Category Archives: Uncategorized

Episode 197 – Investing in Turbulent Times: A 2023 Recap and 2024 Outlook with Matt Berger

Advisorpedia, Finance, Industry Innovators, Power Your Advice, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , ,

Matt Berger is the Vice President of Client Investment Strategies at Lincoln Financial Group, a firm that has been helping millions of people plan, protect, and retire for over a century. 

In this podcast, we analyze market dynamics, economic resilience, and insights from Lincoln Financial Group’s Matt Berger as we set the stage for investors in the transformative year ahead.

Topics also discussed:

  • Reflections on the markets in 2023, investor expectations, and recency bias.
  • Counterintuitive investor behavior of pouring into money market funds despite strong market conditions, highlighting a mismatch between market reactions and investor actions.
  • The resilient economy in 2023 and the risks for the economy in 2024.
  • The potential for the Fed to pivot in 2024 based on disinflationary trends and market expectations, with insights into the Fed’s likely rate cuts.
  • Market performance during election years, emphasizing market indifference to politics but potential volatility due to uncertainty.
  • Outlooks for 2024: Mixed sentiments among investors, with short-term traders facing potential volatility, and long-term investors advised to focus on goals and maintain a diversified portfolio.

 

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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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.

Affiliates include broker-dealer/distributor Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., Radnor, PA, and insurance company affiliates The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY.

The views expressed are those of the speaker and not necessarily of any Lincoln Financial Group affiliate or the broker-dealer, or any affiliates. These views are not based on any particularized financial situation, or need, and are not intended to be, and should not be construed as, a forecast, research, investment advice or a recommendation for any specific strategy, product or service. Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

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Episode 196 – The Scalable Future of Annuity Management with Rich Romano

Advisorpedia, Finance, Industry Innovators, Power Your Advice, Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,

Rich Romano is the CEO and Co-Founder of FIDx, a technology-empowered network that seamlessly integrates the brokerage, insurance, and advisory ecosystems to offer best-in-class annuities and insurance solutions from the industry’s leading carriers.

In this episode, Rich discusses the transformation of the annuity business through FIDx’s integrated platform, addressing barriers faced by advisors, changing attitudes towards annuities, and plans to enhance scalability and adoption.

They also discussed:

  • Rich Romano’s background and career journey, highlighting his experience in actuarial work, product development, and consulting in the insurance industry.
  • The inception of FIDx and its mission to revolutionize the annuity business.
  • The development of an insurance exchange in collaboration with Investnet to streamline processes for advisors working with multiple carriers.
  • The barriers faced by advisors in offering annuities.
  • Changing attitudes of advisors towards annuities, discussing the impact of market volatility, interest rates, and the evolution of insurance product offerings.
  • The role of education and technology in simplifying the annuity business for advisors, with a focus on the services provided by FIDx and its partners.
  • Trends to watch in 2024, particularly in the fee-based annuities sector, and the need for scalable solutions to enhance adoption.
  • FIDx’s plans for the future, including the development of an overlay marketplace that aligns with the practices of fee-based advisors, allowing for active management of assets with added insurance protection.

 

Resources: 

FIDx

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Episode 195 – Shaping Legacies: Charitable Planning and Family Philanthropy Dynamics with Sam Kang

Advisorpedia, Finance, Industry Innovators, Power Your Advice, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , ,

Sam Kang is the President of Schwab Charitable, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to make charitable giving simpler and more tax-efficient for individuals and their financial advisors.

In this philanthropy-focused episode, we unravel the latest giving trends, delve into the intricacies of family charitable planning, and gain valuable insights from industry leader Sam Kang to inspire and inform your own impactful giving journey.

Topics also discussed:

  • Donor-advised funds and their role in making charitable giving efficient and tax-smart.
  • Recent charitable giving trends, including a decline in total giving in 2022 but an increase in donor-advised fund grants by Schwab Charitable.
  • The importance of family discussions on charitable giving, allowing donors to continue their legacy beyond their lifetimes.
  • Strategies for families to evaluate charities, involving relationships, volunteering, and utilizing tools for research.
  • Resources and tools available for financial advisors to assist clients interested in family philanthropy, such as the Schwab Charitable Giving Guide.
  • Donor-advised funds as part of family legacy plans, including features for succession planning and recommending specific beneficiaries.

 

Resources: Schwab Charitable

 

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

Schwab Charitable FundTM 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. Please be aware that Schwab CharitableTM has exclusive legal control over the assets you have contributed. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is correct, Schwab Charitable cannot guarantee its accuracy. This information is not provided to the IRS. 

Schwab Charitable is the name used for the combined programs and services of Schwab Charitable Fund™, an independent nonprofit organization. 

