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Course Description
Your clients may be aware of the effect of an educated, well-timed Social Security income election decision. However, that decision is just the foundation of a well-designed, optimized retirement income plan. Social Security: Bridging for Retirement Planning will provide you with a detailed understanding of how Social Security income taxation plays a large part in the final net after-tax funds available to retirees as they reach age 70 1/2. You will learn about the 'stealth tax' nature of Social Security income, how it is taxed, and the interplay of Social Security with other income streams. Goal-setting strategies of a diversified retirement plan and withdrawal sequences from retirement accounts, including IRA required minimum distributions will also be covered. Understanding these best practices will boost your clients' retirement income and increase the longevity of their portfolios.
This course also includes a summary of the most recent Social Security rule changes made in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 and signed into law on November 2, 2015. For a detailed discussion of the BBA 2015 please see our course, Social Security Income: Indispensable Information for Financial Professionals.
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Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Specify Social Security rule changes contained in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, noting the purpose for the legislation and the timing of its passage 1, 2, 3
- Recognize the difference between optimization and maximization of Social Security benefits, identifying the demographics where optimization is key 4, 5
- Identify the information needed to set goals for a retirement financial plan, noting important items to understand and discuss with clients and the role of various individuals in planning
- Recognize the elements of Social Security taxation, noting the mechanics of the stealth tax, the combined income formula, combined income brackets and thresholds, and the three-part test that determines the amount of Social Security income subject to taxation
- Determine the optimal retirement results and benefits of retirement planning by examining example case studies that review the process of calculating tax on Social Security income
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Online Access
Get immediate access to a robust collection of learning and reference materials, allowing you to dive deep into the information you need. Our self-study materials are authored by top-quality, industry experts who focus on helping you grasp concepts quickly using real-life examples. Download your CPE to any device, and take it with you so you can learn when and wherever you want. Complete your CPE with an online exam, and enjoy instant grading with the option to print your certificate immediately upon passing.

Hard Copy
Our self-study materials are authored by top-quality, industry experts. You’ll receive a bound notebook of all the course materials, shipped to you within one business day. In addition, you’ll also have full online access. Each self-study package includes a robust collection of learning and reference materials to help you cover the information efficiently and put it into practice immediately.

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