Approved IAR CE Courses

Monte Carlo analysis is a commonly used tool in financial planning, with the probability of success being the most common method for reporting a financial plan's results. However, this practice may be hurting clients more than helping them by creating more financial stress and a propensity for miserly financial behavior. In this webinar, Dr. Tharp explains how the use of probabilities of success is akin to the practice of bloodletting in the medical field, where professionals are commonly using a practice that is often misunderstood by professionals and clients. Through the presentation, Tharp explains what the probability of success metric truly means and its shortcomings, especially when considering ongoing planning. Tharp then explains an alternative planning method, adjustment-based guardrails, and presents practical methods to reframe retirement income planning to reduce the likelihood of underspending while helping clients enjoy their retirement fully.

The transition from employer insurance to Medicare is fraught with confusion. Clients turning 65 or leaving employment must leave the safety and simplicity of their pre-selected and subsidized employer plan to the wild world of Medicare, with all its parts, multiple enrollment periods, and private insurance options to fill the coverage gaps. This session will cover health insurance in retirement: how Medicare works, how to choose private insurance to go with Medicare, and how to establish a health care budget.

When moving IRS and employee plan accounts, the goal is usually to retain tax-deferred status. But one wrong move, one simple mistake, can produce the opposite result'immediate taxability! This course covers the rules that apply to Rollovers and Roth conversions and how to execute these transactions in accordance with the tax code, regulations, and IRS rules.

Generally, distributions for IRA owners and plan participants' employer plans are optional until the account owner or plan participant reaches their applicable age to start the required minimum distribution (RMDs). Distributions made early can be subject to a 10% additional tax, but exceptions apply. RMDs are subject to an excise tax unless taken by the deadline. This course will demonstrate how advisors can work with clients who avoid these excise taxes.

Beneficiaries must take required minimum distributions (RMD) from the IRAs and employer plana account they inherit. However, the options for distributions are determined by the class in which a beneficiary fall. Beneficiaries can maximize the tax-deferred advantage of their inherited accounts by stretching distributions over the longest period available. This course will help advisors advise beneficiaries of their distribution options and obligations.

Retirees need to stretch their assets for 20-30 years or more. Savvy distribution planning can help. Learn when to tap different asset categories and how taxable funds differ from tax-free and tax-deferred funds. Manage your clients' risk so they won't outlive their resources.

Retirement Planning & Income Strategies for Today's Advisors prepares investment professionals to address the evolving needs of retirees while ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory obligations. The course includes two chapters: Ethically Serving Senior & Vulnerable Investors, which focuses on recognizing risks such as diminished capacity, financial exploitation, and tailoring advice to meet fiduciary responsibilities; and Annual AML Update, which reinforces best practices for detecting, preventing, and reporting money laundering activities in retirement-focused investment strategies. Together, these modules provide participants with the knowledge to design appropriate retirement income solutions, protect vulnerable clients, and maintain compliance in today's complex regulatory environment.

This course examines the process that investment adviser representatives should follow when assisting clients in creating a plan to provide income during retirement. This course focuses on the the steps in the planning process, starting with the client's income goals, determining what will beavailable, as well as how much needs to be derived from the saving of additional funds to meet thegoal. The course will also cover the basic characteristics of the most popular retirement vehicles, including traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401(k) plans.