BIF Bites

Got an uninsured client? Need an overview of the 3 pillars of life insurance? Mike and Jerry are here to break down the basics on term, whole, and universal life insurance policies. Plus, they serve up a contrarian view on the old “buy term & invest the rest” rule of thumb.

Financial planning is all about sequencing. The ability to place a set of competing goals and needs in order is a key skill for planners to develop. Is adequate life insurance coverage more important than a fully-funded emergency fund? Should you fund a 529 or purchase extra long-term disability insurance coverage? How does having kids change your financial priorities? In this week’s episode, Jerr...

Fellow Financial Professionals, have no fear. Mike and Jerry are here (as always) to run through SECURE Act 2.0 provisions going into effect in 2023 ONLY. We cover the new RMD age and new exceptions to early withdrawal penalties as well as a couple of new tax credits that could benefit your clients.

How do you file if your spouse is sleeping on the couch? Better yet, what if the couch sleeper is you ex? What filing status do you go with if you currently have your divorce attorney on speed dial? Or if you think your spouse is actively committing fraud? Adam and Jerry tackle some doozies on this episode. Listen in. It's a fun one!

Jerry and Brendan sit down to discuss the recent collapse of SVB and the resulting banking crises. The two dig into how increasing rates and bond duration led to the collapse of the bank and tie it all back to how these lessons can be applied to the CFP exam.

In this episode, Jerry sits down with BIF grad Gene Witt to discuss his recent success on the CFP Exam. They cover the process of requesting additional accommodations from CFP Board as well as study tips and tricks for students with a wide range of learning disabilities.

Adam takes a deep dive into the world of Enrolled Agents. He explains why the designation is important, who its suited for, and how it can be used to better serve your clients.

In this episode, Mike and Jerry sit down to talk about the Social Security Trinity: the three things every advisor must consider when helping a client decide when to start taking social security.

In this episode Adam and Jerry sit down to talk about constructive receipt and how it can impact your taxes in everything from running a small business, to setting up an estate trust.

The Nitty-Gritty on Inherited IRAs w/ Adam & Mike by Boston Institute of Finance

Adam sits down with Cody Garrett to discuss the often over-looked, but truly critical information gathering stage of the financial planning process. Cody's a big believer in the power of "genuine" curiosity. We explain how a well-informed question has the power to strengthen your relationship with a new client. Very Exciting News: Measure Twice Planners and The Boston Institute of Finance have cre...

In this episode of BIF Bites, Adam and Jerry sit down to chat about the annual inflation adjustments to the IRS tax code. How these changes impact clients and the important discussions to have with them is covered. Find out what numbers are going up and what numbers are staying the same, and most importantly what that means for the CFP exam. The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important t...

Jerry and Adam welcome a new friend! Dominique Henderson, CFP® of Jumpstart Coaching Lab and DHJ Capital Management fame joins the guys to discuss how he supports future financial planning practitioners. We cover the uptick in financial services career changers and explore the essential skills required to build a great career in this industry. The guys also talk about when and how CFP® Education a...

The BIF Bites Podcast team has been quiet for a bit. We've been hard at work in the lab creating something that we are very proud of. It's finally time to share our exciting news!

Adam sits down with Brendan for our final March 2022 Exam episode. The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Adam and Jerry put on their "dad" hats and give practical advice for Exam Day success. Enjoy! The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Adam talks about question difficulty levels and the importance of making your layups. Then he breaks down 3 questions that range in difficulty from very straightforward to very difficult. Best of luck on your Exam! The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general....

We are constantly impressed by our students at The Boston Institute of Finance. Juggling careers, families and more while studying is the norm around here. Shirley did all of that and then some. She recently sat down with us to share her inspirational story that's filled with perseverance and determination. We hope you enjoy. The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking...

Mike and Adam discuss Roth IRA distributions in detail. Mike shares his "stop light" trick, which has led many of his Retirement Planning students to their "aha" moment. The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Adam and Brendan discuss the different behavioral biases exhibited by each American generation. We hit them all... silent, boomers, gen x, and millennials. The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Mike and Jerry consider the role of Spousal IRAs in light of the "great resignation." The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Adam and Jerry discuss the 3-step approach used for college funding calculations. This same approach is used whenever someone needs to save up a pile of cash. Think your first home purchase... or your first yacht! The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general. V...

Adam and Brendan discuss the importance of holding steady and sticking to the plan regardless of what the market is doing day-to-day. The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

So that old stock finally paid a dividend. How much is the tax man gonna get you for? The BIF guys discuss. The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Inflation is on the rise, but what does history have to say? The BIF guys discuss. The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general. Visit BIFBites.com for more.