Ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families recognize the importance of multi-generational wealth planning and communication, yet many struggle with meaningful discussions about family values, legacy and generational access to wealth. This session explores the psychology behind these discussions and the balance between long term wealth stewardship and the needs of the rising generation to fund current family expenses. Learn how to provide actionable techniques for the Advance Markets practitioner to help your clients define their family values and purpose; address emotional and behavioral barriers; and position planning as an opportunity rather than a burden across multiple generations. Then, through case studies, discover specific planning processes that address some of the most common planning needs our speakers are seeing today. You will leave the session prepared to bring value beyond your technical expertise. By the end of this session learners will be able to: Understand the psychological dynamics and emotional barriers that affect multi-generational wealth discussions in ultra-high-net-worth families. Develop strategies to facilitate meaningful conversations around family values, legacy, and the balance between long-term wealth stewardship and current family needs. Learn actionable techniques to help clients define and communicate their family values and purpose effectively across generations. Apply case study insights to design tailored planning processes that meet common multi-generational wealth planning challenges. Enhance your advisory role by positioning wealth planning as an opportunity to create lasting family impact beyond technical financial solutions.   Read more

Phantom stock plans offer private companies a powerful tool to attract, retain, and reward key executives without diluting ownership—but designing these plans effectively requires careful structuring. This session explores the different phantom stock and synthetic equity plans, how they work and how each pan can be designed to accomplish the client’s objectives. The session will cover the key aspects of Full Value Unit (FVU) and Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR) plan, how the awards are granted over time and how to analyze the desired financial benefit for the employee(s). It will also cover how life insurance can play a crucial role in funding and managing the liabilities associated with phantom stock arrangements to provide liquidity for future payouts, mitigate financial risk and enhance plan sustainability. Through real-world examples, we will examine how to structure these long-term incentive plans (LTIP), review key tax and accounting considerations and define implementation strategies to help business owners create compelling, LTIPs that align executives with company growth. By the end of this session learners will be able to: Identify the key features and types of phantom stock and synthetic equity plans, including Full Value Unit (FVU) and Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR) plans. Explain how phantom stock awards are granted and structured over time to meet specific client objectives. Analyze the financial benefits and liabilities associated with phantom stock plans from both the company’s and employee’s perspectives. Describe how life insurance can be utilized to fund phantom stock liabilities and improve plan sustainability. Evaluate tax and accounting considerations relevant to phantom stock and synthetic equity plans. Develop implementation strategies to design and execute long-term incentive plans that align executives’ interests with company growth and retention goals.   Read more

Managing in-force premium finance arrangements requires robust reporting and analysis so advisors can provide guidance on the best ways to optimize the program. This session takes a case-study-driven approach, analyzing actual client scenarios, where premium finance programs need to be actively managed. We will explore the impact of fluctuating interest rates, collateral requirements, policy performance, and loan details, and share ideas on how best to manage these components. Attendees will gain the insights and technical expertise necessary to proactively manage in-force premium finance portfolios and ensure long-term sustainability in dynamic economic conditions. By the end of this session learners will be able to: Identify the key components of in-force premium finance portfolio management, including the roles of client cash flow, collateral, and loan terms. Evaluate the impact of interest rate changes on premium finance strategies and how to communicate those effects effectively in annual client reviews. Interpret performance metrics and spread analysis between loan rates and policy returns, and apply that analysis to assess the ongoing viability of financed insurance strategies. Compare baseline and downside projection scenarios to guide clients through strategic decision-making regarding additional funding, risk exposure, and policy performance. Implement best practices for client servicing and communication, including policy review cadences, underwriting updates, and managing evolving estate planning goals.   Read more

Every advisor should know how to translate tax data into strategic planning. This session will explore how tax return analysis can open the door to insurance-funded retirement strategies, business succession planning, and tax-efficient wealth transfer. Whether you work with W-2 earners or small business owners, you’ll walk away with a framework for using tax returns as a conversation starter — and a growth accelerator. By the end of this session learners will be able to: Identify key insights from tax returns that reveal client opportunities related to retirement, insurance, and legacy planning. Apply a repeatable framework for using tax data to guide conversations around wealth-building and financial priorities. Differentiate tax patterns and red flags for W-2 earners versus business owners that can signal planning gaps or opportunities. Recommend insurance-based strategies informed by tax insights, such as insurance-funded retirement plans or succession solutions. Initiate client conversations using tax returns as an entry point for broader financial planning and business development.   Read more

The Inforce Certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of life insurance policies once they are in force. This certification covers a range of topics related to policy services, technology, billing, changes, loans, and more. Participants will gain knowledge of how to manage policies post-issue, including understanding policy updates, billing processes, and critical policy changes. The course also includes guidance on the use of technology, such as online portals and software products, and addresses specific policy-related actions like reinstatements, conversions, and surrenders. It will also explore the financial implications of policy loans, collateral assignments, and premium financing. This certification is essential for those involved in life insurance policy administration and advisory services. Module Overview: Module 21: Contestability and Claims This module explains the contestability period in life insurance policies, detailing how insurers review claims for misrepresentation or omissions during this period. It also outlines the claims process, including the required information, beneficiary verification, and the typical timeline for claim processing. Learning Objectives Define the contestability period and its purpose in life insurance policies.  Explain how insurers investigate and handle claims within the contestability period.  Identify the key information required to initiate a claim.  Describe the steps in the claims process and the role of the beneficiary.  Understand the typical timeline and methods for claim form distribution.  COURSE CONTRIBUTORS Leah Mahoney – EVP - Operations  Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Kim Wilcox – Head of Wealth Management Specialists  Guardian Life Sandra Giordano – Manager, Shared Services Ash Brokerage Cheryl Visconti– Operations Manager Gallagher Alaina R. Winson – Operations Project Manager Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc.   Read more

The Inforce Certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of life insurance policies once they are in force. This certification covers a range of topics related to policy services, technology, billing, changes, loans, and more. Participants will gain knowledge of how to manage policies post-issue, including understanding policy updates, billing processes, and critical policy changes. The course also includes guidance on the use of technology, such as online portals and software products, and addresses specific policy-related actions like reinstatements, conversions, and surrenders. It will also explore the financial implications of policy loans, collateral assignments, and premium financing. This certification is essential for those involved in life insurance policy administration and advisory services. Module Overview: Module 20: Tax Forms This module covers Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code, which defines requirements for life insurance policies to qualify for favorable tax treatment, including tax-deferred cash value growth and tax-free death benefits. It explains how ownership changes affect this section and defines Interpolated Terminal Reserves (ITR). Additionally, it covers the purpose of IRS Form 712 and when it is required. Learning Objectives Understand the purpose and implications of Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code. Identify the criteria a life insurance policy must meet to receive favorable tax treatment. Describe how Section 7702 affects ownership changes. Define Interpolated Terminal Reserves (ITR) and its use. Understand the purpose of IRS Form 712 and when it is required. COURSE CONTRIBUTORS Leah Mahoney – EVP - Operations  Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Kim Wilcox – Head of Wealth Management Specialists  Guardian Life Sandra Giordano – Manager, Shared Services Ash Brokerage Cheryl Visconti– Operations Manager Gallagher Alaina R. Winson – Operations Project Manager Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc.   Read more