Dave Spence: Turning Tax Planning into Financial Freedom

In this episode of Canopy Practice Success, host KC Brothers sits down with Dave Spence, a CPA turned financial planner with decades of experience in both public accounting and wealth management. With six years in public accounting, 18 years at AXA Advisors, and 15 years at LPL Financial, Dave brings a unique perspective on the intersection of tax strategy, financial planning, and client advisory services.

KC and Dave explore the “science vs. art” of accounting and financial planning, why tax planning is often the natural gateway to advisory services, and how CPAs can evolve from compliance work into forward-looking strategies that build long-term client trust. They also discuss practical models for firms, whether through certification, hiring, or strategic partnerships, and how collaboration across disciplines can deliver better outcomes.

Along the way, Dave shares his personal journey, his perspective on today’s tax environment, and insights from his book The Tax Pros Guide to Using LERPs for Advanced Tax Planning. From practical strategies to industry trends, this conversation offers inspiration and actionable advice for firms ready to expand their role in clients’ financial futures.


Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davespencecfp/

Get Daves book here: https://taxfreetutors.com/

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Wealth Management and Tax Planning
• 2:06 The Art and Science of Financial Planning
• 4:45 Transitioning from Tax Preparation to Tax Planning
• 8:58 The Importance of Collaboration in Financial Advisory
• 11:46 Structuring Financial Advisory Services
• 14:46 The Role of Communication in Financial Advisory
• 20:07 Understanding Client Needs and Expectations
• 24:49 Leveraging Advanced Tax Planning Strategies
• 29:47 Conclusion and Resources