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:

1. IRS Updates: How the recent cut of 6,000 employees may affect processing times, refunds, and overall IRS operations.
   
   

2. 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.
   
   

3. 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.
   
   

4. 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

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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

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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.

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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.