©2023 Schwab Charitable Fund. All rights reserved. (1223-371T)

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Episode 194 – Democratizing Access to Alternatives & Portfolio Management with Alan Strauss

Advisorpedia, Finance, Industry Innovators, Power Your Advice, Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,

Alan Strauss is the Senior Partner and Director of Investor Relations at Crystal Capital Partners: a premier independent platform connecting financial advisors to the trillion-dollar alternative investment industry. 

In this episode, Doug talks with Alan about the essential components of alternative investments driving portfolio success and financial advisor adaptability. 

They also discussed:

  • The growth of alternatives in the financial industry, emphasizing their mainstream acceptance and their role in bringing risk mitigation, lower volatility, and outperformance to investor portfolios.
  • The role of alternatives in asset allocation and their impact on portfolio creation and management.
  • Evolution of the traditional 60/40 portfolio to a more diversified approach.
  • The use of alternative strategies by advisors to drive business growth, compete with larger wealth management firms, and capture more wallet share from clients.
  • The demand for different types of alternatives, including distinctions between liquid and illiquid alternatives and the opportunities in private markets.
  • Common misconceptions about alternatives, and the importance of education to dispel these misconceptions.
  • The role of platforms like Crystal in democratizing access to alternatives and portfolio management, providing lower investment minimums, a unified interface, and tools for education and business development.
  • The importance of diversity and inclusion in the alternative space, both internally within corporate structures and in investor portfolios, with a focus on women as investors and managers.

 

Resources: 

Crystal Capital Partners

 

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Episode 193 – The Costly Consequences of Blank Beneficiary Forms with Chris Price

Advisorpedia, Finance, Industry Innovators, Power Your Advice, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , ,

Chris Price is the Assistant Vice President of Advanced 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, Chris introduces and breaks down an overlooked aspect of financial planning, beneficiary designations: the strategy that influences virtually everything a client owns.

They also discussed:

  • The importance of beneficiary designations in showcasing a financial professional’s attention to detail and care for their clients.
  • The consequences of not filling out a beneficiary designation, defaulting to government rules, and the need for periodic reviews due to changing goals and circumstances.
  • Timeliness of discussing beneficiary designations during annual benefit enrollments and the potential permanent problems if not addressed in a timely manner.
  • The role of a will as a cleanup document and its limitations compared to beneficiary designations.
  • Misunderstood or overlooked aspects of beneficiary designations, such as tax implications, auto revoke statutes, and conflicts within families.
  • Customization and planning solutions based on client needs, with a mention of Lincoln’s advanced sales team for additional support.
  • The potential for financial professionals to add value to clients by addressing beneficiary designations and seeking help from experienced teams like Lincoln’s advanced sales team.

 

Resources: 

Lincoln Financial Group

 

Lincoln Financial Group® affiliates, their distributors, and their respective employees, representatives, and/or insurance agents do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Please consult an independent professional as to any tax, accounting, or legal statements made herein.

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. Affiliates include broker-dealer/distributor Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., Radnor, PA, and insurance company affiliates The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY.

The views expressed are those of the speaker and not necessarily of any Lincoln Financial Group affiliate or the broker-dealer, or any affiliates. These views are not based on any particularized financial situation, or need, and are not intended to be, and should not be construed as, a forecast, research, investment advice or a recommendation for any specific strategy, product or service. Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

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Episode 192 – The Cornerstone of Communication and Holistic Planning with Mike Harris & Todd Zeidenberg

Advisorpedia, Finance, Industry Innovators, Power Your Advice, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , ,

Mike Harris, Senior Advisor Consultant with the Alliance for Lifetime Income, hosts an episode in conversation with Todd Zeidenberg, a Senior Financial Advisor affiliated with Allied Wealth Partners and Sutera Wealth Management. With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Todd specializes in holistic planning as well as accumulation, preservation, and income distribution, all through comprehensive investment, retirement estate, and business planning, as well as life health and disability insurance programs.

 

In this podcast, Mike and Todd explore the dynamic world of financial advisory, tackling communication gaps, holistic planning, and the keys to fostering trust for meaningful client interactions.

 

They also discussed:

  • Communication challenges in financial services, highlighting gaps between advisor discussions on protection and client perceptions.
  • Todd’s practice evolution, transitioning from a focus on protection to a holistic approach covering accumulation, preservation, and distribution.
  • Todd’s communication process, emphasizing the Four F’s (Family, Fun, Fitness, Finances) and the importance of trust in building client relationships.
  • Introduction to The Family Meeting Tree concept, encouraging discussions on wills, family agendas, and future scenarios for enhanced communication.
  • Four Transitions of Aging discussed: financial management, healthcare, living arrangements, and transportation.
  • The ethical will as a tool for clients to communicate values, wisdom, and legacy to their loved ones.
  • Clients seeking both financial and psychological balance in retirement, incorporating lifestyle aspects into financial planning.

