* Price covers the $9 IAR CE reporting fee.

Course Description

This course provides investment advisory representatives with a comprehensive overview of retirement accounts commonly used in the United States. It covers the various types of retirement accounts, their tax implications, regulatory environment, and strategies for effective retirement planning. The course is designed to enhance the advisors' knowledge, enabling them to better assist clients in achieving their retirement goals while adhering to regulatory and ethical standards.

Difficulty Level: Foundational

IAR CE: 3 credits in Products and Practice (Course # C27336)

CFP CE: 3 hours in General CE (Course # 332386)

Year Released: 2025

The program delves into the intricacies of various retirement accounts, including Traditional and Roth IRAs, Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans, SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k) Plans, providing you with the knowledge to tailor strategies that meet diverse financial needs. You will explore essential topics such as tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, inheritance rules, and the latest legislative changes. Our lessons, quizzes, and case studies ensure that you not only understand the theoretical foundations but also apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.

Stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning with our focus on recent legislative updates and strategic advisory techniques. Learn how annual inflation adjustments and enhanced catch-up contributions can maximize savings potential, and discover the impact of the SECURE Acts on Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Inherited IRAs. Our course equips you with the tools to navigate complex regulations, optimize tax strategies, and provide exceptional guidance to your clients, ensuring their financial security and retirement readiness. With access to a wealth of additional resources, expert insights, and continuous learning opportunities, the course empowers you to excel in your professional role, deliver unparalleled value, and build lasting relationships based on trust and expertise. Enroll today and take the definitive step towards mastering the art of retirement planning.

Course curriculum

    1. Course Instructions

    2. FINRA Reporting

    1. Importance of Retirement Planning

    2. Overview of the U.S. Retirement System

    3. Module 1 Quiz

    1. 401(k) Plans

    2. 403(b) and 457 Plans

    3. SIMPLE IRA and SEP IRA Plans

    4. Solo 401(k) Plans

    5. Defined Benefit Plans

    6. Module 2 Quiz

    1. Traditional IRAs

    2. Roth IRAs

    3. Inherited IRAs

    4. Module 3 Quiz

    1. SECURE Act and SECURE Act 2.0

    2. Contribution Limit Adjustments

    3. Module 4 Quiz

    1. Asset Allocation and Diversification

    2. Withdrawal Strategies

    3. Tax-Efficient Planning

    4. Module 5 Quiz

About this course

  • $29.85
  • 25 lessons
  • IAR CE 3 Credits in Products and Practice
  • $9 IAR CE reporting fee included

Course Learning Objectives

By the end of this comprehensive Investment Strategies Course, participants will be able to:

Identify and Differentiate Retirement Plans: Understand the fundamental differences between Defined Benefit (DB) Plans and Defined Contribution (DC) Plans, including their structures, benefits, and suitability for various client profiles.

Analyze Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans: Evaluate the features and advantages of various employer-sponsored retirement plans such as Solo 401(k)s, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs, and determine the best fit for small businesses and self-employed individuals.

Maximize Contributions and Savings Strategies: Utilize strategies to maximize retirement contributions, including understanding and applying catch-up contributions and leveraging high contribution limits to enhance retirement savings potential.

Navigate Traditional and Roth IRAs: Explain the differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs, including contribution limits, tax benefits, eligibility criteria, and the implications of tax-deductible versus after-tax contributions.

Manage Inherited IRAs Effectively: Understand the rules governing Inherited IRAs, including the 10-year distribution rule under the SECURE Act, and develop strategies for beneficiaries to optimize tax efficiency and comply with regulatory requirements.

Implement Strategic Tax Planning: Develop tax-efficient retirement strategies by balancing pre-tax and after-tax contributions, managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and utilizing Roth conversions and Backdoor Roth IRA strategies.

Stay Informed on Legislative Changes: Comprehend the impact of recent legislative changes, such as the SECURE Act and SECURE Act 2.0, on retirement planning, including changes to RMD ages, contribution limits, and inheritance rules.

Optimize Retirement Income Planning: Create comprehensive retirement income plans that incorporate multiple income streams, tax diversification, and strategic withdrawal strategies to ensure financial security in retirement.

Advise Clients with Confidence and Compliance: Provide informed and compliant advisory services by staying updated on IRS regulations, understanding the nuances of different retirement accounts, and applying best practices in retirement planning.

Leverage Technology and Resources for Enhanced Planning: Utilize advanced retirement planning software and tools to model retirement scenarios, track contributions and distributions, and deliver personalized, data-driven advice to clients.

According to NASAA guidelines, to successfully complete the course, you must achieve a score of at least 70% on the final assessment. You have up to three attempts to reach this score. If you do not pass after three attempts, you will need to retake the entire course before you can try the assessment again.

Course Instructions

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.

Discover your potential, starting today

Enroll today

Stay Informed

Subscribe for the latest updates, exclusive discounts, and course announcements right to your inbox.

Thank You