In this episode, sponsored by Obsidian CIO, hosts Bob Huebscher (Founder of Advisor Perspectives) and Joe Halpern (Managing Partner and CIO of Obsidian CIO) are joined by Bob Keebler, Partner at Keebler & Associates and former Chairman of the AICPA Advanced Estate Planning Conference, to explore how financial advisors can deliver greater value by leading the estate planning process—not simply focusing on tax strategies. The discussion examines the impact of the permanent $15 million federal estate tax exemption, the importance of defining client goals before selecting planning techniques, and why collaboration among advisors, attorneys, and CPAs remains the foundation of successful estate planning.
- Start with Goals, Not Documents — Learn why the most successful estate plans begin with clearly defining client objectives before discussing trusts, gifting strategies, or tax techniques.
- Navigate the New Estate Tax Landscape — Understand how the permanent $15 million federal exemption changes planning opportunities while reinforcing the continued importance of trusts and long-term family planning.
- Separate Core Capital from Transfer Wealth — Discover Bob Keebler’s framework for identifying the assets clients truly need for their lifetime versus the wealth they can confidently transfer to future generations.
- Avoid Costly Beneficiary Designation Mistakes — Explore why outdated beneficiary forms remain one of the biggest estate planning risks and how advisors can help ensure every account aligns with the overall estate plan.
- Use AI Wisely—Not Blindly — Learn where artificial intelligence can support estate planning and why professional judgment remains essential when legal, tax, and family decisions are involved.
- Lead Through Collaboration — See why advisors create the most value when they coordinate clients, attorneys, and CPAs around shared goals instead of working in isolation.
Listen to the full Advisor Wars podcast on Spotify
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: Obsidian CIO LLC sponsors the podcast to further education and critical thinking about the factors that affect markets and investing. The podcast does not provide investment advice. Investment advice is offered only to clients of Obsidian CIO who have entered into an advisory agreement and with whom Obsidian CIO has identified individual objectives, risk tolerance, and other investment needs.
