FinancialKnowledge

Financial Planning for Retirees

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:35:32 +0000

Description

Individuals who attend this course will be empowered to better manage retirement with detailed information about: retirement income, long term care, social security benefits, annuities and estate planning decisions.

Audience

Recommended for those who are already in retirement or those planning to retire within the next three years.

Materials

Each attendee will receive a 60-plus page workbook for class work and future reference

Duration

3 Hours

Learning Outcomes

Understand tax implications of distributions from employer retirement plans and individual retirement accounts
Make better decisions regarding retirement account rollovers
Understand Social Security benefits and eligibility
Discover long term care policy features
Learn strategies to manage a retirement portfolio
Assess risk tolerance
Become familiar with reverse mortgages
Discover the benefits of funeral pre-planning
Differentiate important features of five different types of annuities
Identify features for inclusion in senior home remodels
Ascertain estate planning tips for executors and beneficiaries
Learn about seven top senior scams
Gather seven steps to choosing Financial Professionals

Financial Planning for Your Future (Retirement Planning for Early Career)

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:34:42 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will be able to set up a financial plan for all their financial goals including paying off debts, building wealth, buying a home, saving for children’s college, and retirement.

Audience

Recommended for those who want to take charge of their financial future during the early years of their career.

Materials

Each participant receives a 40-plus page guide to be used in class and for future reference.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Formulate realistic goals.
Set up and effectively use a spending plan.
Learn how to pay off credit cards, student loans, and other debts more quickly.
Uncover easy and creative ways to save.
Review ten important wealth building tips.
Assess the power of compounding and the impact of inflation.
Complete a personalized risk tolerance survey.
Incorporate three essential tools to help manage risk.
Identify the basics on stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Calculate the money needed to be saved each year for a secure retirement.
Compare the four types of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and the eligibility features of each.
Discover the current contribution limits for employer retirement plans and IRAs.
Draft action plans for home purchase and other large goals without shortchanging retirement savings.
Establish regular investment plans for all goals.

Building Your Wealth (Retirement Planning for Mid Career)

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:33:33 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will be able to set up a plan and stay on track for retirement without short-changing other financial goals, evaluate tax implications of various investments, and consider the option of early retirement.

Audience

Recommended for those who want to take charge of their financial future during the early to middle years of their career

Materials

Each participant receives a 50-plus page guide to be used in class and for future reference

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Discover the impact of compounding and how to build wealth.
Learn how to protect assets and income.
Plan more effectively for inflation.
Discuss the basics on stock, bond, mutual fund, and real estate investments.
Manage risk within an investment portfolio.
Examine important asset allocation techniques.
Adapt and protect an investment portfolio as goals and economic cycles change.
Stay on track for retirement by calculating the annual savings amount needed.
Make more informed decisions when choosing financial professionals.
Develop an easy 3-step process to set up an estate plan.
Review important tax considerations for investments, homes, retirement, estate planning, and college funding.
Define long-term care and aging issues.
Evaluate early retirement as an option.

Successful Retirement Living (Retirement Planning for Those Nearing or in Retirement)

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:31:49 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will be able to plan for a successful transition from work life into a comfortable and secure retirement.

Audience

Recommended for those who want to take charge of their financial future as they approach or enter retirement

Materials

Each participant receives a 45-plus page guide to be used in class and for future reference

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Plan out the types of activities and lifestyle desired for retirement.
Uncover four important retirement income sources.
Learn how Social Security benefits are calculated.
Identify four types of annuities and key selection criteria.
Assess and project retirement income needs and expenses.
Utilize seven steps when hiring a financial professional.
Learn how to analyze risk and manage a dynamic retirement portfolio.
Develop an effective withdrawal plan to ensure retirement money will last.
Discover real estate options for retirees, including refinancing, remodeling, and relocating.
Learn how to research a retirement community.
Make more informed decisions when considering healthcare, long-term care, and aging issues.
Make wise insurance choices to protect assets and income.
Be better prepared for selecting appropriate executors and beneficiaries.
Give intelligently and strategically to charities and family members.

