Local Financial Professional Completes Advanced Training

Michael Foguth, founder and president of Foguth Financial Group, completed his semiannual training with America’s IRA Experts at Ed Slott and Company, LLC by participating in a virtual workshop November 5–6, 2020. The online 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 as well as an in-depth look at how sweeping retirement and tax law changes under both the SECURE and CARES Acts have impacted financial planning in 2020 and beyond.

“2020 has been an unprecedented year and with the significant policy changes we have seen under the SECURE and CARES Acts, these laws have had both a temporary and long-lasting impact on the way Americans plan for their retirement. With so many families facing early retirement or lay-offs surrounding the pandemic, carefully navigating critical rollover decisions with a trained, skilled professional is more important than ever,” said Ed Slott, CPA, founder of Ed Slott and Company, AARP columnist and a 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 three years, I commend Foguth 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, Foguth 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 the end of the stretch IRA; CARES Act updates including 2020 RMD waives, coronavirus-related distributions (CRDs) and plan loan relief; an in-depth look at how to advise clients on key rollover decisions; how to update IRA trust plans after the SECURE Act; an advanced look at Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) including the most asked questions about QCDs and how to avoid common mistakes; an update on 60-Day rollover rulings; a comparative look at the 3 types of retirement account withdrawals available under the CARES Act relief; how to protect retirement assets in the event of a bankruptcy or lawsuit; a review of 10 Roth IRA distribution case studies; gift planning and lifetime transfers; and a look at 2020 IRA cases and judgments.

Training was provided by Ed Slott and Company’s team of retirement experts, including Ed Slott, CPA; Sarah Brenner, JD; Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF®; and Ian Berger, 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 accounts and income planning. This virtual workshop also provided approved continuing education (CE) credit through American College, CFP® Board, IRS and CPE for retirement savings and income planning, federal tax law topics and general financial education.

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, such as the Complete IRA Care Solution™ 30-module planning guide. Members also have access to proprietary worksheets, pamphlets and presentations, including 2020 Retirement Plan Changes, 2020 Year-End Checklist, and COVID-19 Retirement Account Relief and Retirement Plan Payouts to Beneficiaries Under the SECURE Act that they can use when working with clients.

“From temporary law changes, like the 2020 RMD waiver, to new permanent policies, such as the elimination of the stretch IRA, there are a lot of new retirement planning rules for Americans to navigate, and it can be difficult to understand when and where your financial plan needs updates,” said Foguth. “Through my membership with Ed Slott and Company, I am up-to-speed on the latest retirement laws and strategies. As we prepare for 2021, I am confident that I have the knowledge and support needed to help my clients implement the financial strategies that are in their best interest.”

“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 and CARES Acts 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.”

Foguth can be contacted for more information on IRA and retirement-related questions. Please visit www.foguthfinancial.com or call 810-552-5650.