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APRIL 2025 ISSUE

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Estate Planning

Trust Strategies for a Changing Tax Landscape

Family offices that cater to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families face the intricate challenge of balancing estate and tax planning strategies amidst evolving tax laws. To address this, strategies like wait-and-see, standby trust and flexible trust have emerged as effective tools for managing uncertainty and optimizing wealth transfer. Here’s a detailed look at these strategies and their applications in family office planning. (Matthew F. Erskine, Managing Partner and Attorney, Erskine & Erskine, 03/17/2025)

Long-Term Care Planning

Opinion: Households Plan for Long-Term Care, but Those Plans May Not Reflect Reality

While medical risks are highly uncertain and potentially expensive, much of these risks are insured by Medicare (and Medicaid for those eligible for both programs). Long-term-care risks, in contrast, are not well insured. Only 3% of all U.S. adults or 15% of those ages 65 and older have long-term-care insurance. A major finding was that people had little idea of the likelihood of needing long-term care or of the potential costs of that care. (Alicia H. Munnell, Columnist, MarketWatch, 03/12/2025)

Retirement Planning

As Life Expectancy Rises, Retirement Strategies Lag

Life expectancy is improving, but the financial services industry remains “remarkably unprepared” for retirees living longer, according to a new white paper from Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel. (Elijah Nicholson-Messmer, Data and Retirement Reporter, FinancialPlanning, 03/14/2025)

Read more | View White Paper

Roth IRA Planning

Deciphering the Rules for Roth 401(k)-To-Roth IRA Rollovers

More and more 401(k) plans are making Roth employee contributions available, and employees leaving their jobs often want to roll over Roth 401(k) funds to a Roth IRA. What tax rules apply to distributions of amounts rolled over? Warning: The rules are complicated because they involve two five-year holding periods, one for the Roth 401(k) distribution and the other for the Roth IRA distribution. (Ian Berger, JD, IRA Analyst, Ed Slott and Company, LLC, 03/03/2025)

Roth Conversions are the Retirement Version of ‘Buy the Dip’

When stocks fall, it can be a good time to get money out of tax-deferred accounts to avoid a ticking tax time bomb When the stock market is roiling and having big dips on any given day, the standard advice is to keep your hands off your 401(k). The one caveat? When you’re contemplating a Roth conversion. (Beth Pinsker, CFP®, Personal Finance Editor and Writer, Various companies, 03/17/2025)

Small Business Retirement Planning

Access Gaps Remain as State-Facilitated Retirement Plans Near $2B

Nearly half (47%) of U.S. private sector workers still lack access to workplace retirement plans, according to Georgetown University’s Center for Retirement Initiatives. But according to a new study conducted by the Georgetown University Center for Retirement Initiatives, significant access gaps remain, as 47% of U.S. private sector full-time and part-time workers older than 18—59 million workers—lack access to employer-sponsored retirement savings plans. (Remy Samuels, Reporter, Planadviser®, 03/18/2025)

Read more | Download report

Social Security Planning

2026 Social Security COLA March Projection Dips After Inflation Slows

This October, the SSA will determine the new cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) by comparing the CPI-W data from July, August, and September of 2025 to the same data from 2024. Retirees are likely to see only a modest rise in Social Security benefits next year when the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces the 2026 cost-of-living (COLA) increase in the fall. (Donna Levalley, Retirement Writer, Kiplinger, 03/20/2025)

Social Security New Rule: Overpayments Must Be Paid Back 100%. Why It Matters

As of March 27, the SSA will require beneficiaries who have been accidentally overpaid to repay 100% of the money, reversing a previous policy that allowed for only 10% recoupment. The SSA points out that the withholding rate change only applies to new overpayments related to Social Security benefits. The withholding rate for current beneficiaries with an overpayment before March 27 will not change and will continue under the current repayment terms, so no action is required. (Kathryn Pomroy, Contributor, Kiplinger , 03/11/2025)

Read more | Download report

Practice Management

5 Lessons for Advisors Working with High Net Worth Clients

Working with high net worth individuals is one of the most reliable ways for financial advisors to elevate their practice. But how exactly can advisors stand out to these clients? New research published this month in the Journal of Financial Planning helps answer that question. (Elijah Nicholson-Messmer, Data and Retirement Reporter, FinancialPlanning, 03/12/2025)

ASSUMED FEDERAL RATES (AFRs)

§7520 Rate for April is: 5.00%

Assumed Federal Rates

USEFUL FINANCIAL WEBSITE

The UHNW Institute

Insightful Education. Actionable Ideas. Meaningful Collaboration.

