Hey everyone, it’s Tony Leonardi, Certified Financial Planner® and author of A Smarter Way to Retire - 10 Steps Towards a Confident Financial Future! At Leonardi Family Wealthcare, our mission is to help you reach the highest probability of success in your retirement with dynamic, real-time modeling. Today, I’m excited to share how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing financial planning to make that happen. Whether you’re retired or planning to retire one day, AI can help you know exactly where you stand. Let’s dive in!
Why AI Matters in Financial Planning
You’ve probably heard about AI in self-driving cars or voice assistants, but it’s also transforming how we plan for retirement. AI doesn’t replace planners like me—it makes us better. By crunching massive amounts of data—market trends, tax rules, even your spending habits—AI provides insights that were impossible just 5–10 years ago.
For example, let’s say you’re planning to gift $19,000 per person in 2025 (the 2025 gift tax exclusion) to reduce your taxable estate or support your kids or grandkids. AI can analyze how that impacts your long-term plan, factoring in market volatility and inflation, in seconds. That’s the kind of power we’re talking about at Leonardi Family Wealthcare.
Three Ways AI Revolutionizes Financial Planning
Here’s how AI is changing the game:
- Real-Time Scenario Analysis
Tools like MoneyGuidePro, which we use at Leonardi Family Wealthcare, are integrating AI to run thousands of scenarios instantly. Want to know how retiring at 62 versus 65 affects your nest egg? Or how a 10% market dip impacts your portfolio? AI runs Monte Carlo simulations—stress-testing your plan with thousands of economic scenarios—faster and with more variables than ever. This helps ensure your plan is robust, no matter what life throws at you. - Personalized Insights
AI digs into your financial data—your income, expenses, or even that dream vacation home—and spots patterns you might miss. It might flag overspending or suggest gifting strategies to optimize your estate. Think of it as a super-smart assistant who knows your finances inside out. - Tax and Estate Planning
With rules like the 2025 gift tax exclusion at $19,000 per person, AI can model complex strategies like trusts or charitable giving to minimize taxes and maximize your legacy. It’s not just numbers—it’s about aligning your plan with your family’s goals.
The key? AI is a tool, not the driver. As your CFP®, I combine these insights with your unique story—your dreams, family, and values—to create a plan that’s truly yours.
AI in Action: A Real-World Example
Picture this: I worked with a couple in their early 60s, already retired with a solid portfolio. Let’s call them the Smiths. They wanted to gift $19,000 annually to their kids and fund a charitable trust but worried about outliving their savings. Using AI-enhanced tools like MoneyGuidePro, we modeled their plan in real time.
We tested scenarios: What if they gift now versus later? What if the market dips 10%? AI showed their probability of success was 70%—good, but we wanted better. By tweaking their withdrawal rate, adjusting their portfolio for less risk, and adding a small annuity, we boosted their probability to 86%. That’s the power of AI: clarity for smarter decisions.
Note: I can’t share specific investments due to compliance rules, but AI lets us test countless “what-ifs” to help ensure your plan is solid.
Clearing Up AI Misconceptions
Let’s bust a couple of myths:
- “AI will replace human advisors.” Not a chance! AI crunches numbers, but I bring the human touch—understanding your fears and goals, like passing wealth to your kids or retiring to that beach house. It’s the combination of AI and a CFP® that makes the magic happen. Think of those frustrating automated phone menus—sometimes you just need a human who knows you. That’s me.
- “AI is too complex.” Nope! You don’t need to understand algorithms to benefit. At Leonardi Family Wealthcare, we use AI behind the scenes, so you get clear, actionable advice. It’s like using a GPS—you don’t need to know how it works, just where it’s taking you.
One caveat: Not all AI tools are equal. Some robo-advisors use basic algorithms that miss your full financial picture. That’s why we pair AI with holistic modeling in MoneyGuidePro to cover taxes, estate planning, and even your bucket list.
How to Get Started with AI-Powered Planning
Ready to tap into AI for your retirement? Here’s how:
- Know Your Goals
Understand your expenses and goals—gifting to reduce estate taxes, planning a big trip, or preparing for healthcare costs. AI needs your input to work its magic. Check your bank for basic AI tools to track spending, but a solid budget is critical to avoid “garbage in, garbage out.” - Get a Baseline
Book a Complimentary Consultation with me to assess your current probability of success using AI-driven tools. Are you at 50% or 90%? Knowing your number is critical to making adjustments. - Stay Dynamic
Markets, tax rates, and goals change. Regular reviews—like our Q3 and Q4 sessions for current clients—keep your plan updated with real-time AI insights, like a GPS rerouting around traffic.
Take Control of Your Retirement Today
AI is an incredible tool to help you plan smart and retire happy, and I’m excited to bring it to you at Leonardi Family Wealthcare. There are two ways to get started:
- Dip your toe in the water with a no cost copy of my e-book, A Smarter Way to Retire, at LeonardiFamilyWealthcare.com/ebook.
- Book a Complimentary Consultation to model your retirement’s probability of success at LeonardiFamilyWealthcare.com/assessment.
Current clients, don’t forget to schedule your Q3 or Q4 review to update your MoneyGuidePro model—slots are filling fast! Find my Calendly link at LeonardiFamilyWealthcare.com.
Want more? Check out our YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@LeonardiFamilyWealthcare for videos, webinars, and more podcast episodes. Plan smart, retire happy!
Anthony Leonardi, CFP®, is a Certified Financial Planner® and founder of Leonardi Family Wealthcare, dedicated to helping families achieve their retirement goals with holistic, AI-powered planning.