From The President About The College Financial Planning Insights
Newest Professor of Practice Jeffrey Levine
Who is Jeff Levine?
Jeffrey Levine, CFP®, CPA/PFS, ChFC®, RICP®, CWS®, AIF®, BFA™, is the quintessential lifelong learner—an alumnus of The American College of Financial Services who holds several designations and professional credentials, and who has spent much of his career obtaining and sharing knowledge that can help fellow practitioners and clients alike.
He got his start in the profession by learning IRA and retirement planning from one of the best – and another professor of practice at The College – Ed Slott, CPA. Jeff went on to become chief retirement strategist at training firm Ed Slott and Company, LLC. (Incidentally, he’ll be a great addition to our epic retirement experience next year.)
As impressive as his academic acumen is, Jeff’s success as a practitioner also speaks for itself. He’s excelled in several leadership roles within financial services firms and is presently chief planning officer at Buckingham Wealth Partners.
Like Liam Neeson’s character in the blockbuster “Taken,” Jeff has “a very particular set of skills” – primary of which is the uncanny ability to translate the nuances of tax regulation into practical to-dos (and don’ts) for financial advisors. He has killer instincts when it comes to helping professionals understand this very complex topic.
Why tax planning?
Only two things in life are certain. And taxation is one of them. It’s no secret today’s clients are interested in tax-informed financial planning. Yet what has been taboo until now is offering it—or what’s more, specializing in it. I believe this stems from a misunderstanding and conflation of “tax planning” versus “tax advice” (the latter of which is left to CPAs). But make no mistake: Tax planning is an essential part of financial planning.
The College’s recently released 2024 Advisory Services Study revealed some interesting facts about this nuanced area: first, (whether they realize it or not) most advisors are offering some services we would define as tax planning; and second, that nearly all of them are missing opportunities by not offering other tax-planning services. For example, small business owner tax planning is clients’ most frequently requested service that investment advisor representatives (IARs) are not currently providing.
Why do unmet client needs matter so much more in today’s market than they did even five years ago? Because driving revenue is so much harder as services become more commoditized – and it’s past time to take a new approach. We believe applied knowledge will be the key to a breakthrough for future-thinking financial professionals who seek to specialize in an area some are uncomfortable addressing. One of the best ways advisors can grow business organically will be by offering additional services, in turn, increasing client satisfaction, client retention, and client lifetime value.
What makes this program different?
One of the things I love about The College is that we don’t do anything without first “studying up” on the subject. It’s not often we see such a clear need for specialized, applied knowledge – nor do we hasten to develop solutions that are not fully researched or thoughtfully built. The TPCP™ will be the first new designation program The College has offered in over seven years and the first since I joined.
Presiding over the research, development, and launch of the TPCP™ excites me not simply because it’s new to The College, but broadly speaking, because it’s new to the world of financial services. There is no other professional educational program that’s fully focused on tax-informed financial planning to support clients – including business owners – throughout their life. And at present, there’s no designation program that signifies a financial advisor is well-versed in tax planning, except in the relatively rare case (Jeff is one) of a practitioner who is credentialed as both a CPA and a CFP® professional. And even then, the CFP® only trains on income taxation, and the CPA is broadly a compliance credential for someone licensed to practice public accounting.
On one hand, the TPCP™ can help financial advisors build tax-smart strategies as a valued (and value-add) service to their clients who want more than investment management. On the other hand, it can help CPAs incorporate financial planning for their clients who want more than public accounting services. We believe this credential will be a big differentiator for the professionals who earn it, giving early adopters a first-mover advantage with the clients and prospects who have been expecting a broader spectrum of services.
I know the individuals who are drawn to the TPCP™, including thousands already on our waitlist, have this in common with Jeff Levine: they dare to be different. With his string of credentials, his sharp wardrobe of signature vests, and his unmatched ability to simplify complicated subject matter, Jeff has always been a standout professional. And I couldn’t be happier to congratulate him on becoming a professor of practice and welcome him to our team of outstanding academics as we usher in our newest program.
