We are all about consistently applying the simple things over time, but that doesn't stop clients from asking, "What else"? In this episode, Steven is joined by Steve Blackwell, CEO of Invito Energy Partners, who shares his experience and expertise in the oil and gas industry and the investment and tax planning opportunities that the industry presents. This discussion is a combination of technical learning on an important topic, along with the ever-important piece: "How do I explain this to a client?" Listen to the end as Steve provides opportunities to learn more and get resources on this important topic.

https://zurl.co/0k473

Steven is once again joined by Brian Smith, representing our partners at Foundational Income Associates. In this episode, Steven and Brian cover some of the basics on annuities because in spite of some of the headlines on social media, just in the last few years, the amount of money going into these products is at the trillion mark. Brian shares key definitions and meaningful ways to break down complex topics, while Steven highlights how these products will show up on a client's tax return at various stages of the annuity life cycle. Whether you actively recommend annuities or simply have clients who come to you with them already in place, this episode will deliver valuable information you can put in action.

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In this episode, Steven is joined by Russell Kroeger, Founder and CEO of Trayecto. As a financial advisor and tax professional, Russell has seen firsthand the complexities, pitfalls, and planning opportunities that arise for employees receiving equity-based compensation. Steven and Russell both share examples of what can go wrong (aka clients getting killed on taxes) and what to be on the lookout for so listeners can create better outcomes for their clients. Russell also shares resources available to advisors, including what he has built at Trayecto, specific to planning around equity compensation.

https://zurl.co/rFMTY

In this episode, Steven is joined by the CEO of Altruist, Jason Wenk, to talk about a reporting issue that happened at multiple custodians this last tax filing season. Jason openly shares what happened, how it happened, how Altruist responded, and shares a little insight along the way of what it's like to build a tech-forward custodian platform. This episode is a must listen as Jason gives an incredible example of how to be a leader in spite of challenges and shares some of the exciting things that Altruist has in store in the future. Be sure and listen to the full episode and be ready to take notes as Jason shares clear action steps any leader can take when faced with challenges.

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This week, Steven is joined by George Stefanou to talk tax planning and book writing. George is part of a growing group of advisors who have written books around financial planning to build credibility and to bolster their marketing. George shares the process he went through to become a published author and the reason tax planning features so heavily in that book, even though he is not a CPA or Enrolled Agent. Check out George's LinkedIn profile and his background so you can finally let go of any notion that compliance has to be a limiting factor.

https://zurl.co/BmsPS

In this episode, Steven tackles a common question from Financial Advisors when tax planning comes up: "How do I find the time to get the work done?" Joining Steven for this discussion is Lloyd Ross, an entrepreneur and author of "Become Time Rich". Steven and Lloyd discuss the realities of their being limited time, but that some people are simply able to get more done in that time. Lloyd shares from his experience and his upcoming book to give listeners a framework for how to take action and take back their time.

https://zurl.co/7OWtt

In this episode, Steven is joined by Mando Sallavanti, a Financial Advisor with MassMutual who focuses on taxes in a way that would make many independent advisors jealous. Mando shares how he so quickly learned enough about taxes for himself that he could start helping his clients pay less in taxes, too. He also reflects on the process he personally went through to find a quality CPA for himself and why he was willing to pay triple what he had previously paid to make sure he had great help on taxes. Mando gets nearly 75% of his new clients directly from his LinkedIn content and was generous enough to share his approach to content creation and why he has been so successful.

https://zurl.co/pjAid

Steven is joined by Gideon Drucker, a financial advisor who has gone all in on being at the center of his clients' financial lives, even when that means bringing in outside resources. Every advisor talks about "being the quarterback" of their client's financial life, but Gideon has taken it to another level by actively managing and building relationships with key service providers instead of taking the industry approach of making a brief introduction and hoping for the best. Gideon shares his experience with how challenging but rewarding it can be to invest the time and energy to build productive relationships and the strategic additions he's made to his team to make sure his clients ultimately win. Gideon also shares his experience with transitioning to an independent model for running his firm and how he manages to not drive his team crazy with the high volume of ideas and projects he's excited to implement.

https://zurl.co/Hx4l7

It's easy to think that we are all expert communicators...but is it true? This week, Steven is joined by Matt Halloran, author, podcast host, keynote speaker, and an all-around incredible resource when it comes to the way advisors communicate, to share insight and personal experiences when it comes to how a person goes about communicating more effectively. Steven and Matt share personal stories of their own journeys to become better communicators and pull out the tips and best practices that have helped them excel along the way. Naturally, Steven weaves in the tax piece of this conversation, which becomes all the tax knowledge in the world that counts for squat if you can't communicate it in a way that inspires action.

https://zurl.co/ixltx

This week Steven is joined by Amy Kizer from TalentLink Solutions to talk recruiting, hiring, delegating, and so much more related to having a team. Amy focuses exclusively on the financial services industry, so she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will resonate with financial advisors nationwide. Amy thoughtfully shares actionable ideas on how you can support your team, identify your next hire, and navigate the recruiting and hiring process. Steven and Amy share personal experiences and questions you should be asking yourself to help identify what your next best step is. Listen to the end as Amy shares a great resource every listener can use the next time they are adding to their team.

https://zurl.co/DdQZk