AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)

Non-grantor trusts are stepping into the spotlight, not for estate tax, but for income tax planning. In this episode, Cary Sinnett sits down with tax expert Bob Keebler to explore how the One Big Beautiful Act (H.R.1) reshapes the planning landscape. You'll hear how you can use trusts to reclaim lost SALT deductions, stack §199A benefits, shift income across generations, and even layer in QSBS exemptions. If your clients are hitting phaseouts or facing high state taxes, this episode delivers advanced strategies to optimize their tax position now and into the future. Non-Grantor Trusts: Keebler explains how trust structures can sidestep phaseouts and help clients reclaim deductions previously lost due to high AGI. The "Tax Trifecta Trust" Explained: Learn how to stack SALT deductions, layer multiple §199A deductions, and shift income strategically using non-grantor trust planning. Five Strategies You Can Use Today Income shifting to lower-bracket heirs Stacking SALT deductions across multiple trusts Boosting §199A deductions with trust-level taxpayers Expanding QSBS exemptions via strategic trust ownership Reducing or deferring state income tax through out-of-state trust situs Real-World Implementation Advice: Bob outlines guardrails around IRC §643(f) to avoid having multiple trusts collapsed into one. Hear how to structure trusts legally and practically for high-impact planning, and how to identify ideal client profiles for this approach. What CPA Financial Planners Need to Watch For: Bob discusses state-specific issues, kiddie tax complications, trust drafting must-haves, and how CPAs can lead the planning process with confidence. AICPA Resources: Video: Decoding Trusts and Wills: Provisions for PFP Practitioners Video: Year-End Planning Through the Lens of H.R. 1 Resource: Charitable planning post OBBBA rules 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.  

Busy season does not have to define a CPA's entire year. In this episode of the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Podcast, Cary Sinnett sits down with Deb Meyer, CPA and founder of WorthyNest, to discuss her path from tax compliance to integrated financial planning. Deb shares why she merged her CPA firm and RIA, how advisory services changed her client relationships, and what CPAs should realistically expect when adding financial planning to their practice. The conversation covers leadership, delegation, client trust, pricing evolution, and the personal motivations behind making the shift. This episode is a must-listen for CPAs exploring advisory services and looking to create more sustainable, value-driven practices. Podcast episode takeaways: Advisory integration improves both efficiency and client experience. Bringing tax, accounting, and financial planning under one roof reduces friction, streamlines workflows, and allows CPAs to serve clients more holistically rather than in disconnected silos. Client transitions require patience and proactive engagement. Clients rarely move from tax compliance to full financial planning overnight. Trust is built over time, especially when CPAs shift from transactional work to year-round planning conversations. The move into planning is as personal as it is technical. Successful expansion into advisory services requires clarity around motivation, willingness to delegate, and acceptance that financial planning redistributes work throughout the year rather than reducing it outright. AICPA Resources: Video: Use your client's tax return to provide valuable financial advice Article: Enhancing tax practices with personal financial planning Video: Steps to add financial planning to your tax practice Article: Building a Financial Planning and Tax Advisory Business podcast 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.  

Host Cary Sinnett is joined by Dr. Brianne Smith, a PFP practitioner, CPA firm owner, and accounting professor at Auburn University, for a timely conversation on artificial intelligence in financial planning. Artificial intelligence is moving quickly into financial planning workflows, but not all "AI" tools are created equal. For CPA financial planners, the opportunity is significant: increased efficiency, deeper insights, and more client-centered communication. The risk lies in adopting technology without fully understanding what it does, how it works, and where human judgment must remain firmly in place. Explore with Dr. Brianne Smith how CPA financial planners can separate AI hype from real innovation and adopt emerging tools responsibly, with a clear focus on supervision, workflow integration, and maintaining client trust. What You'll Learn How to distinguish true AI from traditional automation and why that difference matters in practice Real-world examples of how AI is already enhancing document review, meeting documentation, and investment analysis How to supervise AI outputs responsibly while maintaining professional judgment and client trust How role mapping can help identify where AI and automation can free planners to focus on higher-value client work How AI can support both practice scalability and the next generation of CPA financial planners AICPA Resources: AICPA Personal Financial Planning Symposium Video: AI and Technology Updates for Financial Planning Practices Center: AI Tax Resource Learning: The AI Advantage: Leveraging AI for Efficiency and Impact Center: Tax Research 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 episode, host Cary Sinnett is joined by Jeff Levine, CPA, CFP, a 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.  

The pipeline is aging—and the profession is feeling the pressure. But what if Gen Z isn't just the next wave of talent, but the spark that transforms your practice? In this energizing episode, Cary Sinnett sits down with Sherron Permashwar, CPA and founder of The Modern Savvy CPA, to unpack why recruiting Gen Z isn't just important—it's essential. Sherron brings her insight as a 27-year CPA veteran with a digital-native following to explore: ·       What Gen Z really wants from a career in financial planning ·       How to move from a "hierarchy" mindset to a "community" culture ·       Why high schools and colleges are missing the mark—and how you can fill the gap ·       Content strategies CPA firms can use to build credibility and trust on TikTok, YouTube, and beyond ·       How purpose, flexibility, and mentorship drive Gen Z retention If you're ready to future-proof your firm and attract the next generation of purpose-driven professionals, this episode is for you. Resources: Article: Mentoring at CPA firms fosters strong leaders Article: Notable gaps between what Gen Z expects and what employers offer Toolkit: CPA Pipeline Article: Learn more about the Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop

