Michigan Business Beat | Maner Costerisan, Matt Latham Certified Exit Planning Advisor Designation

Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes Matt Latham, CPA, Principal, CEPA, Maner Costerisan, Lansing, MI. Topic: Maner Costerisan’s Matt Latham earns Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation. CHRIS HOLMAN INTRO: My guest today is Matt Latham, CPA and principal in Maner Costerisan’s tax department. Maner is a full-service business consulting, wealth management, technology, and public accounting firm located in Lansing, with an additional Grand Rapids office. Matt recently earned the prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor or CEPA designation from the Exit Planning Institute, which is a huge achievement and will benefit Maner’s clients. CHRIS HOLMAN: First, tell me just how excited you are that tax season is finally behind us and that you can finally have time to relax a bit. (Laughs). Okay. In all seriousness, tell me briefly about the CEPA designation you recently earned, what it means to you personally, and how it will benefit Maner’s clients. MATT LATHAM: · First, earning this credential is a significant professional achievement and one for which I worked extremely hard. To obtain the CEPA designation and be among the elite group of business advisors worldwide who have earned the distinction, you must complete an intensive five-day educational program involving 100 hours of pre-course study, 30 hours of classroom instruction, and a three-hour, closed-book proctored exam. · The CEPA credential showcases my proven expertise in master planning and exit strategy. · More importantly, it will allow me to guide our clients through the strategic exit planning process and ensure their financial futures and goals are secure. CHRIS HOLMAN: There continues to be much chatter in the media and even in the day-to-day about how so many people—we’re talking millions here—are set to retire soon and what a drastic shift and disruption that will create. How does this type of credential allow you to help people navigate that unprecedented situation? MATT LATHAM: · I’m so glad you asked that question because it does relate to the value-add of this CEPA designation. · ·According to the Alliance for Lifetime Income, an estimated 4.1 million Americans are set to retire annually through 2027. · ·To break that down further and provide context, that equates to roughly 11,200 people retiring DAILY vs. 10,000 retirements over a decade in the past. · ·Therefore, all those looking to retire will need the help of a trusted advisor to help them navigate and truly understand the issues and complexities surrounding their personal and professional situations. · My job and this credential, in a nutshell, is to eliminate the fear of the unknown and ensure clients facing this next stage in life are set up for success. CHRIS HOLMAN; So Matt you look well rested after a busy tax season, tell me about the challenges you and businesses experienced this year?... CHRIS HOLMAN: Wow, that is incredible, both in terms of the number of retirees coming down the pike and your unique ability to help them navigate it all. Is there anything else you’d like to add? MATT LATHAM: · Yes, thank you! I am incredibly grateful that I can work at Maner and that they are committed to my success and investing in my career and future so that I can help serve our clients better and more effectively. · Also, if you’re looking for a trusted advisor or a resource on any complex exit planning issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at Maner Costerisan. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/