Curriculum | Wealth and Trust School Level 2

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Registration

8:00 AM – 8:15 AM

Welcome and School Overview

8:15 AM – 9:15 AM

Developing a Personalized Wealth Management Strategy

Understand, interpret and restate a client’s wealth strategy by drawing from their financial plan, estate documents, and investment or asset management plans. The course also explains how to look for alignment, consistency and gaps in the articulated plan and the client’s expectations.

• Kent Lytle

9:30 AM  – 12:00 PM

Property Included on Transfer Tax Returns

This course covers taxation and estate planning issues that affect personal trusts. Examine the role of transfer taxes in trust management and basic estate planning, including the use of the marital deduction.

• Steve Goodman

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax

The Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT) presents a unique challenge — and opportunity — for wealth management and trust professionals advising clients on multigenerational wealth transfers. Designed to prevent the avoidance of estate taxes by “skipping” generations, the GSTT applies to transfers made to individuals more than one generation below the donor, such as grandchildren or unrelated individuals more than 37.5 years younger.

• Tom Abendroth
• Tracy McLaughlin

3:15 PM – 5:15 PM

Managing the Dynamic Nature of Client Financial Needs

In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, client needs are more dynamic than ever — shaped by market volatility, life transitions, regulatory changes and shifting priorities. This session equips wealth management and trust professionals with the tools and insights to proactively navigate these complexities and deliver adaptive, client-centered strategies.

• Alvina Lo

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Welcome Reception

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Post-Mortem Tax Planning

Effective estate planning doesn’t end at death — it continues through the critical decisions made during estate and trust administration. This session explores the essential elements of post-mortem tax planning, equipping fiduciaries and wealth professionals with the knowledge to navigate complex tax elections, optimize outcomes for beneficiaries and fulfill their responsibilities with confidence.

• Austin Bertrand

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Fiduciary Income Tax

Understanding fiduciary income taxation is essential for professionals managing estates and trusts. This session provides a comprehensive overview of how various fiduciary entities are taxed and the planning opportunities available to minimize tax liability while fulfilling fiduciary duties.

• Tom Lasley

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Lunch

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM

CTFA Presentation

2:15 PM – 4:45 PM

Estate Planning for the Business Owner

Business owners face unique estate planning challenges that require careful coordination of personal, family and business goals. This session explores advanced planning strategies to help clients preserve business value, ensure smooth succession and minimize tax exposure.

• Austin Bertrand

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Life Insurance Considerations and Annuity Options

Explore different types of life insurance, ways to assess client needs and things to consider when managing life insurance. You’ll also be introduced to annuities, their various types and how they are taxed. 

• Steve Goodman

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM

Fundamentals of Insurance

Insurance is a critical component of a comprehensive wealth management strategy, offering protection against life’s uncertainties and preserving long-term financial security. This session provides an overview of personal and professional insurance solutions, helping advisors identify appropriate coverage options for clients across a range of needs.

• Steve Goodman

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Prudent Portfolio Management

Prudent portfolio management is at the heart of fiduciary responsibility. Get a comprehensive overview of the standards and practical considerations that guide investment decision-making for fiduciaries managing trusts and estates.

• Erik Davidson

3:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Special Needs Trusts

Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) are essential tools for protecting the financial future of individuals with disabilities while preserving their eligibility for critical government benefits. This session provides a comprehensive overview of the considerations involved in establishing and administering SNTs. 

• Kristen Lewis

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Mid-Week Celebration

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Bond Selection and Analysis

Bonds play a critical role in portfolio construction, income generation and risk management. We’ll take a strategic look at bond selection and analysis so you’ll have the tools to evaluate fixed-income investments and communicate their value effectively to clients.

• Bill Stone

9:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Stock Selection and Analysis

Equity investing requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, valuation methods and investor behavior. Walk away from this session with a deeper understanding of stock selection and analysis, and with the analytical tools and strategic insights to evaluate equity opportunities effectively.

• Bill Stone

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Lunch

12:15 PM – 12:30 PM

ABA Membership Presentation

12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

IRAs and Qualified Retirement Plans

Retirement planning is a cornerstone of wealth management, and understanding the evolving landscape of IRAs and Qualified Retirement Plans (QRPs) is essential to guiding clients effectively. This session explores retirement account structures, contribution rules, tax treatment and strategic planning opportunities.

• Tom Lasley

3:45 PM –  5:00 PM

Estate Planning Update

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Investment Products

A well-rounded understanding of investment products is essential for building diversified portfolios that align with client goals and risk profiles. We’ll take a deep dive into the broad spectrum of investment vehicles available in today’s markets.

• Greg Maddox

11:00 AM – 12:45 PM

Capstone Case Study

This interactive capstone session brings together the key concepts, strategies and best practices covered throughout the program with a comprehensive, real-world case study. Designed to reinforce learning and promote critical thinking, you will work through a complex client scenario that integrates estate planning, tax considerations, investment strategy, fiduciary responsibilities and client relationship management.

• Jody Denney Vazquez
• Lisa Bittner

12:45 PM – 1:00 PM

School Wrap-Up