Disaster-Proofing Your Clients' Finances: Lessons from the Front Lines

When disaster strikes—wildfire, flood, earthquake—will your clients’ finances survive the storm? In this episode, host Cary Sinnett speaks with Mitch Freeman, CPA/PFS, a nationally recognized advisor with firsthand experience navigating the financial aftermath of natural disasters.

Mitch shares practical insights on:

· Proactive steps to prepare clients financially for disasters

· Insurance challenges in high-risk areas

· How private adjusters can ease post-disaster stress

· Essential documents and checklists every client should have ready

With over 60 years in the profession, Mitch offers hard-won wisdom and actionable advice to help CPA financial planners build financial resilience into every plan.

Resources:

• Disaster preparedness
• Aftermath of a natural disaster checklist
• Dealing with catastrophic property loss
• Disaster management essentials for CPAs
• A primer on disaster planning, relief, and recovery with a CPA
• Disaster Relief Resource Center
• State Disaster Tax Relief Guide
• AICPA Benevolent Fund – Disaster Support Application

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.

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