Comprehensive Practice Guide & Exclusive Toolkit for Financial Advisors Teaches How to Duplicate & Scale Business with Proven Process hit #1 New Release in Wealth Management on Amazon

Cleveland – April 22, 2025 –The Rainmaker Multiplier: How to Create a Self-Sustaining, Scalable Financial Planning Business, by Jason L Smith CEP®, BPC, a nationally recognized speaker, financial planner, author, coach, and entrepreneur, is now available for sale and was named the number one new release in the Wealth Management category on Amazon (as of April 17, 2025).

The Rainmaker Multiplier has already become an Amazon best seller in several categories—Financial Services Industry, Wealth Management, Strategy & Competition, and Business Planning & Forecasting (Books) as well as Financial Services and Business Development & Entrepreneurship (Kindle). The book was also recognized as a “Hot New Release” on its launch day for Corporate Finance, Wealth Management, Financial Services Industry (Books) and Financial Services (Kindle) among other categories.

“I am proud to have written a book that helps simplify business growth and succession planning for the financial advisors who work so hard for American families to achieve a financially secure retirement, because those advisors deserve to feel secure too,” said Smith.

Published by Greenleaf Book Group, The Rainmaker Multiplier tells the story of how Smith built his own financial advisory practice, JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management, from the ground up. The process outlined in the book is the same process that Smith used to turn a $10-per-hour intern into his firm’s top producer for the last five years, and afforded him freedom to focus exclusively on his role as a business owner. Using this template, Smith teaches advisors how they too can create a scalable, self-sustaining business built to outlast them.

“There will come a time when advisors need to step away from their firms, whether it’s for a well-deserved vacation or for retirement,” Smith said. “Too many advisors don’t have in place a succession plan or a clear advisor career path for facilitating growth at their business—or a holistic planning approach and marketing strategy to stay competitive and relevant in this industry, where evolution is constant.”

With his own career path and plan in place, Smith was able to step back from JL Smith to also grow C2P into a thriving company that helps educate, train, grow, and support holistic financial advisors so that families can achieve true prosperity. Smith also was able to focus on helping make Prosperity Capital Advisors, his planning-first RIA one of the 50 Fastest Growing RIAs in the country, as named by Financial Advisor Magazine in 2024.*

The Rainmaker Multiplier is the latest release from Smith outlining proven processes for better wealth management businesses. He previously authored The Bucket Plan: Protecting and Growing Your Assets for a Worry-Free Retirement in 2017 and updated the print edition and audiobook in 2023. The revised print edition and audiobook of “The Bucket Plan” offer strategies for strategically positioning assets to help mitigate the impact of unexpected financial risks and dangers in retirement. The first-edition print version was named to a U.S. News and World Report list of “The Best Retirement Planning Books for 2023” as well as one of “The 15 Best Books for Retirement Planning” by Entrepreneur.com.*  

Along with the book is a companion toolkit that purchasers get which provides access to.

Click here to order The Rainmaker Multiplier on Amazon.

About the Book

Memoir of an advisor, blueprint for success, The Rainmaker Multiplier is the story of how Jason L Smith built his holistic wealth management business from the ground up and how financial advisors with high-growth aspirations can do the same: create thriving, self-sustaining businesses and increase their net profitability.

The Rainmaker Multiplier Proven Process and Platform is built on four quadrants: holistic financial planning, marketing strategy, profitable business lines, and practice management. Using this platform, Smith reveals how you can achieve long-term freedom and success by creating a scalable, self-sustaining business built to outlast you. Packed with resources and tools to help you actively engage in the process and implement these strategies in your own practice, The Rainmaker Multiplier will turn great financial advisors into even greater business owners. To learn more, please visit https://c2penterprises.com/rmmbook/.

About the Author

Jason L Smith is a nationally recognized speaker, financial planner, best-selling author, coach, and entrepreneur. As a second-generation advisor, he founded his own advisory firm, JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management, in 1995 to provide clients with coordinated financial planning, tax management, asset management, protection planning, and legacy planning in one comprehensive plan. With the overarching goal of improving the lives of American families through holistic financial planning, Jason founded and serves as the CEO of Clarity 2 Prosperity and C2P, financial training, coaching, and IP development organizations that support financial advisors, as well as Prosperity Capital Advisors, a nationally recognized RIA. Jason’s Bucket Plan philosophy inspired a best-selling book and audiobook, and a process that financial advisors across the U.S. use with their clients. In 2015, Jason was recognized as one of InvestmentNews’ 40 Under 40, and has been named to Crain’s Notable Wealth Managers list. He has also been a speaker at Ed Slott Master Elite conferences, MDRT, the SHIFT conference, and other industry gatherings in addition to being cited in industry media discussing the importance of holistic financial services and advisor succession planning.

About C2P

C2P is an RIA-grounded organization comprised of several platforms, each designed to simplify holistic financial planning for advisors and the clients they serve. Driven to provide products and solutions in the best interest of every client, C2P offers education, training, resources, and tools to meet a client’s unique financial situation, along with access to an array of investment and insurance vehicles to help advisors accomplish their goals. C2P is committed to upholding fiduciary best practices and raising industry standards by offering a higher quality of financial planning services to families worldwide. For more information, visit www.C2PEnterprises.com.

*Award and Accolade Disclosures

Third-party rankings and recognition from rating services or publications are no guarantee of future investment success. Working with a highly rated advisor does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor or by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation. Generally, ratings, rankings, and recognition are based on information prepared and submitted by the advisor. Unless otherwise noted, no fee was paid for consideration of any ranking or award.

