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 trading primarily drives market returns, shedding light on the little-known phenomenon of overnight drift. Day Trading Influence on Overnight Drift: Learn how day traders contribute to the overnight drift and discover which stocks are most affected by this market behavior. Dynamic vs. Static Asset Allocation: Victor explains why asset allocation decisions should be active and based on expected returns and risk, rather than a passive, one-size-fits-all approach. Elm Wealth's ETF and Dynamic Asset Allocation: Victor shares insights into Elm Wealth's unique ETF, which uses dynamic asset allocation strategies to optimize returns and adjust exposure based on market conditions. Resources Mentioned: Elm Wealth: Visit Elm Wealth Elm ETF: ELM LinkedIn: Connect with Victor Hagani Victor's articles on the overnight drift: https://elmwealth.com/night-moves-overnight-drift/ https://elmwealth.com/night-shift/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this 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 laws in 2025, including green energy credits, state and local tax deductions, and modifications to education and car loan interest credits. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Clarification on recent IRS notices and upcoming guidance on RMDs for surviving spouses. David Peters Professional Education: petersprofessionaleducation.com LinkedIn: David Peters --- The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this 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: Focusing on risk management and pointing out potential vulnerabilities, like underinsurance or asset protection issues, helps advisors attract and retain clients. · Erin Botsford Website: erinbotsford.com · LinkedIn: Erin Botsford --- The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, 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. Notably, AI is used to clone voices, manipulate video calls, and automate attacks, making fraudsters more effective than ever. One key takeaway is that cybersecurity is not just about large organizations. Everyone is a target, including financial planners, who must protect their security, firm data, and clients' sensitive information. Jeremiah shares practical, low-cost (and no-cost) measures to defend against these threats, including multi-factor authentication, strong password management, and robust backup systems. He also recounts real-world cases of fraudulent wire transfers, ransomware extortion, and deep fake impersonation, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and a zero-trust mindset in today's digital world. For more insights, connect with Jeremiah Baker on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/jeremiahbaker or check out his book, Confessions of a Hacker, which will soon be updated. --- The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, interviews Stevyn Guinnip, founder, and CEO of Grow Wellthy, a health and wellness consulting firm that works with financial advisors to improve their well-being. As the daughter of a financial advisor, Stevyn witnessed firsthand how the industry's pressures can negatively impact health. Her firm bridges the gap between financial success and personal well-being, helping advisors and their clients invest in their health just as they do their wealth. Stevyn explains how financial advisors often neglect their health due to their competitive, high-achieving personalities and the relentless demands of building a business. She emphasizes the connection between health and long-term financial security, noting that chronic stress and poor health can undermine even the best financial plans. By incorporating simple, sustainable wellness practices into daily routines, advisors can protect their health without sacrificing career success. Connect with Stevyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevyn-guinnip/ growwellthy.com --- 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.

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. LinkedIn 1908advisors.com --- 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.

In this episode of the Smarter Planner podcast, host Belle Osvath, CFP® speaks with Kelly McNerney, CFP®, and Kristin Beane, about the upcoming Smarter Planner Symposium, which will be held on January 24th, 2025 at the Archer Hotel in Tysons Corner, Virginia. The event promises a full day of learning, networking, and collaboration designed for financial planning professionals. Register Here Schedule 7:30 - 8:00 Registration and Breakfast 8:00 - 8:15 Welcome Kelly McNerney- Chair- 2025 Symposium 8:15 - 9:00 Mike Townsend: Policy and Politics in the New Washington: Implications for Investors 9:10 - 10:00 Ben Henry- Moreland: Tax Planning For TCJA's (Scheduled) Sunset: Preparing Clients For Change Amid Legislative Uncertainty 10:00 - 10:20 Break 10:20 - 11:10 Rianka R. Dorsainvil, CFP®: Increasing Culture Competency to Better Serve Clients 11:10 - 12:00 Michael Egan, CFP®, CIMA: Custom Options for Concentrated Stocks 12:00 - 12:30 Annual Awards 12:30 - 1:30 Lunch AKA Hotel Bar 1:30 - 2:20 Sefa Mawuli, CFP®: Tailoring Financial Planning for Global Families and Professionals 2:20 - 3:10 Ashley Quamme: Sensitive Conversations: Mastering Difficult Client Scenarios through Conversation and Connection 3:10 - 3:30 Break 3:30 - 4:10 Mark Colaço, CFP® Perception vs. Reality: The Vital Role of Insurance in a Thriving Advisory Practice 4:10 - 4:20 Raffles and Closing 4:30 - 5:30 Happy Hour Networking Opportunities: Attendees can connect during breaks, lunch, and a post-event happy hour in the hotel's unique spaces, including the penthouse. Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Up to seven CE credits are available, providing an additional incentive for attendance. Special Offers and Prizes: Podcast listeners can use a $50 discount code ("SmarterPlanner"), and attendees can participate in a bingo-style activity to win prizes while interacting with sponsors. Kelly and Kristen also discuss the importance of collaboration within the Financial Planning Association (FPA), sharing insights on the value of FPA membership benefits and the impact of fostering community among chapters. For more information or to register, visit the symposium's page and use the discount code to save on admission. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow as a financial planning professional. --- 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.

