Enjoy the current installment of “Weekend Reading For Financial Planners” – this week’s edition kicks off with the news that a recent survey by DeVoe & Company finds that while an increasing number of RIAs say they have a succession plan being implemented or fully in place, a distinct minority of firms said they aren’t considering a formal written succession plan, and not all those who have a plan in place are confident they could hand off leadership of the firm smoothly. Part of the issue could be training and career development gaps at certain firms, with only 10% of firms considering their program for associate and junior advisors robust and comprehensive and 43% of firms reported having a clearly articulated advisor career path. Which suggests that succession planning isn’t just about having a written plan but also entails building the firm infrastructure needed to develop and retain next-gen talent.
Also in industry news this week:
- The IRS recently issued 2027 inflation adjustments for tax brackets, the standard deduction, tax credits, and retirement account contribution limits, amongst other areas, providing advisors with an opportunity to ensure clients are maximizing opportunities and avoiding entering phase-out areas
- A recent study finds that relatively smaller RIAs that lean into a geographic or planning specialty can compete with some of the largest firms in the country when it comes to citations in AI-powered search results
From there, we have several articles on retirement and tax planning:
- What retirees (and their advisors) can and can’t control when it comes to the timing and amount of their Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
- How financial advisors can support their clients by effectively implementing a ‘backdoor’ Roth contribution strategy
- The opportunity and requirements of executing a ‘mega backdoor’ Roth strategy for clients with significant savings capabilities
We also have a number of articles on cash flow planning:
- The value of a spousal spending ‘check-in number’ for both cash flow management and for marital harmony
- How dividing expenses amongst four ‘pillars’ can help clients see whether their spending is likely to drive greater meaning in their lives
- Helping individuals who overspend by helping them rank their values (rather than using a supposed value as a rationalization for higher expenses)
We wrap up with three final articles, all about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and convenience:
- Why it’s important to separate actual from perceived productivity when leveraging AI tools, which can increase the quantity of output but potentially create quality concerns
- While many technological advances offer the possibility of less ‘friction’ in one’s life, sometimes that friction can offer unexpected upside
- As information and analysis become more ubiquitous and rapidly available with the growth of AI tools, offering sound judgment and an understanding of interpersonal relationships could help (human) advisors stand out
Enjoy the ‘light’ reading!
