The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry.
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Bif Crew Podcasts

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CFP® Exam Study Groups: Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends
38:36
38:36
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38:36In this episode of BIF Bites, Kaylee makes her debut as the newest BIF Crew member, sharing best practices for CFP® exam study groups just in time for students preparing for the November exam. She introduces a multi-group strategy—combining 1:1 partnerships, small virtual groups, and larger practice sessions—while offering tips on time management, …
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In this episode, Jerry lays out a clear, practical game plan for what to do after a life-changing financial windfall. Whether you've hit the jackpot yourself or you're advising a client who has, let's walk through the essential first steps. From staying grounded to assembling the right team and making smart, long-term decisions. Don't let sudden we…
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In this episode of the BIF Bites podcast, Jerry dives into the Hobby Lobby Scandal from 2010 and how we can use it for an important lesson for the CFP exam.
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It was the 1960s—bellbottoms, Beatles, and flower power ruled the day while America's youth challenged authority at every turn. But while Jimi Hendrix was setting guitars ablaze, California businessman Clifford D. Crummey was quietly funding his family's life insurance trust with annual Christmas gifts—until the IRS claimed those gifts didn't quali…
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You Passed Your CFP(r) Exam... What Comes Next?
45:21
45:21
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45:21In this week's BIF Bites episode, Jerry and Adam sit down to discuss life after passing the CFP(r) Exam.
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Question Palooza - Estate Planning (July 2025 Exam)
19:41
19:41
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19:41In the final instalment of this Question Palooza series, Jerry and Adam tackle the best way to gift a family business as part of an estate plan.
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Question Palooza - Retirement Planning (July 2025 Exam)
15:00
15:00
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15:00It's day 5 of our 6-day Question Palooza extravaganza. In this episode, Jerry and Adam tackle ESPP and how the different aspects of this retirement benefit are taxed.
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Question Palooza - Tax Planning (July 2025 Exam)
9:48
9:48
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9:48Today Jerry and Adam tackle everyone's favorite topic, taxes! They dive into the taxation of ISO's and also the tricky question writing style of the CFP Board. This is part 4 of a 6-part series going through the top topics of the CFP exam.
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Question Palooza - Investment Planning (July 2025 Exam)
14:11
14:11
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14:11Jerry and Adam are back with Day 3 of Question Palooza! Today, they tackle investments and discuss what makes a suitable portfolio asset mix for a client looking for inflation protection.
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Question Palooza - lnsurance Planning (July 2025 Exam)
14:30
14:30
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14:30In today's episode, Jerry and Adam discuss homeowners' insurance, covering what is and is not covered. This is part 2 of a 6-part series going through the top topics of the CFP exam.
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Question Palooza - General Principal (July 2025 Exam)
14:52
14:52
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14:52Jerry and Adam kick off a new edition of Question Palooza! This is part 1 of a 6-part series going through the top topics of the CFP exam.
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In this episode, Jerry and Adam give their best tips and tricks for tackling the case study section of the CFP Exam!
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In this episode of BIF Bites, Jerry and Adam dive into the fascinating world of business cycles and economic indicators. They explore the four phases of the business cycle and discuss how these cycles impact the economy. The crew also breaks down the different types of economic indicators, focusing on leading and lagging indicators. Discover how me…
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In this week's episode, Jerry dives deep into the latest craze in ultra-short-term financing with Klarna, Affirm, and other Buy Now, Pay Later programs.
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In this BIF Bites episode, Adam is joined by Jenny Coombs, Director of Content & Development at US SIF, to discuss the basics of ESG investing, its history, and its importance in sustainable investing strategies. They explore the long-term benefits of ESG investments, the power of collective action, and the role of endowments in sustainable investi…
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In this episode, Adam channels 'The Dude' from The Big Lebowski to explain the complex subject of depreciation in business accounting. He explains its purpose and discusses two main methods: straight-line depreciation and the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). Adam also introduces the Half-Year Convention, providing examples of comm…
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In this episode, Jerry dives into the history of Wash sales, how to avoid them, and what to do if you have one.
