BIF Bites
The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry.
Episodes
Back to School with the BIF Crew
Back-to-school season means education planning. The BIF team breaks down 529 plans, Coverdell ESAs, UGMAs/UTMAs, tax strategies, and the education funding calculations CFP® candidates need to know.Download our free CFP® Exam Guide for a closer look at the exam structure, study timeline, key topics, and what to expect as you prepare for exam day.
Estate Planning Fact or Fiction?
Estate planning fact or fiction? The BIF crew puts common myths to the test, breaking down trusts, powers of attorney, estate taxes, and CFP® exam traps along the way.
Spousal Social Security Explained: Rules Every CFP® Candidate Should Know
Learn the key rules behind spousal Social Security benefits, including current vs. former spouse eligibility, common CFP® exam pitfalls, and planning strategies advisors should know. Explore more with The BIF Review.
Think Like a CFP®: Practice Questions & Expert Answers
Test your CFP® knowledge with expert walkthroughs covering financial planning, insurance, investments, taxes, retirement strategies, and common exam pitfalls.Don't just rely on BIF Bites! Get exam ready with The BIF Review.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Coverage
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a fun look at insurance planning. From fireworks mishaps to homeowners, auto, liability, and umbrella coverage, learn how different policies help protect you when celebrations don't go as planned.Don't just rely on BIF Bites! Get exam ready with The BIF Review.
CFP® Trivia Showdown: Tiffany vs. Jerry Round 2
Tiffany and Jerry return for Round 2 of CFP® Trivia Showdown. From bankruptcy chapters and Social Security rules to retirement planning and estate strategies, expect competition, laughs, and plenty of CFP® exam insights.Don't just rely on BIF Bites! Get exam ready with The BIF Review.
CFP® Trivia Battle: Jerry vs. Tiffany
Think you can outscore Jerry and Tiffany? Join this CFP® exam trivia showdown covering tax, retirement, insurance, investments, and estate planning. Play along, test yourself, and claim bragging rights.Don't just rely on BIF Bites! Get exam ready with The BIF Review.
Memory Tips and Mnemonic Tricks
In this episode, Jerry, Tiffany, and Kaylee share memorization tools like mnemonics and acronyms to help you remember tricky topics for the CFP® Exam. Don't just rely on BIF Bites! Get exam ready with The BIF Review.
Ethics, Standards, and Procedural Rules (It's More Exciting Than You Think!)
Jerry, Kaylee, and Tiffany are talking about CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Practice Standards. They're diving into the seven steps of the financial planning process, common exam pitfalls and traps, and what may happen if you break the rules (spoiler: it's not good). BIF Bites is a great way to reinforce your knowledge and get some more practical insights into concepts! But to get CFP® Exam ready,
The Tax Day Episode
On this episode, dive into One Big Beautiful Bill updates with Jerry, Kaylee, and Tiffany. Learn about the $40,000 SALT deduction, new charitable and medical rules, and avoiding failure-to-file penalties. This is absolutely essential listening for both tax planning and CFP® Exam prep. Speaking of CFP® Exam prep, check out The BIF Review! Our eight-week CFP® review course will get you exam ready wi
The EGG Episode (Video)
Welcome to our first video episode of BIF Bites! This week, Jerry, Kaylee, and Tiffany are celebrating Easterby talking about the EGG rule. Specifically, they’re explaining ISOs and NQSOs, their tax benefits, the EGG rule, and how stock options help businesses attract, retain, and reward employees. BIF Bites is a great way to supplement your studying for the CFP® Exam, but to truly get Exam Ready,
The Real Worth of a Pot of Gold
In this St. Patrick's Day-themed episode, Jerry and Kaylee discuss the real-world worth of a Leprechaun's pot of gold and how economic policy in Japan has skyrocketed its value!
Part 2: Questionpalooza March 2026
Get ready for another round of Questionpalooza with Jerry, Kaylee, and Tiffany! In this episode, we're tackling your toughest questions on tax, retirement, and estate planning to get you prepped for the CFP® Exam. Tune in as we break down complex topics, including the new One Big Beautiful Bill updates. While BIF Bites is a great way to enhance your knowledge, get CFP Exam-ready with The BIF R
Questionpalooza: March 2026
Jerry, Kaylee, and Tiffany are back with everyone's favorite CFP game show! Test your knowledge of financial aid, stock valuation, and more as the BIF Crew breaks down a new batch of questions with practical insights to help you ace the CFP Exam.Don't just rely on BIF Bites to pass the CFP® Exam! Try the BIF Review free for 30 days, and see how we've helped thousands of candidates pass
The Superbowl Episode
Jerry and Kaylee welcome the newest member of the BIF Crew, Tiffany, to the podcast. The trio take on a Superbowl trifecta with three different sports-adjacent CFP® topics, including the time value of money, behavioral finance, and the self-employment tax!