More From The College
- Join the waitlist for the Tax Planning Certified ProfessionalTM (TPCPTM) Program
- Meet Levine at the new, epic retirement planning conference: Horizons
- Learn more about Ed Slott and Company’s IRA Success
About The College Financial Planning Press
Welcome Jeffrey Levine Professor of Practice
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – October 14, 2024 - Levine, who serves as chief planning officer at Buckingham Wealth Partners, is spearheading the launch of The College's Tax Planning Certified Professional™ (TPCP™) Program. This first-of-its-kind designation program is designed to equip learners with the skills to identify, evaluate, and implement comprehensive tax strategies for individuals and business owners, while ensuring compliance with current legislation.
"I am thrilled to expand my relationship with The American College of Financial Services and lead the launch of the Tax Planning Certified Professional™ Program," said Levine. "I’m eager to collaborate with The College's renowned faculty and incredibly talented team of producers, instructional designers, and other academic support teams to help advisors and tax professionals close the significant knowledge gap in this specialized area so that they can more effectively deliver the number one service requested most by clients. Tax planning is financial planning, and this is the first comprehensive tax planning education program in the profession."
Levine is sought-after for his ability to distill complex financial legislation, regulations and policy into clear, actionable insights. His career spans a broad range of leadership roles, including his work as the “lead financial planning nerd” for Kitces.com and the creator of several other tax and retirement-focused educational programs for advisors. Levine started his professional career with IRA and retirement planning training firm Ed Slott and Company, LLC, where he served as chief retirement strategist.
“Jeff is one of the most respected voices in financial planning today, and we are excited to have him join our faculty," said George Nichols III, CAP®, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. "His combination of deep expertise and a forward-thinking approach to tax-informed planning elevates the Tax Planning Certified Professional™ Program and widens our suite of offerings designed to advance financial professionals as specialists in their craft.”
Levine’s commitment to education is reflected in his ongoing role as a speaker, presenting to thousands of financial advisors, accountants, attorneys, and consumers across the country each year.
“If you’re one of our students, you’ve likely heard Jeff speak, educate, help turn the theoretical into the applicable,” said Gwen Hall, PhD, EVP and provost. “I look forward to the TPCP™ showcasing The College’s track record of applied financial education that helps the profession better support society.”
He himself is a lifelong learner with a wide array of certifications and designations, including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and those conferred by The College, including the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) and Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®).
Levine will continue to shape the TPCP™ Program while also supporting The College’s students and learners through just-in-time education and events. He is a featured speaker at The College’s retirement conference, Horizons, next March 3 to 5, 2025, in Coronado, CA.
About the Tax Planning Certified Professional™ (TPCP™) Program
The Tax Planning Certified Professional™ (TPCP™) program aims to equip financial professionals with the expertise needed to navigate tax complexities for clients, including business owners, throughout various stages of life and special circumstances. The program is ideal for financial advisors, agents, and CPAs looking to incorporate holistic, tax-informed planning into their client conversations while staying compliant with ever-changing tax regulations.
For more information, visit: TheAmericanCollege.edu/TPCP.
About The American College of Financial Services
Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services profession.
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Contacts
Sarah Tremallo
908-967-0381 / Stremallo@jconnelly.com
Jared Trexler
610-526-1268 / Jared.Trexler@theamericancollege.edu
About The College Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Podcasts
Where Military and Financial Services Meet
In this special episode of our Shares podcast recorded at The College’s 2024 Military Summit in Philadelphia, PA, host and military veteran Chet Bennets, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, CLF® speaks with Lacey Langford, AFC®, founder of MILMO® and MilMoneyCon™ and an expert on navigating financial topics within the military community. They discuss the dual issues of how the financial services profession can better serve military members, veterans, and spouses in times of transition, as well as why those transitioning from military service into civilian careers are well-suited for positions in the industry.
