Category Archives: Power Your Advice

Episode 211 – Empowering Change and Investing in Others with Jeff Vivacqua



Explore the dynamic intersection of financial services and philanthropy with Jeff Vivacqua, the new chairman of the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation, as he shares insights on empowering communities, raising industry visibility, and fostering impactful change.

Topics also discussed:

  • Jeff’s journey with Invest in Others, rooted in personal and professional philanthropic values.
  • His key objectives as the newly appointed chairperson, emphasizing the need to raise visibility in the financial services industry.
  • The natural inclination of financial professionals towards charitable initiatives and the role of Invest in Others in amplifying their efforts.
  • Jeff shares the influence of his affiliation with Invest in Others on his professional connections and the expansion of his network.
  • Challenges in philanthropic contributions, stressing the importance of supporting small charities and the impact even modest donations can make.
  • Looking ahead, Jeff discusses upcoming programs and events for Invest in Others, including the Charitable Champions program, grant opportunities, and the annual gala. He also outlines the organization’s strategic plan for growth and encourages support and involvement from the broader community.

 

Resources: 

Invest in Others


Episode 210 – The Bitcoin Surge & Investing in its Digital Realm with Chris Gannatti



WisdomTree works to create a better way to invest, offering a product range that offers access to a selection of unique and smart exposures.

Christopher Gannatti has been an integral part of the organization since 2010, currently holding the position of Global Head of Research. Chris has the responsibility for many communications pertaining to global investment strategies, with a focus on thematic equity.

In this episode, Chris unravels the enigma that is Bitcoin, a digital currency that ignites both fear and excitement in the hearts of investors.

Topics discussed:

  • An introduction to Wisdom Tree’s investment range and focus on Bitcoin.
  • Satoshi Nakamoto and the revolutionary nature of Bitcoin’s creation.
  • Investing in Bitcoin: weighing positives (high return potential) and negatives (volatility and risk).
  • Spot Bitcoin and the difference from Bitcoin futures.
  • Explanation of Bitcoin ETFs and how they are composed of actual Bitcoin assets.
  • WisdomTree’s Bitcoin ETF (BTCW) and its features, including cold storage and Coinbase custody.
  • Accessing WisdomTree’s research notes for more insights.

 

Resources: WisdomTree

 

Important Information:

This material must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. Investors should read the prospectus carefully before investing.

There are risks associated with investing, including possible loss of principal.

Bitcoin and, accordingly, the WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund, which holds bitcoin, are highly speculative and involve a high degree of risk, including the potential for loss of the entire investment. An investment in the WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund involves significant risks (including the potential for quick, large losses) and may not be suitable for all shareholders. You should carefully consider whether your financial condition permits you to invest in the WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund and you should be willing to accept more risk than may be involved with other exchange traded products or ETFs that do not hold bitcoin.

Extreme volatility of trading prices that many digital assets, including bitcoin, have experienced in recent periods and may continue to experience, could have a material adverse effect on in an investment in bitcoin and such investment could lose all or substantially all of its value. The value of the Shares is dependent on the acceptance of digital assets, such as bitcoin, which represent a new and rapidly evolving industry. Digital assets such as bitcoin were only introduced within the past two decades, and the medium-to-long term value is subject to a number of factors relating to the capabilities and development of blockchain technologies and to the fundamental investment characteristics of digital assets. Regulatory changes or actions may affect the value of bitcoin or restrict the use of bitcoin, mining activity or the operation of the Bitcoin Network or the Digital Asset Markets in a manner that adversely affects the value of bitcoin. Digital Asset Markets may experience fraud, business failures, security failures or operational problems, which may adversely affect the value of bitcoin.

There can be no assurance that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

The WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund is not a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and is not subject to regulation under the 1940, unlike most exchange traded products or ETFs. The WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund is also not a commodity pool for purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended, and the sponsor is not subject to regulations by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a commodity pool operator or commodity trading advisor. The WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund’s shares are neither interests in nor obligations of the sponsor or the trustee or any of their affiliates.

Please read the Fund’s prospectus for specific details regarding the Fund’s risk profile.

