Practical Wisdom from ACP Financial Advisors

Most of the financial planning industry is so focused on Assets Under Management, those words describe both the size of a firm and how much clients pay for advice. With the AUM model being so prevalent, why would you switch to a different way to charge—and, more importantly, a different way to practice? Our guest, Steve Swicegood, CFP®, shares his professional journey from the insurance business t...

Income tax is about far more than return preparation. Can you transform this annual filing chore into something else, helping your clients understand how their decisions throughout the year save them (or cost them) thousands of dollars? Our guest, Jonathan M. Heller, CFA, CFP®, EA, explains how tax planning integrates with the holistic financial plan and adds value for your clients, whether or not...

The label lifestyle practice suggests that the advisor has greater-than-average freedom with their time, but at the cost of restricting their own professional revenue. Do you have to choose between limited business success and overcommitment of your time? Or is it really possible to have both a life that’s balanced and a practice that provides a solid living? Our guest, Troy Von Haefen, CFP®, expl...

For decades, financial advisors have heard that the future of the profession is in fee compensation. But the transition from commissions to fees is still a daunting challenge for many. Our guest, Meredith Briggs, CFP®, shares her journey: from selling products in the name of financial advice, to her ideal quality of life as a partner in a fiduciary, fee-only practice that’s dedicated to helping cl...

Sometimes it seems financial plans are focused more on products or investment theory instead of how clients live their real lives. Adding more value for the client, by using a process that focuses on what makes a real difference to them, starts with looking at how they actually experience their money day by day. And this point of view compels us to challenge some widely held assumptions about how...

Financial Planning is about more than investments. Other subjects like taxes, insurance, and estate planning are also crucial to a household's financial future. But with guidance on each of these subjects coming from different professionals, each with their own agenda, how can a consumer follow a consistent, coordinated plan? Our guest, Kelly Adams, CFP®, EA of Harbor Light Planning, discusses wha...

If you're a tax practitioner, you've probably thought about expanding your business to include financial planning. But how do you actually do that, and what should you expect the process to be like? Our guest, Bridget Sullivan Mermel, CFP®, CPA of Sullivan Mermel, Inc., shares her experiences making just this transition: from tax practitioner to fiduciary, fee-only financial planner. To learn more...