Lacey Langford, AFC® is an Air Force veteran, military spouse, speaker, and financial coach who changes people’s lives from being fearful of money to having control and confidence with it. She is an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) with over 15 years of financial planning, counseling, and coaching experience, and is a member of the advisory board for the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs.
Langford is the founder of MILMO®, a community dedicated to helping the U.S. military with personal finance. She is the host of The MILMO® Show, a podcast that helps the military community make, save, and invest money wisely. She is also the founder and CEO of MilMoneyCon™️, a national conference for financial professionals united by military service.
Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are the hosts’ and guests' own and do not necessarily represent those of The American College of Financial Services.
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About The College Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
2024 Military Summit Highlights
Formerly known as the Clambake, the inaugural Military Summit melded several traditions of The College and its Center for Military and Veterans Affairs, including the Maury Stewart Lecture Series and the Leadership Symposium into a full day of programming spread between the W Hotel Philadelphia and the National Constitution Center. With over 140 financial professionals, service members, veterans, military spouses, and scholars in attendance, it was an inspiring, educational, and empowering event in the best tradition of the Center’s mission: providing educational support and career development opportunities to active duty, guard and reserve members, veterans, and their spouses.
An Examination of Knowledge and Leadership
The Military Summit kicked off with Center managing director Phil Easton, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), welcoming the attendees and recognizing the solemn nature of the day chosen for the Summit with a moment of silence.
“This event is a celebration of the military community, but it’s also an occasion to remember, as we always do, those who have given their lives in service to their country, both in and out of uniform,” he said.
The annual Maury Stewart Lecture was up next, delivered by Michelle Caruso-Cabrera: a CNBC contributor, former chief international correspondent, and the network’s first Latina anchor. Caruso-Cabrera spoke about her experiences transitioning from a local journalism to the national stage when CNBC was still a young network and many of her colleagues felt she was making a career mistake. She went on, however, to become a major force that drove CNBC’s growth over 15 years, including traveling the world to interview important politicians and leaders – while also unwittingly becoming a leader in the newsroom herself.
“You know leadership when you see it, and you feel it when it’s missing,” she said. “I was surprised some of my colleagues looked at me as a leader because I’d never thought of myself as ‘the boss.’ But you don’t have to be the boss to be a leader. It’s all about little interactions, giving credit where it’s due, and thinking small, not just big.”
“You don’t have to be the boss to be a leader. It’s all about little interactions, giving credit where it’s due, and thinking small, not just big.”
–Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, veteran journalist
The session on leadership was followed by a talk from Jamie Hopkins, Esq., LLM, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP® of Bryn Mawr Capital on adaptive retirement planning. Throughout the presentation, Hopkins used data from The College’s 2023 Retirement Income Literacy Study and other sources to drive home the point that retirement plans need to be flexible enough to account for variables in markets and individual lifestyles – there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
“Americans are being told as long as you put money into your 401(k) and save rather than spend, you’re going to be okay. That’s an oversimplification,” he said. “We also have to do a better job guiding clients through the decumulation stage: they’ve spent their entire lives saving, and if they’re afraid to see their balances go down during retirement, it kind of defeats the purpose.”
Technology and Opportunity in Financial Services
Further programming at the Military Summit included a panel discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on financial services led by Kevin Crawford of Northwestern Mutual, including College faculty members Chet Bennetts, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, CLF®, Azish Filabi, JD, MA, and Eric Ludwig, PhD, CFP®. The panelists took the opportunity to note the pitfalls and promise of AI technology; while it has the potential to enhance consumer education and build trust in the industry, when used for nefarious purposes it can also threaten to undermine privacy protections and perpetuate many of the discriminatory practices that have plagued the profession in the past.
“When AI is impacted by faulty data or human biases, it can continue those biases,” Filabi said. “What happens when an insurance company’s AI system uses private data to arbitrarily strip coverage from people it thinks don’t qualify for it? There’s a lot of good it can do, but only if it’s managed ethically and transparently.”
“When AI is impacted by faulty data or human biases, it can continue those biases. There’s a lot of good it can do, but only if it’s managed ethically and transparently.”
