Social Security: Bridging for Retirement Planning

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.

Instructors

Martha Shedden

Martha is passionate and enthusiastic about educating financial professionals and retirees on the details of Social Security. Over 10,000 Baby Boomers are retiring every day and they need accurate, detailed information to make the very best individual Social Security income election decision. Social Security planning is also the foundation and first step to creating a financially secure retirement plan.

In addition to certification as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), through the College of Financial Planning, Martha is also a National Social Security Advisor (NSSA).

Frank Horath

Frank began his career in the financial services industry as an account executive with Merrill Lynch in 1994. He then worked as a Financial Advisor for Dean Witter/Morgan Stanley between 1997 and 2008. Frank made the move to independence affiliating with his current independent broker-dealer in early 2008. He is a registered rep and supervisor, IAR, and has multiple securities licenses. Frank thoroughly enjoys cultivating relationships with financial advisors. He began developing the Social Security canGROW Your Financial Practice Tool KitTM near the end of 2010, with the objective of helping financial advisors guide their clients make smarter Social Security income election decisions.

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
  

Choose Your Preferred Format

• Online Access
• Hard Copy
• Self-Study Video

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.

Self-Study Video

Experience high-quality instruction with our Self-Study Videos, available to you 24/7. With more than 80+ videos currently in the Western CPE Self-Study Video library, you can see and hear our expert instructors deliver the information you need in a dynamic way that allows you to immediately apply your learning. Unlike a live course or webcast, you can complete the course on your own time, playing and pausing as needed. Self-Study Videos allow you to complete your CPE requirements on your own time.