Magnifi’s Artificial intelligence is changing the way small financial advisors can interact with their client’s portfolios. They provide a wide variety of tools and services that can build a more diverse, robust, and optimized portfolio to suit your client’s needs. From the simple search features that allow investors to gauge the history of funds and stocks to more sophisticated tools like leverage selection that navigate the risk of a customized portfolio, Magnifi gives advisors options that allow them to compete with larger investment teams. Additionally, customizing portfolios is easier and quicker which allows advisors to draw in more clientele, all the while providing the personal experience a small financial team can offer. Finally, Magnifi seamlessly integrates with other leading custodians and optimizes the clients' experience. All of these features solve problems larger firms make hires to fix!

(Washington)

The SEC is sending some very disconcerting (if you are advisor), and not so subtle signals on its plans. This version of the SEC has taken a very different tact in its appointment of critical staff. Effectively, it has closed the revolving door. And what we mean, is that in contrast to previous SECs, this one has brought almost no one in from the industry at a senior position. Instead, it is being staffed with prosecutors, consumer advocates, and other regulatory-oriented government types. The appointments seem to be a reflection of Gensler’s policies priorities and views on how he wants the SEC to conduct itself during the Biden era.

FINSUM: The SEC is sending the loudest message it possibly can without writing it on the wall. The “read between the lines” is clear: enforcement is going to be intense.

(New York)

When clients think about retiring early, Social Security benefits and their timing are often a critical consideration. However, what most don’t realize is that health insurance costs are often the biggest hindrance to retiring early. This means advisors have a crucial role to play in helping advisors plan for retirement healthcare costs. One of the main options for keeping costs lower is to use Obamacare (ACA insurance) for the period between retirement and Medicare eligibility. However, this takes significant planning, as the pricing for this is based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). The way MAGI is calculated includes some standard forms or income, but excludes others, such as Roth RIA contributions.

FINSUM: Advisors need to be careful in how to structure client income during this period of retirement as it can have a very material effect on insurance pricing and thus cost of living.