Consolidated Educational Services

Consolidated Educational Services, Inc. (CES), a subsidiary of Highland Capital Brokerage, is an approved provider of continuing insurance education in 49 states, as well as a national provider of continuing education for the CLU^®, CFP^®, and CPA designations.

CES provides courses that offer the latest on asset management techniques, tax strategies, insurance products, sales concepts, retirement planning, and industry trends.
CES’s full library of courses are approved for webinar-formatted presentation via Zoom.
CES offers sales symposiums for large groups as well as smaller on-site seminars and national conference break-out sessions.
CES processes continuing education credit with the attendee’s resident state insurance department and professional designation boards.

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Continuing Education Catalog

If you have already attended one of these sessions within your current licensing period, you are not eligible to receive CE credit for this course a second time. The following courses are not approved for continuing education in Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Puerto Rico. Please contact Jennifer Festa at jfesta@highland.com for further state-specific approvals.

Annuity Review: What Worked Then May Not Now

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The Annuity Review: What Worked Then, May Not Now Webinar course is eligible for one insurance continuing education (CE) credit through Consolidated Educational Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Highland Capital Brokerage, in all states except Massachusetts.

This course is approved as “General - Company Sponsored” in Minnesota.

This course is eligible for one CFP^® continuing education credit. CFP^® and Certified Financial Planner^® are marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., (CFP Board).

In accordance with the standards of the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors (ID# 107906), this course is eligible for one CPE credit based on a 50-minute hour.

Program Knowledge Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Internet Based

Recommended Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge - Technical

Program Description: This course examines the importance of in-force annuity reviews and explores methods to analyze and ensure that a client’s annuity contracts are keeping pace with his or her overall plan. Three areas of opportunity are examined: 1. performing an effective review of the client’s in-force annuity contracts with a focus on the evolution of annuities; 2. annuity features, such as income riders, and how they can be optimized to increase income while reducing potential risk and fees; and 3. policy due diligence and the available tools that can accurately evaluate a client’s current assets.

Advance Preparation: None

Course Prerequisites: None

Cancellations are allowed up to and including the day of the course. There is no fee to attend this webinar.

Consolidated Educational Services, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

*CPAs in New York and Kansas are NOT eligible for CPE credit due to delivery method restrictions by the state boards of accountancy in those states.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Festa at jfesta@highland.com.

Course Description:

Current economic uncertainty has led many pre-retirees to reconsider their retirement plans. To help clients secure the retirement protection and/or income growth they seek, advisors must understand how to properly structure annuities.

This course examines the importance of in-force annuity reviews and explores methods to analyze and ensure that a client’s annuity contracts are keeping pace with his or her overall plan. Three particular areas of opportunity are examined: 1. performing an effective review of the client’s in-force annuity contracts with a focus on the evolution of annuities; 2. annuity features, such as income riders, and how they can be optimized to increase income while reducing potential risk and fees; and 3. policy due diligence and the available tools that can accurately evaluate a client’s current assets.

Buy-Sell Planning: Back to Basics

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The Buy-Sell Planning: Back to Basics Webinar course is eligible for one insurance continuing education (CE) credit through Consolidated Educational Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Highland Capital Brokerage, in all states except Massachusetts.

*This course is approved as “General - Company Sponsored” in Minnesota.

This course is eligible for one CFP® continuing education credit. CFP® and Certified Financial Planner® are marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., (CFP Board).

In accordance with the standards of the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors (ID# 107906), this course is eligible for one CPE credit based on a 50-minute hour.

Program Knowledge Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Internet Based

Recommended Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge - Technical

Program Description: This course studies the use of life insurance as the funding mechanism for a buy-sell agreement. Specifically, the course analyzes what type of buy-sell agreement is better to fulfill the client’s objectives given the number of owners, the type of insurance being placed, and several tax matters, including issues involving stepped-up basis, transfer for value consideration, and potential gain recognition when a transfer of life insurance takes place in certain entities.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will have a strong understanding of the four primary elements of a buy-sell agreement and be able to determine which type of buy-sell agreement best achieves their clients goals in the most tax and administratively efficient manner.

Advance Preparation: None

Course Prerequisites: None

Cancellations are allowed up to and including the day of the course. There is no fee to attend this webinar.

Consolidated Educational Services, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

*CPAs in New York and Kansas are NOT eligible for CPE credit due to delivery method restrictions by the state boards of accountancy in those states.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Festa at jfesta@highland.com.