Smart Strategies for Your 401(k), 403(b) or 457 Plan

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:30:22 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will gain an understanding of which 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan investments and strategies are most appropriate for them to achieve their financial goals. In addition, participants will develop confidence in their ability to develop and modify their own 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan investment portfolios.

Audience

Recommended for those who desire a greater ability to make informed investment decisions with their 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan

Materials

Each participant will receive a 55-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered and provides resources and a glossary for future use

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Discover important retirement plan features concerning enrollment, contributions, plan rule changes, matching, and vesting.
Review retirement plan investment choices.
Uncover the reasons for blackout, quiet, or lockdown periods.
Find out four reasons why retirement plan loans are discouraged.
Evaluate the ramifications of plan rollovers, transfers, and distributions.
Define mutual fund terminology and fund types.
Complete a personalized risk tolerance survey.
Identify six risks that are typically present in most retirement plans.
Assess the power of compounding and the impact of inflation.
Utilize five essential tools to help manage risk.
Learn important asset allocation techniques for retirement plan investing.
Analyze and modify retirement plan portfolios.
Avoid eighteen common retirement plan investing mistakes.

Smart Strategies for Your 401(k) Plan in Changing Times

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:29:19 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will gain an understanding of which 401(k) plan investments and strategies are most appropriate for them to achieve their financial goals no matter what the economic climate. In addition, participants will develop confidence in their ability to develop and modify their own 401(k) plan.

Audience

Recommended for those who desire a greater ability to make informed investment decisions with their 401(k) plan in changing financial and economic times.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 55-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered and provides resources and a glossary for future use.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Discover important retirement plan features concerning enrollment, contributions, plan rule changes, matching, and vesting.
Review retirement plan investment choices.
Uncover the reasons for blackout, quiet, or lockdown periods.
Find out four reasons why retirement plan loans are discouraged.
Evaluate the ramifications of plan rollovers, transfers, and distributions.
Define mutual fund terminology and review fund choices for your 401(k) plan.
Complete a personalized risk tolerance survey.
Identify six risks that are typically present in most retirement plans.
Assess the power of compounding and the impact of inflation.
Utilize five essential tools to help manage risk and market volatility.
Protect investments through market and economic cycles.
Learn important asset allocation techniques for retirement plan investing.
Avoid eighteen common retirement plan investing mistakes.

Retirement Planning for All Ages

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:27:28 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will be able to calculate their current financial situation, estimate their retirement needs, and create an investment strategy for meeting those needs.

Audience

Recommended for those who are just starting out, midway through their careers, or nearing retirement.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 55-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered and provides resources and a glossary for future use.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Utilize the six key factors for a prosperous retirement.
Identify the major obstacles to overcome when planning for retirement.
Plan more effectively for the impact of inflation.
Estimate the amount of annual income needed in retirement.
Determine whether on track financially for retirement.
Calculate the money needed to be saved each year until retirement.
Compare the four types of IRAs (Roth, Non-deductible, Deductible, and Spousal IRA).
Complete a personalized risk tolerance survey.
Learn how to control the risk level of an investment portfolio.
Allocate assets based on four life stages.
Explain important portfolio management strategies for retirees.
Discover a dozen ways to generate retirement income.
Review the tax implications of cash distributions and rollovers from retirement accounts.
Uncover ten crucial retiree secrets to successful retirement planning.

Rollover/Withdrawal Strategies for IRAs & Retirement Plans

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:26:35 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will become more knowledgeable about their choices and the tax implications when moving and withdrawing funds from retirement plans.