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The Preliminary Fail & Retaking the CFP(r) Exam
39:23
39:23
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39:23Another CFP(R) exam cycle hascome to a close. Congratulations to those receiving the Preliminary Pass fromthe BIF Crew! For the passing group, it's a time for celebration, relief, andplanning of next steps, both professionally and personally. However,approximately 33-40% of exam takers' exam outcomes aren’t the sought-afterPreliminary Pass but a Pr…
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The Bif crew is back with their most popular segment -Question Palooza!
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This week the gang is all here as Jerry, Mike, and Adam go through the most difficult topic from each of the 6 main curriculum areas.
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This week, Jerry gives a rundown of all the changes thatwill revert at the end of this year, when the TCJA is set to expire, and how that will impact the CFP exam.
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In this episode of BIF Bites, we're diving into the essential details every Candidate for CFP® Certification needs to know about the Prometric Testing Center. Join Adam as he takes you into "The Room Where It Happens," where your journey to success is just one click away! After clearing a proctor-delivered security check, listen in to discover the …
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In this week's episode, Jerry takes a look at the insurance situation surrounding the California wildfires and the CFP lessons that can be taken away from it.
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In this week's episode, Jerry breaks down all of the behavioral finance biases in the new season of Squid Games and how they can help you study for the CFP exam.
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In this episode, we reflect on the incredible achievements and milestones BIF reached in 2024. This year was marked by significant growth, innovation, and success! Key Highlights: Expansion and Innovation: BIF expanded its reach, introducing many new students into our CFP education andCFP exam prep course, the BIF Review! Educational Initiatives: O…
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In this week's episode, Jerry goes through a breakdown of Tariffs. What they are, their history, and an unbiased breakdown of their pros and cons. The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general.…
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Who's Afraid of A Little Estate Planning? w/Jennifer Belmont Jennings
33:31
33:31
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33:31Join us for an insightful episode of the BIF Bites Podcast as we dive into estate planning with our NEW BIF/Bryant CFP® Instructor, Jennifer Belmont Jennings, a practicing attorney and CFP® Professional. Estate planning might sound daunting, but Jennifer breaks it down into simple, understandable best practices. Whether your clients are starting or…
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Episode 100! Question Palooza (November 2024)
50:43
50:43
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50:43Jerry and Adam celebrate the 100th BIF Bites Podcast episode (woohoo!!) with everyone’s favorite segment... The BIF Bites CFP® Exam Question Palooza!
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This week, Jerry shares some really important tips and answer all those pressing questions you have about the financial calculator and nailing your CFP exam. Make sure to tune in so you are prepared on your big day!By The Boston Institute of Finance
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THE CFP® Exam Question Breakdown Checklist!
19:22
19:22
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19:22In this episode, Adam shares a valuable resource for candidates preparing for the CFP® Exam. He introduces the 'Question Breakdown Checklist' to help candidates dissect exam questions effectively. Adam explains how this checklist aids in identifying the core of each question, ensuring that candidates apply the correct information to arrive at the r…
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In this week’s episode, Jerry goes over the many financial lessons he learned while planning his recent wedding.By The Boston Institute of Finance
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In this thrilling episode of BIF Bites, BIF Crew super-sleuth Adam dives into a gripping case of academic intrigue. Recounting a dramatic short scenario in which a rogue educator cunningly infiltrated the BIF Review, Adam leverages the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct to unravel the mystery and identify the most likely violations…
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The BIF Crew Dissects 1983's Trading Places
20:24
20:24
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20:24Jerry goes back to the movies this week to explore the 1983 comedy classic Trading Places. What can CFP candidates and professionals learn from Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd? Listen in to find out!By The Boston Institute of Finance
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New BIF Content Partner: Financial Psychology Institute!