FA‘s RIA survey is a ranking based on assets under management at year end of independent RIA firms that file their own ADV with the SEC. FA‘s RIA ranking orders firms from largest to smallest, based on AUM reported to us by firms that voluntarily complete and submit FA‘s survey by our deadline. We do our best to verify AUM by reviewing ADV forms. To be eligible for the ranking, firms must be independent registered investment advisors and file their own ADV statement with the SEC and provide financial planning and related services to individual clients. Firms must have at least $1 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2023, to be included in the print edition of Financial Advisor magazine’s 2024 RIA survey. Firms with under $1 billion will be included in FA‘s expanded 2024 online RIA survey.

Media Contact:

Sarah Tremallo

C2P@jconnelly.com

Recent market events have been jarring – the S&P 500 dropping nearly 5% in a single day and major indexes posting their worst performance since 2020.  

Tariff announcements, inflation concerns, and broader economic uncertainties have all contributed to this current market volatility. As financial advisors, we need effective strategies to guide clients through these turbulent times while maintaining their confidence in long-term planning. 

So, how do you deal with market volatility? 

In my recent conversation with Dr. Apollo Lupescu of Dimensional Fund Advisors on “The Bucket Plan On Demand” podcast, we uncovered three critical strategies that can help transform market turbulence into client confidence.  

Here’s what we discussed:

1. Proactively Communicate and Educate Clients

The best advisors don’t wait for clients to call – they reach out first. My business partner Jason L Smith, founder and CEO of C2P and JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management, puts it perfectly in this episode of The Bucket Plan® On-Demand we recently hosted: “This is what differentiates the true elite wealth managers – they’re proactive versus reactive.” 

Effective communication during volatility includes: 

• Personal outreach: In our practice, we’ve seen tremendous success when advisors personally call their significant client relationships during volatile periods. These aren’t panic calls – they’re reassurance check-ins. 

• Educational content: Provide clients with clear explanations about market dynamics, including how tariffs work and their potential impact. When Apollo and I discussed tariffs, he explained they typically create a one-time price adjustment rather than sustained inflation. Research shows that when washing machines received a 20% tariff in 2018, about 12% of that cost was passed to consumers, with producers and retailers absorbing the remainder. 

• Focus on facts, not politics: When creating client communications, remember that market perspectives often align with political viewpoints. Stay focused on fact-based analysis rather than commentary that might alienate portions of your client base. 

Related: Acquiring Clients Through Authentic Marketing: 4 Step Growth Guide for Financial Advisors]

2. Share Historical Context to Build Market Perspective

Historical perspective is one of our most powerful tools for calming client fears. It’s important to emphasize that since 1926, only 12 calendar years have seen market losses exceeding 10%, and major downturns of 20-40% typically result from unpredictable “Black Swan” events rather than telegraphed policy changes. 

Key historical insights to share: 

• Market efficiency and tariffs: Markets efficiently incorporate information and expectations about policy changes, including tariffs and market volatility impacts. As Apollo explained during our podcast, tariff announcements typically create short-term volatility, but their actual economic impact is often already priced in before implementation. This explains why reactive trading based solely on headlines frequently underperforms. 

• Recovery patterns: Even significant events like the 2020 pandemic, which caused a 30% market drop, resulted in the market ending that year up 18%. This demonstrates the importance of time horizon. 

• Rolling returns: Shift client focus from day-to-day volatility to rolling 12-month returns, which over the last decade have averaged approximately 13%, even accounting for periods of volatility. 

Apollo emphasized that looking at longer timeframes provides crucial perspective – while the market might be down a few percentage points year-to-date, it’s typically up significantly on a rolling 12-month basis. 

Related: How Financial Advisors Can Simplify Asset Allocation for Clients] 

 3. Use The Bucket Plan® Framework for Client Confidence

How to Talk to Clients About Market Volatility Without Sparking Fear

Arguably the most powerful tool in our communication arsenal during market volatility is The Bucket Plan® framework. This time-segmented approach provides a clear structure that helps clients understand why they’re protected despite market fluctuations, especially if they’re worried about protecting their retirement income. 

The three-bucket approach provides: 

• Direct security (Now Bucket): When clients express concern about covering expenses during downturns, remind them that their Now Bucket (0-2 years) should contain enough cash to fund immediate needs, shielding them from having to sell investments during volatility. 

• Buffer zone (Soon Bucket): The Soon Bucket (3-9 years) creates a crucial time buffer of conservatively invested assets, allowing growth investments years to recover before being tapped for income. 

• Long-term perspective (Later Bucket): The Later Bucket (10+ years) is designed for growth – and volatility, though uncomfortable, is expected. The time horizon allows these investments to weather volatility and potentially benefit from recovery. 

Smith shared his “aha moment” about the bucket plan strategy during the 2000-2001 market correction: clients with properly funded Now and Soon buckets remained calm during significant volatility, while those without this structure experienced tremendous stress. 

This 3-bucket retirement plan approach is so effective because it directly addresses sequence of returns risk—one of the greatest threats to retirement security during market downturns. By protecting retirement income in the Now and Soon buckets, clients can maintain their lifestyle while giving growth assets time to recover, significantly reducing the psychological pressure to make emotional decisions during market volatility. 

The Bucket Plan® also helps identify strategic opportunities during volatility, including Roth conversions at lower valuations, disciplined rebalancing, and tax-loss harvesting – positioning you as a proactive advisor rather than just a portfolio manager. 

Related: Financial Planning Simplified: Designing Your Client’s Bucket Plan 

Download our free guide on The Bucket Plan® Best Interest Process 

How C2P Supports Advisors During Market Volatility   

At C2P, we’re committed to helping advisors thrive in all market conditions. Whether you’re navigating current volatility or building a more resilient practice for the future, we offer comprehensive resources to support your growth: 

• The Bucket Plan® Training: Master our proven time-segmented planning approach through our Bucket Plan 1.0 training program, equipping you with both the technical knowledge and client communication strategies to implement this powerful framework 

• Timely Communication and Content: Access turnkey client emails, presentation templates, and social media content designed specifically to educate and reassure clients in turbulent markets 

• Practice Management Resources: From client acquisition to team building, our systems help you develop a sustainable and scalable advisory business 

• Holistic Planning Tools: Expand your service offerings beyond investment management with our five-pillar approach to holistic wealth management. 