Business Inventory Accounting & Valuation
Jerry and Kaylee are diving into the essential business accounting methods and inventory valuation strategies. They're breaking down cash, accrual, and hybrid accounting methods plus FIFO, LIFO, and so much more, so you'll have a better understanding of how the choices business owners make can impact their profits and taxes. In the BIF Review, you'll learn even more about this and othe
Financial Advice Vs. Financial Planning
Jerry and Kaylee sit down to talk about financial advice vs financial planning—how they're different and how to determine which is which. They're also going over some practice questions and case studies from CFP Board to help you test your knowledge. Getting ready for the CFP® Exam? Try The BIF Review free for 30 days to see how we get you ready to pass! https://www.bostonifi.com/cfp/bif-r
The Halfway Point
Kaylee is now at the halfway point of her CFP® journey! She's sitting down with Jerry to talk about how it's going so far with her CFP® Education coursework, including her favorite courses and most difficult topics in the curriculum. Want to start your own CFP® journey? Get started here!
Penny for Your Thoughts
The U.S. Treasury is officially ending production of the penny, and our sweet, sweet Mr. Lincoln coin is sailing off into the sunset. In this episode, hosts Jerry and Kaylee discuss the economic and cultural ripple effects of this decision. What does this mean for cash transactions, the 99-cent store, and the future of physical currency in an increasingly digital world? Join us as we break down th
CRAT CRUT GRAT GRUT SOUP
Understanding estate trust options can feel like wading through alphabet soup—what do all the letters mean and how do you keep them straight? Don't worry! Jerry Mee, CFP® is ladling out his knowledge, including the easiest way to remember each estate trust acronym, what these trusts do, and how to keep them straight for exam day.Get ready to pass the exam with The BIF Review! Our 8-week CFP® E
Question Palooza (November 2025 CFP Exam)
It's that time of year again! Jerry and Adam are joined by Kaylee, the newest member of the BIF Crew as they dive into a fresh set of exam questions to help you get ready for the November 2025 CFP® Exam. Ready to turn today’s insights into an organized study plan? Check out The BIF Review! It's our streamlined, eight-week CFP® Exam prep course that gets you ready to pass the exam while keeping you
All About Viaticals
This week, Jerry sits down to talk all about viatical settlements, how to qualify for them, what the transfer for value is and why you need to know about them for the CFP® Exam. Get more structured, effective prep for the CFP® Exam with The BIF Review. In eight weeks, you'll get the resources, materials, and support you need to pass the exam and earn your marks. Learn more about The BIF Review
CFP® Exam Study Groups: Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends
In this episode of BIF Bites, Kaylee makes her debut as the newest BIF Crew member, sharing best practices for CFP® Exam study groups. Learn about her multi-group strategy that combines 1:1 partnerships, small virtual groups, and larger practice sessions. Plus, she's sharing tips on making the most of group studying through time management and how to leverage diverse professional backgrounds a
So You Won The Lottery...
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 wealth become a sudden problem for y
Hobby Lobby Tax Scandal
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. Ready to turn today’s insights into an organized study plan? Check out The BIF Review! It's our streamlined, eight-week CFP® Exam prep course that gets you ready to pass the exam while keeping you out of the weeds. Try it free for 30 days
Peace, Love, & Crummey Powers
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 qualify for tax exclusion. Embodying the re
You Passed Your CFP(r) Exam... What Comes Next?
In this week's BIF Bites episode, Jerry and Adam sit down to discuss life after passing the CFP(r) Exam.
Question Palooza - Estate Planning (July 2025 Exam)
In 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. Ready to turn today’s insights into an organized study plan? Check out The BIF Review! It's our streamlined, eight-week CFP® Exam prep course that gets you ready to pass the exam while keeping you out of the weeds. Try it free for 30 days!
Question Palooza - Retirement Planning (July 2025 Exam)
It'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.
Question Palooza - Tax Planning (July 2025 Exam)
Today 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.
Question Palooza - Investment Planning (July 2025 Exam)
Jerry 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.
Question Palooza - lnsurance Planning (July 2025 Exam)
In 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.
Question Palooza - General Principal (July 2025 Exam)
Jerry 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.
Tackling Case Studies on the CFP® Exam
In this episode, Jerry and Adam give their best tips and tricks for tackling the case study section of the CFP Exam!
Business Cycles
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 metrics like new building permits and stock prices s
The Dangers of Buy Now, Pay Later
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.
Ya Down With ESG?
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 investing. The conversation also covered upcoming eve
Fully Depreciated Dude.
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 common useful lives for various assets. To wrap
Wash and Learn
In this episode, Jerry dives into the history of Wash sales, how to avoid them, and what to do if you have one.
The Preliminary Fail & Retaking the CFP(r) Exam
Another 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 Preliminary Fail. In the BIF Review, we off
BIF Bites Question Palooza (9th Edition)
The Bif crew is back with their most popular segment -Question Palooza!
The Dirty Half Dozen
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.
End of an Era: Sunsetting the TCJA
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.
The Room Where It Happens
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 ins and outs of the testing process
How to Insure the Uninsurable
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.
Squid Games and CFP?!
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.
2024 - A Year of Giant Steps & Success!
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 and
CFP exam prep course, the BIF Review!
Educational Initiatives: Our commitment to education was stronger than ever
Riffing on Tariffs!
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.
