The BIF Bites Financial Planning Podcast

Jerry continues the solo series this week covering the biggest misunderstandings students run across in the Investment Planning...

This week, Adam delivers some tax fact-checks! He covers AGI v. taxable income, capital gains & tax rates, MAGI, business...

Mike, Jerry, and Adam recorded this important roundtable discussion to support all who fell short of the ‘Preliminary Pass’ on...

Jerry and Adam sit down with financial advisor and financial content producer Anthony Ruffalo to discuss content and social media...

Now that our CFP Snake Draft series has wrapped up, it is your time to vote on who has the overall draft pick...

It's the final round of our inaugural BIF Bites CFP Snake Draft. A champion will be crowned soon. To cast your vote please head...

Here it is... the one... the only... The BIF Bites QUESTION PALOOZA!

Every single one of BIF's Monte Carlo simulation machines crashed when we fed them the data from our most recent CFP Snake Draft...

Each CFP® Exam cycle Adam invites back former BIF Review students to share their own personal study experiences with the current...

This week Jerry and Adam sit down with Dr. Michael Thomas of Modom Solutions and the University of Georgia to discuss Financial...

Jerry and Adam sit down with Hannah Moore to discuss the FPA Externship Program that she runs. Learn how students can gain...

Fantasy Draft + CFP Topic List. Does it make sense? No, not really. Was it fun? Yes, absolutely. This week The BIF Crew continues...

Olivia Luper stops by to talk marketing for Financial Advisors. We truly learn a lot in this episode. What strategies work best?...

Jerry and Adam consider the "performance mindset" with psychologist Dr. Jennifer Serlin. How should we think about success in the...

Jerry and Adam discuss the growing field of financial therapy with Nathan Astle. Big (and sometimes even small) financial...

Jerry, Mike and Adam continue their fantasy draft of the CFP exam topics. Tempers flare over some controversial choices and the...

It's draft week! Who gets the best sleeper pick? Which BIF Crew member needs a Draft Pick Insurance Policy? Listen in to find out....

This week Jerry and Adam sit down with author and financial planner Chris Mamula to talk about the F.I.R.E way of life (Financial...

Fantasy Draft + CFP Topic List. Does it make sense? No, not really. Was it fun? Yes, absolutely. Listen in as Mike, Adam and Jerry...

In this episode, Jerry and Adam discuss the 5 ways to structure a business for tax reporting. Sole Proprietorship, LLC,...

This episode serves as a guide for any advisors considering making the jump to becoming an independent advisor.

Jerry and Adam give some last-minute help to the July test takers with this new iteration of a BIF Bites classic. The guys break...

Jerry and Adam connect with Daniel Kopp, CFP®, MA, MS, founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning. The conversation explores...

Jerry and Adam discuss estate planning for the common man. We cover a few simple planning steps that will save loved ones from a...

Jerry sits down with his former student, Jeff Sussman, CFP®, to talk about what life is like with the marks. Jeff has now been a...

Jerry and Adam discuss the trials and tribulations of helping clients buy a home in the current market. Jerry shares his...

Jerry and Mike cover the complexities of claiming spousal benefits for social security. Listen in for the do's, the don’ts, and...

A listener recently requested we cover the business tax gauntlet that is IRC Sections 1231, 1245, and 1250. Adam steps up to help....

The BIF Crew put ChatGPT to the test with tough questions: “Can you pass the CFP® exam?” “Do you plan on taking financial...

Got an uninsured client? Need an overview of the 3 pillars of life insurance pillars? Mike and Jerry are here to break down the...

Fellow Financial Professionals, have no fear. Mike and Jerry are here (as always) to run through SECURE Act 2.0 provisions going...

Financial planning is all about sequencing. The ability to place a set of competing goals and needs in order is a key skill for...

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...

In this episode, Adam takes a deep dive into the world of Enrolled Agents. He explains why the designation is important, who its...

In this episode, Adam takes a deep dive into the world of Enrolled Agents. He explains why the designation is important, who its...

In this episode, Adam takes a deep dive into the world of Enrolled Agents. He explains why the designation is important, who its...

In this episode, Mike and Jerry sit down to talk about the Social Security Trinity: the three things every advisor must consider...

In this episode, Adam and Jerry sit down to talk about constructive receipt and how it can impact your taxes in everything from...

In this episode, Mike and Adam sit down to talk about inherited IRA’s. Receiving large piles of cash from distant relatives is not...

Adam and Cody Garrett discuss the critical information gathering stage. We explain how a well-informed question can strengthen...

Adam and Jerry sit down to chat about the annual inflation adjustments to the IRS tax code. How these changes impact clients and...

Jerry and Adam welcome a new friend! Dominique Henderson, CFP® of Jumpstart Coaching Lab and DHJ Capital Management fame joins the...