As a nonprofit think tank and learning exchange, The UHNW Institute is elevating the wealth management industry to a new standard so that families and their advisors can foster prosperous and meaningful relationships from one generation to the next.

uhnwinstitute.org

ADVISOR TOOLS

Free 2025 Federal Income Tax and
Social Security & Medicare Reference Guides

Our free Federal Income Tax and Social Security & Medicare Reference guides are indispensable resources. The Federal Income Tax Guide keeps you updated on tax rates and regulations, ensuring you provide your clients with the latest insights. Meanwhile, the Social Security & Medicare Reference Guide equips you with comprehensive information to navigate these critical topics, enhancing your advisory services and benefiting your clients’ financial well-being. (No business or personal information required for download.)

Download tax guide

Download reference guide

Financial / Insurance Calculators & Websites

Discover a wealth of online calculators and informational websites tailored to your needs. Our extensive resources cover essential areas such as financial planning, retirement calculations, investment analysis, and insurance needs assessment, empowering you to provide comprehensive guidance and services to your clients.

STATE REQUIREMENT UPDATES

Stay Up-to-Date on Your
State Insurance CE Requirements

Easily access vital information about state insurance license renewal dates, continuing education (CE) requirements, and more by visiting our State Requirements page. Stay informed and streamline your compliance process with this valuable resource.

View updates here

FEATURED COURSE(S)

CE Credits

Meet Your Mandatory CE Requirements

Course Spotlight: “Life Insurance, Annuity and Ethical Practices”

Course Summary: This course will provide a review of the historical evolution of life insurance and into the 21st century, examining its many forms, other types of benefits, and making it the foundation for financial planning. Also included is a guide to understanding annuities, annuity tax laws and contract structure, and their suitability. The course ends with ethical practices which will provide the essentials of ethics, market conduct and compliance.
CE Credit Hours:

State Insurance: up to 21 hours for State Insurance.
(varies by state)
Professional Designations:

10 hours for CFP®
10 hours for IWI (CIMA® / CPWA® / RMA®)

IAR CE Credit Hours:

12 hours (split-course)

6 hours of Products and Practices
6 hours of Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Format(s): Online and Self-Study
Audience: Financial and Insurance Professionals

Self-Study course

B.E.S.T. CE PROGRAMS

Take Our Online or Self-Study Courses at
Your Own Pace and Take Advantage of
Affordable Prices

As a nationally approved provider by the State Insurance, CFP®, IWI, and IAR Boards, we offer courses that cover a wide range of topics relevant to your practice. Enroll in our online or self-study CE courses and reap the benefits of:

Convenience: You can take our courses from anywhere, at any time.
Affordable pricing: Prices start at $13.95.
High-Quality: Created by a top-notch expert in the financial planning field.
Up-to-Date course content: We regularly update our courses to ensure that you’re learning from the most current information.

Start learning today! Click on the button below to learn more about our online or self-study CE courses.

Note: California, Florida and Texas are the only states available for online CE courses.

Order online CE courses

Purchase Self-Study CE courses

Meet Your 2-hour CFP® Ethics Requirement

Also approved for 2 CE credit hours of IWI (CIMA®/CPWA®/RMA®) and IAR Ethics.

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025 | Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM ET | Cost: See below*

2-hour live webinar presentation: Ethic CE CFP Boards Revised Code and Standards Ethics for CFP Professionals (Course#: 277681) - No exam required.

This webinar is approved by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. and fulfills the requirement for CFP Board approved Ethics CE. It is designed to educate CFP® professionals on CFP Board’s new Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. This webinar presentation does NOT include state insurance CE credit.

*Cost per license type:

CFP® credit ONLY: $61.50
IWI credit ONLY: $59.00
IAR credit ONLY: $65.00
CFP® credit PLUS IWI credit: $86.50

CFP® credit PLUS IAR credit: $92.50
IWI credit PLUS IAR credit: $90.00
CFP® credit PLUS IWI credit PLUS IAR credit: $117.50

NOTE: Additional fee includes CFP Board fee of $1.25 per credit hour/per student. If you add IAR CE credits, there is also an additional IAR’s governing board filing fee of $3.00 per credit hour/per student. (IAR CE credits are approved in the states that have adopted the NASAA Model Regulations.)

