Using Data to Plan for Longevity Risk with Brian Smith

Steven Jarvis,CPA is joined by Robert Nordlander, CPA, CFE, a former IRS Criminal Investigation special agent, to discuss tax mistakes, IRS scrutiny, and the importance of honest client conversations. Robert explains how accidental errors differ from intentional tax evasion and shares his approach to evaluating mistakes and potential amendments. They discuss why tax decisions should focus on accuracy and supportable positions rather than assumptions about audit risk. Steven and Robert also explore how taking responsibility for mistakes, explaining consequences, and acknowledging the limits of your expertise can build client trust. Finally, they discuss IRS notices, the IRS Data Book, and when a client with a significant tax debt needs a specialist. https://zurl.co/XUTD9

Steven Jarvis,CPA is joined by Brad Wooten to discuss why consistent execution and clear communication matter more than finding a new tax strategy. Drawing on Brad's presentation at the Summit, they explain how financial advisors can find CPAs whose services fit each client's needs, clarify who leads tax planning, and set realistic expectations around fees and year-round support. They explore how sharing context through 1099 and backdoor Roth letters can help prevent reporting mistakes. Brad also shares why demonstrating value builds stronger referral relationships than asking for introductions, and how his own service packages are changing to include more ongoing support. https://zurl.co/G3d8M

Steven Jarvis,CPA is joined by Michael Eckstein to discuss how financial advisors can help clients find the right tax professional. They explore the differences between basic tax preparation and ongoing advisory services, why fees should reflect the service clients actually need, and how to set realistic expectations for communication. Michael explains why recurring quarterly meetings may not solve a client's concerns and shares his approach to year-end planning. They also discuss questions advisors should ask about investment-related tax forms, IRS letters, and additional fees. Finally, Steven and Michael explain how a year-end 1099 letter can give tax preparers the context they need to report an advisor's recommendations correctly. https://zurl.co/JHr4L

Steven Jarvis,CPA is joined by Matthew Jarvis to discuss one of the biggest takeaways from the 2026 Summit: turning ideas into action. They explain why attending a conference or learning something new is only valuable if advisors actually implement what they learn. Steven and Matthew walk through the importance of measuring how much time and money advisors are investing in professional development. They discuss how to identify the gap between where an advisor is today and where they want to be, and the value of learning from advisors who are already achieving the results you want instead of trying to reinvent everything yourself. Finally, they encourage advisors to decide what results they want and what price they are willing to pay to achieve them. https://zurl.co/lvP8z

Steven Jarvis, CPA, welcomes Naomi Owotumi from Jump AI to discuss the growing intersection between wealth management, tax planning, and technology. Naomi explains how Jump goes beyond note-taking by analyzing client conversations to identify insights, sentiments, follow-up tasks, and business opportunities. They discuss how the timing of the tax conversation matters, with tax topics often being introduced halfway through or later in a meeting, which can lead to less follow-through. Naomi explains how creating a dedicated tax-planning conversation can improve client outcomes and cites a 16% improvement in client sentiments when tax planning is given its own conversation. The conversation also explores how technology can help wealth and tax professionals share information without requiring everyone to attend every client meeting. The episode emphasizes that advisors don't need to have every answer themselves, but they do need to create space for the right conversations and follow through on the opportunities those conversations uncover. https://zurl.co/AR8uJ

Steven Jarvis, CPA, welcomes Brian Smith of Foundational Income Associates back to discuss the difference between life expectancy and longevity and why that distinction matters in financial planning. They explore how advisors can use data and longevity calculators rather than arbitrary ages when building retirement plans. The discussion also highlights how longevity risk can compound other retirement risks, including market and healthcare risk. Brian shares a case study involving a 60-year-old teacher where incorporating guaranteed lifetime income helped improve the plan's probability of success. They also discuss how advisors can use professional resources and specialists to navigate the growing complexity of retirement planning. Ultimately, the conversation is about making intentional, data-informed decisions instead of allowing longevity assumptions to happen by default. https://zurl.co/U4lEy  

Steven Jarvis, CPA, is joined by Michael Belluomini and Liam Heffernan of Carson Group to discuss what makes an advisory firm attractive to potential partners and how advisors can build a stronger, more valuable business. They explore organic growth, documented processes, delegation, client service, and the importance of talking with advisors who have already gone through a transaction. They also discuss the resources a larger firm can provide and why advisors should build a business that is ready to sell even if they never plan to sell it. https://zurl.co/rWGLv

Brad Wooten, CPA, joins Steven Jarvis, CPA, to share his firsthand experience opening Trump Accounts for his three children and why he views them as long-term retirement savings. They discuss how the accounts work, what happens when children turn 18, and why future Roth conversions and kiddie tax considerations matter. The conversation then shifts to the relationship between financial advisors and CPAs and how advisors can be appropriately tax-aware without overstepping. Brad shares real-world examples of clients facing unexpected tax bills because financial decisions were made without enough communication about their tax consequences. Steven and Brad emphasize that advisors do not need to become tax experts to improve collaboration with CPAs. Instead, proactive communication and simply recognizing that financial decisions can have tax implications can go a long way. https://zurl.co/R9rb7  

In this episode, Steven Jarvis, CPA, sits down with Jonathan Steele to discuss the evolving role of tax planning within financial advisory firms. Jonathan shares how his background in behavioral finance and hospitality has shaped his client experience, emphasizing that empathy, communication, and trust are just as important as technical expertise. They also explore why more independent firms are bringing tax preparation in-house, the challenges of creating a high-touch tax experience, and why integrating tax planning is becoming a competitive necessity rather than an optional service. The conversation highlights the importance of continuous learning, strong professional relationships, and delivering exceptional client service across every aspect of the financial planning process. https://zurl.co/SmPB3

In this episode, Steven Jarvis, CPA, is joined by Brian Beck to discuss how financial professionals can build a practice around proactive tax planning. Brian shares how his firm has incorporated taxes into every client conversation for more than 30 years and why tax planning should begin immediately after tax season ends rather than waiting until year-end. They discuss the benefits of a subscription-based model, how it encourages clients to stay engaged with their financial planning, and how advisors can create stronger relationships with CPAs through collaboration instead of competition. Brian also explains how his firm structures CPA partnerships, handles tax preparation through outside providers, and the importance of understanding compliance requirements when adding tax services. The conversation highlights practical steps advisors can take to become more comfortable with tax conversations, including reviewing tax returns and learning the language of tax professionals. https://zurl.co/1MQqn