AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)

In this episode, host Cary Sinnett is joined by Jeff Levine, CPA, CFP, and nationally recognized tax planning thought leader, to examine one of the most persistent dilemmas in personal financial planning: the tension between income tax strategies and estate tax minimization. They explore why these two priorities often conflict and walk through practical examples CPA financial planners face when advising clients on gifting, step-up in basis, trust structures, and navigating compressed tax brackets. Jeff explains how changes to the federal estate tax exemption, evolving client priorities, and multi-generational considerations require a fresh look at long-standing estate planning techniques. Whether you are working with high net worth business owners or everyday clients with legacy concerns, this episode offers clear guidance on when to prioritize short-term tax efficiency, when to focus on long-term wealth transfer, and how to serve both goals when possible. Topics Covered: Why estate and income tax strategies often work against each other The trade-off between gifting highly appreciated assets versus preserving step-up in basis When income tax planning should take priority even for affluent clients Rethinking outdated uses of credit shelter trusts in the modern exemption environment Grantor versus non-grantor trusts and the income tax implications of each Building flexibility into irrevocable trusts through toggling, decanting, and situs changes AICPA Resources: Toolkit: Year-end planning Article: Tax Trifecta Trust after H.R. 1 Article: Year-End Planning Through the Lens of H.R. 1 Guide Excerpt: The Adviser's Guide to Financial & Estate Planning: V4 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. Subscribe to the PFP Podcast channel at Libsyn to find all the latest episodes or search "AICPA Personal Financial Planning" on your favorite podcast app.

What happens when technical excellence meets deep human empathy? In this episode, Carl Richards, CFP®, author of Your Money and creator of the famed "Sketch Guy" column in The New York Times, joins host Cary Sinnett to explore how CPA financial planners can foster trust through simplicity, storytelling, and purposeful conversation. Carl shares how sketches can cut through complexity, how planners can create space for real client understanding, and why listening with intention may be your most powerful technical skill. Whether you're coaching a client through uncertainty or explaining a nuanced tax strategy, Carl shows how precision with purpose is the future of trusted planning. You'll Learn in This Episode: Why financial planners are in the behavior change business Carl challenges CPA financial planners to see their role not just as experts, but as guides who help clients change the way they think and act with money. How technical precision with purpose can lead to greater outcomes Carl explains how our drive for technical perfection can sometimes overshadow the deeper emotional and behavioral work required to truly serve clients well. Practical ways to build trust through clarity and vulnerability Learn how to shift your communication from "Here's the solution" to "Let's explore this together"—and how that builds long-term trust. Whether you're a numbers-first technician or a holistic planner striving to connect more deeply with clients, this episode offers both insight and inspiration. Resources: Podcast: Turning Panic into Trust Video: Old Problems, New Solutions: Techniques for Solving Concentrated Stock Positions Podcast: The why, what, and how behind legacy planning for your clients 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. Subscribe to the PFP Podcast channel at Libsyn to find all the latest episodes or search "AICPA Personal Financial Planning" on your favorite podcast app.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how CPA financial planners approach research, analysis, and communication. In this episode, Chris Benson shares how he moved from curiosity to confident integration of AI in his daily practice. He explains how AI helps him generate first drafts of client communication, brainstorm planning strategies, and reduce research time from hours to minutes. Chris also provides a balanced perspective on data privacy, compliance risks, and how planners should evaluate new tools without getting distracted by every new release. Whether you are just beginning to explore AI or already incorporating it into your workflows, Chris's insights will help you find practical, responsible ways to harness the power of AI in your practice. Topics Covered How to begin experimenting with AI as a CPA financial planner The role of AI as a research assistant, communication partner, and brainstorming tool Time-saving examples from client questions, financial modeling, and planning scenarios Risks related to privacy, cybersecurity, and client impersonation Cautious evaluation of emerging AI tools and what to look for in early demos A realistic forecast for how AI may be embedded in future tax and planning software AICPA Resources: Upcoming webcast: AI & Technology updates for PFP Resources: AI Tax Resource Center Empowering tax professionals with AI Leveraging Generative AI Business in the age of AI Getting started with generative AI/ChatGPT 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. Subscribe to the PFP Podcast channel at Libsyn to find all the latest episodes or search "AICPA Personal Financial Planning" on your favorite podcast app.