Ready to build a more resilient practice? Our Bucket Plan 1.0 training program provides you with the framework, tools, and communication strategies needed to transform client conversations during volatile markets. Schedule a consultation to learn how C2P’s comprehensive advisor solutions can transform your practice during uncertain times and beyond. 

Book a Free Call 

Stay Informed with Industry-Leading Insights 

Continuous learning is essential for advisor success. Stay at the forefront of industry developments by subscribing to our professional development podcasts: 

The Bucket Plan® On Demand Podcast:  

Hear from industry specialists like Dr. Apollo Lupescu on investment strategies, client communication techniques, and practical applications of The Bucket Plan® methodology. Recent episodes have covered market volatility strategies, tax-efficient planning, and building client confidence in uncertain times. 

Explore and Subscribe

The Rainmaker Multiplier On Demand Podcast:  

Learn practice management strategies from top-performing advisors who have built successful enterprises. Topics include scaling your business, team development, marketing strategies, and creating enterprise value. 

Explore and Subscribe 

For Financial Professional Use Only 

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor. 

Life insurance planning for women represents one of the largest untapped opportunities for financial advisors today, yet many struggle to effectively serve this growing market.

The opportunity is clear: women hold only 46% of life insurance policies compared to 57% held by men, despite the fact that women typically outlive men, earn less over their lifetimes, and are more likely to need long-term care.

For advisors committed to holistic planning, this coverage gap represents both a responsibility and an opportunity to better serve this growing demographic, especially high-net-worth women and female business owners.

Understanding how to communicate with these clients can transform your practice while providing essential protection for an underserved market.

[Related: Five Impactful Life Insurance Strategies and Insights for Financial Advisors]

Steering the Conversation

Top-performing advisors have developed effective ways to frame these conversations with female clients. Here are some approaches to consider for:

Retirement Income Planning

Many female clients express concerns about maintaining their lifestyle throughout retirement, particularly given longer life expectancies. Starting a conversation about supplemental retirement income through life insurance often resonates strongly with these concerns. For example:

“You know, many of my clients worry about having enough income throughout retirement, especially since we’re all living longer these days. Have you thought about how we might add another source of retirement income that isn’t tied to the market?”

This approach naturally leads to discussing how certain life insurance policies can:

• Provide an additional stream of income in retirement
• Offer tax advantages that other retirement accounts don’t
• Give clients flexibility to access funds if needed

[Related: Simplify the Way You Talk to Clients]

Health and Long-Term Care

Healthcare costs represent one of the biggest threats to women’s retirement security. Women outlive men by an average of five to six years and are twice as likely to need long-term care. With annual nursing home expenses exceeding $100,000, traditional retirement planning for females often falls short without proper protection strategies in place.

Opening a discussion about combining life insurance with long-term care protection can address this crucial planning need while providing additional benefits:

“One thing I’ve learned from working with clients is that healthcare costs can really impact retirement savings. In fact, I just helped a client whose mother needed nursing care, and it quickly drained her savings. Would you be interested in learning about a solution that could help protect your retirement savings while also providing life insurance benefits?”

This opens the door to discuss:

• How newer policies combine life insurance with long-term care protection
• Why it’s smart to look at these options while healthy
• How this protection helps preserve savings for intended purposes

Tax-Efficient Legacy Planning

Women often serve as the cornerstone of family financial planning, making them particularly receptive to discussions about estate planning with life insurance. Starting with tax efficiency can lead to broader conversations about legacy planning:

“Most of my clients want to make sure their hard-earned money goes to their family rather than taxes. I recently worked with someone in a similar situation, and we found a way to pass on their wealth more efficiently using life insurance. Would you like to hear how that might work for you?”

This framing leads naturally into discussing:

• Ways to transfer wealth efficiently to the next generation
• How life insurance proceeds can help cover estate taxes
• Strategies for creating an immediate legacy
• Methods to ensure fair distribution among beneficiaries
• Options for charitable giving through life insurance

[Related: Preparing for The Great Wealth Transfer: How Advisors Can Better Serve Female Clients]
 

Case Study: Long-term Care and Life Insurance for Women

Consider this scenario from a successful advisor’s practice: A 66-year-old woman had confidently entered retirement, assuming her life insurance policy would provide lifelong protection. During a routine review, the advisor discovered her policy was set to expire in just five years. Fortunately, while still in good health, she was able to apply for a permanent policy with long-term care benefits that aligned with her estate planning goals.

Position Yourself as a Support and Resource

After discussing with your client or prospect their needs, make sure you explore policy features that align with those needs and their overall goals. Make sure you take the time to create educational moments in every meeting, for example, sharing relevant statistics about women’s longevity, explaining how coverage fits their holistic plan and supplement retirement income, and discussing the connection between protection and legacy planning. You want women to easily recognize your expertise is equal to your compassionate service. Some ways to go above and beyond for them is to offer to review policies held through other advisors or employers and document action items and next steps clearly so they know you are a trusted guide who won’t lose sight of their priorities.

[Related: Financial Planning Simplified: Designing Your Client’s Bucket Plan]
 

Enhance Your Practice with C2P: How Advisors Can Leverage Life Insurance to Support Women’s Financial Goals

At C2P, we understand that serving female clients effectively requires both expertise and the right resources. Our comprehensive support helps advisors:

• Deepen their understanding of women’s unique financial challenges
• Access educational content for client conversations
• Stay current with evolving planning strategies
• Build confidence in protection planning discussions

The opportunity to better serve women through comprehensive life insurance planning has never been greater. Advisors who adapt their approach now will be best positioned to grow their practices and serve this valuable market.

