From LEAP to Legacy: How Michael J. Seibert Turned a Proven System into a Retirement Revolution

When Michael J. Seibert, RICP, ChSNC, CLU, ChFC, CAP, LUTCF, first crossed paths with Trent Fortner in 1998 at a LEAP event, he had no idea that encounter would set the trajectory for a decades-long career transformation. At the time, Michael was a young advisor, already grounded in financial planning and tax strategy. Still, LEAP lit a spark that would guide his professional journey.

“I still remember the date—July 25, 1998,” Michael says. “That LEAP event was a game-changer.”

What followed was a commitment not just to better planning, but to becoming a different kind of advisor—what Michael now calls a distribution advisor.

Planning for Purpose, Not Just Performance

“Most advisors focus on accumulation. That’s what everyone learns: build the biggest pile of money,” Michael explains. “But the moment your client retires, that strategy breaks down. They need income. Predictable, efficient, tax-smart income.”

Michael’s philosophy centers on four primary retirement risks: taxes, inflation, market volatility, and long-term care. His approach? Start with these risks, not with products.

“I ask every client: Which one of these risks keeps you up at night? Let’s tackle that first,” he says. “Then we can build a plan that gives you permission to enjoy your money, not just hoard it for someday.”

This mindset shift—from assets under management to income under management—is central to Michael’s practice. And it’s why whole life insurance, a foundational pillar of the LEAP system, plays such a key role in his planning.

“Whole life makes everything else work better,” he adds. “It’s not just protection. It’s your backup plan. It gives retirees the confidence to enjoy their go-go years without fear of running out of money.”

A Tax-Literate Approach Most Advisors Miss

Another cornerstone of Michael’s philosophy is tax literacy. He didn’t just study taxes—he experienced them firsthand. Early in his career, Michael prepared returns by hand and volunteered with AARP in the 1990s, gaining an uncommon depth of knowledge. That foundation continues to influence every aspect of his work to this day. “I learned taxes the hard way—by doing the returns myself,” he says. “That hands-on experience made everything LEAP taught me click. When you understand how retirement and tax strategies intersect, you can serve your clients on a whole new level.”

“Retirees don’t just want income—they want tax-efficient income,” Michael says. “And unfortunately, the 401(k) by itself is one of the worst distribution tools out there because it defers taxes into a future you can’t control.”

That’s where strategies like Roth conversions, asset location, and leveraging life insurance come into play. “Our job is to legally minimize what clients pay in taxes—not just this year, but over their entire retirement,” he emphasizes.

A Proven System, a Powerful Community

Michael has attended more than 20 LEAP software schools and numerous symposia, and continues to invest in himself and others through coaching, education, and collaboration. A highlight for him was speaking at a previous Producers Success Mastery event hosted by Trent Fortner.

“Being in that room reminded me why I do what I do,” he said. “It’s not just about tools. It’s about purpose. It’s about helping people enjoy their retirement—not just survive it.”

Though Michael won’t be speaking at the upcoming 2025 event, he strongly recommends that every advisor make it a priority. “If you want to grow, truly grow, get in the room. Get around advisors who are doing this work at a high level. That’s how you leap ahead.”

Advice to Advisors: Get Tax Smart and Pick a System That Works

As the interview wrapped, Michael offered this advice to financial advisors: “Get a coach like Trent. Learn a planning system, such as LEAP. But most of all, understand taxes. Learn how they work. Study them deeply. Because if you don’t understand the tax code, you’re missing half the planning conversation.”

Save the Date: Producers Success Mastery 2025

You’ll have your chance to elevate your practice and gain proven insights at Producers Success Mastery, returning September 17–18, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport. This two-day event is a can’t-miss for advisors who want to:

• Master the art of retirement income planning
• Apply tax-efficient strategies for client longevity
• Leverage whole life insurance for maximum flexibility
• Build a client-first, system-driven advisory practice

This isn’t just another conference. It’s a reset for your mindset—and your practice.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Your Clients Guessing

“Retirement shouldn’t be stressful. It shouldn’t be a guessing game,” Michael says. “It should be written, tested, and backed by a system that works. LEAP gave me that system. And Trent gave me the clarity and confidence to use it.”