AFO|Wealth Management Forward

Jody Padar, the Vice President of Strategy at Botkeeper and Author of “The Radical CPA”, joins Rob and Rory in their discussion about how firms can implement technology in their business model. Botkeeper uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide bookkeeping and pre-accounting solutions for accounting firms. In this episode, Jody talks about the evolution of the accounting industry and how many firms have included the use of the cloud in their services. She also touches on future predictions for the industry, emphasizing the significant role AI will play in the years to come as a solution for the repetitive, time-consuming work of an accountant. Additionally, Jody adds to the conversation of CPA firms transitioning to and monetizing advisory services. With 700,000 followers on social media, Jody explains the key to branding yourself to get exposure in the competitive marketplace - authenticity. Think you know what the future accounting industry looks like? Could Amazon be selling CPA services soon? Think again as Jody spills all her insights about what to expect in the next five or ten years. Listen now!

Rob and Rory are joined by the Editorial Manager/US team lead at AccountingWEB.com, Seth Fineberg. AccountingWEB.com is a premier publication for tax and accounting professionals, offering valuable insight, strategies, trends, and best practices through their publications to assist firms in improving their services. Seth speaks about the greatest challenge faced by accounting firms today, “Relevancy,” and how the growing influence of technology is forcing firms to re-evaluate their value proposition. He also touches on the concerning threats of cybersecurity and what firms can do to protect themselves. As new generations enter the profession, Seth mentions the importance of adapting the old accounting model to a more modern, entrepreneurial one that embraces technology because, as we all know, the pace of change isn't going to get any slower. He also calls upon the accounting industry to be a true reflection of the country’s demographics as the industry continues to expand. Listen to Seth’s interesting insights in Can't-Miss Episode!

Rob and Rory are joined by Daniel Hood, the Editor-in-Chief of Accounting Today. Accounting Today reaches over 325,000 professionals across the full breadth of public accounting, ranging from sole practitioners who prepare tax returns up to the Big Four firms that audit the largest multinational corporations. Even with the emergence of automation within the accounting industry, Hood shares key insights on what some of the top accounting firms are doing to retain clients and grow their business. Additionally, we discuss many of the changes we are currently witnessing at accounting firms from WFH policies to integrating new services to finding a balance between automation and advisory in your business. Daniel Hood also describes the recent wave of M&A activity within the accounting space as firms must begin transitioning to both a Post-COVID and more technology-based working environment. Tune in and learn more about an ever evolving accounting landscape.

Rob and Rory speak with Kristen Carlisle, the General Manager at Betterment for Business, as she highlights Betterment’s unique tech-enabled platform for managing 401(k) plans. Betterment integrates two arms into their range of services: Betterment for Advisors (check out the podcast with Jon Mauney!) and Betterment for Business. Betterment for Business is a simple and easy-to-implement software solution for businesses ranging anywhere from 2 - 1000s employees. Clients oftentimes find tax-saving strategies and 401(k) plans difficult to comprehend; Kristen gives key insights into Betterment’s platform, which provides advisors with the tools necessary to help service clients as a fiduciary expert advisor. Betterment has seen record highs with an increase in new clients by over 100%. Kristen attributes this to Betterment’s ability to increase outreach to advisors and implement a completely online pathway for small organizations to get started automatically as the key catalysts for their growth. In this podcast, you will learn more about Betterment for Business and better understand how you can easily manage 401(k) plans for your business clients, so don’t miss out!

Rob and Rory sit down with the co-founder of Vanilla, David Hauser, as he enlightens our listeners about Vanilla’s innovative platform that simplifies estate planning for both advisors and clients. Over half of the population does not have an estate plan or will set in place, and often, the hardest part about estate planning is starting the conversation. David shares his insights on the two most significant problems the population faces surrounding estate planning. He goes on to explain how Vanilla’s platform is suited to demystify these troubles many clients face in order to guide them toward a future that will protect their loved ones. Vanilla’s tools not only facilitate the estate planning process but also contains an educational component so that clients can learn along with advisors. Additionally, he talks about advisors who can utilize attorneys to help answer questions and review documents. This podcast illustrates how estate planning does not need to be complex nor feared; all it takes is preparation and guidance, which David highlights in their platform’s latest update -- Vanilla 2.0. His insights even extend to strategies for achieving and sustaining optimal health. Learn more about estate planning and achieving a healthier lifestyle in this podcast!