Who's Afraid of A Little Estate Planning? w/Jennifer Belmont Jennings
Join 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 are looking to refine their existing estate plans
Episode 100! Question Palooza (November 2024)
Jerry and Adam celebrate the 100th BIF Bites Podcast episode (woohoo!!) with everyone’s favorite segment...
The BIF Bites CFP® Exam Question Palooza!
Financial Calculator FAQ
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!
THE CFP® Exam Question Breakdown Checklist!
In 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 right answers.
Ready to boost your confidence and
A Very CFP Wedding
In this week’s episode, Jerry goes over the many financial lessons he learned while planning his recent wedding.
The Great Content Caper
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. Get your pipe and tweed jacket (with padded elbo
The BIF Crew Dissects 1983's Trading Places
Jerry 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!
New BIF Content Partner: Financial Psychology Institute!
On 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 more information, visit psychologyoffinancialpla
CFP Board's Most Wanted.
-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 their cases and what disciplinary actions were impo
It is Christmas In July!
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.
July 2024 CFP Exam Question Palooza!
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.
CFP® Exam Hot Takes!
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!
Introducing a new BIF Content Partner... fpPathfinder!
On 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.
When Can Super Mario Retire?
In this episode, Jerry walks through a theoretical retirement plan using everyone’s favorite video game plumber, Super Mario, as a case study.
Mike hates IRMAA!
We can't be friends with everyone... Jerry Seinfeld hates Newman... Mike Long hates IRMAA. Listen in to hear why.
Currency Exchanges: A Financial Travelogue
In 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!
What to Do If You Win the Lottery?
Listen in as Jerry covers all of the financial planning considerations that go along with winning the lottery or other large unexpected windfall.
The Great Crypto Debate
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 as these BIF guys square off in ‘The Great Cryp
CFP Exam Question Palooza
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.
CFP® Questions & Misconceptions: Financial Calculator
Every 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 make with their financial calculators.
Young vs. Experienced: The 2 Types of CFP Students
Mike, 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.
CFP® Questions & Misconceptions: General Principles
Every 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!
CFP® Questions & Misconceptions: Insurance Planning
Every 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 experience in the 3 major insurance topics.
CFP® Questions & Misconceptions: Estate Planning
Every 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.
The Collector's Guide: Tax Savvy Strategies
In this episode, Adam and Jerry talk about COLLECTIBLES. There are special rules governing the tax treatment of collectibles held for investment purposes that you need to know. Also, there are special considerations for protecting your collectible investments by way of insurance coverage. All of this and more are covered!
Look out Comi-Con, here comes the BIF Crew!
CFP® Questions & Misconceptions: Retirement Planning
Every year, the BIF Crew responds to thousands of questions from the students enrolled in the Bryant/BIF CFP® education program & the BIF Review. In our newest BIF Bites podcast mini-series “CFP® Questions & Misconceptions” we’ll share these FAQs, plus, the concepts that are most likely to cause confusion.
This week, Mike shared some common misconceptions in Retirement Planning that he noted duri
“Isn’t it a P.I.T.I?”: A Mortgage Deep Dive
Homes are one of the most valuable assets in a client’s financial ecosystem and mortgages are an area where financial planners can provide valuable insight and support, adding a ton of value along the way. This week, Jerry and Adam talk about down payments, lending ratios, PITI, PMI, VA mortgages, USDA mortgages, and much more.
“We P.I.T.I the fool” that misses this episode!
CFP® Questions & Misconceptions: Investment Planning
Every year, the BIF Crew responds to thousands of questions from the students enrolled in the Bryant/BIF CFP® education program & the BIF Review. In our newest BIF Bites podcast mini-series “CFP® Questions & Misconceptions” we’ll share these FAQs, plus, the concepts that are most likely to cause confusion.
Jerry continues the solo series this week covering the biggest misunderstandings students r
CFP® Questions & Misconceptions: Tax Planning
Every year, the BIF Crew responds to thousands of questions from the students enrolled in the Bryant/BIF CFP® education program & the BIF Review. In our newest BIF Bites podcast mini-series “CFP® Questions & Misconceptions” we’ll share these FAQs, plus, the concepts that are most likely to cause confusion.
This week, Adam delivers some tax fact-checks! He covers AGI v. taxable income, capital gai
CFP® Exam Retaker’s Guide
Mike, Jerry, and Adam recorded this important roundtable discussion to support all who fell short of the ‘Preliminary Pass’ on their recent CFP® exam.
The BIF Crew shares common retaker pitfalls, best practices, strategies for interpreting results, and the importance of self-reflection before diving into another CFP® exam cycle.
“What is delayed is not denied.” – Dawn Staley
Content Marketing Strategies for Financial Advisors w/ Anthony Ruffalo
Jerry and Adam sit down with financial advisor and financial content producer Anthony Ruffalo to discuss content and social media strategies that yield meaningful results.
CFP Snake Draft - Estate Planning
It's the final round of our inaugural BIF Bites CFP Snake Draft. A champion will be crowned soon. To cast your vote please head over to BIFBites.com and let us know who drafted the best overall squad!
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