Business Resource Center
Finding and multiplying opportunities
In 2024, Guardian’s Business Resource Center (BRC) continued to provide advanced planning support — at no charge and with no qualification requirements, unlike many of our competitors — to help you support clients with complex needs. Our staff of attorneys, CPAs, CLUs, ChFCs, and tax professionals have, in the aggregate, hundreds of years of experience in drafting strategic plans for business, individual, and wealth transfer planning.
Multiplying opportunities with joint BRC/LBS Symposium
In November, we held our first joint BRC/LBS virtual symposium. Under the theme of “Multiplying Opportunities,” over 750 attendees focused on topics relevant to advisors who use both resources, with a particular focus on tools that overlap the BRC and The Living Balance Sheet®, such as using life insurance in a qualified plan and how LBS can help, and estate planning with a deep dive into the LBS estate flow tool.
The event also features a legislative update and political overview, covering topics like whether the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 will sunset, and the recent Connelly Supreme Court decision and what it means for the buy-sell tool.
“This event brought great value to me and my practice. Thank you and please continue your ongoing educational programs.”
How the BRC helps with qualified plans
If you want to understand the impact the BRC can have, just talk to Joseph Natoli of National Financial Network in Brooklyn. Until a few years ago, Joe steered away from qualified plans with his small business clients in the New York tristate area because, like many of these clients, he assumed they were too complicated. Then he attended a BRC symposium and came away converted.
Most of his clients don’t have a qualified retirement plan. Now, when he meets with them, he can talk about how a qualified plan can help them address their goals, which are often similar: “I want to keep more money, pay less tax, and retain my key employees.” Once he’s had that initial conversation, he can turn to the BRC, which he sees as an extension of his own staff; lay out his client’s situation; and ask them to create the outline of a plan. He then takes that plan to the client and walks them through it and how it meets their needs. Once they agree, which they often do, he works with them and partners with the BRC throughout the process of setting up the plan.
He often receives the same feedback once the plan has been launched: “I’m so thankful and so happy. I didn’t realize it could be done this quickly. I didn’t realize all the benefits it has.” Not only are his clients happy, but he often gets referrals as a result.
Building opportunities together in Boston
Almost 100 financial professionals joined us in Boston for the annual BRC symposium. With no major legislation in 2024, the emphasis was on covering the widest range of cases to help clients. As always, feedback was extremely positive.
“I liked the large cross section of topics and speakers as well as the practical examples that can be implemented immediately, whether you’re an experienced advanced markets professional or someone looking to enter the market.”
“I am grateful to have the BRC as my partners in my practice. You truly are professionals and great human beings.”
What’s coming — and how the BRC can help
With the change in administration and Congress, 2025 promises to be a very active year for new legislation that could impact our joint business. The BRC will continue to actively monitor the situation and offer analysis to help you work with your clients throughout these changes.
To learn more about the advanced planning solutions BRC offers, visit guardianonline.com/brc.
Pub8927 (01/25) 7545914.1 (Exp. 01/27) 20270101