Shaping the Future of Financial Planning Through Education and Service

When Scott Levin reflects on his involvement with NAPFA, one theme stands out: the chance to make a lasting impact. Whether it’s designing new ways for members to learn at national conferences or helping clients understand the importance of estate and charitable planning, Scott sees his work as a way to build stronger connections and better outcomes. His leadership within NAPFA has given him a front-row seat to how collective effort can shape the profession’s future.

Scott is especially proud of his work leading NAPFA’s conferences. “As chair of the 2024 Fall Conference and co-chair of the 2025 Spring Conference, I am proud that we have introduced new formats such as roundtable discussions and express talks,” he said. “We also increased advanced topic presentations, giving members more ways to learn and engage.”

A Path to Financial Planning

Scott’s journey to financial planning began after law school. He first worked at a CPA firm before realizing he wanted a career where he could have a more direct impact on clients. “I wanted to help people meet their lifetime goals more effectively,” he explained.

He joined NAPFA several years ago, after beginning work at a Fee-Only RIA firm. “Becoming a member allowed me to make many new friends in the field and learn a significant amount that I use every day,” he said. “The knowledge and relationships I’ve gained through NAPFA help me better serve my clients.”

At his firm, Scott specializes in estate and charitable planning. He notes that many clients underestimate the risks of not having a proper estate plan. “Often people are not aware of the opportunities estate and charitable planning provide to create a tailored solution that meets all of their needs,” he said. “Guiding them through those decisions can have a lasting impact.”

As part of Wescott, a Fee-Only RIA established in 1986, Scott is proud to be associated with a firm that takes a holistic approach to financial planning. “We have dedicated teams, such as the Tax Alpha Group and the Estate and Charitable Planning Team, that bring deep expertise to our clients,” he said. “We also nurture newer advisors to strengthen their skills, ensuring we build a strong bench of subject matter experts.”

Leveraging Technology to Serve Clients

Scott embraces technology to support his work. “I currently use three different estate planning software programs depending on the complexity of the plan—EMoney for basic plans, Vanilla for more complex ones, and EstateView for advanced strategies,” he explained “These tools allow me to design an estate plan that best meets each client’s objectives.”

Why Volunteering Matters

When asked why he encourages others to get involved, Scott is quick to point out its value. “Volunteering with NAPFA is incredibly rewarding because you can meet and work closely with colleagues in financial planning,” he shared. “You also have input into the types of programs NAPFA offers, which helps strengthen the community overall.”

For Scott, this combination of professional growth and personal connection is what makes NAPFA special. “You gain knowledge, friendships, and the ability to contribute to something bigger than yourself,” he said. “That’s what keeps me inspired to serve.”

For those curious to learn more, connect with Scott on LinkedIn.