AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP)

AICPA & CIMA

Welcome to the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Section podcast. Follow us to receive unlimited access to free podcasts from nationally known experts on topics such as retirement, estate, tax, investment planning, and more. Visit us online at aicpa-cima.com/pfp to join our community and gain access to valuable member-only benefits.

  1. 22 AUG

    Portability Denied: The Compliance Misstep That Cost Millions with Bob Keebler

    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 Roland 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: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/download/guide-to-financial-and-estate-planning-vol-4 https://pfplanning.libsyn.com/estate-planning-portability-pfp-section https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/video/critical-income-estate-and-trust-planning https://www.aicpa-cima.com/cpe-learning/course/estate-planning-certificate-program

    16 min
  2. 8 AUG

    A New Kind of Deduction: Advanced Planning Strategies for a Changed Tax Code

    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.

    31 min
  3. 11 JUL

    Disaster-Proofing Your Clients' Finances: Lessons from the Front Lines

    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.

    28 min
  4. 4 JUL

    BBB Crossover Special: How the New Tax Law Changes Everything for Your Clients

    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.

    29 min
  5. 13 JUN

    Turning Panic into Trust with Dr. Lurtz

    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.

    21 min

About

Welcome to the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Section podcast. Follow us to receive unlimited access to free podcasts from nationally known experts on topics such as retirement, estate, tax, investment planning, and more. Visit us online at aicpa-cima.com/pfp to join our community and gain access to valuable member-only benefits.

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