Want to better serve female clients and scale your practice? Book a free strategy call today to learn powerful techniques that leading advisors use!

Expand My Practice - Book a Call

Stay Informed with C2P Resources

Continue your professional development by subscribing to our industry-leading podcasts:

• The Bucket Plan® On Demand
• The Rainmaker Multiplier On Demand

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

Award highlights Seitz’s leadership in digital marketing, brand strategy, and content-driven growth in financial services

Cleveland, Ohio – February 19, 2025 – C2P, an RIA-grounded organization whose core purpose is to educate, train, grow, and support holistic financial advisors so families can achieve true prosperity, proudly announces that Matt Seitz, CMO and Partner, has been named to the Financial Narrative 50 (FN50) List. Now in its second year, the Financial Narrative 50 (FN50) honors the most interesting, innovative, and influential financial marketing and communications professionals shaping the industry today.

Matt’s recognition on this year’s FN50 list underscores his ability to lead with data-driven strategies and digital innovation. As CMO of both C2P and JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management, Seitz has successfully navigated the unique challenge of managing marketing and business development across two organizations.

“All of us at C2P are incredibly proud of Matt for this well-deserved recognition. His leadership and work reflect C2P’s commitment to helping advisors scale their business and, in turn, help more clients achieve financial freedom” said Jason L Smith, Founder and CEO of C2P and JL Smith, “Matt’s ability to bridge marketing and sales through data-driven strategies, alongside his leadership in content and multichannel marketing, digital presence, lead nurturing, as well as brand awareness and positioning has not only strengthened our firm but also set new industry standards.”

The FN50 list is curated by the Financial Narrative team and board, recognizing professionals who have demonstrated excellence in marketing and communications across the financial services sector. Honorees are selected based on their achievements in the past year and their ongoing contributions to the industry.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by FN50 among the top marketing professionals in financial services,” said Seitz. “This award reflects the power of data-driven storytelling, end-to-end process innovation and optimization, and multichannel marketing, all with the end goal of scaling advisors’ practices and improving their clients’ lives. These are principles and practices that drive everything we do at C2P.”

Under Matt’s leadership, JL Smith Holistic Wealth management achieved a 40% average annual growth from 2020 through 2024 in new advisory and annuity assets and expanded the firm’s geographic footprint. In addition to overseeing marketing efforts at both firms, Matt spearheaded the creation of a new in-house agency at C2P for financial advisors. Matt’s path has led to his forthcoming debut as an author of a book centered on the integration of sales and marketing in the financial industry and a deeply personal journey that taught him the power of a positive mindset — in and outside the office.

“The more advisors we can help, the more people they can help,” said Seitz. “This is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to take the processes and strategies that worked so well at JL Smith and bring them over to C2P to create scalable solutions for advisors. We’ve built something at C2P that focuses on the numbers, processes, and results. Knowing your numbers and having a clear strategy in place allows firms to track their progress and grow sustainably.”

About Matt Seitz

As the CMO of C2P, JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management, and Prosperity Capital Advisors, Matt Seitz oversees marketing and business development, driving growth and streamlining funnels to enhance brand identity and lead generation. A thought leader and 2023 ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES finalist for CMO of the Year, Matt has appeared in various industry media and has his own course on the American College Knowledge Hub+. Matt’s leadership success at JL Smith laid the groundwork for building an in-house marketing agency at C2P for financial advisory firms boost their own reach. Through his rugged personal health journey, Matt has discovered the power of positive mindset which fueled his mission to help advisors maximize growth through sales and marketing, strategic planning, laughter, and more — all things that are covered in his forthcoming first book.

About C2P 

C2P is an RIA-grounded organization supported by investment, insurance, and training & coaching platforms; each designed to simplify holistic financial planning for advisors and the clients they serve. Driven to provide products and solutions in the best interest of every client, C2P offers education, training, resources, and tools to meet a client’s unique financial situation, along with access to an array of investment and insurance vehicles to help advisors accomplish their goals. C2P is committed to upholding fiduciary best practices and raising industry standards by offering a higher quality of financial planning services to families worldwide. For more information, visit C2P’s website!

Media Contact:

Sarah Tremallo

C2P@jconnelly.com

Let’s talk about how client acquisition has evolved in our industry. These days, prospects do their homework before reaching out to an advisor. They’re looking online, checking reviews, and seeking evidence that we understand their unique needs – not just their portfolios.

Recent episodes of C2P’s The Rainmaker Multiplier podcast highlight an interesting trend: while technical expertise matters, advisors who demonstrate genuine understanding of their clients are seeing remarkable practice growth.

In this guide, we’ll explore how showcasing your authenticity can become one of your most powerful marketing advantages and growth drivers.

[Related: How Financial Advisors Can Attract and Retain High-Net-Worth Clients in 8 Steps]

Why Authenticity Matters for Practice Growth

Here’s a perspective that might resonate with your own experience. After wrapping up a successful 38-year corporate career, Jeannette Bajalia sat down with five different advisors to plan her retirement. Despite specifically requesting a holistic life plan, each advisor defaulted to the same playbook – presenting nearly identical investment portfolios without exploring her unique situation and goals.

“They didn’t hear what I was asking for. They were selling me investments when I was looking for a financial plan,” Bajalia shares in an episode of The Rainmaker Multiplier On-Demand podcast. “I felt, as a woman, they didn’t hear what I was asking for. All they wanted to do was grab my money.”

This disconnect reveals a significant opportunity in our industry. When we prioritize understanding over immediate asset gathering, we build the kind of trust that naturally accelerates practice growth. Just ask any successful advisor – genuine client relationships consistently drive both retention and qualified referrals.

