NAPFA Nation Podcast

In Episode #26 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Kevin Knull, CFP®, President of TaxStatus, about the critical role of IRS data in financial planning. They explore how real-time access to tax information can help advisors deliver more accurate, proactive, and scalable advice. Knull discusses how advisors can uncover hidden opportunities, prevent costly tax mistakes, and enhance client outcomes by leveraging complete tax records. He shares real-world examples, including a client who unknowingly missed out on significant tax savings and how advisors can differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive landscape. The conversation also touches on the growing threat of tax-related identity theft, why fraud prevention is more urgent than ever, and how real-time monitoring of IRS data can protect clients from financial harm. In a nutshell: The power of complete IRS data in tax planning Avoiding costly tax mistakes and identifying savings opportunities Tax-related identity theft: risks and proactive defense strategies How real-time tax data enhances financial planning and compliance The organic growth advantage for fiduciary advisors Leveraging technology to scale advice and improve client relationships Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #25 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Bob Veres, Publisher of Inside Information and co-producer of Bob Veres' Insider's Forum. The conversation focuses on the latest trends for fiduciary advisors and their clients. Veres shares some AI use cases for financial professionals and the potential SEC response. He discusses new automation that advisory firms are experiencing and the changes they may implement to grow effectively and focus on client services. Veres also shares how some advisors are revolutionizing the process behind client relationships. He tells the story of a fiduciary advisor who utilized a creative marketing strategy that paid off, discussing what firms can do to gain a competitive advantage as they fight against the big marketing budgets wielded by large brokerage firms. In a nutshell: Latest trends for fiduciary advisors Innovative use of artificial intelligence Managing compliance concerns The organic growth imperative Building client relationships Creative marketing tactics How to stand out as a fiduciary advisor Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #24 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Bridget Venus Grimes, CFP®, President of WealthChoice and Co-Founder of Equita Financial Network. The conversation focuses on Grimes's expertise and passion for empowering women through financial education. Grimes shares the story and motivation behind launching her RIA firm, WealthChoice, as well as Equita Financial Network, a network and platform built for women-led and independently owned fee-only firms, discussing how she manages the capacity and growth of those companies. She emphasizes the value of a good community for success and discusses her experience as a CFP board ambassador and NAPFA member. Learn why Grimes strongly believes in upholding the fiduciary standard and many more valuable insights in this episode. In a nutshell: Financial planning for women The benefits of industry organizations Growth and capacity management Community and volunteer activities Succession planning NAPFA and the fiduciary standard Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #23 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Jennifer Dazols, CFP®, Founder and Lead Financial Planner, and Lisa Dazols, Head of Operations at Modern Family Finance. The conversation focuses on the Dazols' journey and motivation for creating Modern Family Finance. Their fee-only financial planning company focuses on typically underserved and underrepresented communities: women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Learn about their passion project, the documentary Out and Around, which showcases inspiring "Supergays" making impactful contributions across the globe, and their educational guides made in partnership with the It Gets Better Project. The Dazols also share their experience being members of NAPFA and Equita Financial Network. The discussion outlines the distinction between financial advisors who adhere to the fiduciary standard and why trust and transparency are central to Modern Family Finance. In a nutshell: Financial planning nuances for women and LGBTQ+ individuals Out & Around, a documentary about the international LGBTQ+ movement Educational guides made in partnership with the It Gets Better Project to empower LGBTQ+ youth Financial planning communities that provide a sense of belonging and support Why the Dazols embraced the fiduciary standard versus adoption of a traditional fee-based advisory firm Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #22 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Luis Rosa, CFP®, EA, founder of Build a Better Financial Future. The discussion revolves around empowering first-generation wealth creators, particularly immigrants or children of immigrants, who often face challenges related to financial literacy and family obligations. Rosa highlights the significance of understanding client struggles such as "success guilt" and "lifestyle creep," advocating for a