Libsyn Directory

From Surrender to Sale: The Game-Changing Approach to Life Insurance - Scott Sanders [Founder]

Release Date: 01/22/2025

How to Use Market Cycles to Manage Portfolio Risk - Vincent Randazzo, CMT, [Founder]

Smarter Planner Podcast

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, talks with Vincent Randazzo, CMT, founder of ViewRight Advisors and former Head of Technical Research at CFRA, about how financial advisors can better navigate market cycles and systemic risk using a disciplined, data-driven approach. Vincent explains that traditional static asset allocation models don't account for the market cycle's stage—spring, summer, fall, or winter—and therefore miss critical opportunities to manage risk. He emphasizes the importance of active risk management, which differs from stock picking or market timing. Vincent...

Fake Fees & Phantom Advisors: What 5500s Reveal - Paul Sippil [CPA & Forensic 401(k) Consultant

Smarter Planner Podcast

In this episode of the Smarter Planner podcast, host Belle Osvath sits down with Paul Sippil, CPA, and founder of Paul Sippel & Associates, to explore the often-overlooked world of 401(k) plan fees, transparency, and fiduciary responsibility. As a self-described “forensic retirement consultant,” Paul has reviewed thousands of Form 5500 filings, uncovering hidden fees, conflicts of interest, and even outright fraud. Paul shares how his journey began by cold-calling business owners after analyzing their publicly available 5500 forms—only to be met with surprise,...

Why Clients Don’t Change—And What You Can Do About It - Dr. Christina Lynn [Financial Behavioral Strategist]

Smarter Planner Podcast

In this episode of the Smarter Planner podcast, host Belle Osvath talks with Dr. Christina Lynn, CFP®, AFC, CDFA, Director and Wealth Strategist at Mariner, about the transformative power of motivational interviewing in financial planning. A technique rooted in behavioral health, motivational interviewing is gaining momentum among financial professionals as a powerful tool to navigate emotionally charged client conversations and foster meaningful change. Dr. Lynn explains that financial advisors often jump too quickly into solutions, assuming expertise alone can guide clients to better...

Sales Without the Sleaze: Aligning Values With Revenue - Tim Maurer [CFP & Chief Advisory Officer]

Smarter Planner Podcast

In this episode, host , interviews Tim Maurer, CFP®, Registered Life Planner and Chief Advisory Officer at Signature FD. Tim shares his expertise on the often-dreaded topic of sales in financial planning, offering insight into how financial professionals can approach business development in a way that aligns with their fiduciary responsibility. Tim discusses how the sales process can feel at odds with the advisory profession's core values and the challenge of reconciling the two. He also delves into his work with advisors to help them integrate business development into their...

Policy Chaos, Human Flaws, and Your Portfolio: The Case for Active Management - Matt Gelfand, PhD [Global Investment Strategist]

Smarter Planner Podcast

In this episode host Belle Osvath, CFP® interviews Matt Gelfand, PhD, CFA, CFP®, Managing Director and Global Strategist at Princeton Global. Matt brings deep insight into the age-old debate of active vs. passive investing. Matt shares how his academic background in economics initially led him to embrace the efficient market hypothesis, but his decades of real-world experience changed his view. He explains why active investing still has an important place, particularly in volatile markets, and outlines the logical and behavioral arguments supporting the idea that markets aren't...

From RSVP to ROI: Hosting High-Impact Client Events- Dr. Mary Carlson [Founder & Financial Behavioral Researcher]

Smarter Planner Podcast

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, connects with Dr. Mary Bell Carlson, financial behavior expert and founder of the Financial Behavior Keynote Group. Dr. Carlson shares how financial advisors can deepen relationships and demonstrate value through thoughtful, engaging client events. She emphasizes that the “why” behind client events is crucial—offering more than just advice, these experiences build emotional connections, help reach resistant spouses or heirs, and allow outside speakers to reframe financial conversations in impactful ways. With humor, warmth,...

The Hidden Impact of Day Traders & Overnight Drift - Victor Hagani [Founder & Researcher]

Smarter Planner Podcast

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, interviews Victor Hagani, founder of Elm Wealth, about his groundbreaking research into the "overnight drift" in stock markets. Victor, a seasoned finance expert, explains how a significant portion of the stock market's returns occurs during off-hours when markets are closed, despite the higher volatility typically seen during the day. This fascinating insight into overnight trading patterns is informative for investors and financial planners. Their discussion topics include: Overnight Drift in Stock Markets: Victor reveals how after-hours...

The IRS Shake-Up: Tax Law Changes & Updates – David Peters [CFP & CPA]

Smarter Planner Podcast

In this episode, host Belle Osvath CFP® talks with David Peters, CFP®, CPA. They discuss the latest tax updates and what they mean for financial advisors. David covers: IRS Updates: How the recent cut of 6,000 employees may affect processing times, refunds, and overall IRS operations. Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting: What the Corporate Transparency Act requires and the ongoing debates around privacy concerns. David also discusses the penalties for non-compliance and the latest updates on reporting deadlines. Upcoming Tax Legislation: Expected changes in tax...

How to Land Ultra-Wealthy Clients (From Someone Who’s Done It!) - Erin Botsford [Founder]

Smarter Planner Podcast

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, speaks with Erin Botsford, CFP®, who shares valuable insights into how financial advisors can build more sustainable and lucrative practices. Erin discusses: The role of a financial director vs. a planner: How being a concierge for your client's financial needs can set you apart and create lasting, generational relationships. Why charging financial planning fees is essential: How Erin transitioned from offering free services to charging substantial planning fees and why it's crucial for high-net-worth clients. The power of identifying risk:...

Understanding Hacks: How Zero Trust Enhances Cyber Protection - Jeremiah Baker (Cybersercurity Expert)

Smarter Planner Podcast

In this episode, host , interviews Jeremiah Baker, author of Confessions of a Hacker, about the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. With 17 years in the field, Jeremiah has worked with major casinos, banks, corporations, hospitals, and software firms worldwide to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities. Jeremiah highlights that many cyber threats remain consistent over time, but new risks have emerged with advancements in AI and automation. He discusses how AI-powered scams, phishing, ransomware, and fund transfer fraud continue impacting businesses and individuals....

More Episodes

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, interviews Scott Sanders, founder of 1908 Advisors, a firm specializing in life insurance settlements. Scott explains how his company simplifies the process of selling cash-value life insurance policies that are no longer needed or wanted. He outlines three primary options for such policies: lapsing, surrendering for cash value, or selling to institutional investors for an amount greater than the surrender value.

Scott delves into the workings of the life settlement market, emphasizing the role of institutional investors, such as hedge funds and life insurance carriers, who use these policies as long-duration assets. By creating a more transparent and competitive bidding process, 1908 Advisors ensures that financial advisors can confidently help clients maximize the value of their life insurance policies.

Scott emphasizes that life settlements are not a niche product but a valuable tool for financial planning, particularly for high-net-worth clients. He also shares insights on taxation considerations and addresses misconceptions about the industry.

1908advisors.com

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The Smarter Planner podcast is produced by the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA) for educational purposes. Belle Osvath and FPA NCA do not endorse any individuals or services mentioned.

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