How to Build an Authentic, Successful Brand

Let’s explore how authenticity can be a strategic differentiator and how to establish it:

1. Know Your True Target Market

Here’s something we often overlook: surface-level demographics aren’t enough to drive real practice growth. When Bajalia launched her women-focused practice, she invested in professional market research to understand how women really viewed financial advisors and their relationship with money.

“I had to turn off my mental model,” she shares. “I thought I knew what it looked like. But when we collected all the data, they dispelled all of my preconceived ideas.”

Consider setting aside what you think you know about your target market. A research-driven approach often uncovers surprising insights that can transform your entire business strategy and enhance client acquisition efforts.

[Related: Best Marketing Strategies and Practices for Financial Advisors]

2. Connect Through Shared Values

Want to see an authentic approach in action? Take Darrin McComas of Evergreen Wealth Advisors. When he participated in the Hood to Coast relay race supporting cancer research, it wasn’t about marketing, it was about supporting a cause that touched friends and family.

“It wasn’t to draw attention to ourselves,” McComas notes. “It was really to draw attention to the cause.”

Yet this genuine involvement naturally led to meaningful client conversations and deeper relationships. That’s the power of letting your authentic interests guide your community engagement.

[Related: Innovative Client Appreciation and Prospecting Events for Financial Advisors]

3. Develop Your Multi-Channel Strategy

Alanah Phillips, founder of Advisor Launch Lab and Break Up with Your Broker Dealer, offers an interesting framework for content that actually resonates with prospects. The key? As she shared with us in an episode of The Rainmaker Multiplier podcast, success requires hitting at least two of these three key marks: educational value, aspirational impact, and engaging delivery.

Your platform selection can significantly impact client acquisition success. Here’s what we’re seeing in the data:

• LinkedIn: Ideal for connecting with professionals and business owners seeking sophisticated guidance
• Instagram: Perfect for reaching millennial investors building long-term wealth
• Facebook groups: Excellent for engaging household financial decision-makers

Here’s an opportunity worth noting: LinkedIn currently offers enhanced visibility for advisors who execute thoughtfully, given the relatively low number of content creators compared to users.

[Related: Transitioning From a Broker-Dealer to an RIA: What Advisors Should Know]
 

4. Track What Matters

Let’s talk about measuring impact. Focus on indicators that actually drive growth:

• Social media engagement that shows content resonance
• Response patterns revealing what prospects care about
• Feedback themes highlighting service opportunities
• Community involvement results demonstrating market presence

Regular analysis helps refine your approach while uncovering new growth opportunities. Think of these metrics as your compass for strategic decision-making.

Putting It All Together: Your Implementation Framework

Ready to take action? Start with these field-tested steps:

1. Share your expertise through targeted content that speaks to your ideal clients
2. Get involved in activities outside your firm that naturally align with your interests
3. Document your involvement in ways that showcase thought leadership
4. Focus on education that organically drives client acquisition

As Bajalia puts it: “I don’t differentiate myself with brilliance, with accolades, with all these credentials. I just say, if you want someone who cares more about you and your goals than your money, you want to talk to me. It’s a simple message.”

These strategic steps, when implemented consistently, create a foundation for authentic growth that differentiates your practice in meaningful ways.

Accelerate Your Growth with C2P

Building a distinctive practice takes expertise, strategy, and the right resources. That’s where C2P’s in-house marketing agency comes in. We provide:

• Strategic brand development that aligns with your growth goals
• Multi-channel content creation that drives qualified leads
• Community engagement planning that deepens market presence
• Performance measurement that helps ensure ROI optimization

We help showcase what makes you unique while maintaining compliance standards, providing proven tools to help attract and retain your ideal clients.

Ready to transform genuine client relationships into sustainable growth? Let’s explore how C2P can help elevate your practice while maintaining your authentic approach. Your commitment to client service deserves a strategic framework that maximizes impact.

[Related: Staying Sharp to Stay Ahead: Why Continuous Learning is Crucial as a Financial Advisor]

Book a Call
The insights and examples in this article come from C2P’s Rainmaker Multiplier podcast, featuring conversations with leading financial professionals about practice growth and development. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more valuable insights.

Learn More from Industry Leaders

Stay up to date with the latest financial planning strategies by subscribing to our podcasts at C2P:

• The Bucket Plan® On Demand
• The Rainmaker Multiplier On Demand

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

As a financial advisor, you’re likely fielding an increasing number of questions about the recent Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R. 82) and its implications for retirement planning.

Educating your clients on the latest social security reforms is a unique opportunity to deepen your existing client relationships and showcase your value as a holistic advisor.

Let’s explore how to transform these changes into meaningful planning conversations for client service and acquisition.

Understanding Social Security Reform Impact on Retirement Planning

The elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) allows for immediate planning adjustments for specific clients. Here’s how to identify and act on them:

Client Scenario #1: The Public Sector Professional

Consider your client Sarah, a retired state teacher with 25 years of pension-eligible service who also worked summers in the private sector. Previously, WEP reduced her Social Security benefits from those private sector earnings. Now, you can:

• Recalculate her total retirement income picture
• Analyze the tax implications of potential retroactive payments
• Adjust her long-term distribution strategy
• Review spousal benefit options previously limited by GPO

Client Scenario #2: The Federal Employee

For federal employees like Michael, who transitions between public and private sectors, these changes open new planning windows:

• Evaluate the timing of retirement benefit claims
• Assess survivor benefit strategies for spouses
• Create tax-efficient plans for retroactive payments
• Review asset location decisions based on updated income projections

Suggested Communication Framework

Consider the following approach to structure these client conversations:

1. Initial Assessment “Let’s review how these Social Security changes specifically affect your retirement plan. I’ve identified three key areas where we might find new opportunities in your plan…”
2. Impact Analysis “Based on your work history in both public and private sectors, here’s how your benefits could change…”
3. Action Planning “Let’s prioritize these updates to your retirement strategy, starting with…”

