Gary completed his semiannual training with America’s IRA Experts at Ed Slott and Company, LLC in Coronado, Calif. October 25-27, 2018. The workshop, which was attended by members of Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA Advisor GroupSM, provided in-depth technical training on advanced retirement account planning strategies, estate planning techniques and new tax laws, as well as a proactive look at 2018 year-end retirement planning deadlines and opportunities.

“There are several year-end to-dos that financial professionals should guide their clients through including taking required minimum distributions by the December 31 deadline and considering a qualified charitable distribution, which is now more desirable than ever under the new tax laws. In fact, several year-end financial moves have been impacted by tax reform, so I can’t stress enough the need for financial professionals to educate themselves on the latest strategies,” said Ed Slott, CPA, founder of Ed Slott and Company and a nationally recognized IRA expert who was named “The Best Source for IRA Advice” by The Wall Street Journal. “I commend Gary, a member of our advanced training program for ten years, for staying current with his retirement planning education. With this ongoing training, Gary can better instruct his clients on year-end moves to help reduce their tax liability and avoid costly penalties.”

Highlights from this event included: IRA planning strategies that should be used now before tax season; Medicare income planning and IRA strategies that can cut Medicare costs for high income earners; 2018 retirement plan contributions limits and estate tax rates; key retirement, tax and estate planning provisions affected by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act including the repeal of Roth recharacterizations, the confirmation of back-door Roth contributions and the repeal of many itemized deductions; a look at Roth conversions when a trust is the IRA beneficiary; strategic retirement account moves to consider during market volatility; a close look at spousal rights in retirement plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and training on advanced spousal rights; how excess IRA contributions occur, how to fix them and the various correction options available to financial professionals; inherited IRAs, strategies for protecting the funds for beneficiaries and a look at creditor protection cases; dealing with ineligible Roth IRA contributions; a look at advanced IRA cases and rulings and more.

Training was provided by Ed Slott and Company’s team of retirement experts, including Ed Slott, CPA; Beverly DeVeny; Sarah Brenner, JD; Jeremy Rodriguez, JD and Jim Glass, JD. Ed Slott and Company and many of the advisors in Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA Advisor GroupSM are the go-to resources for attorneys, CPAs and other financial advisors because of their in-depth knowledge and expertise in all areas of retirement account and income planning.

Members of Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA Advisor GroupSM have year-round access to Ed Slott and Company’s team of retirement experts for consultation on advanced planning topics. The membership also includes step-by-step processes, including the Complete IRA Care Solution™ 30-module planning guide. Members also have access to proprietary worksheets and pamphlets, including 19 Things to do for 2019: Holiday Client Conversations and Ed Slott’s 2018 Retirement Decisions Guide, that they can use when working with clients.

“While my clients are busy preparing for the holiday season, I consider it my personal responsibility to help them plan for important end-of-year financial moves,” said Gary. “Proactive planning like this provides my clients confidence that they’ll end the year right and start the new year strong.”

“Tax reform has many wondering whether or not their retirement plan is up-to-date and as the end of the year approaches, it is especially important to make sure you’re taking advantage of new tax laws and strategies,” said Slott. “Working with one of our members helps ensure that you’re in the hands of a well-trained, qualified professional that prioritizes both their ongoing education and your needs.”