Length: 1 hour

Course Description and Objectives:

This course studies the use of life insurance as the funding mechanism for a buy-sell agreement. Specifically, the course analyzes what type of buy-sell agreement is better to fulfill the client’s objectives given the number of owners, the type of insurance being placed, and several tax matters, including issues involving stepped-up basis, transfer for value consideration, and potential gain recognition when a transfer of life insurance takes place in certain entities.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will have a strong understanding of the four primary elements of a buy-sell agreement and be able to determine which type of buy-sell agreement best achieves their clients goals in the most tax and administratively efficient manner.

Charitable Trusts: Planning Techniques Using Life Insurance

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The Charitable Trusts: Planning Techniques Using Life Insurance Webinar course is eligible for one insurance continuing education (CE) credit through Consolidated Educational Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Highland Capital Brokerage, in all states except Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey and Texas.

This course is approved as “General - Company Sponsored” in Minnesota.

This course is eligible for one CFP® continuing education credit. CFP® and Certified Financial Planner® are marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., (CFP Board).

In accordance with the standards of the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors (ID# 107906), this course is eligible for one CPE credit based on a 50-minute hour.

Program Knowledge Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Internet Based

Recommended Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge - Technical

Program Description: Charitable trusts are a powerful planning tool for affluent clients but are often overlooked because of their perceived complexity and rules. This course covers the terminology, structure, and tax benefits associated with each type of charitable trust, with emphasis on how to identify which of the many options are best for the client, their family, and their charitable goals.

The course defines and examines the following charitable planning concepts and terminology: lead trusts, remainder trusts, annuity and unitrusts, grantor, non-grantor, income, gift, and estate tax deductions.

Advance Preparation: None

Course Prerequisites: None

Cancellations are allowed up to and including the day of the course. There is no fee to attend this webinar.

Consolidated Educational Services, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

*CPAs in New York and Kansas are NOT eligible for CPE credit due to delivery method restrictions by the state boards of accountancy in those states.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Festa at jfesta@highland.com.

Length: 1 hour

Course Description:

Charitable trusts are a powerful planning tool for affluent clients, but are often overlooked because of their perceived complexity and rules. This course covers the terminology, structure, and tax benefits associated with each type of charitable trust, with emphasis on how to identify which of the many options are best for the client, their family, and their charitable goals.

The course defines and examines the following charitable planning concepts and terminology: lead trusts, remainder trusts, annuity and unitrusts, grantor, non-grantor, income, gift, and estate tax deductions.

Disability Insurance: Protection for Your Client’s Financial Future

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The Disability Insurance: Protection for Your Client’s Financial Future course is eligible for one insurance continuing education (CE) credit through Consolidated Educational Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Highland Capital Brokerage, in all states except Massachusetts.

*This course is approved as “General - Company Sponsored” in Minnesota.

This course is eligible for one CFP^® continuing education credit. CFP^® and Certified Financial Planner^® are marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., (CFP Board).

In accordance with the standards of the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors (ID# 107906), this course is eligible for one CPE credit based on a 50-minute hour.

Program Knowledge Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Internet Based

Recommended Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge - Technical

Program Description: This course provides attendees with an overview of disability insurance for higher income individuals and business owners.

Advance Preparation: None

Course Prerequisites: None

Cancellations are allowed up to and including the day of the course. There is no fee to attend this webinar.

Consolidated Educational Services, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

*CPAs in New York and Kansas are NOT eligible for CPE credit due to delivery method restrictions by the state boards of accountancy in those states.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Festa at jfesta@highland.com.

Course Description:

This course provides an overview of Disability Insurance for higher-income individuals and business owners with a focus on:

The most frequent conditions that can cause a person to become disabled
The benefits and drawbacks of group Long-Term Disability (LTD) programs
The integrations of individual disability income plans with group LTD plans for higher-income individuals
How Disability Income retirement security plans work
The types of disability plans available to address the needs owners of closely held businesses including:
- Business overhead expense policies
- Business loan protection plans
- Key-employee plans
- Disability buy-out plans

Financial Planning and Insurance Considerations of Divorce

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The Financial Planning & Insurance Considerations for Divorce course is eligible for one insurance continuing education (CE) credit through Consolidated Educational Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Highland Capital Brokerage, in all states except Massachusetts and New Jersey.

*This course is approved as “General - Company Sponsored” in Minnesota.

This course is eligible for one CFP® continuing education credit. CFP® and Certified Financial Planner® are marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., (CFP Board).

In accordance with the standards of the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors (ID# 107906), this course is eligible for one CPE credit based on a 50-minute hour.

Program Knowledge Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Internet Based

Recommended Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge – Technical

Program Description: This course provides attendees with an overview of disability insurance for higher-income individuals and business owners.

Advance Preparation: None

Course Prerequisites: None

Cancellations are allowed up to and including the day of the course. There is no fee to attend this virtual event.

