In today’s episode, Doug talks with Kevin Jones, Divisional Sales Manager at Lincoln Financial, about why fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) are gaining traction amid market volatility. With cash on the sidelines, record 401(k) balances, and the “Peak 65” retirement wave underway, Kevin highlights how FIAs offer downside protection, tax-deferred growth, and equity market exposure—making them a strong fit for today’s retirement portfolios.

Kevin also shares updates on Lincoln’s DRC 10 trigger strategy, which has delivered competitive returns and now includes a trigger lock option for added rate certainty. Looking ahead, Lincoln is expanding its FIA lineup with two new multi-year participation accounts. Beyond products, Kevin emphasizes advisor support through Lincoln’s Market Intel Exchange, a curated resource helping professionals educate and empower clients to make confident financial decisions.

Download the latest edition of Lincon’s flagship chartbook, updated monthly with data and insights on the economy, markets and investment trends, and sign up for future updates.

Resources: Lincoln Financial

A fixed indexed annuity is intended for retirement or other long-term needs. It is intended for a person who has sufficient cash or other liquid assets for living expenses and other unexpected emergencies, such as medical expenses. A fixed indexed annuity is not a registered security or stock market investment and does not directly participate in any stock or equity investments, or index. 

Lincoln fixed indexed annuities are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so. Contractual obligations are subject to the claims-paying ability of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. Affiliates are separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.

For more information, visit LincolnFinancial.com.

LCN-7912508-042925

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On today’s episode, Doug talks with Dana D’Auria, Group President and Co-Chief Investment Officer at Envestnet. Dana shares how advisors can support clients through turbulent markets by staying connected, reinforcing long-term discipline, and ensuring portfolios align with risk tolerance. With volatility driven by headlines and sudden policy shifts, she highlights the importance of steady guidance.

Dana also unpacks how new tariffs are raising concerns around both inflation and slowing growth—reviving fears of stagflation. She stresses the role of customized solutions, especially tax-aware strategies, and draws on lessons from 2008 and COVID to show how thoughtful planning can make all the difference. In uncertain times, clear communication and a steady hand remain the advisor’s greatest tools.

Recorded at Envestnet Elevate 2025

Resources: Envestnet

Disclosures:

The information, analysis, and opinions expressed herein are for general information only. The views expressed herein reflect the judgement of the speakers as of the recording date and are subject to change at any time without notice. Information obtained from third party resources are believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Nothing contained in this document is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities, or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. Investing carries certain risks and there is no assurance that investing in accordance with the portfolios or strategies mentioned will provide positive performance over any period of time. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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Today, Doug talks with Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise Asset Management, about Bitcoin’s rapid evolution into a more stable, institutionally accepted asset. Matt explains how improved custody, regulation, and ETF access have significantly de-risked Bitcoin over the last five years, making it a viable portfolio enhancer—especially at small allocations of 1–5%.

He outlines the “Three Horsemen” driving Bitcoin demand—ETFs, corporations, and governments—and why their combined influence, against a fixed supply, is reshaping the market. With institutional adoption growing and behavioral risks better managed through advisor guidance, Matt argues that Bitcoin is following a natural path to becoming digital hard money.

Resources: Bitwise Asset Management

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On this episode, Doug sits down with Chris Todd, CEO of Envestnet. With over $6.5 trillion in platform assets and 111,000 advisors, Chris discusses how Envestnet balances innovation and stability at scale. He shares how AI is beginning to reshape advisor workflows, enabling deeper client engagement and efficiency, and explains how private equity ownership through Bain Capital is empowering more agile decision-making and strategic investment.

Chris also outlines his vision for tighter integration of Envestnet’s acquired platforms, a more seamless advisor experience, and stronger partnerships across the wealth management ecosystem. He reflects on the legacy of Envestnet’s founders, the culture they built, and his responsibility to lead the firm through its next chapter. With an eye on smart M&A and continued tech-forward solutions, Chris emphasizes a client-first approach as the key to Envestnet’s future.

Recorded at Envestnet Elevate 2025

Resources: Envestnet

Disclosures:

The information, analysis, and opinions expressed herein are for general information only. The views expressed herein reflect the judgement of the speakers as of the recording date and are subject to change at any time without notice. Information obtained from third party resources are believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Nothing contained in this document is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities, or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. Investing carries certain risks and there is no assurance that investing in accordance with the portfolios or strategies mentioned will provide positive performance over any period of time. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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Today, Doug welcomes back Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist at FMG, to talk about how advisors can turn market volatility into a marketing strength. Samantha stresses that during uncertain times, silence from advisors breeds anxiety. Instead, consistent, proactive communication builds trust and positions advisors as steady, reliable guides—like a pilot reassuring passengers during turbulence. She shares FMG’s five strategies: regular outreach, dedicated market pages, webinars, social media engagement, and family financial sessions.

