Problems that are commonly identified in financial plans are examined in this session. Without presenting solutions or planning strategies, this session lets you explore these problems and the consequences of not correcting them. Additionally, you will discover that financial decisions are interconnected (one decision almost always affects another), and that the primary value of a comprehensive financial plan is its role in the overall strategic coordination of your financial affairs.

Cash and debt management problems are usually the most critical financial planning issues. Many people make the mistake of equating financial planning only with investing, retirement planning, estate planning or college funding, which are all examples of planning strategies. These strategies will not be implemented unless you can find the money to save and invest. The conclusion is that successful implementation of a financial plan begins with cash and debt management. This session presents ways to identify possible funding sources for the recommendations in your financial plan. By becoming more of a "financial architect," you will have a higher success rate in attaining your financial goals.
Approximate time to complete: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

In this session, you will discover that income tax is the single largest expense for most people, and that "mistakes, errors, and omissions" when preparing annual tax returns is the number-one reason why people pay too much income tax. You will learn how to identify possible tax planning strategies that can be discussed with your CPA. By working effectively with a CPA to formulate strategies that may lower your income tax liability, you will also help create funding sources for the recommendations outlined in your financial plan. Approximate time to complete: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

Stocks and bonds are the core securities that underlie most managed investment products such as mutual funds, managed accounts, and annuities. By gaining a thorough understanding of the stock and bond markets and the economic factors that influence the value of these securities, you will be better equipped to analyze, compare, and contrast various managed products to determine which most appropriately meets the investment strategies identified in your financial plan.
Approximate time to complete: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

Here you will explore the primary tools used to implement estate-planning recommendations: wills and trusts. You will discover the three reasons why everyone needs a well-constructed estate plan, and that the key to estate planning is how you choose to own your assets. You will learn what a will can and cannot do, and the characteristics of twenty-two trusts. Finally, you will discover how life insurance is used in estate planning.
Approximate time to complete: 4 hours.

The session deals with solutions offered by insurance and employee benefits. Since many corporations offer benefits such as insurance, retirement plans and employee stock options, people often need help in either choosing or designing a suitable benefits package. In this session, you will become familiar with the general issues involved with life, health, disability, and long-term care insurance, and will learn the differences between group and individual policies. In addition, you will explore various types of employer-sponsored retirement and deferred compensation plans. Annual contributions to these plans are limited, which can make it difficult to accumulate sufficient retirement savings. Since additional retirement programs may be necessary, several types of IRAs are addressed in detail. Lastly, you will learn about the new minimum required distribution (MRD) rules and the nuances of employee stock options.
Approximate time to complete: 5 hours.

The financial planning process might require you to coordinate the efforts of a team of financial advisors. Of paramount importance, then, is your ability to manage and coordinate the efforts of your team. To do this effectively, you must have a global understanding of what each advisor's licensing and education allows him or her to do, how they are typically compensated (and how the form of compensation affects their advice), and the level of continuing education required to maintain their expertise. This session will help you evaluate the strengths and limitations of each advisor.
Approximate time to complete: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

This session deals with managed money; essentially, portfolios of stock and bond investments. You will explore the similarities and differences among the three types of professionally managed investment alternatives: mutual funds, money management services, and annuities. You will learn to analyze, compare, and contrast various products within each group to determine which most appropriately meets the strategic objectives defined in your financial plan. Additionally, you will find effective methods of communicating the inherent value and problem-solving capabilities provided by these investment alternatives.
Approximate time to complete: 4 hours.