-
 
 

Past Issues    •     Subscribe    •     Unsubscribe    •     Contact Us

Advisor News Insight

News  •   AFRs  •   Recommended  •   Podcast  •   Tools  •   Requirements  •   Featured  •   CE

Happy New Year
 

As we welcome the new year, we want to sincerely thank you, our valued partners, for your support. We wish you a joyful, healthy, and prosperous 2026!

We’re also grateful for your continued interest in the B.E.S.T.’s monthly newsletter. For 15 years, it has been our privilege to share this resource with over 65,000 financial and insurance professionals across the country.

Our newsletter is designed to provide you, the dedicated professional, with carefully selected articles, white papers, podcasts, web links, and books—all personally reviewed to help you deliver top-notch services to your clients. Additionally, we provide continuing education to help you satisfy mandatory state and professional designation requirements, including CFP®, IWI and IAR CE credits. We hope we’ve met this goal and look forward to supporting you in 2026.

Thank you for your trust, and may the new year bring you and your loved ones happiness, health, and success!

Edward J. Barrett, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CEBS®, RPA, CRPS®, CRPC® CPFA®, AIF®, NQPC™, Founder, CEO, and President.

Please feel free to share our newsletter with friends and colleagues. Sign up here: http://best-ce.com/newsletter/archives/
 

INDUSTRY NEWS

Annuity / LTC Planning

Should Annuity / LTC Products Be a Bigger Part of the Conversation?

When it comes to long-term care, most people know the need is real, but LIMRA research suggests few are prepared. Here is a stat that might surprise you: 70% of Americans over 65 will need some form of long-term care. Yet, LIMRA estimates just 3% of Americans over age 50 have any form of long-term care insurance (LTCI) — traditional or hybrid — including annuity with LTCI riders, leaving many people on the financial hook to cover these expenses, with costs, on average, exceeding $5,000 per month.

Author: Roger Aucoin, Senior Research Analyst, Company: LIMRA Annuity Research,
Date: 11/24/2025

Read more

Top ▲
 

IRA Planning

FAQ: How to Plan for Inherited IRAs

Inherited individual retirement accounts have undergone significant changes over the past several years in large part due to the Secure Act and Secure 2.0 Act legislation. Among the biggest changes is the elimination of the stretch IRA for most non-spousal beneficiaries and addition of the 10-year rule for the distribution of most inherited IRAs.

Here are some FAQ surrounding inherited IRAs for affected clients.

Author: Roger Wohlner, Financial Writer / Financial Advisor, Date: 12/23/2025

Read more

Top ▲
 

Life Insurance Planning

LIMRA: U.S. Individual Life Insurance Sales Post Double-Digit Premium and Policy Sales Growth in the Third Quarter 2025

Total new annualized premium increased 14% year over year to $4.3 billion in the third quarter, according to LIMRA’s individual life insurance sales results, which represent 80% of the U.S. market.

The number of policies sold rose 10% in the third quarter.

Company: LIMRA, Date: 12/03/2025

Read more

Top ▲
 

Long-Term Care Planning

Should Annuity / LTC Products Be a Bigger Part of the Conversation?

When it comes to long-term care, most people know the need is real, but LIMRA research suggests few are prepared. Here is a stat that might surprise you: 70% of Americans over 65 will need some form of long-term care. Yet, LIMRA estimates just 3% of Americans over age 50 have any form of long-term care insurance (LTCI) — traditional or hybrid — including annuity with LTCI riders, leaving many people on the financial hook to cover these expenses, with costs, on average, exceeding $5,000 per month.

Author: Roger Aucoin, Senior Research Analyst, Company: LIMRA Annuity Research,
Date: 12/02/2025

Read more

Top ▲
 

Retirement Planning

2025 Guide to Retirement

J.P. Morgan 2025 Guide to Retirement offers market research & commentary on retirement planning.

Company: J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Date: 2025

Read more
 
 

2025 Retirement Confidence Survey (EBRI)

The 35th Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS) is the longest running survey of its kind, measuring worker and retiree confidence about retirement, and is conducted jointly by the Employee Benefit Research Institute [EBRI] and Greenwald Research.

Companies: EBRI and Greenwald Research, Date: 04/24/2025

Read more

Top ▲
 

Roth IRA Planning

FAQ: How Roth Conversions Affect RMDs and Estate Planning

Roth IRA conversions are a popular planning tool. In some cases they might be a solid option for many of your clients in or near retirement. Roth conversions allow your client to control when they pay income tax on their retirement assets, enabling them to take advantage of lower-income years and allowing future investment returns to accrue tax-free. Roth conversions can serve several purposes in clients’ retirement planning and in the management of required minimum distributions. They are also a valuable estate planning tool. Here’s what to know.