The BIF Review helps students prepare for and pass the CFP Exam through team instruction and concise CFP materials at the right...

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...

Adam and Jerry put on their "dad" hats and give practical advice for Exam Day success. Enjoy!

Adam sits down with Brendan for our final March 2022 Exam episode.

Adam talks about question difficulty levels and the importance of making your layups. Then he breaks down 3 questions that range...

Listen in to hear Jerry and Adam discuss some unconventional ways that BIF students have satisfied CFP® Board's Experience...

Shirley recently sat down with us to share her inspirational BIF CFP Success Story that's filled with perseverance and...

Mike and Adam Brendan discuss Roth IRA distributions in detail. Mike shares his stop light trick, which has helped many of his...

Adam and Brendan discuss the different behavioral biases exhibited by each American generation.

The Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) believe that progressive training can and does lead to success on CFP Exam day.

Mike and Jerry consider the role of Spousal IRAs in light of the "great resignation."

Adam and Jerry discuss the 3-step approach used for college funding calculations. This same approach is used whenever someone...

Adam and Brendan discuss the importance of holding steady and sticking to the plan regardless of what the market is doing...

So that old stock finally paid a dividend. How much is the tax man gonna get you for? The BIF guys discuss.

CFP® Practice Question on Inflation.

Inflation is on the rise, but what does history have to say? The BIF guys discuss.

Upcoming changes to the CFP® exam and working with clients that choose married filing singly tax treatment.

The BIF Guys talk about all things tax.

CFP® Practice Question on Strong Form vs. Weak Form.

CFP® Practice Question on corporate retirement plan eligibility.

The BIF Guys talk FAFSA changes and illegal vs. unethical before answering a question on corporate retirement plan eligibility.

The BIF Guys cover the vaccine and who is likely to pay for it, Medicare's Donut-Hole, the power of HSA accounts and Stop-Loss...

CFP® Practice Question on the Stop-Loss provision.

We look at the relationship between election outcomes and market performance, SECURE Act changes to inherited IRAs and updated...

Join the BIF Bites Crew for one last round before the November 2020 CFP® Exam!

2020 has forced financial advisors to work differently. What are the pros and cons of WFH? Listen in as we discuss potential new...

CFP® Practice Question on COBRA.

CFP® Practice Question on Mortgage Ratios.

CFP® Practice Question on Social Security Integration.

This month we start with a quick run down of basic CFP® Exam-style questions. Brendan and Mike then catch up with a former Bryant...

On this month's episode the crew dives into economic policy. The focus then shifts to Reg BI, which just went into effect.

CFP® Practice Question on Economic Policy.

CFP® Practice Question on Investment Suitability.

CFP® Practice Question on Financial Planning Process. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special...

CFP® Practice Question on Annuities. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special webinar session.

CFP® Practice Question on Characteristics, Uses and Taxation of Investment Vehicles. This question was covered during The Boston...

CFP® Practice Question on Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's...

CFP® Practice Question on Other Tax-Advantaged Retirement Plans. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of...

CFP® Practice Question on Characteristics and Consequences of Property Titling. This question was covered during The Boston...

CFP® Practice Question on Economic Concepts. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special webinar...

CFP® Practice Question on Property and Casualty Insurance. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's...

CFP® Practice Question on Types of Investment Risk. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special...

CFP® Practice Question on Tax Consequences of Property Transactions. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of...

CFP® Practice Question on Intra-Family and Other Business Transfer Techniques. This question was covered during The Boston...

CFP® Practice Question on Other Tax-Advantaged Retirement Plans. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of...

This video discusses the covariance formula which is found on CFP Board's provided formula sheet.

The conversation then moves to behavioral finance, ESG investing and why acting in the best interest of your clients and partners...

CFP® Practice Question on Tax Reduction/Management Techniques. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's...

CFP® Practice Question on CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. This question was covered during The Boston...

CFP® Practice Question on Health Insurance and Health Care Cost Management. This question was covered during The Boston Institute...

CFP® Practice Question on Investment Strategies. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special...

CFP® Practice Question on Other Tax-Advantaged Retirement Plans. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of...

CFP® Practice Question on Gift and Estate Tax Compliance and Tax Calculation. This question was covered during The Boston...

A question for the BIF team... what are you looking forward to most after lock down?

CFP® Practice Question on Types of Retirement Plans. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special...

CFP® Practice Question on Disability Income Insurance. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special...

CFP® Practice Question on Financial Aid. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special webinar...

CFP® Practice Question on Bond and Stock Valuation Concepts. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's...

CFP® Practice Question on Strategies to Transfer Property. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's...

CFP® Practice Question on Fundamental Tax Law. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special webinar...

CFP® Practice Question on Social Security and Medicare. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special...