–Azish Filabi, JD, MA
Attendees got a sneak preview of the evening’s festivities with a fireside chat featuring College board of trustees member Lieutenant General Michelle Johnson, USAF (Ret.) and 2024 Soldier-Citizen Award recipient Major General Suzanne Vautrinot, USAF (Ret.). The two discussed General Vautrinot’s path through the service, from her early Air Force days to her introduction to cyber operations that eventually led her to help found the military’s Cyber Command in defense of sensitive information worldwide.
Among the many things that make an effective leader, General Vautrinot said, the most important is creating a culture of trust and respect where people feel their ideas are heard and their peers are accountable for their actions.
“In the Air Force, there’s a tradition we call the ‘hot wash,’” she said. “After any kind of operation, before any more discussion happens, the senior officer who was leading the operation will be the first to share their analysis of how it went and what they could have done better as a leader. How you recover from any kind of internal crisis is just as important as how you handle it.”
Finally, attendees were invited to network and socialize in a Military Resource Group Networking Lounge featuring informational booths from event sponsors on resources and partnerships available to military members, veterans, and spouses: these included USAA, NFP, Thrivent, Nationwide, and F&G.
A Patriotic Culmination
After the Military Summit concluded, attendees migrated over to Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center for the main event of the day: the Soldier-Citizen Award and Scholarship Fund Dinner, which raises money for the Center to provide scholarship opportunities to members of the military community who want to transition into the financial services profession and pursue a designation or certification with The College.
Easton read off an impressive list of achievements for the Center in 2024, including:
- 1,700 scholarships granted by the Center since 2014
- 49 master’s degrees and 245 designations awarded to military community members in 2024
- $460,000 in funds raised for 67 scholarships and Center initiatives in 2024
In addition, Easton noted 20% of The College’s military scholarships go to military spouses, and that 19 scholars were in attendance for the evening’s event. Attendees heard from three of them – Tia Nichole McMillen, Kyle Packard, CFP®, ChFC®, and Rachael Smith, MBA – who are now successful professionals in the financial services industry as they shared their stories and thanked the Center and The College for the opportunities they received.
“Successful transition is possible through this powerful, thriving, and supportive community. We here, all of us, have your six,” said McMillen in her remarks, referring to the military phrase meaning “to have someone’s back.”
“Successful transition is possible through this powerful, thriving, and supportive community. We here, all of us, have your six.”
–Tia Nichole McMillen, military scholar
The evening’s crowning moment, of course, was the official presentation of the Soldier-Citizen Award – a bust of Pericles, the Greek soldier, philosopher, and leader – to Major General Vautrinot. In her acceptance speech, she brought the conversation back to the solemn meaning of 9/11, as well as what it means to be a member of the military and serve others. Recalling an incident involving colliding planes years earlier during an air show at a German base, she remembered what happened after everyone present got over their shock.
“In the moments afterward, you didn’t see people running away from the wreck – they ran to help,” she said, asking all the military veterans, service members, and families present to stand and be recognized once again. “That is service: the scholars and signers of the Constitution framed around us remind us of that, and so does everyone in this room. Because of you, we will always move forward together. Thank you.”
Thanks to all who attended the 2024 Military Summit! Check out all of the event's highlights below:
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About The College Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Insights
Steps to Strengthen Our Alumni Network
Our regional alumni receptions unite alumni and students with a variety of designations and offer a social setting where they can connect. These events are a testament to our commitment to cultivating a dynamic, supportive, and thriving alumni network.
At the heart of these events is the desire to strengthen our alumni network. We believe in the power of connection and collaboration, so we want to facilitate just that. By coming together, we create opportunities for professional growth and support.
Our goal is to forge stronger ties among alumni, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Each reception will be an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss common interests, and build relationships that could lead to new ventures and collaborations.
Cultivating Connections
We held our first two Regional Alumni Receptions last month in Atlanta, GA following The College’s annual Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP). Looking around the room, we witnessed College alumni sharing experiences which highlighted their diverse career paths while also finding commonalities in their journeys.
