BIF Bites

Visit BIFBites.com to view the question discussed during this episode.

This month we start with a quick run down of basic CFP® Exam-style questions before moving on to the main event... Brendan and Mike catch up with Robin Miller who is a former Bryant CFP® student and newly minted CFP® Professional.

The trio discuss how each broke into the industry and the early struggles that came with starting a practice. They also discuss how to network effectively and efficiently, how to differentiate oneself and the ramifications of being a woman in a male dominated industry. Really interesting stuff tbh.

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.

Jerry Mee, CFP® is the Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® is the Co-Director of Curriculum for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF). He has made his career in financial services and financial services education over the past 38 years.

Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA®, is currently a Senior Vice President with Janney Montgomery Scott where he focuses on investment management and financial planning for his clients. He is also the CFP® Program Director for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF).

Adam Scherer, CFP®, MS is the Co-Director of Curriculum at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has over decade's worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Visit BIFBites.com to view the question discussed during this episode.

On this month's episode the crew dives into economic policy. Why does the “c” in Fiscal stand for Congress? How does the Fed set monetary policy in crisis conditions?

The focus then shifts to Reg BI, which just went into effect. Is it a big deal? How will it affect you and your fellow advisors? What does Reg BI mean for the financial industry as a whole? Tune in for answers.

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.

Jerry Mee is the Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® is the Co-Director of Curriculum for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF). He has made his career in financial services and financial services education over the past 38 years.

Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA®, is currently a Senior Vice President with Janney Montgomery Scott where he focuses on investment management and financial planning for his clients. He is also the CFP® Program Director for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF).

Adam Scherer, CFP®, MS is the Co-Director of Curriculum at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has over decade's worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Visit BIFBites.com to view the question discussed during this episode.

Jerry, Brendan and BIF's newest co-host, Adam Scherer, talk with Jon Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Blueprint Investment Partners. Jon shares his impressive origin story... small town kid with no business contacts makes his way to wall street as a trader and ultimately founds and operates his own investment company. The conversation then moves to behavioral finance, ESG investing and why acting in the best interest of your clients and partners is always wise.

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.

Jerry Mee, CFP® is the Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA® is currently a Senior Vice President with Janney Montgomery Scott where he focuses on investment management and financial planning for his clients. He is also the CFP® Program Director for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF).

Adam Scherer, CFP®, MS is the Director of Curriculum at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has over decade's worth of experience in the financial services industry.

CFP® Board's John Loper joins the podcast this month! The education, examination and experience requirements all fall under John's purview as CFP® Board’s Managing Director of Professional Practice.

Over the years we've received many, many questions from students. We can answer almost everything, but we do admit that there have been a few stumpers. Well, there's truly no one better suited to answer the tough questions than John. Listen in as Jerry, Mike and Brendan get all of your questions answered. This is one episode you really don't want to miss.

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.

Jerry Mee is the Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® is the Director of Curriculum for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF). He has made his career in financial services and financial services education over the past 38 years.

Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA®, is currently a Senior Vice President with Janney Montgomery Scott where he focuses on investment management and financial planning for his clients. He is also the CFP® Program Director for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF).

Visit BIFBites.com to view the question of the month and other helpful resources discussed during this episode.

The gang tackles several timely topics in this month's episode. Brendan is running his practice from home and shares the challenges and benefits that he's run into so far. Jerry leads a discussion on the new CARES Act and also quickly revisits the SECURE Act. Finally, Mike tackles refundable vs. nonrefundable tax credits and how you can ace some common test questions.

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.

Jerry Mee is the Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® is the Director of Curriculum for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF). He has made his career in financial services and financial services education over the past 38 years.

Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA®, is currently a Senior Vice President with Janney Montgomery Scott where he focuses on investment management and financial planning for his clients. He is also the CFP® Program Director for the Boston Institute of Finance.

The BIF Bites team walks down market memory lane and examines bear markets from the past 100 years. Jerry, Mike and Brendan discuss the causes and timelines of each market crash before also exploring the lessons learned from each.

Yes, these are scary times and we must acknowledge that. But we must also look to the past and realize that we have been here before. And in the past we have persevered and rebound each time.

Let's do it again. Together.

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.

Jerry Mee is the Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® is the Director of Curriculum for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF). He has made his career in financial services and financial services education over the past 38 years.

Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA®, is currently a Senior Vice President with Janney Montgomery Scott where he focuses on investment management and financial planning for his clients. He is also the CFP® Program Director for the Boston Institute of Finance.

With the March Exam window just around the corner, Jerry, Mike, and Brendan sit down to cover their favorite test taking tips in this "bonus" episode of BIF Bites. We cover health and wellness, what to expect on Exam Day, how to maintain focus and much, much more. Click play to hear what you should be doing the week before, the day before, and the hour before you walk into your testing center.

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.

Jerry Mee is the Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® is the Director of Curriculum for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF). He has made his career in financial services and financial services education over the past 38 years.

Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA®, is currently a Senior Vice President with Janney Montgomery Scott where he focuses on investment management and financial planning for his clients. He is also the CFP® Program Director for the Boston Institute of Finance.

Visit BIFBites.com to view the 6 practice questions discussed in this episode along with other helpful resources that should be reviewed by anyone currently studying for the Exam.

Jerry, Mike, and Brendan tackle six Exam-type questions (one from each core subject area) in this special “pre-Exam” episode. Our hosts describe the process they use to arrive at each correct answer. They also discuss other testable aspects in each question and how how changing only a few words in any given question can drastically change what's being asked.

Timestamps: General Principles at 3:00, Insurance at 13:00, Investments at 22:00, Income Tax at 32:45, Retirement at 42:30, and Estate at 49:45.

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.

Jerry Mee is the Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® is the Director of Curriculum for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF). He has made his career in financial services and financial services education over the past 38 years.

Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA®, is currently a Senior Vice President with Janney Montgomery Scott where he focuses on investment management and financial planning for his clients. He is also the CFP® Program Director for the Boston Institute of Finance.

Visit BIFBites.com to view the question of the month and CFP® Board's "Key Elements of SECURE Act" resource.

In this month’s episode of BIF Bites Jerry, Mike, and Brendan discuss how the new SECURE Act will impact both clients and financial advisors. The SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act is the biggest regulation update since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Listen in as our hosts discuss the changes SECURE will have on retirement plans, 529s and more.

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.

Jerry Mee is the Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® is the Director of Curriculum for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF). He has made his career in financial services and financial services education over the past 38 years.

Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA®, is currently a Senior Vice President with Janney Montgomery Scott where he focuses on investment management and financial planning for his clients. He is also the CFP® Program Director for the Boston Institute of Finance.

Visit BIFBites.com to view the question of the month.

In this episode Mike and Jerry welcome back Brendan Flaherty to cover end of year financial planning topics such as tax loss harvesting, wash sales and the gift tax. They also cover good financial planning practices to avoid mistakes that can arise from rushing decisions at year end.

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.

Jerry Mee is the Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) and has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the financial services industry.

Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® is the Director of Curriculum for the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF). He has made his career in financial services and financial services education over the past 38 years.

Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA®, is currently a Senior Vice President with Janney Montgomery Scott where he focuses on investment management and financial planning for his clients. He is also the CFP® Program Director for the Boston Institute of Finance.