In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, speaks with Andrea Longton, a CFA and award-winning author who specializes in social justice investing. Andrea has raised over $1 billion for social justice investments in the U.S. and advised on an additional $1.5 billion globally. She authored a book titled The Social Justice Investor: Advance Your Values While Building Wealth.

In the discussion, Andrea explains that social justice investing involves aligning one's financial investments with personal values that promote social justice. This can encompass various causes, including racial justice, climate justice, children's welfare, LGBTQIA+ rights, and gender equity. Andrea emphasizes that social justice investing is personalized; it requires individuals to identify their values and align their investment portfolios accordingly.

The conversation also touches on the potential challenges financial advisors face when addressing social justice investing, particularly the risk of being perceived as partisan. Andrea advises that advisors should focus on the values of their clients rather than politics and that they should educate themselves on social justice investing to better serve their clients. She mentions several certifications and networks that advisors can pursue to enhance their understanding of this field.

Andrea's book, The Social Justice Investor, is available on Amazon, and she can be reached through her website, thesocialjusticeinvestor.com.

LinkedIn

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The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, interviews Kevin Keller, CAE, the CEO of CFP Board, about their latest public awareness campaign. Keller shares insights into the campaign's goal of increasing consumer recognition of the CFP® certification with the tagline, "It's Gotta Be a CFP®."

Keller discusses the campaign's development and budget and how its effectiveness is being measured through metrics like unaided awareness. He shares that this campaign is modeled after successful industry advertising strategies, such as the iconic "Got Milk?" campaign. The commercials are designed to highlight the unique value of CFP® professionals and reinforce client confidence when working with a certified financial planner.

Keller explains how CFP® professionals contribute to funding the campaign and discusses the upcoming CFP Board Connections Conference, an event to connect practitioners, educators, and firms in the financial planning ecosystem.

For CFP® professionals interested in how their credentials are being marketed or for those curious about the campaign's impact, this episode provides insights into the board's strategy to raise public awareness and elevate the CFP® brand.

Links:

Kevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkeller2/

CFP Board Commercial: https://youtu.be/TUD1i5d9AUE?si=JUJHV_teWEWrSmqh

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The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, speaks with Andy Baxley, MS, CFP®, CIMA®, a Certified Financial Transitionist, about the evolving role of financial advisors. Andy, an independent financial planner at the Planning Center, discusses how changes in people's lives, work, and retirement necessitate a shift in financial planning approaches. He emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' values and designing financial plans that reflect these values rather than adhering to outdated societal norms.

Andy explains that the traditional 9-to-5 job model until retirement at 65 is becoming obsolete. With increased life expectancies and more fulfilling work opportunities, people seek phased retirements, sabbaticals, and encore careers. He highlights the role of financial planners in guiding clients through these transitions, not just with technical expertise but also by helping clients reframe their work-life balance and long-term goals.

Links:

Statement of Financial Purpose Course: https://sofp.offthebalancesheet.com/

Financial Transitionist Institute: https://www.financialtransitionist.com/

Andy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-baxley/

For more information on the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter, visit FPANCA.org.

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The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, interviews Rachel Witkowski, an award-winning financial tech and AI reporter, about the integration of AI in financial planning. They discuss current AI applications, upcoming innovations, and the security concerns surrounding these technologies. They also touch upon the Advise AI conference, which is dedicated to exploring AI tools for financial advisors.

• Advise AI Conference: https://conference.financialplanning.com/event/advise-ai/summary
• Beautiful AI: https://www.beautiful.ai/
• LinkedIn: Rachel Witkowski

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The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP® interviews Christine Dolan, the founder of C. Dolan and Associates Financial Organizing. Christine explains the role of a daily money manager and how they provide essential day-to-day financial management services that complement the work of financial advisors. Christine details how her firm helps clients manage their bills, organize financial paperwork, prepare for tax time, and reduce financial stress. 

The discussion also covers the signs that a client may need a daily money manager and how financial advisors can approach this topic with their clients. This episode is for financial planners looking to understand the benefits of daily money management for their clients and how to find trustworthy professionals in this field.

https://www.cdolanfinancial.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-dolan-mba-6260892/

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The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.

