From Busy Season to Better Seasons: A CPA's Path to Planning with Deb Meyer

Busy season does not have to define a CPA's entire year.

In this episode of the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Podcast, Cary Sinnett sits down with Deb Meyer, CPA and founder of WorthyNest, to discuss her path from tax compliance to integrated financial planning.

Deb shares why she merged her CPA firm and RIA, how advisory services changed her client relationships, and what CPAs should realistically expect when adding financial planning to their practice. The conversation covers leadership, delegation, client trust, pricing evolution, and the personal motivations behind making the shift.

This episode is a must-listen for CPAs exploring advisory services and looking to create more sustainable, value-driven practices.

Podcast episode takeaways:

• Advisory integration improves both efficiency and client experience. Bringing tax, accounting, and financial planning under one roof reduces friction, streamlines workflows, and allows CPAs to serve clients more holistically rather than in disconnected silos.
• Client transitions require patience and proactive engagement. Clients rarely move from tax compliance to full financial planning overnight. Trust is built over time, especially when CPAs shift from transactional work to year-round planning conversations.
• The move into planning is as personal as it is technical. Successful expansion into advisory services requires clarity around motivation, willingness to delegate, and acceptance that financial planning redistributes work throughout the year rather than reducing it outright.

AICPA Resources:

• Video: Use your client's tax return to provide valuable financial advice
• Article: Enhancing tax practices with personal financial planning
• Video: Steps to add financial planning to your tax practice
• Article: Building a Financial Planning and Tax Advisory Business podcast series

This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Personal Financial Planning Section, the premier provider of information, tools, advocacy, and guidance for professionals who specialize in providing tax, estate, retirement, risk management and investment planning advice. Also, by the CPA/PFS credential program, which allows CPAs to demonstrate competence and confidence in providing these services to their clients. Visit us online to join our community, gain access to valuable member-only benefits or learn about our PFP certificate program.

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