hands-on, holistic financial planning approach that prioritizes clarity and simplicity. He outlines essential milestones in financial management, such as home purchasing and debt repayment, while emphasizing the benefits of a fee-only fiduciary service to eliminate conflicts of interest. The conversation also touches on the BLX internship program – a vital initiative he co-founded to enhance diversity within the financial planning field – and encourages advisors to actively engage in professional communities like NAPFA, XYPN, and FPA to foster growth and support. In a nutshell: First-Generation Wealth Creators have unique challenges While they may be first in their family to graduate college and get jobs with benefits in the US, they lack financial literacy despite good income They face challenges of the "sandwich generation" earlier and often struggle with balancing family responsibilities and personal financial goals Rosa works to help clients overcome success guilt and lifestyle creep through modular, hands-on planning with professional guidance and a holistic approach beyond investment management to implement plans in manageable steps Key milestones include buying a home, paying off debt, building emergency savings Learn more about Rosa and his company at www.BuildaBetterFinancialFuture.com. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #21 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift interviews Britta Koepf, CFP®, ChSNC®, founder of Tranquil Path Financial Planning. The discussion begins with Koepf's background and motivations for establishing her financial advisory practice, focusing on the unique challenges faced by families planning for the financial futures of both aging parents and their differently-abled children. Key topics include the importance of legacy planning, the use of special needs trusts and ABLE accounts, and the financial advisor's role as an intermediary between clients and legal professionals. She also shares her retainer-based fee structure, which is based on the complexity of services rather than assets under management. Based on the training she received through the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners and adoption of the ACP methodology, Koepf says the tax-focused retainer-based approach creates a rich environment for meaningful support and more open conversations with clients. She emphasizes the importance of holistic planning that incorporates tax strategies, and she reflects on her career path while offering valuable advice for aspiring financial planners, highlighting the growing representation of women in the field. In a nutshell: Special needs financial challenges include planning for two retirements: parents and the special needs child Legacy planning is crucial for special needs families Special needs trusts and ABLE accounts can be important tools An ABLE account (Achieving a Better Life Experience) is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help individuals and their families save for disability-related expenses without affecting their eligibility for government assistance programs Medicaid, Social Security benefits, and SSI (Supplemental Security Income, a program administered by the Social Security Administration for disabled people) are factors to consider Koepf acts as an "attorney translator" which improves outcomes between clients and lawyers The retainer-based business model gives Koepf the ability to do fee calculation based on complexity, not just assets, and the flat fee encourages open communication with clients Koepf's journey from biomedical humanities to the financial planning profession serves as an example of how women can progress along a similar path A higher proportion of women offering holistic financial planning and advice is an idea embraced by Koepf and many others in the fee-only community Learn more about Koepf's professional services and mission at www.TranquilFP.com. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #20 of NAPFA Nation, Christine Simone, founder and CEO of healthcare software company Caribou, and host Marie Swift delve into the vital intersection of healthcare and financial planning. As they explore the significance of healthcare in financial strategies, especially during pivotal life events like retirement, divorce, and job changes, Simone emphasizes the need for advisors to be well-informed about health plan options and Medicare. The conversation highlights the complexities of Medicare, advocating for advisors to initiate discussions with clients at least a year before they reach 65. With a focus on enhancing advisors' educational resources, the episode also teases a resource to help advisors with crucial information for navigating healthcare options: the upcoming Survival Guide for Open Enrollment, set to launch in November. The discussion includes an introduction to Caribou's healthcare planning software, designed to bridge the gap in comprehensive financial tools addressing healthcare costs. In a nutshell: The Medicare decision-making process can be complicated Software can decision-making for health plan selection and Medicare options Retirement is a common life event where healthcare is discussed Early retirement (before 65) poses challenges due to high insurance costs Advisors need education on health plan options and Medicare Holistic financial practitioners are now including additional aspects in financial plans The latest T3/Inside Information survey shows growth in estate and tax planning software adoption Beware the risks of outsourcing to insurance agents who may not present all options Learn more about Caribou's mission and health care planning software at www.CaribouWealth.com. