Unlike their counterparts from even a generation ago, today’s retirees face additional uncertainty about the future. As the number and availability of traditional company-sponsored pension plans dwindle, Americans are now shouldering more of the responsibilities—and risks—for ensuring that their futures are financially secure. Threatening that security is increasing health care expenses, including the cost of long-term care, which pose serious financial threats to retirees and can quickly deplete a lifetime of savings. This changing landscape means that retirement planning is even more important and urgent than ever before.

This course provides a comprehensive study of the financial needs, goals, products, and plans for today's senior consumers. It is written for insurance professionals and financial practitioners to show how they can help their senior clients plan for a financially secure and rewarding retirement supported by appropriate and suitable financial products. The course covers the unique needs of senior clients and the specific areas that are of concern to them-income planning, healthcare planning, estate distribution, final needs planning-as well as the tools, techniques, and products that can be used to meet these needs.

Upon conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

• describe the characteristics of today's retirees and their retirement income planning goals
• explain the required minimum distribution rules that apply to qualified plans and individual retirement accounts
• explain the benefits and limitations of Social Security
• demonstrate an understanding of how life insurance and annuities can provide supplemental income and lifetime benefits
• demonstrate an understanding of the importance of Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare supplement insurance, and long-term care insurance
• articulate the goals of estate planning
• describe the methods used to prepay funeral arrangements
• demonstrate an understanding of financial practitioners' ethical duties when working with senior clients