Rob and Rory speak with the CEO and Founder of Diamond Wealth Strategies, Ronald Diamond. Diamond Wealth Strategies represents over 100 Single Family Offices ranging in size from $250 million to $30 billion in order to create a community within an industry that is poised to continue evolving in the near future. Currently, 25% of Family Offices do not make it to the 2nd generation, 10% for the 3rd, and 5% for the 4th! Ron describes in detail how the current Family Office model is flawed and provides key insights into how Family Offices can succeed in the future if the right approach is taken. With Family Offices anticipating to “chip away” at the market share dominated by Private Equity firms and Venture Capitalists, Ron emphasizes how trust and collaboration will be the gateway for a Family Office’s success going forward. Ron alludes to Technological Advancements, Impact Investing, Estate Planning and a Holistic Approach toward managing finances as being vital components to reinvigorate the Family Office Model, which will also serve as a guide for what to anticipate within the industry for years to come.

Rob and Rory sit down with Tobias Salinger who is the Senior Editor for Financial Planning, an interactive social media platform that reaches 460,000+ experienced professionals including independent financial planners, RIA’s, and investment advisors. Viewers receive analysis and breaking news, expert advice and opinion, and practical business-building advice. In this podcast Tobias covers a wide array of analysis within the financial marketplace including discussions on topics such as annuities serving as vehicles for retirement plans, the emergence of technology in finance, blockchain & cryptocurrency defining the future of financial services, as well as key strategies for accounting firms looking to implement holistic wealth management into their practice. The financial industry is changing rapidly and everyone needs to stay up-to-date. Tobias shares his insights with our listeners so that people are informed, educated, and well-equipped for understanding the fundamentals of everything finance. Whether you are an investor, a financial advisor, or just someone looking to learn more about the industry, you will not want to miss this episode.

Rob and Rory speak with the CEO and Founder of DPL Financial Partners, David Lau, where he emphasizes the importance of annuities to facilitate a new era of retirement planning. With a current database of 3,000 products, 40,000 writers, and 400,000 price points, DPL Financial Partners is the first and leading commission-free annuity and insurance platform for registered investment advisors and carriers. With interest rates at an all-time low and the bond market losing traction for funding retirement plans, David emphasizes how annuities can become a viable option for retirees. For this podcast, David highlights DPL’s ability to alleviate interest rate concerns when looking at fixed income as part of one’s portfolio. Based on the low-interest rate environment, using an annuity is a little more than 40% more efficient than fixed income in generating income today. David goes on to reveal key strategies for retirement planning in anticipation of the largest transferring of wealth in human history. Additionally, you will find topics on how annuities contribute to accountants improving their holistic wealth management strategy. Listen in on this podcast to learn more from David and our team!

Rob and Rory sit down with the Director of Research at Money Media, Loren Fox. Money Media is a unit of the Financial Times that produces online newsletters for professionals with an emphasis on the asset management industry. According to Charles Schwab, the RIA industry is booming and it is recorded to be a $5.7 trillion space. Loren alludes to multiple shifts within the industry that serve as the catalysts for this recent boom, which includes fee-based structures, expansion of services, and consolidation from outside investors and Private Equity firms. Loren also touches on the financial advisory industry shifting toward a more holistic approach. Investors he surveyed reported to spend, on average, half (or less) of their time on investment management where the remaining time is allocated for other areas such as Financial Planning, Taxes, and Estate Planning. He emphasizes the client-advisor relationship to be something that goes beyond just investments: the relationship should be valued over the returns. Within this podcast you will also find information on future trends within the RIA industry and the emergence of new asset classes that RIA’s need to be informed on. Don’t miss out!

Rob and Rory sit down with Jon Mauney, the General Manager at Betterment For Advisors. From portfolio management to advising 401(k) plans, Betterment For Advisors has reinvented the experience of financial advisors who are looking to apply user-friendly technology in order to increase outreach and efficiency within their services. Jon acknowledges how technology has changed the landscape of the financial industry, but emphasizes the importance of embracing it. Jon shares his opinions on the presence of AI in finance, incorporating new asset classes in your portfolio, as well as the future of Fintech. Jon goes on to describe how Betterment's unique platform facilitates selecting and curating portfolios, allowing users to decide what services Betterment can help with, and most importantly… building a partnership. If you are interested in learning how to incorporate technology into your business or learn more about the Fintech industry, you do not want to miss this episode!