Jimmy Williams, CPA/PFS, shares how the role of the CPA is evolving from compliance technician to holistic financial planner. In this episode, Jimmy and host Cary Sinnett explore how trust, technical excellence, and human connection are converging in a new era of planning, and why CPAs are uniquely positioned to lead it. · Learn how CPAs can step into their fullest potential as advisors. · Hear about the added value to your clients and to your practice. · Discover what's driving this shift—and what's holding some back. · Gain insight into delivering deeper value through personal connection. · Explore the future of the profession and how you can be part of it. AICPA Resources: Article: Member perspectives: Get support with the PFP Section Article: Raising awareness of the importance of PFP through the CPA Exam Video: Use your client's tax return to provide valuable financial advice Upcoming event: Rise2040: Shaping the Future of Finance and Accounting Article: Sid Kess on the History and Future of CPAs in Financial Planning Article: Get to know your community & learn from each other in this 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. Subscribe to the PFP Podcast channel at Libsyn to find all the latest episodes or search "AICPA Personal Financial Planning" on your favorite podcast app.

Bob Keebler joins Cary Sinnett to unpack why this year-end is anything but routine. With shifting tax thresholds and surprise penalties lurking under the surface, every decision matters more than ever. This rapid-fire episode arms CPA financial planners with critical year-end strategies, from Roth conversions to trust distribution traps. Don't miss your chance to finish strong and plan ahead with confidence. AICPA Resources: Article: Tax code changes: What H.R. 1 means for you and your clients Article: Tax Trifecta Trust after H.R. 1, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Chart: PFP Tax Bracket Management Chart 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. Subscribe to the PFP Podcast channel at Libsyn to find all the latest episodes or search "AICPA Personal Financial Planning" on your favorite podcast app.

Building wealth is one thing. Defining what wealth means is another. In this episode, Cary Sinnett sits down with Dr. Brian Portnoy, one of the world's leading experts on the psychology of money, to explore why the future of financial advice isn't just about technical expertise — it's about emotional intelligence, perspective, and purpose. Brian unpacks his powerful concept of "funded contentment" — the idea that true wealth is the ability to live a meaningful life, not just grow a bigger balance sheet. He shares practical ways advisors can help clients escape the hedonic treadmill, have deeper conversations about what matters, and reframe financial planning around purpose before numbers. They also dive into how AI and technological disruption are reshaping the advisor's role, pushing EQ skills like empathy, self-awareness, and connection to the forefront of practice. As the financial landscape evolves, the ability to understand and guide clients as humans, not just portfolios, is becoming a defining skill. Key Topics Covered The difference between being rich and being truly wealthy How to help clients define their future selves and avoid future regrets Why financial conversations should start with meaning, not money The advisor's evolving role from mechanic to guide Why EQ is becoming an essential advantage in the age of AI AICPA Resources: PFP Podcast: How emotions affect financial decisions PFP Learning: Emotional Intelligence PFP Learning: MBAexpress: Emotional Intelligence PFP Podcast: Turning Panic into Trust with Dr. Lurtz