Contango: A scenario when the futures price is above the spot price.

Please refer to the Fund detail page for BTCW for the most recent holdings: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/etfs/crypto/btcw

This information is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, accounting, investment or financial planning advice by WisdomTree, nor should it be considered or relied upon as investment advice or as a recommendation from WisdomTree, including regarding the use or suitability of bitcoin in a portfolio. In providing information, WisdomTree is not acting and has not agreed to act in an investment advisory, fiduciary or quasifiduciary capacity to any advisor or end client, and has no responsibility in connection therewith, and is not BTCW WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund 8 WisdomTree.com/investments providing individualized investment advice to any advisor or end client, including based on or tailored to the circumstance of any advisor or end client. WisdomTree is not responsible for determining bitcoin to be purchased, held and/or sold for any advisor or end client accounts, nor is WisdomTree responsible for determining the suitability or appropriateness of bitcoin for any third party, including end clients. Advisors are solely responsible for making investment recommendations and/or decisions with respect to an end client, and should consider the end client’s individual financial circumstances, investment time frame, risk tolerance level and investment goals in determining the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy, without input from WisdomTree.

Foreside Funds Services, LLC, is the Marketing Agent for the WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW). Foreside Fund Services, LLC, is not affiliated with WisdomTree, Inc. nor any other entities mentioned.


Episode 209 – Through Innovation and Simplicity, New Strategies Bring Positive Returns in Down Markets with David Wood



David Wood is the Vice President of Fixed and Fixed Indexed Annuity sales at Lincoln Financial Group: a firm that has been helping millions of people plan, protect, and retire for over a century. 

In this episode, David presents the new innovative crediting strategies offered by Lincoln Financial Group in its fixed-indexed annuity portfolio. These strategies address consumer sentiment, offering growth potential combined with 100% downside protection.

They also discussed:

  • The customer sentiment shift to investments that offer an equal mix of growth and protection.
  • Research and development considerations: analyze the marketplace with a focus on retail clients, financial professionals, and enhancing our current portfolio.
  • Introduction of Dual Trigger and 1 Year S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Trigger account options.
  • Lincoln’s decision to launch new strategies: addressing concerns of consumers sitting in cash, meeting the demand for protection, and aligning with market trends.
  • Differentiation from competitors through innovation, simplicity, predictability, diverse allocation strategies, and commitment to clients.
  • Concrete action steps for financial professionals: prioritize solutions that offer protection, and utilize allocation strategies to move clients forward – leading to higher client retention and referrals.

 

Resources: Subscribe to Lincoln’s Market Intel Exchange, the chartbook that keeps you informed on the most notable economic and market insights from the quarter.

 

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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.


Episode 208 – Investing with Purpose: Matson Money’s Path to Financial Empowerment with Josh Crawford



Matson Money is a multi-generational registered investment advisor company founded in 1991 by Mark Matson. They transform the investing experience by helping investors discover their true purpose for money and aligning clients’ investment strategies with their values.

Josh Crawford is the youngest Matson Money executive team member, serving as the Vice President of Training and Development.

In this episode, Josh explores the intricacies of financial advising and empowerment, shedding light on Matson Money’s investor strategies.

They also discussed:

  • Matson Money’s approach to transforming the investing experience through transparency and value alignment.
  • Josh Crawford’s insights on portfolio construction, emphasizing education and transparency for investors.
  • Strategies for advisors to help clients manage economic anxiety and understand market mechanics.
  • The importance of empowering investors through curiosity, independent thinking, and treating advisors as mentors.
  • Key principles for stronger investing, including long-term perspective, portfolio diversification, and understanding market fundamentals.

 

Resources: Matson Money

Disclosures and sources: Click here to view


Episode 207 – Tax-Smart Charitable Giving: The Power of Donor Advised Funds with Hayden Adams & Ruby Pediangco



Schwab CharitableTM is an independent 501(c)(3) with a mission to increase charitable giving in the U.S. by providing a tax-smart and simple giving solution to donors and their investment advisors.

In this episode, we’re joined by Hayden Adams CPA, CFP®, the Director of Tax and Financial Planning at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, as well as Ruby Pediangco, Senior Manager, Charitable Strategies Group at Schwab Charitable.

