The Inflection Point for CPA Financial Planners: Why Now Matters

This is a pivotal moment for CPA financial planners. In this episode, Leonard Wright joins Cary to break down why the convergence of tax, technology, and client expectations is accelerating the shift toward integrated financial planning. They explore how AI is reshaping compliance, why tax is the natural gateway to deeper planning conversations, and what the PFP movement means for firms of all sizes. Leonard also shares the work happening behind the scenes at the AICPA, from global fiduciary standards to the evolution of financial planning frameworks and offers a clear call to action for CPAs ready to expand their role and impact. Key Questions Answered: What are the best firms doing differently that others still haven't figured out? Why do so many clients say, "I wish my CPA would go further," and what does "further" actually look like? What actually changes when you move from giving answers to guiding decisions? If you started over today, how would you build financial planning into your practice from day one? AICPA Resources: Pathways to Practicing Personal Financial Planning Five tips for generating new service opportunities during busy season PFP Resources From Busy Season to Better Seasons: A CPA's Path to Planning with Deb Meyer This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Personal Financial Planning Section, the premier provider of information, tools, advocacy, and guidance for professionals who specialize in providing tax, estate, retirement, risk management and investment planning advice. Also, by the CPA/PFS credential program, which allows CPAs to demonstrate competence and confidence in providing these services to their clients. Visit us online to join our community, gain access to valuable member-only benefits or learn about our PFP certificate program. Subscribe to the PFP Podcast channel at Libsyn to find all the latest episodes or search "AICPA Personal Financial Planning" on your favorite podcast app.