In this episode, Rob and Managing Director at Arrowroot Family Office, Mark McCarron, are joined by Nick Sinclair, the founder of TOA Global. TOA Global is an outsourcing business that is 100% dedicated to serving accounting firms. They work with over 600 accounting firms globally, providing them with exceptional, highly-skilled offshore industry professionals at around a 70% cost saving. Nick identifies how communication and the large supply of accountants coming out of university make the Philippines an ideal location for offshoring accountants. He also emphasizes the importance of leadership, proper pay, office culture, and mentorship related to employee retention and attracting talent. With today’s growing influx of VC money from the $50 Million Series B round for startup Vic.ai to the $100 Million Round by Jeff Bezos in Pilot, Nick advises small and midsize accounting firms to “double down on the client experience.” Despite technology’s advancements, accountants will always be needed because clients still desire an expert opinion; therefore, it is imperative to keep the client journey seamless and use technology as an enabler. Nick also touches on key strategies for talent acquisition, the focus on adding value to a client through financial planning, and much more. Don’t miss out on these key insights as well as Nick’s outlook on the future of the profession. Listen to the episode now!

In this episode, Rob and Rory speak with the Director of Sales at Redtail Technology, David Mehlhorn. Redtail Technology is a core financial services solution offering thousands of advisors daily assistance with running their businesses. As the first cloud-based CRM for financial advisors, they continue to revolutionize the client-advisor relationship through a robust feature set that integrates with hundreds of industry partners. Mehlhorn provides insight into the onboarding process and emphasizes the importance of repeatable processes that helps establish a great user experience. He also explains how using their technology can enhance a firm’s marketing efforts by getting the right information in front of the right people at the right time. Mehlhorn also discusses the competitive advantage Redtail has over larger CRM platforms since they have specifically tailored their solution for financial advisors and have years of customer feedback to support it. David touches on how redtail integrates with over 20 planning software solutions to help advisors communicate that holistic picture to clients. Whether you are looking to adopt a cloud-based platform for your firm or you simply want to learn more about what Redtail has to offer, this is not an episode you want to miss!

Jody Padar, the Vice President of Strategy at Botkeeper and Author of “The Radical CPA”, joins Rob and Rory in their discussion about how firms can implement technology in their business model. Botkeeper uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide bookkeeping and pre-accounting solutions for accounting firms. In this episode, Jody talks about the evolution of the accounting industry and how many firms have included the use of the cloud in their services. She also touches on future predictions for the industry, emphasizing the significant role AI will play in the years to come as a solution for the repetitive, time-consuming work of an accountant. Additionally, Jody adds to the conversation of CPA firms transitioning to and monetizing advisory services. With 700,000 followers on social media, Jody explains the key to branding yourself to get exposure in the competitive marketplace – authenticity. Think you know what the future accounting industry looks like? Could Amazon be selling CPA services soon? Think again as Jody spills all her insights about what to expect in the next five or ten years. Listen now!

Rob and Rory are joined by the Editorial Manager/US team lead at AccountingWEB.com, Seth Fineberg. AccountingWEB.com is a premier publication for tax and accounting professionals, offering valuable insight, strategies, trends, and best practices through their publications to assist firms in improving their services. Seth speaks about the greatest challenge faced by accounting firms today, “Relevancy,” and how the growing influence of technology is forcing firms to re-evaluate their value proposition. He also touches on the concerning threats of cybersecurity and what firms can do to protect themselves. As new generations enter the profession, Seth mentions the importance of adapting the old accounting model to a more modern, entrepreneurial one that embraces technology because, as we all know, the pace of change isn’t going to get any slower. He also calls upon the accounting industry to be a true reflection of the country’s demographics as the industry continues to expand. Listen to Seth’s interesting insights in Can’t-Miss Episode!

Rob and Rory are joined by Daniel Hood, the Editor-in-Chief of Accounting Today. Accounting Today reaches over 325,000 professionals across the full breadth of public accounting, ranging from sole practitioners who prepare tax returns up to the Big Four firms that audit the largest multinational corporations. Even with the emergence of automation within the accounting industry, Hood shares key insights on what some of the top accounting firms are doing to retain clients and grow their business. Additionally, we discuss many of the changes we are currently witnessing at accounting firms from WFH policies to integrating new services to finding a balance between automation and advisory in your business. Daniel Hood also describes the recent wave of M&A activity within the accounting space as firms must begin transitioning to both a Post-COVID and more technology-based working environment. Tune in and learn more about an ever-evolving accounting landscape.

