at financial advisor conferences, he reaches nearly 1,700 financial advisors per year to educate them on unique planning concepts, financial market conditions, and rarely known business owner strategies. He also gives talks to financial advisor firms throughout the year.

For the last decade, as a licensed Financial Advisor, he has been paid to speak at conferences for both financial advisors & for veterinarians. Growing up as a violin performer & fiddle player, being on a stage has always been comfortable for him. He speaks and teaches on financial topics at Universities, Churches, and Association groups all across the United States.

While at veterinary conferences his goal is to give uncommon financial guidance and deliver presentations that change the way they think about financial topics. If he can change the way they think so financial decisions are easy then they can spend time doing other more productive things (& not waste time wondering if they are on the right financial path).

Although he is an analyst at heart, CJ enjoys working directly with people. In 2011, he started his business, The Next Step Planning Group. Over the years, CJ, who is a Certified Exit Planner, has had success working with business owners on structuring a financial plan that gives them the most control over the results they are after. CJ does not want to only help people with their financial plans; he wants to change what’s possible for them; to show them how to master the “short game” for them to win the “long game.” CJ also enjoys working with clients on their charitable giving goals. He works with them to structure a plan to minimize the tax impact on them and maximize the impact they can make when giving money to 501(c)(3) entities.