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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineIn 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 planning remains highly valuable as it bridges generations, connects with next-gen clients, and addresses a significant knowledge gap among financial advisors. It also integrates with broader legacy and wealth transfer strategies.
- Importance of Multi-Savings Vehicles
- Financial planning for education isn't "one size fits all." Utilizing a combination of tools like 529 plans, brokerage accounts, and Coverdell accounts helps optimize funding, flexibility, and tax efficiency based on client priorities and state-specific tax benefits.
- Proactive Conversations Across Generations
- Successful advisors include grandparents, parents, and even extended family in funding discussions early on. Understanding their contributions and intentions (e.g., lump sums vs. future pledges) is critical for accurate projections and family alignment.
- Strategies for Leftover 529 Plan Funds
- Excess funds can be strategically used by transferring beneficiaries, repaying student loans (up to $10,000 per person), or rolling into Roth IRAs for beneficiaries to support retirement planning.
- Financial Aid and Investment Oversight
- Advisors must understand financial aid policies, tax considerations, and investment flexibility within 529 plans, especially during distribution years. Monitoring allocations ensures funds are managed efficiently to preserve capital in high-interest environments.
Show Notes: Conclusion
Dr. Ross Riskin reminds us that effective education planning requires proactive conversations, personalized strategies, and leveraging tools like 529 plans for tax efficiency, legacy planning, and beyond. For more resources:
- Explore the AICPA PFP Section: aicpa.org/pfp.
- Get your copy of Guide to Education Planning to build your expertise.
Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to follow the podcast for future episodes featuring expert insights on tax, estate, investment, and financial planning.