BIF Bites

Jerry and Adam welcome a new friend! Dominique Henderson, CFP® of Jumpstart Coaching Lab and DHJ Capital Management fame joins the guys to discuss how he supports future financial planning practitioners. We cover the uptick in financial services career changers and explore the essential skills required to build a great career in this industry. The guys also talk about when and how CFP® Education and Exam Prep fit into the career changer's journey. Dominique is a husband, father, and thought leader in the financial services industry. His personal mission statement is: R.E.A.L. financial advice has the ability to change family trees, and everyone deserves an opportunity to change their family tree. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, coach, speaker, podcaster, and author, Dominique works to help people to get “unstuck” in their finances and careers so that they can be the best version of themselves. Learn more here: domhendersonsr.com, jumpstartcoachinglab.com, and djh-capital.com. 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. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

The BIF Bites Podcast team has been quiet for a bit. We've been hard at work in the lab creating something that we are very proud of. It's finally time to share our exciting news!

Adam sits down with Brendan for our final March 2022 Exam episode. 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. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Adam and Jerry put on their "dad" hats and give practical advice for Exam Day success. Enjoy! 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. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Adam talks about question difficulty levels and the importance of making your layups. Then he breaks down 3 questions that range in difficulty from very straightforward to very difficult. Best of luck on your Exam 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. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

We are constantly impressed by our students at The Boston Institute of Finance. Juggling careers, families and more while studying is the norm around here. Shirley did all of that and then some. She recently sat down with us to share her inspirational story that's filled with perseverance and determination. We hope you enjoy. 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. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Mike and Adam Brendan discuss Roth IRA distributions in detail. Mike shares his "stop light" trick, which has led many of his Retirement Planning students to their "aha" moment. 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. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Adam and Brendan discuss the different behavioral biases exhibited by each American generation. 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. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Mike and Jerry consider the role of Spousal IRAs in light of the "great resignation." 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. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Adam and Jerry discuss the 3-step approach used for college funding calculations. This same approach is used whenever someone needs to save up a pile of cash. Think your first home purchase... or your first yacht! 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. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Adam and Brendan discuss the importance of holding steady and sticking to the plan regardless of what the market is doing day-to-day. 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. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

So that old stock finally paid a dividend. How much is the tax man gonna get you for? The BIF guys discuss. 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. Visit BIFBites.com for more.

Inflation is on the rise, but what does history have to say? The BIF guys discuss. 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. Visit BIFBites.com for 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.

Visit BIFBites.com to view the question discussed during this episode. Are you sick of tax season? Ya, same. We wish they’d come up with a vaccine for that. Let’s put a nice pretty bow on all things tax! We talk about the mad dash for documents, common client questions and other haunting items that pop up every April. The BIF guys also discuss the potential benefits and downsides of utilizing a Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) strategy. Finally, we cover the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) and the 3 different forms that it could take. And yes, Mike believes in the strong form. 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 and other resources discussed during this episode. The BIF guys start with a discussion on recent changes made to FAFSA forms and the aspects that may not be so clear. Up next... illegal vs. unethical. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. The episode wraps up with a question on eligibility for corporate retirement plans. 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 and other resources discussed during this episode. The vaccine is here! Now who exactly is going to pay for it? Mike and the guys shine some light on that very important question. The group then stays in Health Care land to discuss Medicare's “Donut-Hole” and the power of HSA accounts (Mike's a huge fan). Finally, the episode wraps up with a Stop-Loss Insurance calculation question. We hope you enjoy. Happy Holidays! 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. Brendan takes an interesting look at the relationship between election outcomes and market performance over the past few decades. The BIF Bites crew then discusses SECURE Act changes to inherited IRAs and the ramifications these changes will have on existing estate plans. The episode concludes with updated Kiddie Tax laws. I feel like we've done this before... 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. 2020 has forced financial advisors to work differently. What are the pros and cons of WFH? Listen in as we discuss potential new compliance pitfalls, how to maintain client relationships virtually and more. This episode also touches on bad advice available on TikTok, Reddit and social media in general. Does this create an opportunity for advisors? We think so. Stay tuned through the end to hear the question of the month, which touches on the complexities involved in coordinating college funding across 529s, Coverdells, AOC and LLC tax credits 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, 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. 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 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.

Visit BIFBites.com to view the question of the month. Jerry and Mike invite Brendan Flaherty, CFP®, CIMA®, on to discuss behavioral finance and the curriculum covered by CFP® Education providers. 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 is a practicing CFP professional based out of Providence RI and is also the Program Director for the Boston Institute of Finance. 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 a reflective article that Jerry wrote on the lessons he learned while working with Gary. Jerry and Mike invite Gary Wedge on to discuss the challenges faced by today's CFP® candidates. Gary just passed the July 2019 CFP® Exam after 2 previous unsuccessful attempts. This episode is a true must listen for anyone considering CFP® certification. 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. Gary Wedge, CFP® runs a successful Registered Investment Advisor, NewAge Advisors, LLC, where he manages and advises his own clients.

Visit BIFBites.com to view the question of the month. In this episode Mike and Jerry tackle the kiddie tax and how to calculate it, explain why the fiduciary rule changes are not so scary and make sense of today's retirement plan type "alphabet soup" (ingredients include 401ks, IRAs, SEPs, 457s, 403bs and more). Jerry Mee is Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance 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. He has made his career in financial services and financial services education over the past 38 years. 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.

Visit BIFBites.com to view the question of the month. Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Boston Institute of Finance’s new “BIF Bites” podcast with co-hosts Jerry Mee and Mike Long! Listen in as we discuss Roth IRA withdrawals, how to get the most out of your study time and scoring expectations for the CFP Exam. Jerry Mee is Director of Student Support at the Boston Institute of Finance 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. He has made his career in financial services and financial services education over the past 38 years. 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.