In the words of one of our alumni, some who attended “took a walk down memory lane” while recounting fond memories of studying with classmates. Other alumni and students were just beginning to launch their careers in the financial services industry, having just received their first designation only two short months ago. College president and CEO George Nichols III, CAP® and our advancement and alumni relations team listened intently to the valuable insights shared by our talented alumni.
We raised a glass to honor the successes of individuals who have made a significant impact in financial services and in their communities. These celebrations are not just about recognizing past accomplishments, but also inspiring future greatness.
A Warm Invitation for Future Gatherings
We encourage you to look out for future alumni receptions coming to your area or planned with our upcoming College events. Whether you are a recent graduate, student, or a long-standing member of our alumni family, your presence will add to the richness of our gatherings. We are eager to celebrate with you, hear your stories, and build connections that will last a lifetime.
Stay tuned for details on the dates and locations of our regional alumni receptions. We hope to meet you in person soon! Let’s come together to celebrate collective achievements, nurture our connections, and embark on new journeys as one united alumni community.
Connect with our manager of alumni relations and volunteer management Meagan C. Ryer at Alumni@TheAmericanCollege.edu for more details on upcoming regional alumni receptions coming to a city near you.
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10th Annual Military Summit
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – August 29, 2024 - The American College of Financial Services is proud to announce the 10th annual Military Summit taking place in Philadelphia, PA on September 11, 2024, and the 12th anniversary of the founding of the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs. This prestigious event, hosted by the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs, will bring together members of the military community, financial professionals, and allies to honor veteran-scholars, celebrate donors and partners, and provide professional development opportunities.
"We are dedicated to providing our transitioning service members and their spouses with the tools they need to succeed both in and out of uniform," said Phil Easton, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), Managing Director of the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs. "This event is not only about honoring their service but is also about equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary for their financial and professional futures."
The highlight of the Military Summit will be the presentation of the Soldier-Citizen Award to Major General Suzanne Vautrinot, USAF (Ret.) and dinner at the National Constitution Center. With a distinguished 31-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Major General Vautrinot played a pivotal role in establishing U.S. Cyber Command and has continued to lead in her civilian life as a cybersecurity expert and board member for several prominent organizations.
“Receiving the Soldier-Citizen Award is a profound honor," said Major General Vautrinot. "I am proud to join The American College of Financial Services and its dedicated sponsors in our shared commitment to supporting the military community, and I look forward to celebrating the achievements of our veterans and scholars at this remarkable event."
The Summit underscores The College's steadfast commitment to the Center's mission of empowering those who serve, supporting military members and their spouses through career transition via educational and employment opportunities within the financial services. The day-time portion of the event will be held at the W Philadelphia and feature the Maury Stewart Lecture series, supported by Center Founding Partner and Sponsor Penn Mutual, with keynote speaker Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CNBC Contributor and CNBC's first Latina Anchor, leading a session called "Building Leaders in the Financial Services Industry."
Following the lecture series, attendees will have access to three additional workshops with subjects on retirement income and wealth management, the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the financial services industry, and culminating with a fireside chat on leadership with the 2024 Soldier-Citizen recipient Major General Suzanne Vautrinot. The event will also feature a networking lounge specifically for Military Resource Groups (MRGs) and scholars, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and peers. The Summit is designed to foster professional growth, networking, and a deepened commitment to giving back to the military community. Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry thought leaders, enhance their professional skills, and participate in sessions that qualify for CE credit hours.
Join us in Philadelphia to celebrate our veterans, learn from experts, and network with like-minded professionals who are committed to serving those who serve. For more information, visit https://events.theamericancollege.edu/military-summit-2024.
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ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.
Contact
Sarah Tremallo
908-967-0381 / Stremallo@jconnelly.com
Lindsey Allumbaugh
678-643-1310 / Lindsey.allumbaugh@theamericancollege.edu