When disaster strikes—wildfire, flood, earthquake—will your clients' finances survive the storm? In this episode, host Cary Sinnett speaks with Mitch Freeman, CPA/PFS, a nationally recognized advisor with firsthand experience navigating the financial aftermath of natural disasters. Mitch shares practical insights on: ·       Proactive steps to prepare clients financially for disasters ·       Insurance challenges in high-risk areas ·       How private adjusters can ease post-disaster stress ·       Essential documents and checklists every client should have ready With over 60 years in the profession, Mitch offers hard-won wisdom and actionable advice to help CPA financial planners build financial resilience into every plan. Resources:        Disaster preparedness        Aftermath of a natural disaster checklist        Dealing with catastrophic property loss        Disaster management essentials for CPAs        A primer on disaster planning, relief, and recovery with a CPA        Disaster Relief Resource Center        State Disaster Tax Relief Guide        AICPA Benevolent Fund – Disaster Support Application 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 One Big Beautiful Bill Act is no longer a proposal, it's the law. That means CPA financial planners must shift gears fast. In this special crossover episode of the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Podcast and the AICPA Tax Odyssey Podcast, host Cary Sinnett is joined by nationally recognized experts Bob Keebler and Mark Gallegos to break down what the new law really means for your clients and your planning strategies. From the permanent TCJA tax brackets and QBI deduction to enhanced SALT caps, PTET elections, and new income exclusions for tips and overtime, this episode delivers high-level insights you can act on immediately. You'll also hear forward-looking guidance on Roth conversions, entity structure decisions, estate and gifting strategies, and what Medicaid reforms mean for clients with multigenerational care responsibilities. This is the must-listen briefing every CPA financial planner needs right now. Resources: 2025 Reconciliation charts Planning for tax changes and tax reform 2025 House tax bill 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 special crossover episode between the AICPA's Tax Section Odyssey and PFP Section podcasts, April Walker is joined by Bob Keebler and Mark Gallegos to break down the fast-moving tax legislation landscape. They walk through key provisions in both the House's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and the Senate's proposal, sharing what matters most for client conversations right now. Topics include: Timing and reconciliation process in Congress Section 199A and SALT cap updates PTET deduction differences and planning impact Section 174 R&D expensing changes Bonus depreciation and Section 179 updates Opportunity Zones and energy credits Why now is the "opportunity season" for proactive client outreach This episode is your go-to briefing for what's in motion and how to stay ahead. Tune in to hear what tax advisors need to know — and how to start client conversations before the final bill hits the President's desk. Resource: PFP considerations across 2025 legislative proposals

When markets are volatile, your clients look to you for clarity—but before they can truly hear your technical advice, they may need something deeper: to feel emotionally steady and heard. In this episode, Dr. Meghaan Lurtz, behavioral scientist and partner at Shaping Wealth, joins host Cary Sinnett to explore the power of a question-led approach for CPA financial planners. You'll learn how leading with well-timed questions—not immediate answers—can reduce client panic, build trust, and actually enhance the effectiveness of your financial guidance. 💡 Key Takeaways for CPA Financial Planners: Why Questions Matter First: Jumping straight to solutions can trigger resistance. Asking grounding questions reduces panic and restores agency. Think Like a 911 Dispatcher: Just like emergency responders, planners can help clients regain control by starting with calm, relevant questions. Examples That Work: Dr. Lurtz shares specific questions that uncover what's really driving client fear—and how to tie responses back to values and long-term goals. From Emotion to Action: How to transition from emotional support to technical advice without losing momentum or empathy. 🛠️ Tools & Resources: ✅ Download Dr. Lurtz's Question-led Approach Handout ✅ How emotions affect financial decisions 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 the markets swing, smart estate planning can make or break your client's legacy. In this episode, Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS, joins Cary Sinnett to reveal the overlooked tax moves CPA financial planners need to know—from the strategic use of the Alternate Valuation Date (AVD) to avoiding costly missteps with the Kenan Doctrine. Learn how the 645 election can shift tax treatment in your favor, why timing and valuation matter more than ever, and how to deliver sharp planning with empathy during emotional times. If you advise estates in a volatile market, these insights could reshape your postmortem playbook. 💡 Topics Covered: Alternate Valuation Date: when and how it reduces estate tax Kenan Doctrine: the hidden capital gain trap in bequests 645 Election: unlocking more favorable tax treatment for trusts Managing concentrated positions and planning for liquidity Balancing technical expertise with compassionate client communication 🔗 Resources & More: Guide: Vol. 1 - The Adviser's Guide to Financial & Estate Planning – 15th Ed Webcast: Critical Income, Estate and Trust Planning for 2023 and Beyond Article: NumberCruncher for Financial Planners 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 CPA financial planners, we often encounter a painful reality: adult children who are surprised, or even hurt, by their parents' estate plans—after it's too late for discussion. In this episode, Cary Sinnett speaks with Kelley Long, a respected fee-only financial wellness coach and former bank trust officer, about how proactive communication can help families preserve relationships and honor intentions. Kelley offers practical, thoughtful strategies for advisors to help clients initiate and navigate these conversations. Topics include: The ideal timing for involving heirs in estate planning discussions Balancing fairness and transparency, especially when distributions are unequal How to help clients overcome the fear of conflict or entitlement The importance of framing the conversation around values and legacy, rather than specific financial details The role of ethical wills in clarifying intent and reducing misunderstandings Key Insight: Estate planning is not just a legal or financial process—it's a relational one. When clients are supported in sharing their intentions and values clearly, the outcome is not just a smoother transition of wealth, but a stronger foundation for family unity. Resources: Guide: The Adviser's Guide to Financial & Estate Planning – 15th Ed – Vol. 1 Podcast: Estate planning conversations all clients need to have now 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.