When families look to CPA financial planners, they're often asking more than just tax or investment questions. They want to know: Will my kids be ready when it's their turn to inherit? In this episode, Cary Sinnett welcomes Mindy Kalinowski Earley, consultant to ultra-high-net-worth families and Chief Learning Officer at Family Office Exchange. With two decades of experience at the intersection of family dynamics and education, Mindy challenges planners to move beyond balance sheets and into legacy stewardship. Together, they explore: · Why preparing heirs is about purpose, values, and emotional intelligence—not just financial literacy. · How advisors can help design learning experiences that build resilience, trust, and stewardship across generations. · The hidden lessons families pass down through behavior and how advisors can help surface values more intentionally. · Practical ways to start the conversation about rising-generation education with clients. For CPA financial planners, this conversation offers insight into one of the most complex and rewarding areas of planning: ensuring that wealth transitions are not just tax efficient, but truly human-centered. Resources: Podcast: How to talk to your kids about your estate plan Podcast: Guiding families in their philanthropic endeavors Article: Talking to your kids about money Video: Financial independence: Rethinking retirement Video: Discover how to have impactful legacy conversations 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. Subscribe to the PFP Podcast channel at Libsyn to find all the latest episodes or search "AICPA Personal Financial Planning" on your favorite podcast app.

When business owners skip exit planning, the fallout can be brutal; value lost, families divided, legacies diminished. But with the right strategy, an exit isn't chaos, it's a launchpad: valuations climb, transitions smooth out, and owners step confidently into their next chapter. In this episode of the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Podcast, host Cary Sinnett welcomes Daniel D. Meiklejohn, JD, CPA, PFS. With his rare combination of legal, tax, and financial planning expertise, Daniel helps business owners turn exits from reactive scrambles into deliberate successes, covering everything from succession and valuation to wealth transfer and legacy planning. Listeners will learn: · The #1 risks owners overlook before selling · Why building the right advisory team changes the outcome · How early planning boosts valuations (and reduces stress) · Where CPA financial planners fit into the exit conversation · Practical ways to help clients start planning today This episode is a must-listen for CPA financial planners who work with business owners—or anyone who wants to sharpen their edge in succession and legacy planning. AICPA Resources: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/cpe-learning/webcast/business-exit-planning https://pfplanning.libsyn.com/business-exit-transitions-for-cpa-financial-planners https://www.aicpa-cima.com/professional-insights/article/pcps-succession-planning-survey

What happens when one overlooked detail turns a thoughtful estate plan into a multi-million-dollar tax disaster? In this episode of the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Podcast, nationally recognized tax and estate planning expert Bob Keebler joins Cary Sinnett to unpack the cautionary tale of Estate of Rowland v. Commissioner. Despite well-crafted trusts and modest estates, a simple misstep in making the portability election led to the loss of $3.7 million in estate tax exemption. The case underscores the reality that "substantial compliance is not enough" when filing Form 706—and the reputational and financial risks that follow. You'll learn: Why the IRS and courts denied the portability election—and what it means for practitioners. How valuation, appraisals, and strict filing compliance can make or break an estate. What CPA financial planners can do to collaborate effectively with attorneys and safeguard clients from hidden estate administration landmines. Practical risk management steps firms should adopt to prevent similar outcomes. Listen in to protect your clients' legacies, preserve your professional reputation, and avoid the quiet traps buried in estate planning compliance. Resources: Guide: Guide to Financial and Estate Planning Vol. 4 Podcast: Estate Planning & Portability Learning: Estate Planning Certificate Program Video: Critical Income, Estate and Trust Planning for 2023 and Beyond 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. Subscribe to the PFP Podcast channel at Libsyn to find all the latest episodes or search "AICPA Personal Financial Planning" on your favorite podcast app.

Jeff Levine joins us to break down one of the most surprising features of the new tax law: a brand-new type of deduction that could significantly change the way we think about AGI thresholds, phaseouts, and entity planning. In this episode, we unpack how the latest changes in the tax code are opening up advanced strategies for clients, and where financial planners need to stay sharp to avoid stealth cliffs and missed opportunities. Key Topics Covered: The new above-the-line deduction and who can benefit Planning around AGI phaseouts and stealth tax cliffs Leveraging non-grantor trusts for charitable and income planning Avoiding estate planning complacency amid exemption increases Rethinking entity structure in light of expanded QSBS rules Resources: Planning after tax changes Podcast: BBB Crossover Special A summary for tax planning 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. Subscribe to the PFP Podcast channel at Libsyn to find all the latest episodes or search "AICPA Personal Financial Planning" on your favorite podcast app.