In this episode host Belle Osvath interviews Matt Halloran, Co-founder, and Chief Relationship Officer at ProudMouth, on the power of influence in financial planning marketing. Matt discusses how the marketing landscape has fundamentally changed, emphasizing that traditional selling methods are being replaced by content-driven influence that allows potential clients to engage and connect with advisors on their terms.

Matt outlines how financial planners can effectively utilize podcasts as a marketing tool, stressing the importance of having a focused niche rather than attempting to appeal to a broad audience. He shares insights into the necessity of content preparation and planning, suggesting that advisors need to know their message and audience intimately to create impactful content.

From content ideation to compliance, Matt's advice is grounded in real-world experience. He also shares effective strategies for promoting and sharing content to grow an audience organically.

www.linkedin.com/in/matthalloranpm https://proudmouth.com

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP® speaks with Mike Alves, MSAFP, CFP®, CEPA, CRPC®, founder of Vida Private Wealth. Mike shares his unique approach to integrating financial education into wealth management by developing a curriculum tailored to young people from childhood through adulthood. He discusses the genesis of this initiative, which began somewhat by accident but evolved into a deliberate and structured program aimed at educating clients' children and grandchildren about wealth management and financial responsibility.

Mike explains the importance of introducing financial concepts early, noting that the younger generation is becoming increasingly aware of complex financial products like private equity and cryptocurrency due to widespread access to information via social media. His approach is hands-on, with classes tailored to different age groups, ensuring that the financial education provided is age-appropriate and engaging.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikealves

https://www.vidapw.com

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The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP® welcomes David Marra, Chief Investment Officer at Markin Asset Management, back to discuss the current state of U.S. equity markets and investment strategies in the context of perceived market overvaluation.

David shares insights into the cyclically adjusted PE ratio (CAPE) and its implications for future market returns, highlighting expectations of lower-than-average equity returns over the next decade due to high current valuations.

David also delves into the concept of "American exceptionalism" in financial markets, attributing recent strong performances to efficient capital markets and aggressive federal deficit spending, which he warns may not be sustainable. He stresses the importance of investors adjusting expectations and planning strategies to anticipate potentially lower future returns.

Furthermore, David explores investment opportunities in sectors less dependent on government expenditure, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and GLP-1-related healthcare innovations. He emphasizes AI's increasing utility and potential for substantial growth, contrasting it with the dot-com bubble by noting more sustainable current valuations and profitability among leading AI firms.

https://markinfunds.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-marra-8693b44/

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The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.

In this episode host, Belle Osvath, CFP®, chats with Victor Haghani, co-author of "The Missing Billionaires: A Guide to Better Financial Decisions" and founder of Elm Wealth. Victor discusses the intriguing phenomenon of America's wealthiest families losing their fortunes over generations despite favorable investment conditions. He explores these families' critical mistakes, particularly poor risk management and unsustainable spending habits.

Victor's insights are rooted in his extensive experience in finance, including roles at Salomon Brothers and as a co-founder of Long Term Capital Management. He also spent significant time in academia at the London School of Economics. His book covers why, despite historical market growth, many of the early 20th-century fortunes did not endure, pointing to over-concentration in investments and fixed spending habits that needed to adjust to actual returns.

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorhaghani/

Website: https://elmwealth.com/

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The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.

In this episode, host Belle Osvath, CFP® interviews Liz Simmie co-founder of Honey Tree Investment Management. They discuss the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data in investment analysis. Contrary to being a niche element, Liz argues that ESG data should be considered fundamental to assessing a company's viability for long-term growth and risk. Her firm, Honey Tree, integrates ESG data alongside traditional financial metrics, viewing it equally significant.

Liz highlights that many traditional investors perceive ESG data as a constraint that might detract from returns. However, she posits that companies with strong ESG practices tend to perform better in the long run, debunking the myth that ESG considerations undermine financial performance. Liz also sheds light on the history and evolution of ESG investing and underscores the depth and significance of ESG beyond current market trends.

https://www.honeytreeinvest.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-simmie-2b59173/

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The Smarter Planner Podcast is a product of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA). All information is for educational and informational purposes only. Belle Osvath and the FPA NCA do not endorse or recommend any people, products, or services featured or discussed in this podcast.