CFP® Practice Question on Gift and Estate Tax Compliance and Tax Calculation. This question was covered during The Boston...

CFP® Practice Question on Bond and Stock Valuation Concepts. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's...

CFP® Practice Question on Income Tax Fundamentals and Calculations. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of...

CFP® Practice Question on Education Needs Analysis. This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special...

CFP® Practice Question on Life Insurance (Individual). This question was covered during The Boston Institute of Finance's special...

The education, examination and experience requirements all fall under John Loper's purview as Managing Director of Professional...

The SECURE Act is the largest and most comprehensive update to the CFP® Exam material in some time. Mike and Jerry cover...

CFP® Practice Question on refundable tax credits.

The gang tackles several timely topics in this month's episode... The CARE Act, Working from Home and refundable vs. nonrefundable...

Tax credits can be more beneficial than tax deductions because a tax credit is a direct reduction in one’s tax liability.

What incredible times we are living through right now. About six weeks ago here in the United States all seemed quiet and strong....

This video discusses the multiple overlapping rules and limits on deductions for charitable donations.

Jerry, Mike, and Brendan sit down to cover their favorite test taking tips in this "bonus" episode of BIF Bites.

In this episode the BIF Bites team walks down market memory lane and examines bear markets from the past 100 years.

This video discusses the tax treatment of Roth IRA distributions that do not meet the qualified requirements.

This video explains the requirements for taking a "qualified" (income tax and penalty free) distribution from a Roth IRA.

CFP® Practice Question on taxation of rental property income.

CFP® Practice Question on the Financial Planning process.

CFP® Practice Question on disability insurance.

CFP® Practice Question on stock options.

CFP® Practice Question on tax treatment of social security benefits.

CFP® Practice Question on probate.

This video explains key points regarding basis adjustments in property transferring at death.

Jerry, Mike, and Brendan tackle six Exam-type questions (one from each core subject area) in this special “pre-Exam” episode.

This video explains key aspects of an important tax-saving election Net Unrealized Appreciation.

This video explains key aspects of FDIC Deposit Insurance.

This video explains how to calculate margin call amounts.

In this episode Jerry, Mike, and Brendan discuss how the new SECURE Act will impact both clients and financial advisors.

The SECURE Act delivers broader access to retirement plans for employees, but is there a tax trap in the legislation that could...

CFP® Practice Question on funding retirement plans.

This video covers standard deviation, which is used by investors to quantify their exposure to total risk.

This video explains Entity Purchase Buy-Sell Purchase Agreements.

This video explains the coinsurance clause of a typical homeowner’s insurance policy.

In this video we demonstrate calculations and keystrokes for determining the standard deviation of a two asset portfolio.

In this episode Mike, Jerry and Brendan cover end of year financial planning topics such as tax loss harvesting, wash sales and...

CFP® Practice Question on Wash Sales.

Bryant's CFP® Program Director and Financial Advisor, Brendan Flaherty joins to discuss CFP® Education and common behavioral...

CFP Practice Question on Performance Measures.

Financial planners must maintain a working knowledge of Social Security to provide sound advice to clients regarding retirement...

CFP® Board has updated their Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. This video breaks down what test takers need to know with...

Maintaining objective long-term investment plans is difficult. Being aware of common traps helps us make more effective investment...

Gary Wedge just passed the CFP Exam after 2 previous unsuccessful attempts. This episode is a must listen for anyone considering...

CFP Practice Question on Charitable Deductions.

I hope these lessons will help new students that are just embarking on the CFP process along with current students that are...

In this video we demonstrate calculations and keystrokes for mortgage amortization schedules.

Watch and learn how to calculate Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return.

CFP Practice Question for Kiddie Tax Calculations.

What exactly is the yield curve? What causes the yield curve to invert? Are we headed for a recession?

CFP Practice Question on Roth IRA distributions.

Listen in as we discuss how to calculate the kiddie tax, why the fiduciary rule changes are not so scary and today's retirement...

In this video we work through the type of college funding scenario that our students often encounter on the CFP® Certification...

CFP Practice Question on Roth IRA distributions.

Schedule study sessions as if they were appointments with top clients. Identify study opportunities and place them on your...

CFP Practice Question on Roth IRA distributions.

Listen in as we discuss Roth IRA withdrawals, how to get the most out of your study time and scoring expectations for the CFP Exam.

Answers, Explanations and HP 12c Keystrokes for 5 TVM Practice Questions.

Time Value of Money (TVM) Practice questions for the HP 12c Financial Calculator.

This video explains how to calculate payments per period with the HP 12c financial calculator using the Time Value of Money...

This video explains how to calculate interest with the HP 12c financial calculator using the Time Value of Money concept.

Learn the basics of the HP 12c Financial Calculator.