AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)

In this insightful discussion, tax planning expert Debra Taylor highlights the importance of structured service calendars and proactive client communication. She shares five essential steps for effective tax planning, along with 20 key strategies that can significantly benefit clients financially. Debra also introduces diagnostic software that financial advisors can utilize to enhance their planning efforts. With a focus on personalized approaches, she emphasizes the impact of comprehensive tax planning on clients’ wealth, making it a must-listen for finance professionals.

Karen Goodfriend, a CPA financial planner, shares her inspiring transition from corporate to personal financial planning, focusing on integrating psychology with finance. She discusses the unique challenges younger clients face with sudden wealth and the importance of emotional support. Technology's impact on remote collaboration and the significance of community in the CPA sector are highlighted. Karen emphasizes mentorship and adaptability in strategies to meet clients' long-term aspirations, showcasing the evolving role of financial planners today.

Discover how a structured year-round planning calendar can enhance tax planning and improve client retention. Explore five key elements that create a stellar financial plan, including asset longevity and tax efficiency. Uncover proactive tax strategies that boost wealth, especially during retirement. Learn how to differentiate your tax services to stand out from the competition. This engaging discussion also highlights the significance of adapting to changing tax laws to optimize client financial outcomes.

In this episode of the PFP Section podcast, Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS discusses strategies for estate tax planning in anticipation of the TCJA (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) sunset on December 31, 2025.  The sunset, which will reduce the double exclusion amount from approximately $14 million to $7 million and many practitioners will need to evaluate gifting for their relevant clients.  Bob covers various techniques, including: Spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATs) and dynasty trusts, to ensure effective estate planning.  The importance of cash flow planning, understanding portability rules, and careful trust design to avoid issues like the Reciprocal Trust Doctrine.  Practical considerations such as timing of gifts, administrative preparation, and the use of private annuities for income.  The need for thorough documentation and legal compliance to prevent estate inclusion and litigation.  Access resources related to this podcast: Note: If you’re using a podcast app that does not hyperlink to the resources, visit Libsyn (PFP) to access show notes with direct links. Prepare large estates for TCJA sunset now article Upcoming webcast:  Multi-year income tax planning in preparation for the sunset of TCJA included in PFP Section membership Video:  Planning with SLATs and SLANTs ahead of the TCJA sunset 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.  

In this insightful discussion, financial planning expert Debra shares her expertise in managing high-net-worth clients. She emphasizes the importance of an annual service calendar to strengthen client relationships and set clear expectations. Debra explores various fee structures, advocating for flexibility based on clients' needs. She answers key questions about service delivery and charging for financial planning. Listeners will also discover valuable resources, including guides and tools to enhance client communications throughout the year.

Life inevitably presents us with forks in the road, whether chosen or forced upon us. These transitions can be uncomfortable, requiring us to leave the familiar and step into the unknown. Whether guiding your clients through their life changes or experiencing your own, having a strategy can make these journeys less daunting.  In this Deeper CPA Financial Planner Connections episode of the PFP Section podcast, Lyle Benson, CPA/PFS, CFP® interviews Andrea Millar, RLP®, PCC, CPA/PFS to share her expertise on navigating these uncertain times. Tune in to discover: What to anticipate during significant life transitions The primary source of struggle during periods of uncertainty Practical steps to transform these challenging moments into opportunities for growth and deep satisfaction  Access resources related to this podcast: Note: If you’re using a podcast app that does not hyperlink to the resources, visit Libsyn (PFP) to access show notes with direct links. Listen to other episodes in this series.  Tune into Susan Bradley’s podcast episode, Understanding the human side of life transitions.  Join Andrea in her session at ENGAGE, Navigating the balance: Prioritizing mental wellness for financial professionals. 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.  

A recent CNBC survey of couples discovers that 64% admitted to being financially incompatible. A money date is a relaxed and open conversation about finances and goals. This is an important component to financial compatibility and avoiding potential conflict. It can benefit relationships of any length and open channels of communication with transparency and respect.  Dave answers questions like: What is a money date and why is it important? How can it help understand each other’s financial habits and attitudes? What are the places for combined and separate money in marriage? Does this concept work for both newly engaged and long-term couples? Many of the PFP Section resources provide ideas on topics that can be discussed in this manner including: The Life Events section of Broadridge Advisor provides conversation ideas relating to clients’ current or future situations. The new Health Transitions Guide help you talk clients through potentially stressful situations. 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.  

As we narrow in on the sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many practitioners will be suggesting that their relevant clients make gifts. In this episode of the PFP Section podcast, Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS, and Larry Brody, JD, discuss what needs to be known when valuing life insurance policies for the purpose of filing gift tax returns, including: What do we need to know about the IRS regulations? Can you get a valuation in lieu of relying on the IRS regulations? What value should be used when given a series of values on Form 712? What if you don’t agree with the Form 712 values? For more resources related to this episode: Access Bob’s decisions charts in the Proactive Planning Toolkit.  Use the Adviser’s Guide to Financial & Estate Planning for other planning ideas as we head into the sunset of TCJA. 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.    

The SECURE 2.0 Act opened new doors for the use of 529 plan funds.  Kelley Long discusses the impact of the changes on strategies available to clients using 529 plans.  Not only does Kelley review the rules of rolling 529 plan funds to Roth IRAs, but also takes a step further to address the numerous related questions she has gotten on this strategy and other creative ways to draw down 529 plan funds. In this episode of the PFP Section podcast, Kelley will provide the information you need to discuss how 529 plans can fit into your clients’ financial plans. The conversation includes the following topics: How to handle beneficiary changes.  How to equalize the distributions from excess funds in 529 plans. How to evaluate the 15-year measurement when transferring 529 funds to Roth IRAs. How does a transfer of funds from one beneficiary to another impact the 5-year rule? What is a backdoor 529 to Roth transfer? Can a mature client contribute 529 plans with the intent to roll the funds to a Roth IRA? What are the penalties for 529 non-qualified withdrawals? What are some other ways to draw down excess funds in a 529 plan? How taking out a student loan can be a strategy  Access resources related to this podcast: Note: If you’re using a podcast app that does not hyperlink to the resources, visit Libsyn (PFP) to access show notes with direct links. Read Kelley’s article:  Saving for college: The new 529-to-Roth IRA transfer rule Related podcast:  How SECURE 2.0 impacts clients we see in our practice Use the related Education planning resource guide or Roth changes from SECURE 2.0 visual.  Learn more about the pathways for getting educated and attaining your CPA/PFS. 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.    

Kelley Long began her career in big 4 accounting like so many other CPAs. However, she had to quickly shift her path with the fallout that happened after September 11, 2001. Her roles as a bank trust officer and as a workplace financial wellness provider led her to her passion for coaching on the everyday money issues that clients have. In this episode of the PFP Section podcast, Lyle Benson interviews Kelley to share more of her story with our community. The conversation includes the following topics: How did Kelley go from where she was to where she is now, doing her passion work as a financial coach. How did being a member of AICPA’s Financial Literacy Commission impact Kelley’s work? What are Kelley’s thoughts on working in a remote or hybrid environment? What does Kelley want every CPA to know about HSA planning? What does Kelley enjoy doing most and how does she make sure her time and energy are aligned with this? How does Kelley view the future of CPA financial planning? Access resources related to this podcast: Note: If you’re using a podcast app that does not hyperlink to the resources, visit Libsyn (PFP) to access show notes with direct links. Listen to other episodes in this series.  Read Kelley’s article, 9 facts about HSAs that might surprise your clients - Journal of Accountancy. Learn more about the pathways for getting educated and attaining your CPA/PFS. 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.