Retirement Tax Services Podcast

Derrick Kinney, former advisor turned coach who helps advisors craft conversations to attract high-net-worth clients. They explore how AI can free time but not replace hard human work. Conversation focuses on using saved hours to deepen client connections, specializing to command higher fees, and practical exercises for sharper messaging and scripts.

Micah Shilanski, CFP®, a financial advisor specialized in tax-aware retirement planning, shares valuable insights on effective tax strategies. He and Steven delve into why advisors need to read tax returns and emphasize the importance of mastering tax fundamentals over flashy gimmicks. They discuss practical tips for communicating tax estimates to clients, the impact of capital gains tax, and the benefits of proactive monitoring of IRMAA changes. Their engaging conversation highlights the need for collaboration between advisors and tax preparers to optimize client outcomes.

Matthew Jarvis, a seasoned financial advisor specializing in retirement planning, joins the conversation to emphasize the power of consistency over flashy tactics. He discusses required minimum distributions (RMDs), advocating for proactive communication with clients starting around age 60. Jarvis believes translating RMDs into understandable numbers enhances client engagement. He also proposes using RMD insights for Roth conversion strategies, thus managing future tax implications. Practical tips, such as rounding RMDs and reminders, showcase a system for delivering continuous value.

As the new year kicks off, Steven highlights essential tax planning strategies for 2026. He emphasizes the importance of December execution and offers tips for January, including sending out 1099 letters. Key topics include Roth conversion timing and the challenges of QCD reporting. Discover innovative tactics, like using sub-IRA nicknames for clearer records. Steven previews an exciting lineup for Summit 2026 and announces a new monthly webinar series designed to enhance advisors' skills. It's all about taking action and maximizing client impact!

In this discussion, Justin Boatman, Chief Product Officer at Nitrogen, reveals the groundbreaking AI Tax Center designed to enhance client conversations around taxes. He shares insights into how the tool generates client-friendly tax snapshots while keeping advisors informed with curated insights. The conversation explores the importance of integrating tax planning into financial conversations and the innovative ways to bridge tax returns with investment discussions. Justin also highlights plans for future features, including Roth conversion tools and operational checklists.

In this episode, Steven is joined by John Poole, a partner at JPTD and a seasoned veteran when it comes to helping financial advisors get their practices ready and navigate through equity events. John and Steven talk about common misconceptions advisors have about their own numbers and what really drives value in a business. John shares from his extensive experience with real practice transactions to help listeners understand the steps they can take and the areas they need to focus on to maximize their value, whether they are 2 months or 20 years from any kind of equity event. Every business will eventually transition in some way; the key is being intentional along the way. https://zurl.co/6eLsX

In this discussion, Daniel Friedman, CEO of WMGNA Tax Out Financial Solutions, shares his three decades of experience in tax-led financial advisory. He emphasizes why tax proficiency is now essential for building trust with clients. Daniel explains the growth of their subscription model that encompasses tax prep and planning. He also highlights how proactive tax conversations can prevent surprise bills, and underscores the importance of coordinating with tax professionals for improved client outcomes.

In this episode, Steven is answering advisor questions directly from the trenches. Twice a month, Steven hosts live office hours for the RTS community that are all about helping advisors cut through the noise and get to what they need to take action and serve clients. A 30-minute episode could never capture the full power of these live sessions, but this week, Steven has selected some of the more common topics to help our listeners get ready for year-end and get an idea of what their peers are asking. If you'd like to get your questions answered on a future office hour, check out our memberships at retirementtaxservices.com https://zurl.co/RTGQv

This week, Steven is joined by fellow CPAs Claire Gallant and Logan Holman to talk about the value of the "Simple" things in taxes. Claire and Logan are partners in a tax firm focused on what some may consider "simple" returns and share how they are still delivering massive value for the people they serve. The conversation also covers how to help clients identify when DIY is probably not going to cut it anymore and the value of the tax preparer/financial advisor collaboration. Listen to the end as Claire and Logan share the directory they have created of tax preparers who are actually taking on new clients and how you can take advantage of it. https://zurl.co/sD3nr

Steven is joined this week by Mike Bennet, an Estate Planning attorney and the co-founder of EncorEstate Plans. Mike shares his experience working alongside financial advisors to create quality outcomes for clients and why that ultimately led him to creating a software solution specifically to help financial advisors help more of their clients. Steven and Mike discuss the challenges of any future planning and specifically the areas that are most important to focus on when it comes to the two inevitables: death and taxes. https://zurl.co/TBMlz