[Related: A Guide to Life Insurance Conversations]

Implementation Roadmap for Social Security Planning

Use these regulatory changes as a jumping off point into offering more proactive, comprehensive Social Security Planning by considering the following:

Immediate Actions (Next 30 Days)

• Identify affected clients in your book of business
• Schedule focused review meetings
• Prepare personalized benefit recalculation analyses

Near-Term Strategy (60-90 Days)

• Develop tax management strategies for retroactive payments
• Create updated retirement income projections
• Review and adjust investment allocations

Long-Term Opportunities (90+ Days)

• Implement regular review processes for ongoing benefit optimization
• Establish centers of influence relationships with tax professionals
• Build referral strategies around your Social Security expertise

Transform Regulatory Updates into Practice Growth

At C2P, we help advisors turn regulatory changes like Social Security reform into powerful growth opportunities. Our proven frameworks and training programs can help you build a foundation for a more efficient, profitable practice.

Book your consultation today to discover how our strategic systems can scale and transform your financial advisory firm.

 [Related: Eight Social Security Myths Examined: Important Insights for Financial Advisors]

Grow My Practice

Learn More from Industry Leaders

[Related Podcast: Beyond COLA 2025: The Future of Social Security Planning for Financial Advisors ]

Stay up to date with the latest financial planning strategies by subscribing to our podcasts at C2P:

• The Bucket Plan® On Demand
• The Rainmaker Multiplier On Demand

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

Are you trying to attract and then retain high-net-worth (HNW) or ultra-high-net worth (UHNW) clients? Many financial advisors are… so what can you do to stand out from your competition and win these clients?

You can position yourself as the go-to advisor for affluent individuals with three actions:

• Offer comprehensive wealth management and financial planning services.
• Target the right audience.
• Provide exceptional client experiences.

How? Let’s explore some key strategies to help you succeed with high-net-worth clients.

[Related: Advanced Tax-Efficient Planning for High-Net-Worth Clients]

1. Offer Holistic Wealth Management Services

HNW and UHNW individuals are looking for advisors who can address all aspects of their often complicated, financial lives.

It’s the same reason many of these individuals may establish a family office — a team including a financial advisor, tax specialist, estate planner, accountant, and more — to comprehensively manage the family’s finances with personalized services to grow and protect their wealth.

Consider incorporating financial planning aspects like these and more into your client’s plan, like a family office would:

• Tax management
• Asset management
• Estate planning
• Insurance or protection planning
• Social Security planning

As many as 48% of millionaire investors would consider changing advisors to move to one offering more comprehensive financial advice

By expanding your service offerings beyond basic investment management to a holistic approach, you can provide more value to these clients and deepen your new or existing relationships.

Let’s look at three ways to do so.

[Related: Charging the Right Financial Planning Fees as an Advisor]

2. Minimize Your Clients’ Taxes with Tax Management Services

Just about everyone wants to legally save on taxes, especially high-earners and high-net-worth individuals whose taxes are often a major factor preventing them from reaching their financial goals.

By actively managing your clients’ taxes and incorporating tax strategies into your planning process, you can help them minimize their tax burden while optimizing their overall financial picture.

Integrating tax management strategies like the following into your services can significantly enhance client retention and satisfaction:

• Tax-loss harvesting
• Roth conversion planning
• Charitable giving strategies (e.g., donor-advised funds, charitable trusts)
• Tactical asset location across taxable and tax-advantaged accounts

Plus, tax management is an incredibly appealing service not every advisor provides which can help you differentiate your offerings. Market researchers CEG Insights (formerly Spectrem Group), found that 92% of those surveyed expected tax planning advice from their financial planning professional, but only 25% of clients received that service.

3. Position Life Insurance as an Asset Class & Advanced Planning Solution

Life insurance may seem unnecessary to individuals with at least $1 million liquid or investable assets as they have enough wealth to pay out or support their beneficiaries when they pass. But what financial professionals who serve high-net-worth individuals know is that it can play a crucial role in tax-efficient planning. The key is to help clarify this for clients so they see the value.

Life insurance offers tax-deferred growth, income tax-free death benefits, and potentially tax-free distributions when structured properly.

Consider working advanced life insurance strategies into your high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients’ wealth plans, such as:

• Irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs) for estate tax planning
• Premium financing for large policies
• Combining life insurance with long-term care benefits
• Using life insurance in business succession planning

[Related: Positioning Life Insurance in a Holistic Financial Plan]

4. Secure Multi-Generational Relationships & Legacies with Estate Planning Services

For UHNW clients, consider offering comprehensive estate planning services that mirror those of a family office. This may include the following:

• Developing multi-generational wealth transfer strategies
• Using advanced trust structures like grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs) or intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs)

Keeping a network of attorneys and CPAs in your circle will help you implement complex estate plans.

By being strong in legacy and estate planning, you have a unique opportunity to connect with your next generation of potential clients by working with their children or family. These referral-based relationships can be some of your strongest as an advisor, so it’s important to nurture them. You can do this by leveraging organizational tools like the Family Estate Organizer (FEO) to streamline processes and provide comprehensive support. You can also host educational family meetings or offer to create financial plans for beneficiaries.

[Related: Simplify the Way You Talk to Clients]

5. Identify Your Niche Audience to Target & Cater To

While serving high-net-worth clients in general is valuable, specializing in a specific niche can help you further stand out to them and attract your version of your ideal clients.

Simplifying Equity Compensation & Stock Options for High-Net-Worth Clients

C-suite executives and employees with significant equity compensation are often already qualified to work with you from an asset perspective, so consider developing the necessary expertise to serve their advanced planning needs. This demographic benefits most from financial advisors who can skillfully do these things:

• Exercise stock options.
• Prepare for an initial public offering (IPO).
• Understand restricted stock unit (RSU) planning.
• Handle 10b5-1 trading plans.
• Manage concentrated stock position.