19:37
19:37
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19:37On this BIF Bites episode Adam welcomes Dr. Charles Chaffin from the Financial Psychology Institute to chat about a new partnership for BIF!The Financial Psychology Institute provides professional coaching and educational services in the fields of financial psychology and financial planning to financial professionals, therapists, and coaches.For mo…
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-Cue the ‘COPS’ theme song.In this week’s episode, Jerry and Adam go through the CFP Board Case Histories, a database that includes information about orders issued by the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (DEC). They discuss violations committed by Candidates for CFP® Certification & practicing CFP® Professionals to learn how CFP Board handled the…
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In this episode, Jerry goes over the valuable lessons on cash value life insurance that we can learn from the classic holiday movie It’s a Wonderful Life.By The Boston Institute of Finance
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Jerry and Adam serve up a few last-minute practice reps for July Exam takers with a fresh version of the classic BIF Bites Question Palooza. The guys work through 6 questions. Listen in to hear how they break down each question body and then work through each answer stem.By The Boston Institute of Finance
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This just in: Boston-area meteorologists believe this BIF Bites episode will break all-time heat index records. Listen up as Adam delivers five sizzling-hot CFP® Exam takes that will guide your homestretch studies and keep it 100% as you head towards your Exam. Crank your AC and your volume up to the MAX!…
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Introducing a new BIF Content Partner... fpPathfinder!
42:29
42:29
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42:29On today's BIF Bites episode Adam welcomes on fpPathfinder's co-founder Michael Lecours, CFP® to chat about a new partnership between BIF and fpPathfinder. Listen in to learn why we believe this partnership will greatly benefit BIF's students.By The Boston Institute of Finance
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In this episode, Jerry walks through a theoretical retirement plan using everyone’s favorite video game plumber, Super Mario, as a case study.By The Boston Institute of Finance
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We can't be friends with everyone... Jerry Seinfeld hates Newman... Mike Long hates IRMAA. Listen in to hear why.By The Boston Institute of Finance
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Currency Exchanges: A Financial Travelogue
43:06
43:06
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43:06In this week’s episode, the BIF Crew discusses the workings of international currency exchange using Adam's recent trip to Iceland as an example. Jerry shares tutoring-tested strategies to simplify exchange rate calculations. Adam recounts how an Icelandic ATM machine helped his kids understand currency exchanges!…
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Listen in as Jerry covers all of the financial planning considerations that go along with winning the lottery or other large unexpected windfall.By The Boston Institute of Finance
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Jerry views cryptocurrency as the future currency in the global economy and a high-risk/high-reward store of value that, if handled properly, could lead to large portfolio gains.In Adam’s mind, cryptocurrency is like the screaming parent at Little League field: volatile and unpredictable, with behavior that cannot be explained logically.Listen in a…
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Question palooza is back, this time with double the action and double the fun! Jerry and Adam round out a baker's dozen of CFP exam questions and discuss how they would approach answering each one.By The Boston Institute of Finance
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CFP® Questions & Misconceptions: Financial Calculator
23:16
23:16
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23:16Every year, the BIF Crew responds to thousands of questions from students enrolled in the BIF / Bryant CFP® Education Program and The BIF Review. Our “CFP® Questions & Misconceptions” mini-series is a place to share and talk through those questions.Jerry takes the reins solo in this episode as he covers three of the most common mistakes students ma…
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Young vs. Experienced: The 2 Types of CFP Students
51:12
51:12
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51:12Mike, Jerry and Adam sit down to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the two types of CFP students, those brand new to the industry, and those with several years of experience. See what new to the industry students can do to get a leg up, and learn how having too much experience can be a double-edged sword.…
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CFP® Questions & Misconceptions: General Principles
19:50
19:50
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19:50Every year, the BIF Crew responds to thousands of questions from students enrolled in the BIF / Bryant CFP® Education Program and The BIF Review. Our “CFP® Questions & Misconceptions” mini-series is a place to share and talk through those questions.Jerry is tackling General Principles today. Enjoy!By The Boston Institute of Finance
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CFP® Questions & Misconceptions: Insurance Planning
15:49
15:49
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15:49Every year, the BIF Crew responds to thousands of questions from students enrolled in the BIF / Bryant CFP® Education Program and The BIF Review. Our “CFP® Questions & Misconceptions” mini-series is a place to share and talk through those questions.Mike Long flies solo in this episode as he navigates some common misconceptions our students experien…
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CFP® Questions & Misconceptions: Estate Planning
17:15
17:15
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17:15Every year, the BIF Crew responds to thousands of questions from students enrolled in the BIF / Bryant CFP® Education Program and The BIF Review. Our “CFP® Questions & Misconceptions” mini-series is a place to share and talk through those questions.Today Adam wraps up 2023 with a few common misconceptions from Estate Planning.…
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