The Investments & Wealth Institute has introduced two educational programs through its Academy online learning platform: the Visual Insights nano course series and the Strategic Planning for Business Owners short course. These programs aim to address the evolving needs of financial advisors and their clients by providing timely, complex financial planning topics in engaging, accessible formats.
The Visual Insights nano course series is a monthly, interactive educational content designed to simplify complex financial planning topics. Developed in partnership with visiWealth, an advice engagement company that builds visual resources, these courses are intended to help advisors communicate intricate financial concepts to clients in a visually engaging manner. Each nano course can be completed in 10-15 minutes, and serves as a “just-in-time” learning tool to enhance advisors’ understanding and creativity in client interactions.
Ross Riskin, chief learning officer of the Investments & Wealth Institute, highlighted the importance of this new offering. “Both advisors and the clients they serve are seeking simplicity and clarity when making recommendations,” he said. “‘Visual Insights’ provides access to ‘just-in-time’ learning opportunities that are designed to both educate advisors on timely planning topics and inspire creativity when it comes to thinking about new ways to communicate complex information for clients.”
The first course, launched on July 18, 2024, examines “the 4% rule” for retirement portfolio withdrawals. Upcoming topics for 2024 include, among others, the following:
According to a news release, Visual Insights is available exclusively to Institute members and does not provide CE credit. This course intends to become a valuable resource to empower members with practical, easy-to-use tools that support their commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.
The Strategic Planning for Business Owners course is an asynchronous program focusing on the unique financial planning needs of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring business leaders. This course addresses important questions about business entity selection, taxation, compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act, and the implications of recent legal rulings like the Connelly case.
Eligible for five hours of Institute certification and CFP® Continuing Education (CE) credit, the course includes:
Riskin, the course architect, emphasized the importance for advisors to know the answers to such questions. The course features contributions from industry experts, including Sara Dorosti, senior wealth planning strategist at Comerica Bank, and Steve Siegel, president of The Siegel Group.
According to the news release, these new offerings reflect Investments & Wealth Institute’s commitment to providing innovative, world-class educational content.
Founded in 1985, the Investments & Wealth Institute is the professional association, education provider, and standards body for financial advisors. It serves over 30,000 practitioners annually in more than 40 countries, offering certifications such as the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®).
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