Advanced Planning

In this episode, AuguStar's Jim Barbee speaks with agent, Derek Campbell about using the Advanced Planning Department when developing a case. Jim and Derek discuss AuguStar's business valuation service, case consultations for an advanced planning case and the need for life insurance planning when serving business owners.

New Tax Law Impacting 401(k) Contributions Did you now that a tax law effective Jan. 1, 2026 impacts your client's potential 401(k) catch up contributions? Listen to this podcast for a summary of the law and for two possible sales ideas. In this podcast, Jim Barbee with Advanced Planning discusses why certain employees are no longer permitted to make pre-tax catch up contributions to an employer's...

An executive bonus is powerful fringe benefit helping employers recruit, retain and reward key employees. If you have business-owner clients looking for tax deductions, tune into this podcast to learn about different varieties of an executive bonus plan and how it can be used to address your client's objectives. In this short podcast, Advanced Planning's Jim Barbee reviews four types of executive...

Do you work with business owners on life insurance strategies such as key person, buy-sells, split-dollar, or SERP/deferred compensation? If yes, are you up to speed with the ins and outs of internal revenue code (IRC) section 101(j)? In place since 2006, IRC is a nasty tap trap hiding in plain sight ready to ensnare unsuspecting business owners. If triggered, 101(j) results in a taxable death ben...

Cash value life insurance offers a variety of tax planning advantages – many of them unique to life insurance. How many can you name? If it’s not at least eight, this podcast is for you. In this podcast, Advanced Planning’s David Szertemet reviews the eight most common tax planning aspects of permanent life insurance. Use this podcast to build knowledge, or as a refresher. It only requires five mi...

The SECURE Act clock is ticking! Join Carlos Zarate, ChFC, from the Advanced Planning Team at AuguStar as he breaks down the critical deadlines for inherited IRAs. The 10-year rule is top of mind for many IRA beneficiaries, especially now that waived penalties for missed RMDs are a thing of the past. Carlos shares a 3-step strategy for financial professionals to proactively model distributions, bu...

Advanced Planning's Jim Barbee discusses a recent agribusiness case. The agent used Advanced Planning's business valuation service to value a farm and placed a policy on the farm owner to facilitate the transfer of the business to the farmer's daughter (with premiums paid by the farm). The agent placed a second policy on the farmer to create additional estate wealth that could be passed on to the...

Carlos Zarate, member of the Advanced Planning team, discusses the popular "Taxes Quick View" guide. This updated guide incorporates changes from the Big Beautiful Bill, including new standard deductions, bonus senior deductions, and revised SALT deduction rules.

Advanced Planning’s David Szeremet highlights three planning principles that are sure to gain importance under the OBBBA. In this short podcast, Szeremet discusses three planning principles left untouched under the OBBBA and why they are sure to thrive in the current tax environment. Use these ideas to help clients and prospects understand and seize historic opportunities.

Carlos Zarate, ChFC, from the AuguStar Advanced Planning Team reviews Trust-Owned Annuities: From Basics to Pass In-Kind Wealth Transfers.

Learn about a popular business life insurance fringe benefit that uses cash value life insurance. Advanced Planning’s David Szeremet explains how Virtus IUL was positioned to help retain a valued employee with a simple concept. The concept is selective, tax-deductible to the business, and the business maintains control over access to policy cash value.

Prepare to navigate required minimum distributions this year. Hear from Advanced Planning's Jim Barbee, JD and Carlos Zarate, ChFC, as they discuss RMD basics, timely strategies, and new rules on inherited accounts. 

Advanced Planning’s David Szeremet and Jim Barbee discuss Connelly v. United States , a recent U.S. Supreme Court case involving a family business and the federal estate tax. Learn how Connelly may significantly change the planning landscape as it relates to life insurance used in business succession planning. This podcast is a must if you work with business owners. Learn how Connelly  potentially...

With over 500 businesses valued and over $1.7 billion in aggregate valuations, Advanced Planning’s Jim Barbee shares his insight and highlights sales opportunities discovered through using the business valuation service.

The Advanced Planning Team is gearing up to help you place annuity business in the advanced planning marketplace. In this episode, Advanced Planning’s David Szeremet shares four significant planning opportunities where annuities and trusts intersect, and how they can grow income and protect wealth.

In support of Life Insurance Awareness Month, Advanced Planning’s David Szeremet discusses the intersection of life insurance and advanced planning, and shines a light on 10 evergreen, but sometimes overlooked, life insurance sales opportunities.

Advanced Planning’s David Szeremet shares tips to help your clients maximize their retirement income. We’re calling them “retirement distribution hacks,” because they are simple things you can do to help make your clients’ lives easier and potentially save them thousands in taxes and penalties.