Registration Form
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.
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.
Charitable Trusts: Planning Techniques Using Life Insurance
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, Minnesota, New Jersey and Texas.
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.
Life Insurance Needs Analysis—Helping Your Clients Make Sound Decisions
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, Michigan, and 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: The life insurance planning industry has changed drastically with the onset of COVID-19. Consumers are worried and hungry for information. Advisors are looking for guidance and tools to maintain their ability to assist clients with their life insurance needs.
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:
The life insurance planning industry has changed drastically with the onset of COVID-19. Consumers are isolated, worried, and hungry for information. Advisors are looking for guidance and tools to maintain their ability to assist clients with their life
insurance needs.
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.
Planning for Uncertain Times: Is Some Certainty Afoot?
The Planning for Uncertain Times: Is Some Certainty Afoot? 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, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Washington.
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: Planning for affluent and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients can be difficult in an environment when tax laws and planning techniques are in a near-constant state of flux. This course examines the proposed changes currently under consideration in Congress and details a strategy that will give your clients the flexibility they need to make real-time decisions to benefit their estates and ultimate legacy.
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:
Planning for affluent and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients can be difficult in an environment when tax laws and planning techniques are in a near-constant state of flux. This course provides a strategy that will give your clients the flexibility they
need to make real-time decisions that could benefit their estates.
Discussion focuses on the Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT), a planning tool ideal for high-net-worth clients. The features and machinations of the ILIT are reviewed and examined in depth, as they pertain to the supplementation of client retirement
income, protecting legacy, and providing estate liquidity.
Private Financing: The Perfect Planning Strategy for Our Times
The Private Financing: The Perfect Planning Strategy for Our Times 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, Michigan, Minnesota and New Jersey.
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: Private financing is an attractive strategy for funding trust-owned life insurance. Pursuant to the plan, the insured makes a lump-sum loan to an irrevocable life insurance trust, and the trust uses the loan proceeds to make premium payments and ultimately repay the loan. The strategy is based on the Loan Regime Split Dollar Regulations Sec. 1.7872-15 and takes advantage of the current favorable government-mandated lending rates (1.01% for a loan made in June 2020).
This course provides a detailed examination of the structure, benefits of, and design options offered by private split dollar. It walks through the mechanics of the transaction and provides detailed design examples including the effect of different loan terms and premium-paying strategies (for example, 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-pay alternatives), the effect of assumed rates-of-return on the loan amount, and future gifting opportunities by forgiving all or a portion of the loan.
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:
Private financing is an attractive strategy for funding trust-owned life insurance. Pursuant to the plan, the insured makes a lump-sum loan to an irrevocable life insurance trust, and the trust uses the loan proceeds to make premium payments and ultimately
repay the loan. The strategy is based on the Loan Regime Split Dollar Regulations Sec. 1.7872-15 and takes advantage of the current favorable government-mandated lending rates (1.01% for a loan made in June 2020).
This course provides a detailed examination of the structure, benefits of, and design options offered by private split dollar. It walks through the mechanics of the transaction and provides detailed design examples including the effect of different loan terms and premium-paying strategies (for example, 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-pay alternatives), the effect of assumed rates-of-return on the loan amount, and future gifting opportunities by forgiving all or a portion of the loan.
Retirement Planning and Life Insurance
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, Michigan, and 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.
Buy-Sell Planning: Back to Basics
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, Michigan, and 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.
Long-Term Care Insurance* & Longevity Planning Solutions
The Long-Term Care Insurance* & Longevity Planning Solutions 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, Michigan and Minnesota.
* The state insurance departments of CO, GA, MO, and NV have approved this course titled as "Planning for Longevity Solutions" to indicate this is NOT an LTC CERTIFCATION course. It is approved for CE CREDIT ONLY.
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.
*The state insurance departments of CO, GA, MO and NV have approved this course titled as "Planning for Longevity Solutions" to indicate this is NOT an LTC CERTIFCATION course. It is approved for CE CREDIT ONLY.
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.
Robert W. Finnegan, J.D., CLU®, AEP®
Senior Vice President, Advanced Planning
Highland Capital Brokerage
Thomas Kestler, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CMFC®
CEO, Branch Development Partners
W. Cooper Lewis
Associate Sales Vice President, AG Life
Highland Capital Brokerage
Mike Raczkowski, J.D., CFP®
Vice President, Advanced Planning
Highland Capital Brokerage
Mark Schubert
Chief Sales Officer, Annuity,
Highland Capital Brokerage
Nancy Simm, CLTC, LTCP, CSA
Longevity Planning Partner
Highland Capital Brokerage
James J. Sorebo, CLU®
Senior Vice President, Community Banks & IBDs
Highland Capital Brokerage
Trey Wall
Vice President, Independent Broker Dealer Strategies
Highland Capital Brokerage