Approved IAR CE Courses

This course provides a thorough examination of qualified tuition programs (QTPs), more commonly referred to as Section 529 college funding plans. These plans can be either prepaid tuition plans or college savings plans for payment of qualified higher education expenses. The course addresses the different plans and their respective benefits, as well as the rules that govern contributions to and distributions from these plans. Other issues addressed include the required coordination between QTPs and other education expense programs; the effect of QTPs on student eligibility for financial aid; the associated income, gift, and/or estate tax treatments for both contributions and distributions; and some of the important considerations in choosing a QTP.

This course will provide advisors with a review of the SECURE Act 2.0 that was passed in 2022 and discusses what provisions are going to be effective starting in 2025. Specifically, this course will cover the new RMD age rules and penalties, the various inherited IRA beneficiary designations and distribution requirements, and the added option for Qualified Charitable Distributions. Additionally, this course will discuss the new catch-up contributions to 401(k) plans and auto enrollment for employer retirement plans. Lastly, this course will provide advisors with best practices for advising clients on these new rules and guidelines.

Jeff Levine, CPA/PFS, CFP' and Director of Advisor Education at Kitces.com, will give an in-depth breakdown of the SECURE 2.0 Act that has been passed by both houses of Congress and is expected to be signed into law before the end of 2022. In this breaking-news webinar, Jeff will go over the numerous provisions of SECURE 2.0 that will be relevant for advisors and their clients, including the legislation's gradual pushing back of the RMD age from 73 to 75, the expansion of opportunities to make Roth contributions (including new SEP and SIMPLE Roth IRAs), and the elimination of RMDs on Roth-style employer retirement accounts; along with the ability to transfer 529 plan assets to a Roth IRA, expanded catch-up contribution limits, new exceptions to early-withdrawal penalties, and more. Advisors will walk away with information on how their clients will potentially be affected by the new law, as well as ideas on how to take advantage of some of the new planning opportunities it opens up.

This course provides an overview of self-directed IRAs, their risks, and potential benefits. The course begins summarizing the differences between a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, and a self-directed IRA. . Next, the course describes the advantages and disadvantages of holding assets in a self-directed IRA. The course then describes some of the unique risks of a self-directed IRA, such as rules regarding disqualified persons and prohibited transactions. Next, the course briefly outlines the risks and potential benefits of a wide range of assets that can be held in a self-directed IRA such as real estate, precious metals, private placements, tax liens, crowdfunding projects, and cryptocurrency. Risks specific to holding NFTs and cryptocurrencies in cold storage wallets are highlighted. The course then covers why an investor may want to choose a self-directed IRA with checkbook control, as well as their specific risks. Finally, the course explores some of the prohibitions and best practices for investment advisers that offer services to self-directed IRA investors.

This one-hour on-demand course is designed for investment adviser representatives and other advisory firm personnel who may interact with senior or vulnerable adult clients. The course addresses the Senior Safe Act, common indicators of diminished capacity and financial exploitation, the role of trusted contacts, escalation and documentation practices, privacy considerations, and reporting of suspected exploitation to appropriate agencies. The course also discusses how these issues relate to an adviser’s fiduciary duty, ethical obligations, reasonable care, and professional responsibility when serving senior and vulnerable adult investors. Participants will learn practical steps to identify red flags, escalate concerns internally, protect client privacy, and support firm procedures intended to detect and address suspected exploitation.

As the senior client population continues to grow, so does the importance of protecting this vulnerable group, which is frequently targeted for financial exploitation. In many cases, age-related factors may affect a client's ability to make sound financial decisions, making it the IAR's responsibility to remain vigilant, apply appropriate safeguards, and act in the client's best interest at all times. This course prepares IARs to meet their fiduciary duty when working with aging investors by recognizing red flags, documenting concerns, and applying SEC-compliant reporting protocols. You'll explore real-world scenarios, evolving regulatory expectations, and best practices for safeguarding vulnerable clients, including how to communicate effectively, identify diminished capacity, and respond to potential elder abuse. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to act decisively, protect your clients, and ensure your actions meet today's heightened regulatory standards.

Protecting senior investors is an essential part of your role and has long been a focus of regulators. Through the adoption of rules and regulations, regulators provide guidance and define your obligations concerning your dealings with this segment of the population. This course will look at issues facing senior investors and will discuss applicable rules and regulations to assist you in serving your senior investor clients.

This course examines the ethical issues encountered during the sales process when marketing insurance and financial products to seniors. Seniors represent a vibrant and rewarding sector of the insurance and financial planning market, and financial professionals should understand and be able to adapt their marketing and sales efforts to the unique needs and goals of this consumer group.