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #19 of NAPFA Nation, Amy Irvine of Rooted Planning Group, shares with podcast host Marie Swift her journey in financial planning. From rebranding her firm, empowering women in financial planning, attracting male clients too, promoting pay equity and DEI within the firm, building client relationships, creating an ensemble of talented women professionals at Rooted Planning Group, and embracing NAPFA membership, Irvine has accomplished a lot in her financial services career. In a nutshell: Irvine encourages all team members and NAPFA members to complete NAPFA's DEI training and to promote their involvement in NAPFA activities She explains the rationale behind rebranding from Irvine Wealth Planning Strategies to Rooted Planning Group and why she focuses on empowering women in financial planning Providing education and advice without requiring high assets under management – lives under care, not assets under management – has helped the firm attract clients Rooted Planning Group also attracts male clients who value the education and advice provided because men seek to set an example for their daughters or desire the educational approach of the firm Irvine discusses pay equity within her firm and transparency in salaries, as well as efforts to coach clients on achieving pay equity in their own careers Embracing DEI strengthens client relationships by addressing unconscious biases Learn more about Rooted Planning Group at https://www.RootedPG.com. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #18 of NAPFA Nation, Jordan Dyson, Manager of Associate Development at Buckingham Wealth Partners, talks with podcast host Marie Swift about her involvement in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. Dyson advocates for greater inclusion and representation in the financial planning profession through various roles at Buckingham, encompassing client service, operations, strategic initiatives, and her focus on learning and development programs. She stresses the importance of experiential learning, intellectual humility, and the link between employee development and inclusion initiatives. In a nutshell: Dyson talks about her community engagement and volunteer efforts, highlighting Buckingham's pro bono commitment and providing advice for authentic community involvement Buckingham's equitable hiring practices, DEI Council, and Foundations for Belonging program, which is an experiential learning workshop that helps team members appreciate the differences in others, engage with their own unconscious bias, and create a dialogue in order to nurture a more inclusive environment, are noteworthy Dyson's background, including her education and career journey, can serve as an inspiration for all advisors, especially younger next-generation leaders from underrepresented populations such as Dyson's Resources like Advisors Give Back, and the BLX Internship Program are mentioned (see previous NAPFA Nation podcast episodes to hear more about these meaningful programs) – in addition, Buckingham supports the Foundation for Financial Planning Learn more about Buckingham Wealth Partners at www.BuckinghamWealthPartners.com. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org.

In Episode #17 of NAPFA Nation, Mike Walther, founder and President of Oak Wealth Advisors, talks with podcast host Marie Swift about working as a financial planning team focused on assisting families with differently abled loved ones. Walther's experiences with his autistic brother inspired the firm's focus on specialized financial planning. Oak Wealth Advisors is recognized for addressing special needs challenges with benefits like supplemental Social Security income and Medicaid, and puts an emphasis on education and advocacy. The firm offers resources on ABLE accounts that promote independence for people with disabilities, collaborates with universities and nonprofits for awareness on special needs planning, and promotes inclusion by featuring artwork by individuals with different abilities. This artwork is incorporated into client communications, showcasing the firm's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Oak Wealth Advisors engages with organizations offering employment opportunities to empower individuals with disabilities, demonstrating commitment to DEIB principles. In a nutshell: The conversation highlighted societal shifts toward embracing neurodiversity and challenging stigmas related to different abilities Walther stressed the importance of recognizing diverse skill sets for innovation and inclusivity He advocates for individuals, encompassing a wide spectrum of abilities, participating in NAPFA initiatives like DEI committees to raise awareness on disability inclusion within professional circles, and empowering families to make informed decisions Learn more about Oak Wealth Advisors at www.OakWealth.com. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org.