6. Provide 11-Star Client Service

Exceptional service is crucial for attracting and retaining HNW clients because this clientele expects an elevated standard. Go above and beyond to create memorable experiences and to differentiate yourself with prospects, current clients, and boost referrals.

Some ways to elevate your client service include:

• Personalized parking spaces: Reserve a parking spot with the client’s name when they visit your office.
• Welcoming reception: Have a team member greet clients, offer refreshments, and start a conversation before the meeting.
• Thoughtful gestures: Send personalized letters along with fruit baskets instead of flowers for condolences, plants for sick clients, and Valentine’s Day candy to widowers.
• Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge birthdays, anniversaries, and new grandchildren with small gifts or gestures.
• Host special events: For significant milestones like anniversaries or notable birthdays, consider organizing and or funding a celebration for the client and their family.

[Related: Innovative Client Appreciation and Prospecting Events for Financial Advisors]

7. Prioritize Your Marketing Efforts

You need a strong marketing strategy that showcases your expertise and value proposition to attract HNW clients.

Having a niche will also come in handy here as the more you tailor your messaging to your target audience, the more likely it will resonate with them.

Ensure your marketing appeals to your ideal clients and their unique challenges:

• Marketing materials (Who we serve page on your website, email campaigns promoting the latest tax updates, etc.)
• Content you create (like blogs, videos and podcasts)
• Organic and paid social media efforts

Consider the following marketing tactics:

• Develop a professional website highlighting your services and expertise
• Create high-quality content (blogs, videos, podcasts) targeting your ideal clients and the challenges they face
• Leverage social media to share insights and engage with prospects
• Target interests or relevant traits of your ideal audience in paid social media marketing
• Host educational seminars or webinars on topics relevant to high-net-worth individuals

8. Become a Thought Leader

Developing trust with any client takes time — how do you convey your credibility immediately to HNW clients seeking expert guidance?

Consider taking steps to establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche. You can attract your ideal clients’ attention in distinct ways:

• Produce valuable, timely, highly personalized content.
• Appear as a respected authority in the industry.

Here are four methods to build your reputation:

• Speaking at industry conferences and local events
• Contributing articles to respected publications
• Pursuing advanced designations and certifications
• Developing proprietary planning processes or frameworks

Grow Your HNW Client Base With C2P 

Attracting and retaining high-net-worth clients requires a multifaceted approach. It combines comprehensive services, targeted marketing, and exceptional client experiences. By implementing these strategies and continuously refining your approach, you can build a thriving practice serving affluent individuals and families.

Learn more strategies like these and how to master them – book a call with C2P to explore how we can help you take your practice to the next level and succeed with high-net-worth clients.

Subscribe to our podcasts to stay updated on the latest news and insights from industry leaders. Our podcasts include The Bucket Plan®, The Rainmaker Multiplier, or A Woman’s Clarity®.

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

How to Create Compelling and Compliant, Content

Staying Ahead of the Regulatory Curve

As a financial advisor, you understand the importance of creating compelling content that resonates with your ideal client.

Sharing useful and informative content helps position you as a trusted resource for financial advice.

However, in today’s rapidly evolving regulatory environment, you also face the complex challenge of ensuring meticulous compliance with industry standards.

The last thing you want to do is create compliance issues and fines for yourself while trying to gain new business.

For guidance on this topic, two of C2P’s resident compliance officers weighed in; Dustin Anaas and Kerry Darrington.

They shared their insights on how advisors can navigate this sometimes-rocky terrain with confidence and precision.

Avoiding Common Compliance Missteps when Creating Content

One of the most frequent issues Anaas encounters when reviewing advisor content is a lack of proper substantiation.

“If you’re making a claim, it’s critical to back it up with reputable sources,”

He advised.

“Unsupported statements are a red flag for regulators.”

Other pitfalls to watch for:

• Promissory or definitive language that could be perceived as guarantees
• Outdated or inaccurate professional designations and memberships
• Inadequate or missing disclosures, especially related to conflicts of interest

Being aware of these potential pitfalls can help protect you and your valued clients by ensuring your content meets the highest standards of accuracy and transparency.

Harnessing the Power of AI – Compliantly

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT offer exciting potential for streamlining your content creation process. However, they also introduce new compliance considerations that require strategic management.

Anaas recommended using AI primarily for ideation and outlining, rather than relying on it for publish-ready content.

“Think of AI as a sophisticated brainstorming partner,”

He suggested.

“It can help you efficiently generate ideas, but you still need to rigorously fact-check the output and refine the language to align with compliance guidelines.”

Navigating High-Stakes Topics

As a trusted advisor, it’s key to proactively address timely issues that impact your clients’ financial well-being. However, certain topics warrant extra caution from a compliance perspective.

Darrington flagged discussions of investment returns and performance as particularly treacherous territory.

“If you’re going to reference returns, work closely with compliance to ensure you’re providing essential context and disclosures,”

She advised.

“Cherry-picking top-performing accounts or highlighting short-term results can be misleading to clients.”

Other sensitive subjects:

• Definitive statements about election outcomes and impacts of legislative policy
• Guarantees or projections about future tax laws and regulations
• Content that could be understood as providing specific investment advice

When addressing these nuanced topics, Anaas suggests framing your commentary as educational rather than advisory.

You can provide objective information and analyze potential scenarios but should refrain from making specific recommendations. As always, refer back to your formal disclosures to ensure transparency and compliance.

Testimonials: Proceed with Precision

While the SEC’s new marketing rule permits advisors to feature client testimonials, compliance analysts recommend proceeding judiciously.

Displaying a testimonial isn’t inherently problematic, as long as you’re including clear, prominent disclosures.

