Guest: Mackey McNeill, CPA/PFS Being in the people business of personal financial planning often requires shifting from an expert with all the answers to a coach who ask questions and listens. In this episode of the PFP Section podcast, Mackey McNeill, CPA/PFS, gives you the framework she uses for her first meeting with her retirement clients, including: Asking open ended questions to get the conversation started and active listening Addressing the fear that comes with money discussions head on ...
Dec 25, 2020•26 min
CPA financial planners are in a position to be one of the first to spot cognitive decline with their clients. Knowing what signs to look for and what to do next can go a long way towards protecting your aging clients. In this episode of the PFP Section podcast, Reina Schlager, CPA/PFS, discusses: The nine domains of diminished capacity Warning signs that may be connected to dementia and memory How to be more connected and alert to decline with your clients Establishing relationships with success...
Dec 18, 2020•15 min
Panelists: Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS and David Slenn, JD The Internal Revenue Service has recently increased scrutiny of micro-captive insurance structures and time is of the essence to take corrective measures for your clients. Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS, interviews expert David Slenn to get you up to speed on this issue. David answers the following questions: What is the background of micro-captives? What message is the IRS sending with their recent notice and why should business owners be concerned? Why...
Dec 11, 2020•15 min
Guests: Mackey McNeill, CPA/PFS When Mackey began her business, she approached financial planning from a technical and data driven perspective. She quickly found that clients often didn’t take steps to implement the recommended plan. In part 1 of the new approach to retirement planning series, Mackey walks you through: How she turned her financial planning process on its head to get clients to buy in What she learned about people and psychology to create the best results for her clients Understa...
Dec 04, 2020•21 min
Guest: Robert Keebler, CPA/PFS If you have clients who want to lock in the current estate tax exemption but are concerned about parting with assets, the new grantor retained interest partnership (GRIP) may be the answer. In this episode of the PFP Section podcast, Bob Keebler interviews GRIP experts Mary O’Reilly and Stephen Breitstone. They respond to the following questions: What is a GRIP and how does it work? In which circumstances does this technique make sense? What features would you incl...
Nov 27, 2020•22 min
Guest: Steve Siegel, J.D., LLM Retirement, taxes, lifestyle, family, and taxes are just a few of the reasons why your clients may consider a change in where they are located. In this episode of the PFP Section podcast, Steve Siegel, J.D., LLM walks you through what you need to consider as you advise clients, including: Distinction between residency and domicile Actions to sever domicile in one state and create it in another Five essential factors that state auditors focus on when determining dom...
Nov 20, 2020•26 min
Guest: Paul Lee, J.D., LLM and Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS With Senate election results unknown until January 5th, the likelihood of Biden’s tax proposals gaining traction will be uncertain until early next year. In this episode of the PFP Section podcast, Paul Lee, J.D., LLM and Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS answer the following questions: What is Biden’s capital gains proposal and who will it impact? If the tax law changes, when could it take effect? Should you encourage clients to accelerate gains into 2020?...
Nov 13, 2020•19 min
Guest: Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS Recorded at 6:30 pm ET on Wednesday, November 4th, Bob Keebler walks you through the latest with the election results and what to expect next. With Biden getting close to the 270 electoral votes needed to win, Bob shares insights on what to be thinking about for year-end planning, including: How the senate could shake out and what this means for changes in tax policy The most important democratic party tax policy themes to keep in mind when planning for your clients T...
Nov 05, 2020•25 min
Guest: Lyle Benson Drastic changes may be ahead in the world of tax planning. On one hand we may change administrations, and on the other, we have a pandemic to fund. In this PFP Section podcast episode, find out how leading CPA financial planners are guiding their clients. Lyle Benson, CPA/PFS, shares detailed ideas in each of the following areas: Turning traditional year-end tax planning on its head by accelerating income and gains into 2020 Taking advantage of estate planning strategies while...
Nov 05, 2020•20 min
Guest: Lyle Benson, CPA/PFS Gain ideas for how to talk with clients about their emotions, goals, politics, investments and year-end planning in this episode of the PFP Section podcast. Lyle Benson, CPA/PFS, shares takeaways from a recent AICPA PFP Summit Presents event that will guide you on how to approach your clients in the most effective way. Topics include: Going deeper to understand what is changing with client goals and making room for aha moments How to engage with clients who are anxiou...