Audience

Recommended for those who desire a better understanding of the decisions involved with retirement plan rollovers and withdrawals.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 60-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered and provides resources and a glossary for future use.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Assess the tax implications for retirement plan rollovers.
Compare cash distributions vs. direct rollovers.
Review five choices for retirement plan money when leaving a company.
Discover a commonly overlooked tax strategy for highly appreciated company stock held in a 401(k).
Identify the differences between common pension and annuity payout options.
Evaluate the tax consequences when withdrawing money from a Roth IRA vs. a traditional IRA.
Recognize a dozen exceptions to early distribution penalties for IRAs and other retirement plans.
Practice utilizing the current required minimum distribution rules.
Use life expectancy tables to calculate required minimum distributions.
Evaluate essential beneficiary designation information using real-life illustrations.
Utilize three methods to save large amounts five years before retirement.
Uncover the four largest sources of retiree income.
Determine how Social Security benefits are calculated and taxed.
Develop realistic retirement projections.
Find out how much can be safely withdrawn from retirement accounts to have the money last throughout retirement.
Learn how to manage retirement plan assets more effectively.

Planning for Long Term Care & Aging

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:25:06 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will gain knowledge to make more informed decisions when considering long term care options and facing aging issues.

Audience

Recommended for those who are planning for themselves and their parents.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 50-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered and provides resources and a glossary for future use.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Uncover eight important characteristics for healthy aging.
Effectively address the most common concerns about aging.
Review projected costs for medical care, prescriptions, and long term care.
Define what Medicare insurance does and does not cover and how to enroll.
Compare the five major types of Medicare health plans available.
Discover five important factors when deciding which Medicare health plan to select.
Recognize the difference between custodial vs. skilled nursing care.
Determine long term care needs through assessment and professional assistance.
Find out the most suitable candidates for long term care insurance.
Assess long term care insurance policies for twelve essential features.
Review the Medicaid program and its strict eligibility requirements concerning income and assets.
Develop awareness of the technological advances allowing increased at-home care.
Evaluate the care, amenities, and costs associated with continuing care, assisted living, and nursing home facilities.
Identify six crucial guidelines when researching eldercare facilities.
Learn how to provide positive solutions to achieve eldercare assistance goals.

How to Be a Savvy Health Care Consumer

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:23:52 +0000

Description

Health care costs have been increasing faster than wages and overall inflation. Now more than ever consumers need to be their own healthcare advocates in order to get high quality care and good coverage while minimizing their out-of-pocket costs. This course will show you how to adjust your benefits behaviors to make healthier lifestyle choices as well as how to use innovative support tools and resources to make more informed decisions.

Audience

Recommended for those who desire to better understand and utilize their healthcare benefits to become wiser and healthier consumers.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 65-plus page guide to be used in class and for future reference.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Research hospital patient safety and quality using an 8-point Hospital Checklist.
Complete a rating chart to compare and select healthcare providers.
Uncover common plan selection mistakes and how to avoid them.
Utilize an in-depth Plan Selection Worksheet to more effectively evaluate which medical plan best suits your personal and family needs.
Understand the characteristics that differentiate the six types of employer health plans that are in existence.
Better navigate through the maze of complexity with the current U.S. health care delivery system.
Discuss seven key drivers of rising health care costs.
Review distinct features of prescription drug plans, including closed, managed, non-formulary, and mail order pharmacy programs.
Determine how and when to opt for generic prescription drugs.
Uncover vital medicine cavaets including how to find the latest drug information, safety tips, buying prescriptions from foreign locations, and travel vaccination secrets.
Complete a valuable Medication Worksheet for use during doctor, lab, and hospital visits and while traveling.
Ask eight critical questions when a medical provider prescribes a new drug.
Review nine money saving prescription tips.
Learn over a dozen ways to reduce your health care costs.
Understand and analyze Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements and medical bills to uncover and prevent costly errors.
Improve your health with quick and easy diet and exercise tips.
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and discover the recommended range for your weight and height.
Incorporate twelve healthy money saving actions into your life.
Take advantage of employer wellness programs.
Integrate preventative care programs that can prevent catastrophic illnesses, including diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
Better utilize prenatal care and well childcare programs.
Learn how to verify the quality of online health information.
Receive a resource guide that includes over eighty useful websites to help you become a smarter health care consumer.
Ask doctors fourteen necessary questions concerning diagnosis and treatment options.
Review the common tiers and types of drug classifications used by health plans.
Review essential tips about doctors, chiropractic care, surgeons, physician assistants, second opinions, alternative medicine, and hospitals.

