FROM THE CHAIR

Death and Taxes

By Daphne Jordan, NAPFA Chair

Over 200 years ago, Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter, “… but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

This sentiment is still true today. As financial planners, we have the unenviable but critical task of ensuring our clients have thought out their end-of-life wishes. We guide them through the maze of considerations, family implications, and periodic review as situations change.

In this month’s NAPFA Advisor, we bring a magnifying lens to estate planning opportunities and how to navigate the emotional element of having such discussions. Coupled with a client’s estate attorney, as planners we can create that safe space for them to make intentional, knowledgeable decisions.

Just as our clients go through their life phases, there is an employee lifecycle. Early on, it is recruiting and discovery; the firm recruits and the potential employee discovers as each party determines if the other is the best fit. In this edition, we explore effective ways to find mutual alignment when recruiting new planners to your team. 

We also look at different angles of our profession, such as the complications that can come with international clients and how family meetings focusing on the big milestones can increase engagement for female clients.

Lastly, it’s awards season and we encourage you to submit nominations. NAPFA recognizes the achievements of members and public figures who have made extraordinary contributions to the association, profession and practice of financial planning in various categories. Submit nominations here by February 29. 

Thank you for being a NAPFA member! We hope you gain a nugget or two from this edition that you can turn into practical use at your firm.