Oct 22, 2020•24 min
Guest: Steve Siegel, JD, LLM If you have clients who terminated an estate or nongrantor trust in 2018, 2019, or 2020, you will want to tune in to this episode of the PFP Section podcast. Long awaited clarity is here and Steve Siegel outlines what you need to know, including: The background on the confusion with allowable deductions caused by TCJA What is deductible and how are the excess deductions classified when they flow through to the beneficiary How miscellaneous itemized deductions are han...
Oct 09, 2020•22 min
Guest: Reina Schlager, CPA/PFS As a CPA financial planner, you’re often the first to recognize when a client is showing signs of dementia and you’re in the trusted position to protect their finances and their care. Reina Schlager, CPA/PFS, shares experiences she has had to help you navigate similar situations with your clients, such as: Helping to physically protect your clients Recognizing when family members need to be told Treating the client with dignity Noticing when a guardianship needs to...
Oct 02, 2020•25 min
Guest: Joel Bruckenstein From CRM, financial planning, and risk tolerance software to cybersecurity resources and digital marketing tools, the 2020 T3/Inside Information Advisor Software Survey covers wide ground. Joel Bruckenstein shares the highest rated tools, his expert insights, and trends that he’s seeing in this PFP Section podcast. Takeaways include: The movement towards all in one solutions How the pandemic has increased the speed of software adoption Heightened attention to tools that ...
Sep 25, 2020•41 min
Guests: Jean-Luc Bourdon, CPA/PFS, CFP® The fear of uncertainty in the current times requires having skillful conversations to bring calm and comfort to your clients. Jean-Luc Bourdon, CPA/PFS, shares how to create an environment where your clients feel safe to discuss their deepest concerns and desires in this PFP Section podcast. He provides pointers such as: Rules he follows to ensure his clients are clear and comfortable Listening skills for the purpose of connecting versus responding How to...
Sep 18, 2020•22 min
Guests: Brooke Salvini, CPA/PFS and Brian Gordon, CLTC The pandemic has highlighted the need to have plans in place for healthcare. You can add value to your clients by having conversations to help them understand their options for long term care. In this episode, Brooke Salvini, CPA/PFS, and LTC expert, Brian Gordon guide you through what you need to know such as: New criteria used for the application process Available options when premium costs go up Questions to ask when reviewing policies Ma...
Sep 11, 2020•22 min
Guests: Brooke Salvini, CPA/PFS and Brian Gordon, CLTC Whether you have clients who are currently receiving care or planning for their long-term health and finances, you can guide them by understanding the LTC insurance industry and how the landscape is changing as a result of COVID-19. You’ll be better informed as you listen to Brooke Salvini, CPA/PFS, and LTC expert, Brian Gordon, discuss: What insurance companies are doing differently when underwriting policies as a result of COVID-19 Balanci...
Sep 04, 2020•18 min
Guest: Steve Siegel, JD, LLM The coronavirus pandemic highlights the importance of estate planning, regardless of wealth. As your client’s most trusted adviser, it’s important to initiate discussions to ensure their planning is in order. In this episode, Steve Siegel walks you through the core concepts, including: Documents everyone should have in place The importance of reviewing beneficiary designations Considerations for college-age children Dangers of boiler plate healthcare directives in li...
Aug 28, 2020•26 min
Guest: Ted Sarenski, CPA/PFS If you’re looking for one of the best tax deals around, look no further than a HSA for its trifecta of benefits. Contributions are tax deductible, growth is tax free, and qualified withdrawals are not taxable. Explore the ins and outs of HSAs and why they should be considered for every retirement plan in this PFP Section podcast episode brought to you by Ted Sarenski, CPA/PFS. Learn: How to use HSAs as a powerful vehicle for retirement savings How HSAs integrate with...
Aug 21, 2020•15 min
Guest: Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS Be prepared to shift some of your tax and financial planning strategies if there is a change in administration with the coming election. Learn about tax policy themes and potential planning opportunities from Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS, including: Payroll taxes on high income earners Marginal tax rate and the capital gains rate for high income individuals Basis step-up at death and other estate and gift tax rules Non-qualified and incentive stock options and deferred compen...
Aug 14, 2020•16 min
Guests: Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS and Jonathan Blattmachr, Esq. In this episode, learn what happens when a client gifts and sells property to an intentionally defective grantor trust and passes away 15 years later. Bob Keebler and Jonathan Blattmachr discuss the following topics related to the basis of the property: How is the basis of property determined? What are exceptions to the income tax free step-up in basis rule? Why is an installment sale to a grantor trust so powerful? What do proposed regu...