Healthy Aging: Make Your Boomer Years Really Boom

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:22:58 +0000

Description

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that physical, mental, and emotional well-being can contribute to improved health and functional ability among older adults. Participants who attend this course will gain a greater understanding of the positive aspects of aging as well as learn how to minimize illness and manage chronic disease or disability.

Audience

Recommended for those who desire greater physical, mental, and emotional health and vitality as well as increased quality of life. The course is also geared for those individuals who may be caring for older adults.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 40-plus page workbook which reviews each subject covered and provides listings of additional resources for future use.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Define aging and explain the aging process.
Review the positive aspects of aging.
Discuss “health” and “wellness” in the context of healthy aging.
Describe the unique physical, social, and health characteristics and needs of the baby boomer generation as they age and retire.
Discover and value various wellness offerings and next-generation disease management programs as complementary measures which meet boomers broad healthcare needs.
Review the basics of good nutrition for healthy aging, including nutrients for a long and healthy life.
List six benefits of fitness after 50.
Describe ten workout tips that help minimize the aging process.
Illustrate how healthy sleep habits are important to health and wellness.
Identify important medical tests for individuals to request in their 50′s and 60′s.
Uncover six ways to enhance emotional and mental vitality.
Distinguish special provisions within Medicare Advantage plans that support wellness and longevity, while minimizing and controlling costs and disability.

Retirement Planning Strategies in Changing Times

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:22:02 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will be able to better calculate their current financial situation, estimate their retirement needs, and create an investment strategy for meeting those needs during changing financial and economic times.

Audience

Recommended for those who desire a greater ability to make informed retirement planning decisions in changing financial and economic times.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 55-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered and provides resources and a glossary for future use.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Utilize the six key factors for a prosperous retirement.
Identify the major obstacles to overcome when planning for retirement.
Plan more effectively for the impact of inflation.
Estimate the amount of annual income needed in retirement.
Determine whether on track financially for retirement.
Calculate the money needed to be saved each year until retirement.
Compare the different types of IRAs.
Complete a personalized risk tolerance survey.
Learn how to control the risk level of an investment portfolio.
Manage stock market volatility and prepare for market corrections.
Weather market uncertainty more effectively at or near retirement.
Explain important portfolio management strategies for retirees.
Uncover ten crucial retiree secrets to successful retirement planning.

Investing for the Clueless!

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:13:40 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will gain a basic level of knowledge on investments and investing strategies, which will enable them to build and better manage an investment portfolio.

Audience

Recommended for those who desire a greater ability to make informed investment decisions.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 45-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered, and provides resources and a glossary for future use.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Investigate the basics on financial accounts, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Uncover six crucial factors that affect stock prices.
Consider bond investments based on six important elements.
Study ratings to identify the risk and return potential of various bonds.
Describe the relationship between bond values and interest rates.
Analyze mutual fund fees and expenses.
Find out the most prevalent reasons investors buy stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Recognize five sources of risk and how to manage each.
Evaluate levels of risk and return for various investments.
Determine which types of investments match one’s objectives.
Diversify, allocate, and rebalance assets in an investment portfolio.
Review and apply key investment terms.
Discover essential investing guidelines and common mistakes to avoid.
Develop an investment plan for all financial goals.

How to Invest $25 a Paycheck

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:12:03 +0000

Description

Participants will gain important skills in analyzing their current financial resources, discover many ways small amounts can be invested in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and set up a plan of action for achieving all their financial goals.

