Understanding Bitcoin: A CPA's Perspective {PFP Section}
AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)
Release Date: 11/22/2024
Additional Social Security Payments for Some Clients {PFP Section}
AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)
Cary Sinnett and Dan Snyder discuss the repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), major changes impacting public workers, spouses, and retirees. Learn who is affected, how to claim retroactive payments, and key financial planning strategies. Key Takeaways: Who’s Affected? Retired public workers, teachers, police, firefighters, and spouses previously impacted by GPO/WEP. What Changed? The Social Security Fairness Act (Jan 2025) repeals GPO & WEP, allowing full Social Security benefits. Retroactive Payments: Eligible recipients may receive...
info_outline
Estate Planning & Portability {PFP Section}
AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)
In this episode of the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Podcast, Cary Sinnett welcomes Bob Keebler, a nationally recognized expert in estate and tax planning. Together, they break down the critical topic of portability in estate planning—what it is, how it works, and why it matters for both financial planners and clients. Key Insights: Portability: Use It or Lose It – If you don't elect portability within the required time frame, the deceased spouse’s unused estate tax exemption is lost forever. Deadlines Matter – The DSUE must be filed within 9 months of death, but an...
info_outline
Advancing CPA Financial Planning: Insights from Leaders Brooke Salvini and Oscar Vives {PFP Section}
AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)
Welcome to the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Podcast, hosted by Cary Sinnett. In this episode, Cary is joined by Brooke Salvini, Chair of the Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Executive Committee, and Oscar Vives, Chair of the PFS Credential Committee. Together, they dive into pivotal advancements in CPA financial planning, including the integration of Personal Financial Planning into the CPA exam, updates to PFP standards, and the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence in the profession. Key Discussion Points: Introduction and Guest Backgrounds Brooke shares her tenure...
info_outline
Education Funding {PFP Section}
AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)
In this episode of the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Podcast, host Cary Sinnett welcomes Dr. Ross Riskin, Chief Learning Officer at the Investments & Wealth Institute and author of Guide to Education Planning. They dive deep into education planning strategies, including the benefits and complexities of tools like 529 plans, the importance of multi-generational funding conversations, and how to align education savings with broader financial goals. Here are five key takeaways from the conversation between Cary Sinnett and Dr. Ross Riskin: The Value of Education Planning Education...
info_outline
Deeper CPA Financial Planning Connections | Celebrating 30 Years in the Industry {PFP Section}
AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)
This milestone episode celebrates 30 years of professional growth and client success, highlighting the dynamic evolution of the financial planning profession and the firm’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Five Key Takeaways: The Evolution of a Career in Financial Planning: Growth and succession is vital for a long-lasting impact. Lyle Benson introduces his son Chris. Chris Benson shares his journey from aspiring engineer to CPA financial planner, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his transition from a large CPA firm to the family firm. The Critical...
info_outline
The Power of Client Communication: 4S Framework for Financial Planners {PFP Section}
AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)
In this episode, Cary Sinnet and Mark Gochnour explore how effective communication builds trust and sets financial planners apart. Mark introduces the 4S Framework—a powerful tool for connecting with clients and simplifying complex concepts. Key Takeaways Why Communication Matters: Builds trust, fosters engagement, and differentiates you from competitors. Avoid overloading clients with technical jargon or unnecessary details. 4S Framework for Communication: Scripts: Prepare and practice concise responses to common questions. Stories: Share personal anecdotes to build emotional...
info_outline
Understanding Bitcoin: A CPA's Perspective {PFP Section}
AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)
Mark Astrinos and David Oransky discuss Bitcoin's role in modern investing, addressing its speculative nature, practical uses, and potential as a long-term store of value. They explore how advisors and clients can approach Bitcoin thoughtfully, balancing skepticism with understanding. Key Topics Covered: Foundations of Investing: Saving vs. investing and the speculative nature of all assets. Bitcoin’s similarities to "digital gold" and its unique network benefits. Bitcoin’s Role in Portfolios: How Bitcoin compares to traditional assets like stocks, bonds, and gold. Its potential as...
info_outline
Talking about Medicare {PFP Section}
AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)
Jim Sullivan from Pay4Care.org discusses significant changes to Medicare’s prescription drug coverage in 2025, particularly regarding the Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage. Jim discusses key 2025 changes to Medicare Part D, including a new $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for prescription drug costs. Beneficiaries can now opt for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, allowing them to spread out deductible payments monthly to ease early-year costs. The...
info_outline
Intersection of Health and Financial Planning {PFP Section}
AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)
In this episode of the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Podcast, Cary Sinnett interviews Dr. Carolyn McClanahan, a physician and financial planner, on the importance of addressing healthcare in financial planning. They discuss how health and financial wellbeing are deeply intertwined, especially when planning for long-term care, aging, and unpredictable health events. Dr. McClanahan emphasizes the importance of having early conversations about healthcare plans, estate directives, and the costs of care to ensure families are prepared. How can financial planners integrate health-related...
info_outline
Deeper CPA financial planner connections with Marianela Collado {PFP Section}
AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)
In this episode of "Deeper CPA Financial Planning Connections," Lyle Benson interviews Marianela Collada, CEO of Tobias Financial Advisors, about her career journey, the growth of her firm, and her role on the PFP Executive Committee. Marianela discusses her experience working with high-net-worth clients, the importance of estate and tax planning, and her approach to growing the firm's team and capabilities. She emphasizes the significance of proactive planning, developing new leaders within the firm, and her optimism for the future of the financial planning profession. How does proactive...
info_outlineMark Astrinos and David Oransky discuss Bitcoin's role in modern investing, addressing its speculative nature, practical uses, and potential as a long-term store of value. They explore how advisors and clients can approach Bitcoin thoughtfully, balancing skepticism with understanding.
Key Topics Covered:
- Foundations of Investing:
- Saving vs. investing and the speculative nature of all assets.
- Bitcoin’s similarities to "digital gold" and its unique network benefits.
- Bitcoin’s Role in Portfolios:
- How Bitcoin compares to traditional assets like stocks, bonds, and gold.
- Its potential as an inflation hedge and long-term store of value.
- Practical Applications:
- Bitcoin enables global, permissionless transactions and portable wealth.
- Its scarcity-driven dynamics make it appealing amid fiat currency concerns.
- ETFs and Adoption:
- Bitcoin ETFs simplify access for investors and advisors.
- Direct ownership offers unique benefits but requires technical knowledge.
Key Takeaways:
- Advisors should educate themselves about Bitcoin’s potential as a legitimate asset class.
- Even a small allocation to Bitcoin may offer diversification and inflation protection.
- Start with reputable resources like Fidelity and BlackRock or AICPA's PFP Division materials.
Resources Available:
A three part deep dive into bitcoin is available:
- Why you need to take Bitcoin seriously - part 1
- Why you need to take Bitcoin seriously - part 2
- Why you need to take Bitcoin seriously - part 3.
A video with slides