Samantha emphasizes using visuals and video to make complex topics digestible and emotionally resonant. She urges advisors to title content using real client questions to boost relevance and attendance. From timely emails to interactive webinars and legacy planning tools, she outlines how FMG helps advisors deepen relationships and expand their reach—especially when clients need guidance the most.

Download FMG’s Exclusive Marketing Toolkit for Navigating Market Uncertainty

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In this episode, Doug speaks with Michael Scaplen, SVP and Head of Sales and Relationship Management at Axos Clearing. Michael shares how Axos has evolved from its legacy roots into a tech-forward clearing firm, anchored by Axos Complete—a fully integrated ecosystem that unifies banking, investing, and planning. With tools like the Professional Workstation and a real-time client portal, Axos is eliminating operational friction and enhancing the advisor-client experience.

Michael also highlights Axos’ use of AI, biometric logins, and Envestnet integrations to streamline workflows and deliver personalized service. With solutions like tax overlay, private wealth consulting, and Axos Elite Banking, the firm empowers advisors to deepen relationships and grow revenue. It’s a bold vision for the future of clearing—one built on digital-first infrastructure and end-to-end support.

Recorded at Envestnet Elevate 2025

Resources: Axos Clearing

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In this episode, Doug welcomes Paisley Nardini, a portfolio manager and multi-asset strategist at Simplify. Paisley discusses the significance of diversifying portfolios, especially in times of market volatility and uncertainty, and highlights the innovative solutions Simplify offers, such as liquid alternatives, defined outcome strategies, and the use of derivatives.

Paisley delves into the importance of active management in achieving downside protection and the ongoing shift from a traditional 60/40 portfolio model to a 50-30-20 structure, and offers insights into how Simplify supports advisors through education and unique product offerings.

Resources: Simplify.us

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Today, Doug is joined by VanEck’s Fran Rodilosso, Head of Fixed Income ETF Portfolio Management, and Bill Sokol,  Director of Product Management, to break down the opportunities in Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) and why they’re gaining traction with investors. They explain how CLOs offer higher yields, low default rates, and floating-rate protection against interest rate volatility, making them a compelling addition to fixed income portfolios.

They also dive into CLO structures, key risks, and why active management is essential for optimizing returns. Learn how VanEck’s CLO ETFs, CLOI and CLOB, provide access to this growing asset class while managing risk. Tune in for expert insights on how advisors can integrate CLOs into diversified portfolios.

Resources: VanEck

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In this episode, Doug is joined by Courtney Tsai, Senior Manager of Charitable Strategies Group at DAFgiving360^TM. They delve into the benefits of donor-advised funds (DAFs) and how DAFgiving360 simplifies and enhances charitable giving.

Courtney explains the structure and tax advantages of DAFs, the importance of donating non-cash assets like private business interests and real estate, and how DAFgiving360 supports advisors and donors through complex giving strategies. Courtney highlights that non-cash asset donations can offer substantial tax benefits, and emphasizes the need for professional guidance in these transactions.

If you’d like to learn more about working with DAFgiving360 and the benefits to both you and your clients, review their online resources or request more information.

A donor’s ability to claim itemized deductions is subject to a variety of limitations depending on the donor’s specific tax situation.

DAFgiving360^TM does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult a qualified legal or tax advisor where such advice is necessary or appropriate.

Contributions made to DAFgiving360 are considered an irrevocable gift and are not refundable. Once contributed, DAFgiving360 has exclusive legal control over the contributed assets.

Contributions of certain real estate, private equity, or other illiquid assets may be accepted via a charitable intermediary, with proceeds transferred to a donor-advised fund (DAF) account upon liquidation. Call DAFgiving360 for more information at 800-746-6216.

DAFgiving360 is the name used for the combined programs and services of Donor Advised Charitable Giving, Inc., an independent nonprofit organization which has entered into service agreements with certain subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation. DAFgiving360 is a tax-exempt public charity as described in Sections 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), and 170(b)(1) (A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code.

©2025 Donor Advised Charitable Giving, Inc. All rights reserved. (0325-U11V)

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