However, proactively soliciting testimonials can venture into murky regulatory waters. Dustin suggested taking an opportunistic approach:

“If a client spontaneously sends a glowing review, consider asking if you can feature a powerful excerpt on your website with appropriate disclosures. But large-scale testimonial campaigns require meticulous compliance vetting.”

Crafting Your Compliant Content Strategy

As you develop your content marketing plan, prioritize a proactive partnership with your compliance team.

Schedule regular strategic check-ins to align on key topics, review language, and ensure your materials meet rigorous standards.

Unlock Your Content Potential with C2P

Ready to elevate your content marketing to new heights while confidently navigating the complex compliance landscape?

C2P provides a range of ready-made content solutions and personalized compliance support to help you grow your business while following important regulations.

Book your consultation today to explore how C2P can amplify your voice and streamline your compliance processes.

Make More Compliant Content
 

Learn More from Industry Leaders

This blog post is based on insights from our On-Demand podcast series.

Stay up to date with the latest financial planning strategies by subscribing to our podcasts at C2P:

• The Bucket Plan® On Demand
• The Rainmaker Multiplier On Demand

Financial Professional Use Only

• The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice.
• The information provided is for informational and training purposes only.
• The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time of the material was created.

Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.

Savvy financial advisors are helping clients optimize their charitable giving strategies, especially as the holiday season approaches.

With proper planning, you too can help your clients maximize their charitable impact while minimizing their tax burden by considering the following strategies:

Qualified Charitable Distributions: Beyond the Basics

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) represent one of the most powerful tax-efficient giving strategies available to clients over 70½. For 2024, clients can distribute up to $105,000 directly from their IRA to qualified charities, with these distributions counting toward required minimum distributions. What makes QCDs particularly valuable is their ability to bypass Schedule A itemized deductions, providing substantial tax benefits even for clients taking the standard deduction.

Unlike other charitable giving methods, QCDs aren’t subject to Adjusted Gross Income (AGIimitations, offering unique flexibility in tax planning. This strategy extends beyond personal IRAs – inherited IRA beneficiaries over 70½ can also utilize QCDs, creating additional planning opportunities for clients managing inherited retirement assets.

Key Implementation Tips:

• Ensure checks clear by December 31st for current-year tax benefits
• Document all QCD distributions meticulously for tax reporting
• Consider setting up dedicated QCD checkbook access for frequent givers

Donor-Advised Funds: Strategic Timing Matters

Donor-advised funds offer sophisticated planning opportunities, particularly valuable during periods of tax law changes. These vehicles provide immediate tax deductions while allowing clients to maintain control over the timing of charitable distributions. This flexibility becomes especially powerful when working with highly appreciated investments, as clients can avoid capital gains taxes while securing deductions at fair market value.

With the TCJA sunset approaching in 2026, strategic timing takes on new importance. The potential decrease in standard deductions creates opportunities to optimize charitable giving across tax years. Consider “stacking” multiple years of planned giving into a single year to maximize deduction benefits when they’ll provide the most value. Additionally, donor-advised funds offer powerful legacy planning opportunities through successor naming, ensuring family charitable traditions continue for generations.

Asset Selection: Strategic Considerations

When it comes to charitable giving, selecting the right assets can dramatically impact both the tax benefit and overall gifting strategy. High-net-worth clients often hold significantly appreciated stock positions that create substantial capital gains exposure. By strategically selecting these appreciated stocks for charitable contributions, advisors can help clients avoid capital gains taxes while securing a deduction at full market value.

This strategy becomes particularly powerful when stocks are trading at all-time highs. For clients concerned about maintaining market exposure, consider implementing a strategic repurchase of the gifted positions. This creates a valuable cost basis step-up while maintaining the desired portfolio allocation.

Don’t Forget About Documentation

Even the most carefully crafted charitable giving strategy can fail without proper documentation. The IRS maintains strict requirements that demand attention to detail. For all gifts exceeding $250, clients must obtain contemporaneous written acknowledgment before filing tax returns, or the deduction could be disallowed regardless of the gift’s legitimacy.

Essential Documentation Requirements:

·       Written acknowledgment explicitly stating “no goods or services were received”

·       Contemporaneous receipt obtained before tax filing

·       Clear records of all QCD transactions

·       Verification of qualified charity status

Elevate Your Tax Management Expertise

As tax laws grow increasingly complex and high-net-worth clients demand more sophisticated planning, financial advisors face mounting pressure to deliver comprehensive tax strategies.

Through C2P’s Tax Management Journey® training, advisors learn our proven seven-step process for delivering proactive tax management to clients. This comprehensive, 2-day training program equips you with tools and strategies to assist clients with charitable giving, tax bracket management, asset allocation optimization, and strategic timing of distributions.

With that being said, understanding charitable giving strategies is just one piece of comprehensive tax management. Beyond charitable strategies, you’ll also learn how to:

• Implement proactive tax management throughout the year
• Convert tax knowledge into higher planning fees and enhanced client value
• Partner with CPAs and tax professionals to expand your service offerings
• Attract and retain high-net-worth clients through comprehensive tax management

Take the Next Step

Schedule a 20-minute consultation with our team to see if you qualify to attend The Tax Management Journey® training for free. During your consultation, you’ll also discover how C2P’s comprehensive suite of training programs and resources can help you build a more successful practice.

Elevate My Expertise
 

Learn More from Industry Leaders

This blog post is based on insights from myself and Jeff Warnkin, CPA, CFP® of JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management.

Stay current with the latest financial planning strategies by subscribing to our podcasts at C2P:

• The Bucket Plan® On Demand
• The Rainmaker Multiplier On Demand
• A Woman’s Clarity®

For Financial Professional Use Only

The information provided in this presentation is not intended as investment advice or legal advice. The information provided is for informational and training purposes only. The information in this presentation was accurate as of the time the material was created. Tax laws and rulings can frequently change. Please discuss the client’s current situation with an accountant or tax advisor.