Walter F. Pardo, CEO of Wealth Financial Partners, LLC completed his semiannual training with America’s IRA Experts at Ed Slott and Company, LLC by participating in a virtual workshop April 29-30, 2021. The invite-only workshop was attended by members of Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA Advisor GroupSM; it provided in-depth technical training on advanced retirement account planning strategies, estate planning techniques, as well as a critical study of the aftermath surrounding the SECURE and CARES Acts’ retirement and tax law changes.
“The repercussions of a tumultuous 2020 met with the application of multiple, significant new tax laws is a recipe for confused and frustrated retirement savers. Our team has been flooded with thousands of questions from individuals trying to understand and apply all the new rules now in effect. Add this to the stress of living in our ‘new normal’ and potentially navigating critical rollover decisions when faced with an early retirement or lay-offs surrounding the pandemic — working with a trained, knowledgeable professional is more important than ever,” said Ed Slott, CPA, founder of Ed Slott and Company, AARP columnist, Professor of Practice at The American College of Financial Services® and nationally recognized IRA Expert who was named “The Best Source for IRA Advice” by The Wall Street Journal. “As a member of our advanced training program for more than a decade, I commend Mr. Pardo for continuously prioritizing his education throughout this ever-changing retirement planning landscape. He is going above and beyond to deliver informed and accurate financial guidance to his clients in a time when it’s needed most. With this ongoing training, Mr. Pardo can offer the latest insight on any necessary updates one may need now and into the future.”
Training highlights from this event included: A review of the SECURE Act and CARES Act, including repayment of coronavirus-related distributions (CRDs) and the return of required
minimum distributions (RMDs) after being waived in 2020; how to advise successor beneficiaries inheriting retirement accounts under the SECURE Act; determining compensation for IRA and Roth IRA contribution planning; an in-depth look at practical planning issues in naming a minor as an IRA beneficiary; recent IRA court cases and judgments; transferring Roth IRAs in a divorce; comparing employer plans, sorting out plan tax rules and planning strategies for solo(k) plans; and proactive planning steps for navigating critical IRA dates and deadlines throughout the remainder of 2021.
Training was provided by Ed Slott and Company’s team of retirement experts, including Ed Slott, CPA; Sarah Brenner, JD; Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF®; Ian Berger, JD; and Shannon Evans, Esq. 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 accounts and distribution planning. This virtual workshop also provided approved continuing education (CE) credits through The American College, CFP® Board, IRS and NASBA for retirement savings and income planning, federal tax law topics, general financial education, and accounting.
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 workshops, webinars, tax-law updates, step-by-step processes, such as the Complete IRA Care Solution™ 30-module planning guide, and so much more. Members also have access to proprietary worksheets, pamphlets and presentations, including a 7-step checklist for IRA trust planning after the SECURE Act, gift planning presentation, and tips to disarm the new retirement savings time bomb as seen in Ed Slott’s new bestselling book and public television special that they can use when working with clients.
“From temporary law changes, like repaying CRDs under the CARES Act, to navigating options and requirements for inherited retirement accounts after the elimination of the stretch IRA after the SECURE Act, there are urgent steps almost all retirement savers need to take to have their financial plans reviewed and updated,” said Mr. Pardo. “Add to this the many indirect consequences of the pandemic, from divorce to job changes and early retirements, it is a complex time to be making critical financial decisions. Through my membership with Ed Slott and Company, I am confident in my abilities to serve the best interests of my clients as news continues to break, always equipped with the latest retirement laws and strategies and back office support team.”
“The members of our Master Elite IRA Advisor GroupSM are taking the lead in helping their clients navigate one of the most uncertain and difficult periods in American history,” said Slott. “The SECURE Act and CARES Act are far from the last changes we will see for the retirement planning landscape, but our members will continue to receive the latest alerts and training on changes to retirement and tax law and policies so they can proactively serve their clients.”
Mr. Pardo can be contacted for more information on IRA and retirement-related questions. Please visit www.wealthfinancialpartners.com or call 877-7142362
ABOUT ED SLOTT AND COMPANY, LLC: Ed Slott and Company, LLC is the nation’s leading provider of technical IRA education for financial advisors, CPAs and attorneys. Ed Slott’s Elite
IRA Advisor GroupSM is comprised of nearly 450 of the nation’s top financial professionals who are dedicated to the mastery of advanced retirement account and tax planning laws and strategies. Slott is a nationally recognized IRA distribution expert, best-selling author and professional speaker. He has hosted several public television specials, including “Retire Safe & Secure! with Ed Slott” and released his latest book, “The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb,” in March 2021. Visit irahelp.com for more information.
ABOUT Wealth Financial Partners, LLC: Our team has over 40 years of combined experience working with and being referred by a roster of affluent families and business owners. Our clients see us as their wealth strategist, life coach, and most importantly, as their trusted advisor. We are an independent private wealth management firm that has been delivering personalized service to families and business owners nationwide and are headquartered in the historic Liberty Corner section of Basking Ridge in New Jersey.
Securities and advisory services offered through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a Registered Investment Adviser. Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealth Financial Partners LLC, ED SLOTT AND COMPANY, LLC and IFG are unaffiliated entities.