This course presents an introduction to many of the core principles of behavioral finance. In this course, participants will learn about some of the assumptions underlying standard finance theoryand how behavioral finance undermines some of these assumptions, specifically regarding whether investor and market behavior is rational. The course will cover cognitive and emotional biases, and how these biases can sometimes lead to poor investment decisions. To learn aboutthese biases, participants will explore examples of how they can affect their own investment behavior and the behavior of the markets. Finally, the course will cover practical applications of behavioral finance principles, such as how to formulate an ideal employee retirement plan and novel methods of encouraging bank account holders to increase their savings.
This session provides a comprehensive introduction to the key principles and tools of estate planning. Participants will explore the goals of estate planning, essential documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, and the basics of federal estate and gift tax regulations. The session also covers state estate and inheritance taxes, along with the strategic role of life insurance in ensuring liquidity, equalizing inheritances, and funding buy-sell agreements. Ideal for professionals and individuals seeking a solid grounding in estate planning essentials.
This course provides a concise overview of the Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) Continuing Education (CE) requirements. Participants will explore the history and purpose of the IAR CE rule, understand basic requirements across categories such as Products and Practice and Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and learn to identify approved course providers.The course will also cover managing and tracking CE credits using tools like FinPro, as well as navigating professional designations and dual registration. Knowledge assessments will reinforce learning, equipping participants to confidently comply with IAR CE requirements.
This course will introduce the process of conducting fundamental and technical analysis. The fundamental analysis section will cover the income statement, balance sheet, and financial filings with the SEC. Then, the course will go over the calculation of earnings per share (EPS) and fully diluted EPS. It will also cover profit margins and coverage ratios. After a brief explanation of the balance sheet, the course will then examine return on equity, price to book value, and liquidity measurements. The final part of the fundamental analysis section will cover the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio and valuing a company based on its dividends. Technical analysis will be covered last and includes information on technical patterns and theories.
This comprehensive course is designed to equip investment advisory representatives with the skills and knowledge necessary to guide their clients through the complexities of retirement planning. Participants will delve into various retirement accounts, effective investment strategies, and critical tax considerations, ensuring a thorough understanding of how to craft personalized retirement plans. The course also covers the use of technological tools and addresses regulatory compliance and ethical considerations in retirement planning. Through engaging content, real-life case studies, and interactive quizzes, representatives will learn to adapt to financial changes and make informed decisions that promote long-term retirement security. Upon completion, participants will not only gain practical skills but also confidence in their ability to manage and optimize retirement planning processes.
This course will introduce hedge funds and when they're suitable. The introduction will give students some defintions and context for the size of the hedge funds. In the following section, students will learn about how hedge funds are created and their history. Hedge fund strategies will be presented next and then we'll list some of the advantages and disadvantages of these investments. The final section will review how securities laws and regulations impact hedge funds.