Consolidated Educational Services, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

*CPAs in New York and Kansas are NOT eligible for CPE credit due to delivery method restrictions by the state boards of accountancy in those states.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Festa at jfesta@highland.com.

Course Description:

This course focuses on how life insurance and annuities can be used to protect the high-net-worth client’s finances in case divorce should happen. Attendees will learn:

How life insurance can be used to protect the recipient of spousal support/child support
How annuities can be used in effective pre-nuptial planning
An overview of the law as it pertains to property division, spouse, and child after divorce
The “Pre-Split” questions to consider
How life insurance cash accumulation can be used to fund a spousal access trust
Insurance and financial planning pitfalls to be aware of regarding the pre-nuptial agreement
How the use of life insurance and annuity planning can help to remunerate tax consequences

The How & Why of Estate Planning

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The How & Why of Estate Planning Webinar course is eligible for one insurance continuing education (CE) credit through Consolidated Educational Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Highland Capital Brokerage, in all states except Alaska, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, Washington and Virginia.

This course is approved as “General - Company Sponsored” in Minnesota.

This course is eligible for one CFP^® continuing education credit. CFP^® and Certified Financial Planner^® are marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., (CFP Board).

In accordance with the standards of the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors (ID# 107906), this course is eligible for one CPE credit based on a 50-minute hour.

Program Knowledge Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Live

Recommended Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge - Technical

Program Description: Planning for clients in 2022 may be different than in recent decades as we enter an environment where tax laws and planning techniques are in a state of flux. At the same time, inflation has returned unlike any we’ve experienced since the 1970s, and the Federal balance sheet remains unbalanced between spending and revenues. This course provides insurance planning strategies that will provide financial and insurance planners with knowledge they need to make real-time decisions to help benefit and preserve their clients’ estates.

Advance Preparation: None

Course Prerequisites: None

Cancellations are allowed up to and including the day of the course. There is no fee to attend this webinar.

Consolidated Educational Services, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

*CPAs in New York and Kansas are NOT eligible for CPE credit due to delivery method restrictions by the state boards of accountancy in those states.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Festa at jfesta@highland.com.

Course Description:

This is a foundational presentation about estate planning, and common estate planning concepts. This course provides a discussion of wills, trusts, intestacy and probate. It also addresses pitfalls and how to properly plan for common asset types. Planning concepts include discussions of closely held family businesses, blended families, and planning for incapacity.

Life Insurance Needs Analysis—Helping Your Clients Make Sound Decisions

Click here for CE approval information

The Life Insurance Needs Analysis-Helping Your Clients Make Sound Decisions Webinar course is approved for one insurance continuing education (CE) credit through Consolidated Educational Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Highland Capital Brokerage, in all states except Massachusetts and Michigan.

This course is approved as “General - Company Sponsored” in Minnesota.

This course is eligible for one CFP® continuing education credit. CFP® and Certified Financial Planner® are marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., (CFP Board).

In accordance with the standards of the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors (ID# 107906), this course is eligible for one CPE credit based on a 50-minute hour.

Program Knowledge Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Internet Based

Recommended Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge - Technical

Program Description: This course provides an in-depth plan for the advisor to follow in the understanding and collection of the pertinent data needed to determine the amount of life insurance necessary for their client’s security. Typical surviving family income needs following a spouse’s death are discussed with a focus on college costs for children. The role that Social Security benefits play are also discussed.

A case study is also provided to demonstrate the flexibility in using a Universal Life insurance contract in needs analysis planning as it relates to withdrawals, return of principal, adjustable face amounts (as the need for insurance decreases), and tax-free benefits.

Advance Preparation: None

Course Prerequisites: None

Cancellations are allowed up to and including the day of the course. There is no fee to attend this webinar.

Consolidated Educational Services, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

*CPAs in New York and Kansas are NOT eligible for CPE credit due to delivery method restrictions by the state boards of accountancy in those states.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Festa at jfesta@highland.com.

Length: 1 hour

Course Description and Objective:

This course provides an in-depth plan for the advisor to follow in the understanding and collection of the pertinent data needed to determine the amount of life insurance necessary for their client’s security. Typical surviving family income needs following a spouse’s death are discussed with a focus on college costs for children. The role that Social Security benefits play are also discussed.

A case study is also provided to demonstrate the flexibility in using a Universal Life insurance contract in needs analysis planning with regard to withdrawals, return of principal, adjustable face amounts (as the need for insurance decreases), and tax-free benefits.

Longevity Planning Strategies

Click here for CE approval information

The Longevity Planning Strategies course is approved for one insurance continuing education (CE) credit through Consolidated Educational Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Highland Capital Brokerage, in all states except Massachusetts.

This course is approved as “General - Company Sponsored” in Minnesota.

This course is eligible for one CFP® continuing education credit. CFP® and Certified Financial Planner® are marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., (CFP Board).