 

Click here to view The Family Meeting Tree

 

Resources: 

Alliance for Lifetime Income

Allied Wealth Partners

 

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Episode 191 – Your Guide to Year-End Philanthropy & Charitable Giving with Fred Kaynor

Advisorpedia, Finance, Industry Innovators, Power Your Advice, Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,

Fred Kaynor is the Managing Director of Relationship Management, Marketing & Partnerships at Schwab Charitable. Schwab Charitable 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, Fred walks us through how you can maximize your philanthropic impact, all guided by financial advisors, to empower your charitable planning decisions, especially as we near year-end.

They also discussed:

  • Year-end charitable giving, featuring Fred Kaynor from Schwab Charitable.
  • The simplicity and efficiency of donor-advised funds for charitable giving, emphasizing their flexibility and tax benefits.
  • Financial advisors crucial role in helping clients incorporate charitable planning into their overall financial strategy.
  • The impact of market conditions on charitable giving and highlights the resilience of donor-advised fund solutions.
  • Year-end considerations for tax strategies include encouraging early giving, utilizing non-cash assets, and prioritizing donations based on taxable events.
  • The resources Schwab Charitable offers, such as the Giving Guide and online tools, to help donors and advisors maximize the impact of their philanthropy.

 

Resources: Schwab Charitable

 

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

Schwab Charitable FundTM 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. Please be aware that Schwab CharitableTM has exclusive legal control over the assets you have contributed. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is correct, Schwab Charitable cannot guarantee its accuracy. This information is not provided to the IRS. 

Schwab Charitable is the name used for the combined programs and services of Schwab Charitable Fund™, an independent nonprofit organization. 

©2023 Schwab Charitable Fund. All rights reserved. (1123-3E4E)

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Episode 190 – Transforming Lives Through Accessible Genetic Testing with Dahlia Attia-King

Advisorpedia, Finance, Industry Innovators, Power Your Advice, Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,

Join us as Panacea Founder and CEO, Dahlia Attia-King, explores the transformative potential of clinical genetic testing, and how Panacea is breaking down barriers and revolutionizing healthcare accessibility to empower individuals in taking control of their health with disease prevention.

They also discussed:

  • The technology of next-gen sequencing, its power in identifying hereditary disease risks, and the value of genetic information.
  • Challenges in genetic testing adoption: Lack of insurance coverage and doctors’ reluctance.
  • Panacea’s approach to bypass barriers by working with specialized physicians, genetic counselors, and certified genetic laboratories.
  • Comparison between Panacea and companies like 23andMe, emphasizing the focus on clinical genetic testing for life-saving information.
  • Process after purchasing a test from Panacea.
  • Challenges with obtaining genetic testing from traditional healthcare providers.
  • Addressing data privacy concerns in genetic testing and Panacea’s commitment to respecting users’ data.

 

Resources: 

Panacea

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Episode 189 – Financial Literacy Amongst an Information Overload with Grace Salvino

Advisorpedia, Finance, Industry Innovators, Power Your Advice, Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,

In this episode, we are joined by Grace Salvino, a Wealth Manager at the multi-generational independent RIA firm, Performance Wealth. Grace brings her insights into the misinformation the next generation of clients receives daily, working to promote accurate financial literacy and informed investment decisions.

They also discussed:

  • The misconception of becoming experts in finance through social media exposure.
  • Performance Wealth and its emphasis on transparency and hands-on involvement in investment decisions.
  • Compounding interest and the significance of starting investments early.
  • Grace’s personal motivation to see clients reach their financial goals at a younger age.
  • The importance of proactive financial planning, living within one’s means, and investing early.
  • Communication with next-gen and the need for open dialogues, face-to-face interactions, and personal contact over technology.

 

Resources: 

Performance Wealth

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Episode 188 – The Changing Face of Cybersecurity Threats with Kurt Long

Advisorpedia, Finance, Industry Innovators, Power Your Advice, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

Kurt Long is the Chair and Co-Founder of BUNKR, an app empowering individuals and their families to organize and secure the most important information in their lives.

In this episode, we uncover the hidden world of cyber threats and vulnerabilities, revealing invaluable insights on protecting your personal and financial data in an increasingly exposed, digital world.

Also discussed:

  • Kurt’s background of founding software companies that protected patient records and wealth, as well as complying with various regulations.
  • The range of features BUNKR offers, including messaging, password management, and secure file storage.
  • Common types of scams like wire fraud, loyalty points breaches, and imposter attacks.
  • The increasing use of AI by cybercriminals, making scams more sophisticated and users more vulnerable.
  • The education that wealth advisors should be offering clients about protecting their financial information.
  • How financial advisors can protect themselves and take actions like securing communications, managing passwords, and using digital vaults to store sensitive information securely.
  • How the SEC has imposed fines for using non-compliant communication methods, emphasizing the importance of secure communication for wealth advisors and their clients.

 

Resources: 

BUNKR

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