Approved IAR CE Courses

Charitable giving isn't just about generosity'it's a powerful tool for financial and estate planning. This session explores a range of strategic charitable giving options, from annual gifting and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to more sophisticated vehicles like Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Lead Trusts, Donor-Advised Funds, and Family Foundations. Learn how to help clients maximize their philanthropic impact while optimizing tax benefits, preserving wealth, and creating lasting legacies.

In this captivating conversation, Brian Portnoy and Neil Bage engage with Dr. Chantel Prat, a distinguished cognitive neuroscientist, to explore the intricacies of human behavior and decision-making through the lens of neuroscience. Delving into Dr. Prat's research, they uncover profound insights into how our brains process information, learn, and navigate the world around us. Dr. Prat elucidates the concept of "carrot and stick" learning, revealing how our brains are wired to respond to rewards and setbacks. They discuss the role of curiosity in driving learning and the importance of creating psychological safety to foster curiosity and mitigate anxiety. The conversation also touches on the significance of empathy and understanding others' perspectives, highlighting the role of mirror neurons and theory of mind. Through engaging dialogue and practical examples, they provide valuable insights into harnessing neuroscience principles to enhance decision-making, learning, and interpersonal connections.

In this engaging conversation between financial experts Christine Benz and Brian Portnoy, several key topics are explored. They delve into the prevalent issue of underspending among retirees, highlighting the surprising trend of individuals hesitating to enjoy their wealth. The conversation also touches upon the reluctance of many to invest in annuities despite their potential benefits, attributing this to a complex landscape of products and a fixation on portfolio high-water marks. Benz shares insights from her thought-provoking piece, "Real Luxury Goods Don't Have Brand Names," emphasizing the importance of finding fulfillment beyond material possessions. The dialogue underscores the value of simplicity in financial planning, with both speakers advocating for advisors to prioritize clarity and ease of understanding for their clients. Overall, the conversation offers valuable insights into behavioral finance, retirement planning, and the pursuit of a meaningful life beyond financial accumulation.

In their insightful conversation, Daniel Crosby and Brian Portnoy delve into the essence of human-first advice in financial planning. They stress the importance of framing conversations in a client-centric manner, steering away from intimidating jargon and instead focusing on what truly matters to the individual. Crosby highlights a poignant moment from a recent podcast episode, emphasizing the power of empathy and simple language in connecting with clients on a deeper level. Portnoy echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the value of meaningful conversations and understanding clients' unique needs and aspirations. Their discussion also touches on the enriching experiences gained from their podcast, Standard Deviations, where they engage with experts and learn invaluable lessons beyond traditional reading. Overall, their exchange underscores the transformative potential of adopting a human-first approach in financial advising, ultimately enhancing client relationships and outcomes.

The conversation between Gene Natali and Brian Portnoy revolves around the theme of financial empowerment, spanning from parenting advice to the role of financial advisors in modernizing their approach. Gene emphasizes the importance of parents opening investment accounts for their children, instilling financial awareness early on. He shares a personal anecdote of engaging a 15-year-old in discussions about investing and retirement planning, highlighting the significance of starting young. Brian expands on the role of financial advisors, urging them to incorporate discussions about youth financial empowerment into their practice. He emphasizes the need for advisors to be visible and engage with the younger generation, ensuring they understand the dynamics of managing money effectively. The conversation underscores the necessity of empowering individuals across generations with financial knowledge and action.

This course is designed to give investment advisers representatives a comprehensive command of closed-end funds (CEFs), showing how they differ from mutual funds and ETFs and why their fixed-capital, exchange-traded structure creates distinct opportunities and risks. From the legal foundations in the Investment Company Act of 1940 to the mechanics of IPO pricing and the premium-discount phenomenon, the course will explore the full life-cycle of a CEF, including specialized vehicles such as interval funds and business development companies. Detailed sections explain leverage, dividend policies, and fee structures, then tie these concepts to real-world market behavior so that IARs can analyze when CEFs trade at attractive discounts or justify persistent premiums. The course closes with an examination of the tax treatment and the suitability of account placement so that CEFs can be positioned suitably within client portfolios.