Audience

Recommended for those who would like greater knowledge and ability to set up and stick to an investment plan for any and all financial goals.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 45-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered, and provides resources and a glossary for future use.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Define three essential ingredients to becoming wealthy.
Review fifteen important wealth accumulation tips.
Improve finances with simple money strategies.
Discover over a dozen ways to find extra money to invest.
Identify how to invest small amounts in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Examine the power of compounding and the value of dollar cost averaging.
Discuss how to buy stocks and bonds directly without broker commissions.
Investigate how dividend reinvestment plans work.
Learn how to form an investment club.
Incorporate fourteen essential tips when making stock selections.
Select mutual funds using five crucial guidelines.
Compare the pros and cons of investing in mutual funds vs. individual stocks.
Evaluate investment risk and return potential.
Utilize an investor checklist to create an investing plan of action.

Understanding Stocks, Bonds and the Markets (Beginning Course)

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:11:09 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will develop a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of stocks and bonds. In addition, this course will help to simplify the terminology and jargon used by the financial industry.

Audience

Recommended for those who would like to have a better grasp of stock and bond investments

Materials

Each participant will receive a 35-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered, and provides resources and a glossary for future use

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Uncover the reasons organizations issue stocks and bonds.
Identify reasons for investing in stocks and bonds.
Recognize the common types of stocks & bonds and their characteristics.
Review five major entities that facilitate stock trading.
Discover five important factors that determine stock prices.
Recall important stock averages and indexes that measure market performance.
Learn how to read stock and bond quotations.
Go over six important elements of bonds.
Examine the meaning of bond ratings.
Learn how interest rates affect stock and bond investments.
Find out the risks of owning stocks and bonds.
Identify four essential actions to take before making investment decisions.

Understanding Stock Awards and the Tax Implications

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:09:41 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will gain a better understanding of the role company stock can play in their financial portfolio. Through interactive exercises, participants will attain a good understanding of the terminology used and the operation of employee stock awards. Through direct application of current tax laws, participants will gain knowledge of the tax ramifications for transactions involving employee stock awards.

Audience

Recommended for those who have been granted stock awards.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 50-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered and provides resources and a glossary for future use.

Duration

2-3 hours

Learning Outcomes

Discover and understand key terms used with stock awards.
Perform real-life calculations for stock awards through the use of exercises
Review triggering events that affect stock awards.
Practice stock split calculations and assess their impact on stock awards
Examine important information on insider trading and tipping.
Perform real-life calculations for employee stock awards.
Uncover five essential tax terms.
Review current tax rate information.
Determine whether gains and losses are short-term or long-term and how they are computed.
Examine how regular and alternative minimum tax is calculated.
Discover who is required to make estimated tax payments.
Figure how much tax is owed, how it is treated, and when it needs to be paid for transactions involving stock awards.

Understanding Stock Options and the Tax Implications

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:08:43 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will gain a better understanding of the role company stock can play in their financial portfolio. Through interactive exercises, participants will attain a good understanding of the terminology used and the operation of employee stock options. Through direct application of current tax laws, participants will gain knowledge of the tax ramifications for stock purchases and sales made via employee stock options.

Audience

Recommended for those who have been granted stock options.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 50-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered and provides resources and a glossary for future use

Duration

2-3 hours

Learning Outcomes

Review the benefits of stock options and the risks associated with purchasing stock option shares.
Put into action the bargain element formula.
Uncover two types of employee stock options and their differences.
Discover and understand twelve key terms used with stock options.
Review four triggering events that affect a stock option’s grant expiration date.
Utilize three methods for exercising stock options.
Practice stock split calculations and assess their impact on stock options
Examine important information on insider trading and tipping.
Perform real-life calculations for employee stock option exercises.
Uncover five essential tax terms.
Review current tax rate information.
Determine whether gains and losses are short-term or long-term and how they are computed.
Examine how regular and alternative minimum tax is calculated.
Discover who is required to make estimated tax payments.
Analyze and solve real-life employee stock option case studies using innovative, easy-to-use tax flow charts.
Distinguish between qualifying and disqualifying dispositions.
Compare taxes on cash and cashless exercises as well as sell-to-cover stock option transactions.
Figure how much tax is owed, how it is treated, and when it needs to be paid.