Author: Roger Wohlner, Financial Writer / Financial Advisor, Date: 12/23/2025

Read more

Top ▲
 

Social Security Planning

Fact Check: Americans’ understanding of Social Security benefits

How well do Americans understand one of their most important retirement income sources? Read Allianz latest research report to reveal the answers.

Company: Allianz, Date: 05/2025

Download report

Top ▲
 

Practice Management

FINRA Suspended and Fined LPL Financial Advisor For Recommending an Unsuitable, Complex Mortgage-Backed Security to a 95-Year-Old

A recent disciplinary action by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) underscores the importance of ensuring product suitability—especially when serving elderly clients with conservative investment objectives. FINRA has suspended and fined the Financial Advisor for allegedly recommending an unsuitable, complex mortgage-backed security to a 95-year-old client. The case illustrates the risks advisors face when product complexity, client vulnerability, and regulatory scrutiny intersect.

Without admitting or denying the allegations, the financial advisor agreed to a four-month suspension, a $5,000 fine, and disgorgement of his $402.58 commission.

Company: The Wealth Advisor, Date: 08/13/2025

Read more

Top ▲

ASSUMED FEDERAL RATES (AFRs)
 

§7520 Rate for January is: 4.60%
Assumed Federal Rates
 

Top ▲

RECOMMENDED READING
 

NAPA Net The Magazine

NAPA Net The Magazine, the official magazine of the National Association of Plan Advisors, features a mix of in-depth articles and columns by prominent thought leaders in the retirement plan industry. The magazine is published quarterly, focuses on the practicing retirement plan advisor, and includes an industry resource directory. Browse the digital edition of the most recent issue of the magazine click on the link below.
 

Top ▲

RECOMMENDED PODCAST
 

Celebrity Estates: The Lessons Behind
Gene Hackman’s Estate with Victoria Gray

David H. Lenok, Senior Wealth Planning Editor

On this episode of the Celebrity Estates podcast, Victoria Gray, founder and principal of Insight Art & Collectibles Advisory, once again joins WealthManagement.com Senior Editor David Lenok to examine the tragic and complex estate of actor Gene Hackman, a case where timing, trust gaps and estranged heirs collided.

From an $80 million fortune and a decades-old will to simultaneous death rules and charitable trusts, Victoria unpacks how not regularly updating the estate plan shaped the outcome. Drawing on her years advising fiduciaries and families, she explains why ongoing estate reviews, succession planning and clear documentation are critical to preserving both wealth and intent.
 

Top ▲

ADVISOR TOOLS
 

Free 2026 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. (Updated with OBBBA.) 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.)
 

Top ▲
 

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.
 

Top ▲

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.
 

Top ▲

FEATURED COURSE(S)
 

CE Credits

Wealth Management and Ethical Practices

Meet Your Mandatory CE Requirements

Course Spotlight: “Wealth Management and Ethical Practices”

  • Course Summary: This advanced-level continuing education course is designed to equip licensed financial and insurance professionals with the tools, strategies, and ethical considerations necessary to advise high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients. The course explores comprehensive wealth management techniques including tax planning, estate and legacy planning, charitable giving strategies, risk management, retirement income distribution, and the ethical responsibilities of advisors working with affluent clients.
  • CE Credit Hours:
    • State Insurance: up to 23 hours for State Insurance.
      (varies by state)
    • Professional Designations:
      • 20 hours for CFP®
      • 20 hours for IWI (CIMA® / CPWA® / RMA®)
    • IAR: 12 hours (split-course)
      • 6 hours of Products and Practices
      • 6 hours of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
  • Format(s): Self-Study
  • Audience: Financial and Insurance Professionals
 
 

Top ▲

B.E.S.T. CE PROGRAMS

CFP® Ethics CE Webinar

Join Us for Our Upcoming Live Webinar and
Meet Your 2-hr CFP® Ethics CE Requirement.
No exam required!

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

When: Thursday, January 22nd Where: 2-hour Live webinar (GoToWebinar platform)
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET Price: See detailed pricing options 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.
 