In accordance with the standards of the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors (ID# 107906), this course is eligible for one CPE credit based on a 50-minute hour.

Program Knowledge Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Internet Based

Recommended Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge - Technical

Program Description: Greater longevity has increased the need for long-term care services, which can be costly. Therefore, longevity planning is an important element to consider when helping clients plan for their future.

In this course, we will review the features of long-term care insurance, how government programs do or do not come into play, and how long-term care insurance has changed, particularly considering tax law changes and funding. As such, we will also examine the benefits unique to hybrid annuity and life plans, which offer effective means of funding via riders and linked-benefit plans in contrast to traditional stand-alone long-term care insurance, and will review which plans are appropriate given various client scenarios.

Upon completion of this course, the insurance professional will be able to explain the structure of long-term care insurance, the types of care to which it applies, and the costs involved. Participants will understand the role that government programs and tax legislation play in long-term care planning, will gain specific knowledge on the features of partnership, linked benefit, and hybrid insurance plans, and be able to explain the suitability of each when making recommendations to clients. Finally, participants will be able to explain the various means to fund long-term care plans.

In summary, all the above will provide the insurance professional greater understanding on how to assist their clients in the preservation of their assets, dignity, and choices where possible when faced with health changes.

Advance Preparation: None

Course Prerequisites: None

Cancellations are allowed up to and including the day of the course. There is no fee to attend this webinar.

Consolidated Educational Services, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

*CPAs in New York and Kansas are NOT eligible for CPE credit due to delivery method restrictions by the state boards of accountancy in those states.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Festa at jfesta@highland.com.

Length: 1 hour

Course Description and Objective:

Greater longevity has increased the need for long-term care (LTC) services, which can be costly. Therefore, longevity planning is important when helping clients plan for their future.

This course will review the features of LTC insurance, how government programs come into play, and LTC insurance changes due to tax law and funding. We will also examine the benefits unique to hybrid annuity and life plans, and will review which plans are appropriate given various client scenarios.

Upon completion, the insurance professional will be able to explain the structures, types, and costs of different LTC insurance options. Participants will understand the role of government programs and tax legislation in LTC planning, and will gain specific knowledge on the features, types, suitability, and funding of LTC insurance plans, to help clients preserve assets, dignity, and choices when faced with health changes.

Retirement Planning and Life Insurance

Click here for CE approval information

The Retirement Planning and Life Insurance Webinar course is approved for one insurance continuing education (CE) credit through Consolidated Educational Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Highland Capital Brokerage, in all states except Massachusetts and Michigan.

This course is approved as “General - Company Sponsored” in Minnesota.

This course is eligible for one CFP® continuing education credit. CFP® and Certified Financial Planner® are marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., (CFP Board).

In accordance with the standards of the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors (ID# 107906), this course is eligible for one CPE credit based on a 50-minute hour.

Program Knowledge Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Internet Based

Recommended Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge - Technical

Program Description: This course examines the benefits of using various forms of life insurance, including Whole Life, Variable Universal Life, Indexed Universal Life, and Fixed Universal Life as a part of effective retirement planning for high-net-worth clients with the objective of protecting retirement income and providing supplemental income during retirement. Areas of client need, specifically scenarios where qualified retirement options have been maxed out, controlling taxes during retirement years, and how best to compensate key employees are identified. Advantages of tax-deferred savings, tax-free death benefits, no contributions, and minimum distributions are also reviewed.

Course concludes with detailed case studies that examine the financial benefits to the client when life insurance is incorporated into retirement planning.

Advance Preparation: None

Course Prerequisites: None

Cancellations are allowed up to and including the day of the course. There is no fee to attend this webinar.

Consolidated Educational Services, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

*CPAs in New York and Kansas are NOT eligible for CPE credit due to delivery method restrictions by the state boards of accountancy in those states.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Festa at jfesta@highland.com.

Length: 1 hour

Course Description and Objectives:

This course examines the benefits of using various forms of life insurance, including Whole Life, Variable Universal Life, Indexed Universal Life, and Fixed Universal Life as a part of effective retirement planning for high-net-worth clients with the objective of protecting retirement income and providing supplemental income during retirement.

Areas of client need, specifically scenarios where qualified retirement options have been maxed out, controlling taxes during retirement years, and how best to compensate key employees are identified. Advantages of tax-deferred savings, tax-free death benefits, no contributions, and minimum distributions are also reviewed.

Course concludes with detailed case studies that examine the financial benefits to the client when life insurance is incorporated into retirement planning.

Instructors

If you would prefer to instruct your own course, please contact Jennifer Festa at jfesta@highland.com for further information on how to get appointed.

Bob Finnegan