Hayden and Ruby explore the invaluable benefits of donor-advised funds, essential tax strategies for charitable giving, and the plethora of resources available to optimize your tax planning.

They also discussed:

  • The offerings of Schwab Charitable which include donor-advised funds (DAFs) and philanthropic resources for tax-efficient charitable giving.
  • How DAFs can be used as flexible charitable investment accounts allowing contributions of various assets for tax benefits and grant recommendations to qualified charities.
  • Why tax practitioners highly favor DAFs in charitable giving.
  • Tax-smart giving strategies such as, bunching donations, using qualified charitable distributions for maximum tax benefits, and leveraging tax loss harvesting.
  • Utilizing appreciated assets as charitable gifts, and considerations of timing, due diligence, and potential tax implications when donating assets like real estate or businesses.
  • Charitable legacy planning, including selecting appropriate assets for and open communication with family members.
  • Specialized programs, experts, and online materials available such as Schwab Charitable’s Giving Guide, which includes interactive components related to budgetingtax deductibility rates, and using giving vehicles. The website also offers a Bunching and Tax Savings Calculator and a Charitable Donation Calculator to guide donors and advisors in tax-smart charitable giving.

 

Resources: Schwab Charitable

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The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.

Schwab Charitable™ is the name used for the combined programs and services of Schwab Charitable Fund™, an independent nonprofit organization. Schwab Charitable Fund has entered into service agreements with certain subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

Schwab Charitable Fund is recognized as 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. Contributions made to Schwab Charitable Fund are considered an irrevocable gift and are not refundable. Once contributed, Schwab Charitable has exclusive legal control over the contributed assets.

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

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

Fair market value estimations are provided by a third-party vendor. Securities are valued on the date they were received by Schwab Charitable. For securities held one year or less, the deduction is limited to the lower of the fair market value or the cost basis on the date of the contribution.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

©2024 Schwab Charitable Fund. All rights reserved. (0324-PZEY)


Episode 206 – Speaking ‘The Language of Referrals’ to Gain Your Ideal Client with Bill Cates



Bill Cates is renowned as a leading authority in the realm of acquiring new clients via referrals and personal introductions. As the president of Referral Coach International and the founder of The Cates Academy for Relationship Marketing™, he brings extensive expertise to the table. Additionally, Bill hosts the popular podcast, TopAdvisorPodcast.com, and has been recognized as the top Financial Advisor Influencer by Indigo Marketing. 

Adding to his impressive credentials, Bill is a bestselling author, joining us in this episode to discuss his latest release, “The Language of Referrals.”

 

What to Expect:

  • Exploration of the inner language of referrals, including self-talk, limiting beliefs, and mistaken assumptions.
  • Strategies to increase referability by fostering value and personal connections with clients.
  • Differentiation between promoting introductions and directly asking for referrals, with examples of language to use in each scenario.
  • Common client concerns about confidentiality and handling referrals with care.
  • A formula for addressing client objections and reluctance to provide referrals, focusing on acknowledgment and exploration.
  • The process of facilitating introductions and the importance of relevant connections.
  • The strategy behind providing additional resources like toolkits and guides to supplement the book.
  • Ways for listeners to learn more about the book and access additional tools and resources on client referrals.

 

Resources: 

Referral Coach

 


Episode 205 – Beyond Tomorrow: Investing in AI Innovations with Chris Gannatti



WisdomTree works to create a better way to invest, offering a product range that offers access to a selection of unique and smart exposures.

Christopher Gannatti has been an integral part of the organization since 2010, currently holding the position of Global Head of Research. Chris has the responsibility for many communications pertaining to global investment strategies, with a focus on thematic equity.

 

In this episode, Chris introduces us to the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and its investment implications, offering insights into the past, present, and future of this groundbreaking technology.

