Americans have a real and pressing need for financial planning, whether undertaken on their own (hopefully with the assistance of a professional) or through the professional services of a financial adviser. The lack of planning that has generally prevailed has contributed to a low saving rate with consequences in other areas. 

This course provides a comprehensive study of the factors integral to developing a personalized financial plan for clients preparing for or about to enter into retirement. It examines issues that range from the role of life insurance and long-term care costs to income tax planning and funding children's college education. The benefit for financial professionals who take this course will be an ability to deliver personalized financial planning and investment management solutions to clients that address their specific and individual needs.

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

• demonstrate an understanding of the critical issues in managing wealth
• define and differentiate the different types of long-term care
• explain the nature and extent of long-term care costs and the sources of long-term care funding
• demonstrate an understanding of the methods of minimizing estate transfer costs
• explain the characteristics and tax treatment of fixed and variable annuities
• cite the basic characteristics of long-term care insurance