Rob and Rory speak with Kristen Carlisle, the General Manager at Betterment for Business, as she highlights Betterment’s unique tech-enabled platform for managing 401(k) plans. Betterment integrates two arms into their range of services: Betterment for Advisors (check out the podcast with Jon Mauney!) and Betterment for Business. Betterment for Business is a simple and easy-to-implement software solution for businesses ranging anywhere from 2 – 1000s employees. Clients oftentimes find tax-saving strategies and 401(k) plans difficult to comprehend; Kristen gives key insights into Betterment’s platform, which provides advisors with the tools necessary to help service clients as a fiduciary expert advisor. Betterment has seen record highs with an increase in new clients by over 100%. Kristen attributes this to Betterment’s ability to increase outreach to advisors and implement a completely online pathway for small organizations to get started automatically as the key catalysts for their growth. In this podcast, you will learn more about Betterment for Business and better understand how you can easily manage 401(k) plans for your business clients, so don’t miss out!

Rob and Rory sit down with the co-founder of Vanilla, David Hauser, as he enlightens our listeners about Vanilla’s innovative platform that simplifies estate planning for both advisors and clients. Over half of the population does not have an estate plan or will set in place, and often, the hardest part about estate planning is starting the conversation. David shares his insights on the two most significant problems the population faces surrounding estate planning. He goes on to explain how Vanilla’s platform is suited to demystify these troubles many clients face in order to guide them toward a future that will protect their loved ones. Vanilla’s tools not only facilitate the estate planning process but also contains an educational component so that clients can learn along with advisors. Additionally, he talks about advisors who can utilize attorneys to help answer questions and review documents. This podcast illustrates how estate planning does not need to be complex nor feared; all it takes is preparation and guidance, which David highlights in their platform’s latest update — Vanilla 2.0. His insights even extend to strategies for achieving and sustaining optimal health. Learn more about estate planning and achieving a healthier lifestyle in this podcast!

Rob and Rory speak with the CEO and Founder of Diamond Wealth Strategies, Ronald Diamond. Diamond Wealth Strategies represents over 100 Single Family Offices ranging in size from $250 million to $30 billion in order to create a community within an industry that is poised to continue evolving in the near future. Currently, 25% of Family Offices do not make it to the 2nd generation, 10% for the 3rd, and 5% for the 4th! Ron describes in detail how the current Family Office model is flawed and provides key insights into how Family Offices can succeed in the future if the right approach is taken. With Family Offices anticipating to “chip away” at the market share dominated by Private Equity firms and Venture Capitalists, Ron emphasizes how trust and collaboration will be the gateway for a Family Office’s success going forward. Ron alludes to Technological Advancements, Impact Investing, Estate Planning and a Holistic Approach toward managing finances as being vital components to reinvigorate the Family Office Model, which will also serve as a guide for what to anticipate within the industry for years to come.

Rob and Rory sit down with Tobias Salinger who is the Senior Editor for Financial Planning, an interactive social media platform that reaches 460,000+ experienced professionals including independent financial planners, RIA’s, and investment advisors. Viewers receive analysis and breaking news, expert advice and opinion, and practical business-building advice. In this podcast Tobias covers a wide array of analysis within the financial marketplace including discussions on topics such as annuities serving as vehicles for retirement plans, the emergence of technology in finance, blockchain & cryptocurrency defining the future of financial services, as well as key strategies for accounting firms looking to implement holistic wealth management into their practice. The financial industry is changing rapidly and everyone needs to stay up-to-date. Tobias shares his insights with our listeners so that people are informed, educated, and well-equipped for understanding the fundamentals of everything finance. Whether you are an investor, a financial advisor, or just someone looking to learn more about the industry, you will not want to miss this episode.

Rob and Rory speak with the CEO and Founder of DPL Financial Partners, David Lau, where he emphasizes the importance of annuities to facilitate a new era of retirement planning. With a current database of 3,000 products, 40,000 writers, and 400,000 price points, DPL Financial Partners is the first and leading commission-free annuity and insurance platform for registered investment advisors and carriers. With interest rates at an all-time low and the bond market losing traction for funding retirement plans, David emphasizes how annuities can become a viable option for retirees. For this podcast, David highlights DPL’s ability to alleviate interest rate concerns when looking at fixed income as part of one’s portfolio. Based on the low-interest rate environment, using an annuity is a little more than 40% more efficient than fixed income in generating income today. David goes on to reveal key strategies for retirement planning in anticipation of the largest transferring of wealth in human history. Additionally, you will find topics on how annuities contribute to accountants improving their holistic wealth management strategy. Listen in on this podcast to learn more from David and our team!

