Past Issues    •     Subscribe    •     Unsubscribe    •     Contact Us

Advisor News Insight

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

INDUSTRY NEWS

September is recognized as National Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM), a campaign aimed at educating the public about the importance of life insurance and encouraging individuals to assess their coverage needs.

2025 Facts About Life Insurance: Fact Sheets and Infographics

Life Insurance Needs Calculator – Life Happens:
How much annual income would you like to provide, if you were no longer here?

Business Planning

2025 Insights for Private Business Owners: Mastering the Sale

BNY Wealth has released their inaugural 2025 Insights for Private Business Owners Report, Mastering the Sale. It offers expert advice from the BNY Wealth team and firsthand perspectives from 127 business owners, who are either contemplating or have completed a private business sale. While every situation is unique, this study aims to demystify a process on which there is limited publicly available information. (BNY, 05/28/2025)

Download study

Top ▲

Cryptocurrency Planning

Most Advisors Admit They Don’t Fully Understand — or Manage — Crypto

Two-thirds of advisors say they don’t have a solid understanding of digital assets and cryptocurrency. That data came from Financial Planning’s own research, part of their Financial Advisor Confidence Outlook survey. (Rob Burgess, Reporter, FinancialPlanning, 08/20/2025)

Read more

Top ▲

Elder Planning

False Alarm, Real Scam: How Scammers are Stealing Older Adults’ Life Savings

Reports to the FTC show a growing wave of scams aimed squarely at retirees’ life savings. These scammers pretend to be from known and trusted government agencies and businesses. And, in an ironic twist, recent scams use fake security alerts and other false alarms to prey on older adults’ vigilance about protecting their money and identity to steal from them. Some people 60+ have reported emptying their bank accounts and even clearing out their 401ks. (Division of Consumer Response and Operations Staff, Federal Trade Commission, 08/07/2025)

Read more

FTC Warns Scams Against Older Adults Increasing Dramatically

Scams against older adults have been increasing aggressively in recent years, according to a report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC reports that “combined losses reported by older adults who lost more than $100,000 increased eight-fold, from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. While younger consumers also have reported these scams, older adults were much more likely to report these extraordinarily high losses.” (Division of Consumer Response and Operations Staff, Federal Trade Commission, 08/07/2025)

Read more

Top ▲

Health Care Planning

Fidelity Investments® Releases 2025 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate,
a Timely Reminder for All Generations to Begin Planning

Fidelity Investments® today shared its 24th annual Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, revealing that a 65-year-old retiring in 2025 can expect to spend an average of $172,500 in health care and medical expenses throughout retirement. This represents a more than 4% increase over 2024 and continues the general upward trajectory of projected health-related expenses since Fidelity’s inaugural $80,000 estimate in 2002. (Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC. (FMR), 07/30/2025)

Read more

Top ▲

IRA Planning

1 Million Workers Have Saved $2 Billion in State Automated Retirement Savings Programs

Private sector workers in 12 states have a major new milestone to celebrate: Together, more than a million of them have now set aside over $2 billion for retirement in state automated savings programs. Designed to help workers who do not have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, the savings programs—often called “auto-IRAs”—automatically deposit a small portion of each paycheck into an individual retirement account managed by a private financial services firm with state oversight. (Kim Olson, Senior Officer, Retirement Savings, The Pew Charitable Trusts, 08/14/2025)

Read more

Top ▲

Medicare & Medicaid Planning

10 Medicare Truths That Can Trip Up Clients, Advisors

In most cases, Medicare is the most important component of clients’ health care coverage in retirement. They are often confused about how Medicare works and in some cases their advisor may also be unclear about certain aspects. It is crucial for financial advisors to have a solid understanding of Medicare, even if they don’t sell insurance. Clients’ Medicare decisions can have implications for their entire financial plan. Here, then, are 10 truths about Medicare that often befuddle clients and advisors alike. (Roger Wohlner, Financial Writer, ThinkAdvisor, 08/21/2025)

