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: 
CFP Board CE Credit(s):

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

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.

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.

Join a discussion about participating in the FPA’s Investment Knowledge Circle Committee. The session will discuss the value that Financial Advisors will gain from participating in the Investment Knowledge Circle calls and joining the committee. The investment landscape is continuously changing and there are many methods and resources available to keep up with the changes. As committee members look for topics and potential speakers it helps increase their knowledge and learn industry trends.

There has been a shift in the industry to take a more passive approach. We think the idea that financial advisors don’t need to develop investment knowledge at all is absolutely wrong. If you have outsourced your investment management to this point, do you feel comfortable with your level of investment expertise when clients ask specific questions? And what are client expectations when it comes to your knowledge of investment markets?

We will discuss what commitments joining the committee entails and explore future topics our fellow FPA members wound benefit from. The greatest value of the session will be the chance to hear from and share with your peers, other advisors.

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.

Join Stephen Resch and guest Jamie Hopkins as they discuss the often-over-looked use of home equity in aretirement plan. With seniors today controlling over $14 Trillion in 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.

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 will be able to: 

• Understand the different strategies for using home equity
• Explian how home equity address planning shortfalls such as inadequate long-term care protection, or excessive asset distribution rate
• Identify that home equity bring cash flow and income tax efficiencies to a retirement plan

Dividing marital assets is more than just balancing numbers—it's about understanding the hidden tax implications and long-term financial impacts of each decision. This session offers a deep dive into the complexities of marital balance sheets and the embedded tax issues associated with various assets.

Gain practical insights on how to navigate tax benefits, pitfalls, and future financial consequences to help clients achieve equitable and informed resolutions. This session is a must for professionals seeking to balance technical expertise with a client-centered approach.

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.

• Analyzing Asset Tax Implications: Explore the tax consequences of common marital assets, including the marital home, investment real estate, marketable securities, and qualified assets.
• Spotting Hidden Tax Benefits: Learn to identify less obvious tax advantages of particular assets that might influence negotiation strategies.
• Behavioral and Lifestyle Considerations: Understand how personal preferences and lifestyle factors can impact asset division decisions.
• Real-World Applications: See a complete marital balance sheet in action, with sample asset division scenarios demonstrating both tax-affected and non-tax-affected outcomes.