Rob and Rory sit down with the Director of Research at Money Media, Loren Fox. Money Media is a unit of the Financial Times that produces online newsletters for professionals with an emphasis on the asset management industry. According to Charles Schwab, the RIA industry is booming and it is recorded to be a $5.7 trillion space. Loren alludes to multiple shifts within the industry that serve as the catalysts for this recent boom, which includes fee-based structures, expansion of services, and consolidation from outside investors and Private Equity firms. Loren also touches on the financial advisory industry shifting toward a more holistic approach. Investors he surveyed reported to spend, on average, half (or less) of their time on investment management where the remaining time is allocated for other areas such as Financial Planning, Taxes, and Estate Planning. He emphasizes the client-advisor relationship to be something that goes beyond just investments: the relationship should be valued over the returns. Within this podcast you will also find information on future trends within the RIA industry and the emergence of new asset classes that RIA’s need to be informed on. Don’t miss out!

Rob and Rory sit down with Jon Mauney, the General Manager at Betterment For Advisors. From portfolio management to advising 401(k) plans, Betterment For Advisors has reinvented the experience of financial advisors who are looking to apply user-friendly technology in order to increase outreach and efficiency within their services. Jon acknowledges how technology has changed the landscape of the financial industry, but emphasizes the importance of embracing it. Jon shares his opinions on the presence of AI in finance, incorporating new asset classes in your portfolio, as well as the future of Fintech. Jon goes on to describe how Betterment’s unique platform facilitates selecting and curating portfolios, allowing users to decide what services Betterment can help with, and most importantly… building a partnership. If you are interested in learning how to incorporate technology into your business or learn more about the Fintech industry, you do not want to miss this episode!

Rob and Rory speak with Blake Oliver CPA, the Director of Marketing at Jirav, which combines financial planning and analysis with the latest technology to bring customers effective solutions. Blake walks through changes that accounting firms have taken on in COVID-19 and what it means to fail to adapt. Next, with his expertise in Cloud Accounting, Blake comments on the future of AI and software in the accounting industry. We discuss the “The Silver Tsunami’’, the greatest transfer of wealth in history, and how to use Cloud Computing to assist with it. He also details his opinion on cryptocurrencies and the similarities of consumers within the cryptocurrency market, stock market, and Housing Bust of 2008. Blake walks through possible outcomes of the combination of blockchain and accounting. Then, he shares a few tips on how accounting firms can better market themselves and show the value they provide to clients. Blake has the top-ranked Accounting and Bookkeeping Podcast in the World

