Welcome to Motif Planning!
Hi, I’m Spenser Liszt. I’m the founder of Motif Planning. I earned a Master of Music from the University of North Texas and a CFP® certificate from Southern Methodist University. I spent 17 years as a professional musician before becoming a holistic financial planner for music professionals.
I created Motif Planning when I realized music professionals are often neglected in the financial planning industry. We face unique challenges, but I believe that through personalized and proactive planning, anyone can achieve financial independence.
When I’m not working with clients or providing pro bono advice to musicians facing financial hardship, you may find me woodworking or spending quality time with my wife.
My “why” story
In August 2015, my life took a significant turn. Until then, I was wholly dedicated to becoming a professional musician. Many view a career in music as risky, often believing that musicians struggle financially and need a backup plan. I never accepted this belief and was determined to find a way to succeed. After earning a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, I played with incredible artists on numerous albums and made a living performing—a goal I was proud to achieve.
My financial understanding came from my parents. My mom, who grew up poor, taught me the value of saving, while my dad’s business failure and our family’s recovery from bankruptcy in the late 80s showed me how to handle risk and recover from setbacks.
In the summer of 2015, I returned from a tour to my rundown rental home in Dallas, paying $300 a month. With only $67 left in my bank account, I faced my first personal financial crisis. I felt lost and vulnerable.
I told myself,
“I never want to feel this way again and no other music professional should either.”
From that moment, I was determined to avoid such a dire situation again. I began reading books and listening to podcasts about financial literacy, applying what I learned to my own life. I changed my mindset, focused on accumulating assets, and became more selective with gigs. These small adjustments led to significant changes. Within two years, my income increased, I started saving for retirement, and I bought my first property. I discovered that intentional management of time, money, and mindset can lead to greater artistic freedom—something many creatives lack.
Too many stories of music professionals facing financial struggles, tax issues, or making ends meet are common. It doesn’t have to be that way. With the right tools and knowledge, music professionals can achieve goals like buying a house, starting a family, or saving for retirement. I began sharing my knowledge with my community, became a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and now I help music professionals achieve financial independence.
My mission is to help music professionals make sound financial decisions so they can bring more art into the world.