 

Pricing Options

License Type(s) Cost   License Type(s) Cost
CFP® credit ONLY: $61.50   CFP® credit PLUS IAR credit: $92.50
IWI credit ONLY: $59.00   IWI credit PLUS IAR credit: $90.00
IAR credit ONLY: $65.00   CFP® credit PLUS IWI credit
PLUS IAR credit:		 $117.50
CFP® credit PLUS IWI credit: $86.50      

 
 

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)

  1. Payment: Enter your payment information. A detailed breakdown of costs and fees will appear before you confirm your payment.
  2. Attendee Registration: Fill out the Attendee Registration form to provide your contact details and any other information necessary to receive your CE credit.
  3. 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.)
 
 

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.”

Top ▲
 

IAR Ethics Virtual Super CE Program

Join Us for Our Upcoming Live Webinar and
Meet your 6-hour IAR Ethics and
Professional Responsibility CE Requirement.
Starting at only $74.95.

Also approved for 6 CE credit hours of CFP® and / or
6 CE credit hours of IWI (CIMA® / CPWA® / RMA®) in addition to IAR CE credits.

(CFP® and IWI ONLY credits are NOT available.)
 
 

IAR Ethics Virtual Super CE Program Agenda

When: Thursday, February 19th Where: 1-hour Live webinar (GoToWebinar platform)
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET Price: See detailed pricing options below.

 
 

Our IAR Ethics Virtual Super CE Program Consists of the Following:

  • 1-hour live webinar presentation: Ethical Practices and Professional Responsibility
    (No CE credit.)

    • This presentation is designed to present financial and insurance professionals with the ethical practices and standards required when conducting business in their state.

  • Self-study course: Ethics for Financial and Insurance Professionals (Course #: C25280)

    • This course is designed to meet the mandatory 6-hour CE credit requirement under the Ethics and Professional Responsibility for Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs).

  • Virtual final exam (online): Requires you to spend 6 hours of reading and reviewing the self-study course material PRIOR to taking the exam. The 60-question exam requires an invite code that is given to all attendees during the live webinar presentation. To receive CE credit, advisors must obtain a passing grade of 70% or higher. If the exam is not passed on the first attempt, students have two (2) additional retakes for a maximum of three (3) attempts.
 
 

Pricing Options

License Type(s) Cost   License Type(s) Cost
IAR credit ONLY: $74.95   IAR PLUS IWI credits: $99.95
IAR PLUS CFP® credits: $99.95   IAR PLUS CFP® PLUS
IWI credits:		 $124.50

 

Top ▲
 

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 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.”

Top ▲

DISCLAIMER
 

Unauthorized reproductions of Advisor News Insight newsletter are strictly prohibited. However, you are permitted to forward this newsletter (in its entirety) to colleagues via email. Under no circumstances should this newsletter be posted on any website without prior written consent from Broker Educational Sales & Training, Inc. (B.E.S.T.).

Please note that this newsletter comprises information gathered from various web-based sources, and B.E.S.T. does not assert authorship of the material unless explicitly mentioned. The articles contained herein are copyrighted by their respective publishers. While we have taken measures to verify the functionality of all included links, we cannot guarantee their continuous operation, as publishers may relocate or remove content.

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.

Readers are strongly encouraged to rely on the information provided herein ONLY AFTER conducting their independent review of its accuracy, completeness, effectiveness, and timeliness.


THIS NEWSLETTER SERVES SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE INVESTMENT, TAX, ACCOUNTING, OR LEGAL ADVICE.

Top ▲

B.E.S.T. INFORMATION / SERVICES
 

B.E.S.T. Links
 
 

Top ▲
 

Resources

Access a robust suite of resources at your fingertips, encompassing calculators, informative websites, quick-reference guides for taxes, Social Security, and Medicare, as well as monthly newsletters and recorded webinars. Gain a wealth of knowledge and stay up-to-date with ease through our comprehensive offerings.
 

Top ▲
 

Social Media

Connect with us:

 Facebook LinkedIn X Email
 

Leave a review:

 Google Review
 

Share our newsletter:

 Facebook LinkedIn X Share our newsletter

Top ▲
 
B.E.S.T.
 

Physical Address & Hours of Operation

© 1994 - 2026 Broker Educational Sales & Training, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

7137 Congress Street, New Port Richey, FL 34653 | Toll Free: 1-800-345-5669

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Top ▲
 

Contact Information & Miscellaneous

About Us |  Contact Us |  Privacy Notice |  Refund Policy |  Unsubscribe*

*Remove from mailing list. Please allow up to five (5) business days for removal.

Ensure newsletter delivery to your inbox by adding [email protected] to your address book.

Top ▲