Read more

Top ▲

Retirement Planning

Mercer Projects 2026 Retirement Plan Limits

Every key Internal Revenue Code (IRC) limit for qualified retirement plans will rise from 2025 to 2026, Mercer projects. The 2026 limits will reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) from the third quarter of 2024 to the third quarter of 2025. Figures can’t be finalized until after September CPI-U values are published in October. IRS usually announces official limits for the coming year in late October or early November. (Margaret Berger, Partner, and James Chakan, Principal, Partner, Mercer, 08/14/2025)

Read more

The Hidden Tax Trap in Retirement Planning

Tell me if this rings a bell. You worked hard your entire life. You maxed out your 401(k) every single year of your career and invested those assets inside your employer 401(k). (Jonathan Dane, CFA, CFP®, Managing Partner, Chief Investment Officer, Defiant Capital Group LLC, 07/31/2025)

Read more

Wealth Think Which Portfolio Withdrawal Strategy is Best for Retirees?

Toward that objective, the study analyzed five different withdrawal methods and the associated impact on: the portfolio’s ending balance after 25 years of withdrawals, the average annual withdrawal, the total amount withdrawn, the percentage of time the portfolio grew in value and the portfolio failure rate. These five withdrawal methods likely capture the vast majority of ways in which money can be withdrawn from a retirement portfolio. (Craig L. Israelsen, Ph.D., Contributing Writer, Financial Planning, 06/17/2025)

Read more

Top ▲

Social Security Planning

How to Raise the Social Security Retirement Age While Protecting the Poor

A new brief co-authored by retirement industry expert and economist Andrew Biggs analyzes solutions to impending Social Security insolvency. Biggs, a senior fellow with the American Enterprise Institute, and John Shoven, the Trione director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, make the case for raising the federal retirement age (FRA) while protecting lower-income Americans from increases. (Andrew G. Biggs, Tad and Dianne Taube Policy Fellow, and John Shoven, Senior Fellow, Emeritus, SIEPR, 08/2025)

Read more

Representative Payee Help You Manage Your Social Security

Some people who receive monthly Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments may need help managing their money. If you need help, Social Security we’ll work with you to find the most suitable representative payee to manage your benefits. If you need help managing your benefits, tell a Social Security representative that there is someone you want to be your representative payee. Through Advance Designation you can name up to 3 people who could serve as a representative payee for you if the need ever arises. (Social Security Administration (SSA), 07/31/2025)

Read more

With 2 Months Left, Social Security’s 2026 COLA Coming into Focus

There’s only two months of data remaining until the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces the 2026 COLA and analysts are predicting that it will be slightly higher than the 2025 level.

Estimates by The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) predict that the 2026 COLA will be 2.7%, up from last month’s prediction of 2.6%. This level is 0.2 percentage points higher than the 2.5% COLA implemented at the start of 2025. (Ted Godbout, Writer/Editor, American Retirement Association, 08/12/2025)

Read more

Top ▲

Practice Management

Bridging the Wealth Management Divide
How Top Advisors Can Gain a Competitive Advantage

The wealth management landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by rising investor expectations, rapid technological advancements, and intensifying competition. In this dynamic environment, advisors who want to excel must ensure they are meeting and even exceeding their affluent clients’ expectations. Unfortunately, too many advisors are falling short in this crucial area. CEG research has uncovered a stark and troubling reality: A profound chasm exists between the wealth management services advisors claim to provide—and indeed, often do provide—and the services clients perceive they’re getting. This dangerous disconnect is a pervasive, industry-wide problem that demands attention. (John J. Bowen, Jr., founder and chief executive officer, CEG Worldwide and George Walper, Jr., managing principal of strategic research, CEG Insights, 06/25/2025)

Read more

Top ▲

ASSUMED FEDERAL RATES (AFRs)

§7520 Rate for September is: 4.80%

Top ▲

RECOMMENDED READING

Top ▲

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.)

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)

IAR CE Credits

Top ▲

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.

Top ▲

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.

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

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 CE Programs

Meet your 6-hour IAR Ethics and
Professional Responsibility CE Requirements
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.)

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

Top ▲

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.”

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

Top ▲

Physical Address & Hours of Operation

© 1992 - 2025 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 ▲

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 ▲