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, interviews Jeannette Kuda, President and COO of TIFIN AG, a fintech company revolutionizing wealth management through supervised AI. Jeannette explains the differences between supervised (predictive) AI and generative AI, emphasizing the former's ability to analyze large datasets to identify growth opportunities for wealth management firms. TIFIN AG's platform focuses on organic growth by helping advisors uncover hidden opportunities within their existing client base, such as outside assets that could be consolidated under their management. By leveraging predictive AI, the tool analyzes historical data, supplements it with third-party data, and provides actionable insights. Advisors are then equipped to prioritize high-probability opportunities efficiently, enhancing their ability to grow their business book without increasing administrative burdens. Jeannette stresses that AI is not about replacing advisors but augmenting their efforts, allowing them to focus on client relationships and growth strategies. She also highlights the importance of embracing AI experimentation, regardless of firm size, as the technology evolves rapidly and creates competitive advantages. For more insights, connect with Jeannette on LinkedIn or visit tiffinag.com. --- The Smarter Planner podcast is produced by the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA) for educational purposes. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse any of the individuals or services mentioned.

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, interviews Steven Zeiger, Managing Director at KB Financial, about the complexities of life insurance in the "fiduciary era." Steven discusses the importance of transparent and unbiased evaluation in life insurance, noting the need for more standardization and the potential for misleading information in traditional policy illustrations. He explains how research tools like those by Morningstar and Veralytic allow advisors to compare policies against industry benchmarks to accurately assess premiums, internal costs, and cash value projections. Steven highlights the value of independent, third-party research to avoid conflicts of interest and prioritize clients' best interests. He explains how data-driven insights and tools can identify hidden costs and potential policy failures often not apparent in standard illustrations. This information enables advisors to provide fiduciary-grade service, ensuring clients receive the best outcome for their financial goals. Steven also emphasizes the importance of research-based evaluation, encouraging planners to utilize these tools to enhance transparency and trust. Video of Life Insurance Analysis:https://youtu.be/8GpzzMWHbuE Ways to connect with Steven: Steven's Cell: 917-750-6201 Text: M - More questions, T - Trust & estate article I - Introduce me to someone, S - Speaking engagement LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenzeiger/ Website: https://www.kbfinancialcompanies.com/ --- The Smarter Planner podcast is produced by the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA) for educational purposes. Phil Asta and FPA NCA do not endorse any of the individuals or services mentioned.

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, speaks with Dan Carreno, cofounder of 0-Six Impact Partners and cohost of the Rewilding Wall Street podcast. They explore the critical intersection of climate change and financial planning, discussing how extreme weather events impact insurance costs and property values. Dan shares his personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of financial planners addressing these emerging risks and educating their clients. Financial Planning in the Age of Climate Change paper: https://osixpartners.com/blog-4-1/financial-planning-in-the-age-of-climate-change U.S. Treasury paper: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Climate_Change_Household_Finances.pdf Dan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carreno-colorado/ --- The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.