Episode 187: A front-row seat to the independent revolution
Bruce Kelly, senior columnist at InvestmentNews, picks the brain of Brad Bueermann, CEO and founder of FP Transitions, about the M&A market in the independent advisory space. Speaking in the wake of the blockbuster acquisition of Commonwealth Financial Network by LPL Financial, Bueermann provides insight into how the market might change given recent volatility and why best fit, not price, is critical.
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33:27
Episode 186: Donor Trends: How Charitable Clients Use DAFs to Make an Impact
In an era where philanthropy is evolving rapidly, donor-advised funds (DAFs) have emerged as a powerful tool for individuals looking to maximize their charitable giving. DAFgiving360™ observed a record-breaking $7.7 billion in grants issued in 2024 — a 25% increase from the previous year — it’s clear that charitable clients are leveraging DAFs to create meaningful impact. But what does this shift mean for financial advisors, and how can they better serve their clients in the philanthropic space?
In this episode of ‘The InvestmentNews Podcast’, senior columnist Bruce Kelly sits down with Fred Kaynor, Managing Director at DAFgiving360, to uncover the latest trends in donor giving and how advisors played a crucial role in supporting charitable clients last year. From key insights into how and where donors are giving to the outlook for 2025, this conversation is packed with essential knowledge for advisors looking to integrate charitable giving into their wealth management strategies.
By listening to this episode, you will:
• Discover the latest DAFgiving360 data showing the significant rise in charitable contributions and grants.
• Learn where donors are directing their support, from education and public benefit to disaster relief and human services.
• Understand how donor-advised funds work, including tax benefits, investment opportunities, and long-term impact.
• Gain insights on how financial advisors can help clients create structured giving plans, incorporate non-cash assets, and engage the next generation in philanthropy.
• Get expert predictions on how economic and market conditions will shape charitable giving in the coming year.
The landscape of philanthropy is changing, and financial advisors have a unique opportunity to guide their clients toward impactful, tax-efficient giving strategies. Don’t miss this insightful discussion with industry experts — tune in now!
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18:44
Episode 185: Making sense of the blockbuster LPL-Commonwealth deal
Bruce Kelly, senior columnist at InvestmentNews, and a man with deep experience covering M&A, sits down with InvestmentNews colleague James Burton to talk about the acquisition that rocked the wealth management world - the LPL-Commonwealth deal. The two talk about the CEOs' roles in the merger, the fundamental differences between the two firms, and what this means for Commonwealth advisors.
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21:02
Episode 184: Tax-Smart Giving: Unlocking the Power of Charitable Planning and Non-Cash Assets
With a record-breaking $124 trillion in wealth projected to transfer over the next few decades, charitable giving is poised to play a pivotal role in financial planning. As donors increasingly seek tax-smart solutions to maximize their impact, strategies like donor-advised funds (DAFs) and gifting non-cash assets are transforming how philanthropy integrates with financial planning. For financial advisors, understanding these tools isn’t just beneficial - it’s essential for deepening client relationships and growing their practice.
This podcast provides a comprehensive guide to incorporating charitable planning into your advisory offering. Featuring insights from Courtney Tsai at DAFgiving360™, you’ll gain a practical understanding of how donor-advised funds and non-cash asset contributions can unlock significant tax benefits for your clients while amplifying their philanthropic impact.
By listening to this episode, you will:
• Learn the fundamentals of donor-advised funds and their tax- smart benefits.
• Discover the advantages of incorporating charitable planning into your financial advisory services.
• Understand the value and considerations of donating non-cash assets, such as real estate, private business interests, and cryptocurrency.
• Explore resources and tools available for navigating DAFs and complex asset contributions.
• Gain actionable tips to guide clients in maximizing their philanthropic impact
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your advisory practice and empower your clients to make meaningful, tax-efficient contributions to the causes they care about. Tune in now to unlock the potential of tax-smart giving with donor-advised funds and non-cash asset strategies!
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Episode 183: ‘Mr Alternatives’ unpacks surge into private markets
Private market opportunities are in vogue as the public market becomes more reliant on a select group of names. This has meant alternatives can offer much sought-after alpha. Host Bruce Kelly, of InvestmentNews, digs deeper into this trend with Neil Menard, president of distribution at StepStone Private Wealth.
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