In this episode, Hilltop Wealth & Tax Solutions Founder and CEO Erik Brenner, CFP®, joins The Smarter Planner Podcast — a show designed for financial professionals navigating the evolving advisory landscape.
Erik shares how Hilltop has implemented a “Personal CFO” model, inspired by the traditional family office approach, to deliver a more comprehensive and competitive client experience.
Rather than focusing solely on assets under management (AUM), Erik explains how integrating tax planning, accounting, and estate coordination into a unified strategy allows firms to better serve clients while addressing one of their largest long-term expenses—taxes.
The conversation also explores what it actually takes to operationalize this model, from building a tax division to aligning incentives and scaling sustainably.
Access the Episode
Key Topics Covered
- Why the traditional AUM-only model is becoming less competitive
- How the Personal CFO framework enhances client value and retention
- The role of integrated tax planning in modern advisory firms
- How to transition from siloed services to a centralized advisory experience
- Operational insights on:
- Launching a tax division
- Hiring and structuring the right team
- Acquiring and integrating existing practices
- How to align incentives so tax services become profitable—not a loss leader
- Where the financial advisory industry may be headed in the next 5 years.
About the Podcast
The Smarter Planner Podcast, hosted by Belle Osvath, CFP®, is produced by the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA).
The show is designed to help financial professionals think more strategically about their firms, their clients, and the future of the advisory industry—covering topics such as practice management, client experience, and evolving service models.
Additional Hilltop Resources
• The Personal CFO Revolution (free eBook)
• Introductory call with Hilltop
• Guides, webinars, and tax resources
Hilltop Wealth & Tax Solutions (“Hilltop”) pays a monthly fee to Interview Valet. Interview Valet is a separate company, not affiliated with Hilltop. Interview Valet introduces the firm to podcast hosts. There was no additional compensation (cash or non-cash) to Erik Brenner or the podcast host. The interview should not be interpreted by a client or prospective client as a guarantee to experience a certain level of results or a current or past endorsement of Hilltop if engaged.