Aug 07, 2020•24 min
Guest: Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS The potential for imminent estate tax law changes coupled with a low interest rate environment makes this an opportune time to transfer wealth. Bob Keebler goes in-depth with responding to the following questions that will help you help your clients: Why do you need to start educating clients now about how to protect their estate and gift tax exemption? What is the most powerful transaction you can use to transfer wealth right now and how does this compare to a GRAT? ...
Jul 31, 2020•45 min
Guests: Lyle Benson, CPA/PFS & Susan Bradley, founder of Financial Transitionist® Institute Your clients look to you for more than just numbers. You can help them through the human and personal dynamics of transition. Lyle Benson CPA/PFS, facilitates a conversation with Susan Bradley on how to skillfully help clients move through the pandemic. You will learn: What is the financial transition model you can use with clients? What are three questions to ask your clients in the midst of transiti...
Jul 23, 2020•41 min
Guests: Julie Papievis and Jim Sullivan, CPA/PFS With the first wave of baby boomers turning 75 and 6 million Americans impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to understand the physical, mental, and financial nuances. As a CPA financial planner, you can give your aging clients and their families peace of mind as they embark on this daunting journey. In this episode, Julie Papievis will guide you to help your clients by answering the following questions: What is Alzheimer’s disease and ...
Jul 17, 2020•32 min
Guests: Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS and Jonathan Blattmachr, Esq. The elimination of the ability to stretch IRA and qualified plan distributions over the life of the beneficiary has made effective planning a bit more challenging. In this episode, learn from Bob Keebler and Jonathan Blattmachr as they explore the SECURE Act’s 10-year rule and planning strategies for your clients, including: Using CRUTs or NIMCRUTs to simulate a payout that is longer than 10 years Considerations for planning with trusts ...
Jul 10, 2020•21 min
Guest: Sandra Truitt, AICPA PFP Team Calling all PFP Section members! Are you looking for tips and tricks for diving into your PFP Section benefit suite? Look no further than this podcast episode featuring Sandra Truitt from the AICPA PFP team. She will give an A-Z overview of your benefits including: Quick tips for getting started Resources included with membership Ways to stay current and in the loop Opportunities to connect with peers and the AICPA team Can’t-miss ideas for using the tools in...
Jul 06, 2020•25 min
Guest: Ross A. Riskin, DBA, CPA/PFS, CCFC, MS Tax The coronavirus pandemic brought major changes to higher education. From where to attend classes to exploring the upcoming financial aid filing season, there are a lot of important factors to think through right now. Hear from professor and education planning expert, Ross Riskin, CPA/PFS, in this podcast as he shares new strategies around: • Using 529 plan distributions for room and board when a child is living at home • What to know about the FA...
Jun 26, 2020•18 min
Guests: Lyle Benson, CPA/PFS, and Susan Bradley, CeFT®, CFP® The emotions underlying decisions can create confusion in times of major transition like the pandemic. In this podcast, you will walk away with gems to help you have better conversations with your clients that lead to action with purpose. Tune in as Lyle Benson interviews life transition expert Susan Bradley: What are the four stages of transition and how you can you support your clients through each? What are the most effective questi...
Jun 19, 2020•33 min
Guest: Erin Scheithe Losing money or property to fraud can be devastating. While scammers’ exploitation tactics are familiar, the pandemic may lead to an increased likelihood that your clients will fall for them. In this episode, learn about coronavirus specific fraudulent schemes that you can share with your clients. Erin Scheithe with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau answers questions to help you protect your clients: Who is the target of coronavirus-related scams? What are the red fla...
Jun 12, 2020•9 min
Guests: Ted Sarenski, CPA/PFS During the coronavirus pandemic, you have witnessed uncertainty with personal finances and the anxiety that has come with even the best-laid plans. What can you do today to help your clients gain comfort and clarity? You can help them with their Social Security planning decisions. In this episode, learn from Social Security expert Ted Sarenski, CPA/PFS, as he shares key insights that will help you help your clients, including: Expectations for next year’s Trustees o...
Jun 05, 2020•20 min
Guest: Jim Sullivan, CPA/PFS Client 65+ and those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19. If they are affected by the virus, you can help them understand their increased Medicare benefits put in place by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In this episode, learn from Jim Sullivan, CPA/PFS, as he answers questions about the changes to Medicare benefits like: What testing and treatment does Medicare cover for COVID-19? How have telemedicine services...
May 28, 2020•21 min
