With increasing complexities in our work environments related to regulatory rigors, technological changes and intensive competition across the myriad segments of the financial services industry, having a professional standard that is universally respected helps to communicate to the public that we are a veritable profession capable of transforming lives with financial advice. 

Clients need assurances that the support they get from financial professionals can be verified by a trusted authority that as formulated a system for ensuring a minimal level of competence, knowledge, ethics, experience and dut to serve the public well. 

The CFP has become a highly valued professional standard in a critically important field.  To earn it is to demonstrate a commitment to excellence and therefore it has become an important career-building goal for increasing numbers of practitioners.   To support new advisers who desire to acquire the marks therefore has become a collective opportunity. 

More and more companies are requiring the CFP marks as a condition of employment and/or advancement.  For increasing numbers of aspiring ---and currently practicing- financial professionals it has become a potential barrier to entry. 

Are we sponsoring a work environment and culture we can enable colleagues in our organization to earn the marks? 

Brett Danko is a leading educator in preparing aspiring financial advisors – and highly experienced ones too – to attain the CFP designation.  As a practicing professional with his own financial services practice, he is well versed in guiding us through practical steps to creating nurturing work environments to encourage advisors to work through the regimen to become CFPs!

Competency Level: Intermediate 
FPA Competency: Advance the Financial Planning Profession, Leadership
CFP Board Topic: N/A
CFP Board CE Credit(s): N/A

With seniors today controlling over $14 Trillion in home equity, and needing to plan for a 20 year or longer retirement, the inclusion of home equity in the planning process could enhance retirement outcomes. Join us as we discuss:

- What are the different options for using home equity, and when does it make sense to consider them.
- Can home equity address planning shortfalls such as inadequate long-term care protection, or excessive distribution rates?
- Can home equity bring cash flow and income tax efficiencies to a retirement plan?
- Other generational and wealth transfer opportunities. 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in FPA Learning Sessions are those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the webinar organizers.

By the end of the presentation, participants should be able to:

• have a broad based understanding of a reverse mortgage and how it works. 
• determine if home equity can solve for planning shortfalls, adding safety and security to a retirement. 
• identify which client profile could benefit the most from including home equity in their retirement plan. 

For this Knowledge Circle we will be joined by Larry Pon. Larry has extensive experience as a tax professional working with financial advisors, and has some tips for financial advisors on the best way to work with tax professionals.  In this session he will cover the following:

•  Who are tax professionals.
• What do tax professionals do. 
• Best practices for working with tax pros. 
• Don'ts with Tax Pros

Your clients need to understand the importance of planning for extended care, and it's up to you, as a trusted advisor, to help them confront this. In this class, you'll learn how to effectively convey the need, recognize when it's time to begin the search for solutions, and understand the mechanics of the various types of long term care insurance products. You will understand the tax advantages of the various products, and how to leverage these in your clients favor. 

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in FPA Learning Sessions are those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the webinar organizers.

• More effectively convey to clients the importance of LTC planning. 
• Recognize which type of product may be most appropriate for specific clients, based on their overall circumstances. 
• Understand the planning opportunities presented by 7702b products.

Larry Pon wants to continue the tax conversation with you! Have questions? Larry has answers! Join us for a LIVE Q&A session where Larry answers your tax-related questions and provides up-to-date insight on laws and regulations. 

In May, Larry will be joined by Joe Spillner and they will be discussing tax credits.

If you have questions ahead of time, you can send them to learning@onefpa.org. 

Competency Level: Foundational
FPA Competency: Critical Thinking
CFP Board Topic: N/A
CFP Board CE Credit Hours: 0

Join industry expert Catherine Moore, J.D., LL.M., and learn how to design estate plans and trusts that cater to the unique needs of blended and non-traditional families, as well as business owners. Equip yourself with the knowledge to help your clients protect and pass on their legacy exactly as they envision.

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in FPA Learning Sessions are those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the webinar organizers.

• By the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to explain the difference between testate and intestate succession.
• By the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to explain the difference between a Power of Attorney (Attorney-in-Fact) and a Trustee
• By the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to explain the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts

Competency Level: Foundational

FPA Competency: Interpersonal Impact

CFP Board Topic: General Principles of Financial Planning

CFP Board CE Credit Hours: 1

Tuition inflation, Department of Education changes, student loan repayment changes, and new financial aid rules! Oh my! Navigating the world of higher education continues to be a challenge for clients as they attempt to help their students reach their academic and professional goals while minimizing the associated costs. Joe Messinger shares key updates to the college funding landscape for 2025, touching on the issues families commonly face when planning for education expenses. changes to financial aid calculations, financial application filing for divorced parents, and the use and limitations of 529 plans. 

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Brought to you by the Business Success Knowledge Circle: This Knowledge Circle will be about how personality traits, attitudes, values, biases, demographics, socioeconomic influences, and religious beliefs can all affect financial decisions. 

Competency Level: 
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With market volatility rearing its head in 2025, you are probably getting more questions from clients who are nervous about the current market and ever-changing political landscape. Learn five dos/don’ts to help allay client fears and ensure clients come away from conversations feeling reassured in their investment plan.

This is a great opportunity to gain actionable insights and connect with fellow advisors. We look forward to having you join the discussion.

The May Special Needs Planning community call will discuss insurance needs and options to consider for special needs families and the ramifications.

Competency Level: Foundational
FPA Competency: Client Communication & Care
CFP Board Topic: N/A
CFP Board CE Credit Hours: 0