Registering includes the following three web pages: (each may open in a separate window)

Payment: Enter your payment information. A detailed breakdown of costs and fees will appear before you confirm your payment.
Attendee Registration: Fill out the Attendee Registration form to provide your contact details and any other information necessary to receive your CE credit.
GoToWebinar Registration: Enter your First Name, Last Name and Email Address, then click the ‘Register’ button to complete registration for the live webinar.

NOTE: Do not close any of your web pages / browsers
until you are completely done registering. (SEE ABOVE.)

Register for webinar today!

CFP®: This program fulfills the requirement of CFP Board approved Ethics CE. This program is designed to educate CFP® professionals on CFP Board’s new Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, which is effective July 1, 2024.

IWI: Investments & Wealth Institute® (IWI) has accepted this CFP® Ethics webinar for 2 hours of CE credit towards the IWI certifications. (CIMA®, CPWA® and RMA®)

NASAA (IAR) Disclaimer: “NASAA does not endorse any particular provider of CE courses. The content of the course and any views expressed are my/our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASAA or any of its member jurisdictions.”

Meet Your 6-hr or 12-hr IAR CE Requirement—Online and On Your Schedule!

B.E.S.T. offers two comprehensive courses to help you meet your IAR CE requirements:

6-Hour Ethics and Professional Responsibility Course
12-Hour Guide to Social Security and Ethical Practices Course
(6 hours Products & Practices + 6 hours Ethics)

Ethics for Financial and Insurance Professionals (6-hour)

Course #: C27297 | 6 CE Credit Hours | Starting at $47.95*

This course is specifically designed to fulfill the 6-hour Ethics and Professional Responsibility CE requirement for Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs).

What’s Included in the Course:

6 CE credit hours focused on Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- *$18 Governing Board Fee included in the cost

Online Exam:

60-question online exam
To pass, achieve a 70% or higher score (Up to 3 retakes allowed by NASAA).

Bonus Credits:

6 CE credit hours for CFP® certification
6 CE credit hours for IWI certifications (CIMA® / CPWA® / RMA®)

Ready to Enroll?

Ensure your compliance with minimal time commitment, all online, and at a competitive price. Don’t miss out—Start Today and meet your IAR CE requirements with confidence!

Guide to Social Security and Ethical Practices (12-Hour - split course)

Course #1: C26873 | Course #2: C26874 | 12 CE Credit Hours | Starting at $69.95*

This in-depth course is designed to equip financial advisors with essential knowledge on Social Security programs, rules, and regulations, guiding you through the complexities that impact your aging Baby Boomer clients, their spouses, and dependents. Gain the expertise you need to better serve your clients while fulfilling your IAR CE requirements.

What’s Included in the Online Course:

12 CE Credit Hours Total:
- 6 CE credit hours on Products and Practices
- 6 CE credit hours on Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Online Exam:

120-question online exam
To pass, achieve a 70% or higher score (Up to 3 retakes allowed by NASAA).

Bonus Credits:

10 CE credit hours for CFP® certification
10 CE credit hours for IWI certifications (CIMA® / CPWA® / RMA®)

Why Choose This Course?

Comprehensive and up-to-date content designed to meet all your IAR CE needs.
Flexible online format allows you to complete the course at your own pace.
Competitive pricing that includes all required fees.
Equip yourself with practical knowledge to guide your clients through the complexities of Social Security while maintaining high ethical standards.

Get Started Today

Don’t miss the chance to stay compliant while expanding your expertise. Sign up now and fulfill your IAR CE requirements in one go!

NOTE: Additional fee includes IAR’s governing board filing fee of $3.00 per credit hour/per student. If you add CFP CE credits, there is also an additional CFP Board fee of $1.25 per credit hour/per student. (IAR CE credits are only available for states that have adopted the NASAA Model Regulations.)

NASAA (IAR) Disclaimer: “NASAA does not endorse any particular provider of CE courses. The content of the course and any views expressed are my/our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASAA or any of its member jurisdictions.”

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It is important to understand that B.E.S.T. neither endorses nor assumes any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the material linked to in this newsletter. The opinions expressed within this newsletter belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of B.E.S.T.

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B.E.S.T. INFORMATION / SERVICES

B.E.S.T. Links

	Corporate Website			Super CE			State Insurance CE

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