Understanding Stock, the Markets, & Stock Options (Beginner/Intermediate Course)

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:07:50 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will develop a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of stock and the markets, as well as the role company stock can play in their financial portfolio. Through interactive exercises, participants will attain a good understanding of the terminology used and the operation of employee stock options.

Audience

Recommended for those who have been granted employee stock options.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 40+ page workbook, which reviews each topic covered and provides resources and a glossary for future use.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Uncover the reasons organizations issue stock and investors purchase stock.
Explain the IPO process.
Compare traditional vs. auction-based IPO offerings.
Understand the common types of stocks and their characteristics.
Review five major entities that facilitate stock trading.
Discover five important factors that determine stock prices.
Become familiar with important stock averages and indexes that measure market performance.
Learn how to read stock quotations.
Review the benefits of stock options and the risks associated with purchasing stock option shares.
Discover and understand twelve key terms used with stock options.
Review four triggering events that affect a stock option’s grant expiration date.
Utilize three methods for exercising stock options.
Learn how stock splits work and their impact on stock options.
Perform real-life calculations for employee stock option exercises.
Master the bargain element formula.
Uncover two types of employee stock options and their differences.
Grasp important information on insider trading and tipping.

Understanding the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the Tax Implications

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:06:59 +0000

Description

Participants who attend this course will gain a better understanding of the role company stock can play in their financial portfolio. Through interactive exercises, participants will attain a good understanding of the terminology used and the operation of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Through direct application of current tax laws, participants will gain knowledge of the tax ramifications for transactions involving the ESPP.

Audience

Recommended for those who are eligible to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

Materials

Each participant will receive a 30-plus page workbook, which reviews each topic covered and provides resources and a glossary for future use

Duration

2 Hours

Learning Outcomes

Understand the provisions of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, including how to enroll and how much can be contributed.
Become familiar with the $25,000 Stock Plan Purchase Limitation
Learn how stock splits work and their impact on the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Practice stock split calculations and assess their impact on the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Identify seven important features of employee stock plans.
Perform real-life calculations for employee stock plan purchases
Research important information on insider trading and tipping.
Uncover five essential tax terms.
Review current tax rate information.
Determine whether gains and losses are short-term or long-term and how they are computed.
Examine how regular and alternative minimum tax is calculated.
Discover who is required to make estimated tax payments.
Analyze and solve real-life employee stock purchase plan case studies using innovative, easy-to-use tax flow charts.
Distinguish between qualifying versus disqualifying dispositions.
Figure how much tax is owed, how it is treated, and when it needs to be paid for transactions involving employee stock purchases

Selecting Mutual Funds for Your Portfolio

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:05:34 +0000

Description

Participants attending this course will gain more in-depth knowledge of important factors when selecting mutual fund investments. By using real life examples and exercises, participants will attain important skills for future investment selections.

Audience

Recommended for those who desire a greater understanding of how to select mutual funds.

Materials

Each participant will receive a 55-page workbook, which reviews each topic covered, and provides resources and a glossary for future use.

Duration

2 hours

Learning Outcomes

Learn how a mutual fund operates.
Distinguish between investing in mutual funds vs. stocks and bonds.
Utilize a four-step process when evaluating and selecting mutual funds.
Find out how to determine which mutual funds are suitable for various financial goals.
Uncover eleven popular fund types and the securities associated with each.
Evaluate mutual funds using eight important criteria.
Discover if a fund’s name is misleading.
Compare mutual fund performance to peer funds and indexes.
Identify various forms of risk that impact fund performance.
Assess the types of mutual fund fees and expenses and their impact on performance.
Recognize hidden sales charges in many so called “no load” mutual funds.
Review turnover ratios and their impact to mutual fund investors.
Manage to open a mutual fund account for less than the minimum using one of three different techniques.
Discuss the three ways mutual fund investors incur taxes.