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Life begins where fear ends.

INDUSTRY NEWS
 

Estate Planning

Estate Planning with Cryptocurrency Assets

Digital currencies are quickly evolving from niche investments to mainstream assets. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, it’s increasingly important to understand how cryptocurrency fits into modern estate planning. Even if your clients don’t currently own cryptocurrency, it could still affect their estate planning, either through their investments, an inheritance or their responsibilities as a trustee, executor or power of attorney. Taking simple steps to update estate plans to account for these investments can prevent valuable assets from disappearing after death, preserve legacies and protect loved ones from additional burdens. (Matthew Wright, Associate, Isaac Wiles, 09/17/2025)

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How Iconic Estate Plans Teach the Affluent About Wealth Preservation

In estate and tax planning, certain names transcend their celebrity or fortune and come to define the very strategies they deployed. These individuals and families did not merely follow the rules; they reshaped them. (Jeff T. Getty, JD, MS (Tax), CFP®, CM&AA®, Chief Tax Strategist, Callan Family Office, 08/12/2025)

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The Hazards of Not Changing Beneficiaries Post-Divorce

A recent case by the Tennessee Court of Appeals highlights the importance of changing one’s insurance and retirement policy beneficiaries after divorce. This is true no matter what the divorce documents say and no matter what any order signed by a Judge says. (Stuart Scott, Litigation Attorney, Dickinson Wright, 07/16/2025)

Read more

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IRA Distribution Planning

A 5-Step Framework for Navigating SECURE Act Inherited IRA Distributions

Many clients who inherited IRAs in 2020 are now facing the reality that half of their 10-year window has passed. This issue will only become more prevalent as the baby boomer generation continues to pass wealth to their heirs, making SECURE Act planning an increasingly critical component of comprehensive financial planning. Without proper post-mortem planning, beneficiaries risk significant tax consequences from being forced into higher tax brackets during the final distribution years. (Debbie Taylor, CPA/PFS™, JD, CDFA®, Managing Partner and Chief Tax Strategist, Carson Wealth, 09/16/2025)

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Retirement Planning

How the 4% Rule Would Have Failed in the 1960s: Reflections on the Folly of Fixed Rate Withdrawals

In a new paper, “How the 4% Rule Would Have Failed in the 1960s: Reflections on the Folly of Fixed Rate Withdrawals,” Edward McQuarrie, a professor emeritus at the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University, argues that fixed-rate withdrawal strategies — like the 4% rule — are fundamentally flawed for retirement planning. (Edward F. McQuarrie, Emeritus, Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business, 02/06/2025)

Read more | Download paper
 
 

Retirement Trends Advisors Can’t Ignore

The 2025 BlackRock® Read on Retirement® survey provides a decade of insights from an annual research study of workplace savers and retirees in the United States which was conducted between April 10 and May 19, 2025. Over 450 plan sponsors were also surveyed between February 2 and March 19, 2025. (BlackRock®, 2025)

Download survey
 
 

Why SECURE 2.0 and State Mandates are Powering a Micro 401(k) Boom

The small and micro 401(k) plan segments are set to rapidly expand over the next few years due to incentives provided by SECURE 2.0, and more states implementing mandates to increase the number of individuals covered by some form of retirement savings vehicle, according to Cerulli Associates. (Ayo Mseka, Finance Reporter, Insurance NewsNet, 08/26/2025)

Read more

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Roth 401(k) Planning

Industry Best Practices & Procedures for Roth Catch-Up Contributions
(SECURE 2.0 §603)

The SPARK Institute published its Industry Best Practices & Procedures for Roth Catch-Up Contributions (Version 1.0), a comprehensive guide aligned with the final regulations issued on Sept. 15, 2025, to assist defined contribution plan sponsors in complying with Section 603 of the SECURE 2.0 Act, effective in 2027, with a reasonable, good faith interpretation required for 2026. (The SPARK Institute, Inc., 09/18/2025)

Download report

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Social Security Planning

Why Delaying Social Security Benefits Isn’t Always The Best Decision

“...the assumptions used in traditional Social Security research have significant flaws. By focusing exclusively on expected value, they ignore the important concept of expected utility -- that is, the value individuals place on outcomes based on satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) those outcomes provide.” (Derek Tharp, Ph.D., CFP®, CLU®, RICP®, Lead Researcher, Kitces.com, 09/17/2025)

Read more

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Practice Management

Top 15 States for High-Income Households

The U.S. Census Bureau fed financial services forecasting and marketing systems fresh data Thursday by posting the American Community Survey 1-year estimates for 2024.The number with income over $200,000 rose 12%, to 18.3 million, or 14% of all households. For a look at the 15 states with the most households in that attractive income category, review the report. (Allison Bell, Senior Reporter, ThinkAdvisor and BenefitsPRO, 09/12/2025)

Read more
 
 

Wealth Think 10 Blunders Advisors Make with Newly Widowed Clients

Here are 10 biggest mistakes advisors make with widows, as well as how to avoid them. And remember — what’s at stake is not just the advisor-client relationship, but a woman’s sense of identity, stability and legacy. (Connie Hougland, Founder, WidowRISE, 08/19/2025)

Read more

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ASSUMED FEDERAL RATES (AFRs)
 

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

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RECOMMENDED READING
 

A Richer Retirement: Supercharging the
4% Rule to Spend More and Enjoy More

This book is a comprehensive roadmap to constructing your personal retirement withdrawal plan. You’ll learn how to compute a low-risk maximum withdrawal rate so that you can enjoy your retirement savings to the utmost. You’ll also discover guidance on why and how to adjust your withdrawals during retirement to help make sure that your accounts last your entire life.

A Richer Retirement
 

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST
 

ThinkAdvisor Podcast Center

Listen to interviews, discussions and advice from ThinkAdvisor Senior Reporter John Manganaro and top financial and insurance leaders.
 

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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. (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.)
 

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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.
 

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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.
 

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FEATURED COURSE(S)
 

CE Credits

Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans and Ethical Practices

Meet Your Mandatory CE Requirements

Course Spotlight: “Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans and Ethical Practices”

  • Course Summary: This continuing education course is designed for financial and insurance professionals to deepen their understanding of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plans and ethical practices in the insurance industry. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to design, manage, and advise on NQDC plans effectively, while adhering to ethical standards and regulatory compliance.
  • CE Credit Hours:
    • State Insurance: up to 20 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
 
 

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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.
 

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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, October 16, 2025 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.”

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IAR CE Programs
 

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 NOT available.)
 
 

IAR Virtual Super CE Program Agenda

When: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Where: 1-hour Live webinar (GoToWebinar platform)
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET Price: See detailed pricing options below.

 
 

Our 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

 

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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 (Maximum of three (3) attempts 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
      • *$36.00 Governing Board Fee included in the course cost.

Online Exam:

  • 120-question online exam
  • To pass, achieve a 70% or higher score (Maximum of three (3) attempts 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.

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


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B.E.S.T. INFORMATION / SERVICES
 

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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.
 

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