Approved IAR CE Courses

Explore the strategic use of trusts to achieve estate planning goals while balancing flexibility, protection, and tax efficiency. This course covers the key differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, highlighting their unique benefits and trade-offs. Dive into specialized trust structures such as dynasty trusts for multigenerational wealth preservation, QTIP trusts for blended families, and asset protection trusts for shielding assets from creditors. Gain insights into tax-saving strategies with bypass and charitable trusts, and learn how to integrate life insurance into estate planning using ILITs and survivorship life insurance to provide liquidity and optimize second-to-die strategies.

Introduction to the Six Steps of MedicareStep 6: Review Plans AnnuallyToo many Medicare beneficiaries put their coverage on autopilot. Regardless of how their Medicare plans might change in the coming year, they simply 'let it ride.' This practice easily costs your clients thousands of dollars throughout retirement. Now, because of the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Part D, the opportunity to review drug coverage during the Open Enrollment Period is more important than ever. Beneficiaries also need to know about Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period and opportunities for changing Medigap policies.Living with MedicareMedicare Advantage plans must cover the same services as Medicare Part A and Part B; however, each plan determines how to do that. As a result, there are differences between living with each path.Medicare in 2024There have been an incredible number of changes this year in the Medicare world. Many of these can have an impact on your clients' costs, coverage, and decisions.Long-term CareIn a recent survey, 72% believe that Medicare covers long-term care and less than 10% have any idea of the costs associated with it. By the time many need this care, they may not be able to handle the costs.

For many families, 529 plans are the cornerstone of education savings'but for financial advisors, understanding how to evaluate and optimize these plans requires more than just knowing the basics. This session equips advisors with a deep understanding of the critical factors that drive 529 plan recommendations.From state-level tax incentives and ownership structure to investment options and the interaction with other planning tools, this session provides advisors with the confidence to design customized education savings strategies. Advisors will learn how to evaluate plans, guide families in optimizing tax advantages, and integrate 529s into broader estate and multigenerational wealth planning.Whether serving new parents, grandparents, or high-net-worth clients, participants will gain the tools to sharpen their recommendations and ensure clients get the maximum strategic benefit from this tax-advantaged vehicle.

This program is designed for investment professionals, compliance officers, and legal teams who handle customer complaints in the financial industry. The course provides a comprehensive framework for identifying, reporting, and resolving complaints while ensuring compliance with SEC, FINRA, and firm regulations. Participants will learn how to navigate the complaint process, mitigate risks, and protect their professional reputation.

Navigating the complexities of long-term care and Medicaid eligibility can be overwhelming for clients facing a sudden care need without prior planning. This session, led by renowned elder law expert Dale Krause, J.D., LL.M., provides a comprehensive overview of crisis Medicaid planning, with a focus on Medicaid Compliant Annuities (MCAs). Participants will gain practical tools to protect client assets, accelerate Medicaid eligibility, and implement crisis strategies for both married and single individuals. The session features real-life case studies and a detailed walkthrough of Gift/MCA plans.

The college funding landscape is evolving rapidly, with sweeping changes to the FAFSA, institutional methodologies such as the CSS Profile, and federal student loan programs. Financial advisors must understand these shifts in order to properly guide both high- and middle-income families through effective planning strategies.This session provides a practical roadmap for interpreting new FAFSA rules under the FAFSA Simplification Act and the OBBBA, analyzing the unique nuances of the CSS Profile, and navigating federal loan reforms affecting undergraduate, graduate, and parent borrowers. Advisors will also learn how to leverage timing strategies, 529 coordination, and strategic loan structuring to align college costs with long-term financial goals.Participants will leave with a toolkit of resources'including loan comparison matrices, affordability worksheets, and award letter negotiation templates'to help clients make smarter, ROI-based decisions about higher education financing.

The program provides a deep dive into the key provisions of the SEC's Investment Advisers Act Marketing Rule. This two-hour educational course is designed to help investment advisers, compliance professionals, and financial industry practitioners understand the complexities of the rule and ensure compliance with its requirements. The program will cover critical topics such as the definition of an advertisement, prohibited statements, testimonials and endorsements, performance advertising, third-party ratings, and recordkeeping requirements. Participants will also gain insights into real-world exam questions and best practices for compliance.

Several of your clients are about to walk into a Medicare Open Enrollment season unlike anything they've experienced before — and this year, you may not be able to count on their insurance agent to see them through it.

Medicare rests on three legs: Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D drug plans. Historically, when one leg got shaky, the other two held steady while an agent helped clients navigate around it. This year, all three legs are cracking at once — and many agents no longer have the tools to help.

That's what's happening in Medicare right now. What insurers expect to spend covering drug costs has climbed nearly 800% in four years. Medicare Advantage carriers are exiting markets across the country, causing millions of people to lose their plans — and in some counties, leaving zero plans behind. Medigap premiums are spiking at double-digit rates nationwide under the weight of it all. And Part D drug plans are disappearing altogether. Meanwhile, the agents who used to help your clients navigate Medicare's complexity can no longer even quote or enroll them in some of the largest drug plans in the country.

Join Melinda Caughill, one of the nation's leading educators on Medicare, for an essential update on what's new and what you need to know for this year's Medicare Open Enrollment season. Melinda will break down the key considerations that can save your clients thousands of dollars, reduce their healthcare-related stress, and strengthen your role as their go-to resource for retirement-related needs.

This course equips financial professionals with a comprehensive understanding of senior living options, helping them guide clients through a complex and often emotional decision-making process. The session covers models of care, levels of service, fee structures, funding options, and key questions to ask when evaluating providers. Attendees will become better advocates and advisors for clients navigating senior living decisions.

Join us for an enlightening webinar titled "Navigating the Complexities of Dual Registration in the Financial Industry." This comprehensive session is designed to unravel the intricacies of dual registration, an increasingly pertinent topic in the evolving landscape of financial regulation.In our introductory segment, we will set the stage by discussing the significance of dual registration in the financial sector, offering a succinct yet thorough overview that underscores its relevance in today's market. Moving forward, we delve into the definition, scope, and historical evolution of dual registration, including a detailed examination of the regulatory frameworks imposed by both the SEC and state authorities. Our expert speakers will navigate the labyrinth of regulatory compliance challenges, emphasizing key issues such as fiduciary duties, reporting requirements, and managing conflicts of interest.The webinar will also shed light on the operational hurdles associated with dual registration, discussing the technological infrastructure needed for compliance, data management intricacies, and the crucial role of staff training and management. In addition, we'll explore the legal and contractual aspects, highlighting the importance of proper documentation and strategies for dispute resolution in dual registration contexts.Risk management is another core topic, where we will outline effective strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, complemented by regular compliance assessments. Engaging case studies will provide real-world insights into successful implementations of dual registration, along with challenges faced and lessons learned.We wrap up with a Q&A session, inviting participants to engage with our panel of experts. The webinar concludes by looking ahead at emerging trends, technological advancements, and anticipated regulatory changes, ensuring participants leave with a well-rounded understanding and essential takeaways for mastering the complexities of dual registration. This webinar is an unmissable opportunity for professionals navigating the nuanced world of financial compliance.