Rob and Rory speak with the CEO and co-founder of Trust & Will, Cody Barbo. Trust & Will has helped over 200,000 families start their estate plan using their online technology and have transformed the way families plan for their future through affordable and straightforward estate planning. Cody describes the motivation behind creating a modern, intuitive, and affordable solution as an alternative to high-priced attorneys and inefficient processes. He emphasizes the affordability and accessibility of their estate planning platform, which has a Turbo Tax type experience that can be completed in 30 to 45 min. He talks about the importance of having a Trust if you have a property so that it doesn’t fall into probate. We discuss how the world is becoming digital and how Cody has been leading the charge for legislation that allows digital signatures of Will’s, which has recently passed and adopted in a few states. Learn about the basics of estate planning: Trusts, Wills, Guardianship, and Health Care Directives. For Advisors, find out how you can utilize Trust & Will to offer your clients these value-added estate planning services. Whether you need to set up an estate plan for the first time or update an existing one, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Rory and Diane speak with Josh Hirt, a lead economist with the Investment Management Group at Vanguard, who develops Vanguard’s understanding of Growth in the US Economy. Josh talks about the pandemic’s impact on the economy and how this will evolve over time. He talks about today’s economy, some Optimism coming out of the Pandemic, as well as some comparisons to The Great Recession of 08′, the Dot-com Bubble of 01’, and even the Inflationary period of the late 1960s, early 1970s. He covers many areas, including unemployment, the role the government needs to play in the markets to stabilize the situation we are in, the rise of prices in the housing market, and the shift in inflation and what that means for wages. He touches on the Vanguard Advisors Alpha Program and the importance of advisors transitioning to a more holistic approach in terms of wealth management and diversification. Lastly, we talk about the implications of Blockchain technology and Bitcoin. If you want to learn more about the US economy or the resourcefulness of a holistic approach to investing, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Rory and Diane speak with Josh Hirt, a lead economist with the Investment Management Group at Vanguard, who develops Vanguard’s understanding of Growth in the US Economy. Josh talks about the pandemic’s impact on the economy and how this will evolve over time. He talks about today’s economy, some Optimism coming out of the Pandemic, as well as some comparisons to The Great Recession of 08′, the Dot-com Bubble of 01’, and even the Inflationary period of the late 1960s, early 1970s. He covers many areas, including unemployment, the role the government needs to play in the markets to stabilize the situation we are in, the rise of prices in the housing market, and the shift in inflation and what that means for wages. He touches on the Vanguard Advisors Alpha Program and the importance of advisors transitioning to a more holistic approach in terms of wealth management and diversification. Lastly, we talk about the implications of Blockchain technology and Bitcoin. If you want to learn more about the US economy or the resourcefulness of a holistic approach to investing, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Rob and Rory speak with Ted Denbow, the VP and Head of Sales at Right Capital, an industry-leading financial planning software provider. With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Ted discusses the challenges he observed in the field and how Right Capital seeks to solve them. Ted also explains the innovations that have taken place in the industry over the last decade, the challenges it currently faces, and its future. Ted explores the importance of adjusting strategies to counter the changing tax laws under the Biden administration and how clients can use Right Capital’s resources to meet those needs. He also expounds on the effect of developing technologies like AI and automation on the fintech industry. Ted also covers how Right Capital has cultivated partnerships with other fintech providers like Betterment and Vanilla so advisors can provide their clients with a holistic experience. Lastly, we discuss how firms can take advantage of one of the largest transitions of wealth in history, aka “The Silver Tsunami!”

Rob and Rory speak with CPA Eric Pierre, who Forbes has listed as a Top Tax Twitter account to follow, and who is the CEO, Owner, and Principal of Pierre Accounting which provides tax and financial services to clients of all sizes. Eric’s long history in the field includes work at Delloite and Fortune 500 companies. Eric speaks about his firm’s shift from compliance to advisory services and highlights the Employee Retention Credit that has helped many Minority-owned business clients. He also explores the possibility of higher taxes from the Biden Administration and how he is advising his clients to best plan for them. Additionally, he details the nuances of dealing with cryptocurrencies, as an investor and a taxpayer, as well as its future. Lastly, Eric also mentions how Pierre Accounting strives to educate athletes in professional sports on how to best plan for long-term financial well-being. You won’t want to miss this entertaining episode of a Former Professional Athlete turned CPA.

Rob and Rory speak with Scott Tarra of Connexian who works with broker-dealers and with both SEC and State Registered Investment Advisors on registration and compliance needs. Scott talks about the new marketing Rule 206(4)-1 which will go into effect May 4th 2021 which sets new guidelines for solicitors and modernizes the marketing rules to reflect today’s landscape of technology and social media use. Accounting firms will be interested to learn about how the new rule will mainly do away with the current solicitor’s agreement. He touches on considerations needed to from registration to compliance to filing requirements. Lastly, he talks about the focal points of regulators today being transparency, disclosures, and cybersecurity. If you are working with a registered investment advisor or are looking to become one, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Rob and Rory speak with markets reporter Amrith Ramkumar of The Wall Street Journal to discuss Specials Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). In this episode, we touch on the SPAC craze that has hit the financial markets in 2020 and continued into 2021. Amrith discusses the history of SPACs from a niche product used by a group of wealthy individuals to it now utilized by most of Wall St. and Silicon Valley. He talks about seasoned investors like Bill Foley and Besty Cohen doing SPACs and how this is an alternative to raising money via a VC or Traditional IPO. He provides examples of SPACs such as the SE Asian “Super App” GRAB going public in a SPAC merger that values the business at nearly $40 Billion, even though they aren’t profitable. Lastly, Amirth talks about key investment rounds called (PIPE deals). A Private Investment in Public Equity where investors like Blackrock, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, T Rowe Price put in vast amounts of money to get exposure to these companies of the future, which has helped make SPAC’s a mainstream alternative.