Topics also discussed:

  • WisdomTree and its mission in investing.
  • The historical background of artificial intelligence (AI) from its inception to recent advancements as well as comparing AI with past technological revolutions.
  • Impacts of AI on daily life and the degree of transparency in technology dissemination.
  • The widening adoption of AI in various sectors such as search engines, entertainment platforms, and virtual assistants.
  • Potential fears surrounding the rapid growth and widespread adoption of AI.
  • Market perception of AI as an investment, with examples like Nvidia’s exponential revenue growth.
  • Investment options for accessing AI, including Wisdom Tree’s AI and innovation fund (WTAI) and US quality growth strategy (QGRW).
  • Benefits of investing in AI through ETFs, such as transparency and tax efficiency.
  • Distinctive features of WisdomTree’s approach to AI investing, emphasizing diversified exposure and risk management.
  • Christopher Gannatti’s podcast, “The Next Big Thing,” covering various thematic topics including AI, available on multiple podcast platforms.

 

Resources: 

WisdomTree


Episode 204 – Altitude Achieved: Unveiling Wellington-Altus Financial’s Journey with Shaun Hauser



Founded in 2017, Wellington-Altus Financial has quickly grown to more than $30 billion in assets under administration and in offices across North America. Today we have Shaun Hauser, the CEO of Wellington-Altus, to discover the driving forces behind its rise to prominence as Canada’s premier wealth advisory firm.

 

They also discussed:

  • The factors contributing to Wellington-Altus Financial’s rise, including experienced founders and technological advancements in FinTech.
  • Wealth management industries in Canada compared to the US, focusing on regulation and competition.
  • Hiring high-quality advisors and focusing on their satisfaction to ensure client success.
  • Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in North American wealth management and future outlook.
  • The role of private equity in wealth management, emphasizing alignment with founders and operators.
  • Impacts of evolving technology on wealth management, highlighting its role in saving time and enhancing efficiency.
  • The importance of firm culture in the success of Wellington-Altus Financial, focusing on care for employees and clients.
  • Future prospects and strategic vision for Wellington-Altus Financial’s growth, particularly in the Canadian market.

 

Resources: 

Wellington-Altus Financial

 


Episode 203 – Game Plan for the Golden Years: Protecting Your Goals in the Peak 65 Zone with Tim Seifert



Tim Seifert is the Senior Vice President and Head of Retirement Solutions Distribution at Lincoln Financial Group. Tim joins Advisorpedia to discuss the Peak 65 trend, a historic demographic milestone in the US with 4 million Americans turning 65 this year, and the growing need for protection products.   

 

Topics also discussed:

  • Factors contributing to financial insecurity in retirement including the decline of pensions, reliance on defined contribution plans, market volatility, and timing of Social Security claims.
  • The need for Financial professionals to educate clients on the challenges faced in retirement and the benefits of protected income.
  • Annuities are highlighted as an effective tool for providing pension-like income and protecting against outliving savings.
  • Lincoln Financial Group emphasis on innovation, flexibility, and choice in meeting the market demand for products like annuities.
  • Concrete action steps for advisors include educating on protected growth, simplifying income planning conversations, and building trust with clients.

 

Resources: 

Lincoln Financial Group

 

Annuities are long-term investment products that offer tax-deferred growth, access to a lifetime income stream, and death benefit protection. There is no additional tax-deferral benefit for an annuity contract purchased in an IRA or other tax-qualified plan. All investing involves risk.

Lincoln annuities are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and in New York are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY, 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.

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.

 


Episode 202 – Rate Cuts, Resilience, and Returns with Anastasia Amoroso



Anastasia Amoroso serves as the Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist at iCapital, a company dedicated to powering the world’s alternative investment marketplace.

In this podcast, Anastasia and Doug engage in a conversation regarding the 2024 Federal Reserve rate cuts and the potential consequences they may entail.

They also discussed:

  • Anastasia Amoroso’s journey to becoming the Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist at iCapital.
  • The January Fed decision to hold interest rates and the expectations for future rate cuts.
  • The potential effects of a rate cut on the markets and historical trends.
  • The strength of the current economy and its resilience to higher interest rates.
  • Potential stress points in the markets, including refinancing challenges and US government debt.
  • Top investment ideas for the year, including opportunities in private equity, private credit, and venture capital.

 

Resources: iCapital