HuffPost | 7 Surprising Money ‘Rules’ Most People Don’t Know (But Should)
January 12, 2025

In this article compiling all the best tips and tricks for saving money, Wealth Management Certified Professional® (WMCP®) Program Director Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, suggests setting up an automatic transfer to a high-yield savings account and taking advantage of your employer’s 401(k) plan.

The Kiplinger Letter | How Would Raising the Social Security Retirement Age to 69 Affect You?
January 15, 2025

Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) Program Director Eric Ludwig, PhD, CFP®, explains the need for expanded lifetime income options in retirement plans in this article about the potential effects of an increased retirement age.

MarketWatch | There Is an Alphabet Soup of Certifications for Advisors. Here Are the Ones That Count.
January 22, 2025

This article details the top certifications for financial advisors to pursue, noting the College’s Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) Program, Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) Program, and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) Program as some of the best for specialized knowledge.

InvestmentNews | How the California Wildfires Have Sparked Charitable Conversations
January 22, 2025

In this article about the rise in charitable giving in response to the California wildfires, the College’s Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Professional Certificate is mentioned as one way advisors can expertly promote this generosity.

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – February 3, 2025 – The American College of Financial Services is excited to announce the program for Horizons 2025, an inaugural, one-of-a-kind conference that will bring together the brightest minds in retirement planning to explore innovative strategies, insights, and solutions for today’s dynamic retirement landscape.

Hosted at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California, Horizons offers an exclusive, immersive experience for retirement planners. Attendees will dive deep into holistic retirement income planning, longevity planning, and legacy planning, engaging in specialized workshops, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities focused on critical topics such as Social Security, Medicare, retirement psychology, income solutions, and housing options.

“We’re proud to create an event that will set the standard for how retirement planners come together to learn, grow, and share knowledge. Horizons is about breaking boundaries, exploring new horizons in retirement planning, and ensuring our profession evolves to meet the needs of retirees in 2025 and beyond,” said George Nichols III, CAP®, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “This event is an exciting step forward in shaping the future of retirement and the profession itself, and we are thrilled to be leading this conversation with some of the most renowned experts in the field.”

This is essential to the future of solutions-first retirement advice, with generational demographics increasing the demand for retirement planning services, and retirees living ever longer lives. The dynamic agenda is available here, and features speakers including:

• Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, professor of wealth management, Wealth Management Certified Professional® (WMCP®) program director, The American College of Financial Services
• Michael Kitces, MSFS, MTAX, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RHU®, REBC®, CASL®, financial planner, speaker, blogger, and educator
• Jeffrey Levine, CFP®, CPA/PFS, ChFC®, RICP®, CWS, AIF, BFA™, chief planning officer, Buckingham Wealth Partners
• Ed Slott, CPA, founder and CEO, Ed Slott and Company
• Wade Pfau, PhD, CFA, RICP®, founder, RISAProfile.com
• Jamie Hopkins, Esq., LLM, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, senior vice president, director of private wealth management, Bryn Mawr Trust
• Justin Fitzpatrick, PhD, CFA, CFP®, co-founder and chief innovation officer, Income Lab
• Eric Ludwig, PhD, CFP®, assistant professor of retirement income, Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) program director, The American College of Financial Services
• Fiona Greig, PhD, global head of investor research and policy, Vanguard
• Steve Parrish, JD, RICP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AEP®, professor of practice, retirement planning, The American College of Financial Services
• Chet Bennetts, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, CLF®, assistant professor, financial planning, CFP® Certification Education and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) program director, The American College of Financial Services
• David Blanchett, PhD, MSFS, CFA, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, managing director, portfolio manager, and head of retirement research, PGIM DC Solutions
• Lindsey Lewis, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®, managing director, the American College Center for Women in Financial Services
• Carolyn McClanahan, MD, CFP®, founder, Life Planning Partners, Inc.
• Kate Dore, CFP®, finance reporter, CNBC
• Jon Dorenbos, keynote speaker, professional magician, and former NFL player
• Will Guidara, restaurateur and author

And many more!

“Horizons is much more than a conference — it’s a transformational experience for retirement planners looking to advance their knowledge and stay ahead of the curve,” said Sandon Herzlich, vice president of retirement strategy at The American College of Financial Services.

“This event provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with colleagues, hear from the foremost experts, and gain critical insights. The power of this event lies in the community it creates, the knowledge it fosters, and the cutting-edge solutions it brings to the forefront.”

Unlike traditional industry events, Horizons offers an agenda free of sales presentations. Instead, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with star speakers and top-tier experts, offering practical knowledge and applicable insights that directly enhance client relationships and business outcomes. Continuing education (CE) credits will also be available for qualifying sessions.

But it’s not all about learning. Horizons is also about fostering connections and offering relaxation. The event features exclusive networking opportunities and themed experiences unique to the San Diego area, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable experience for all attendees.

“We believe Horizons is the event that retirement planners have been waiting for — an immersive, community-driven experience that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in our profession,” added Nichols.

For more information and to register, visit events.theamericancollege.edu/horizons.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.

Contact

Sarah Tremallo
908-967-0381 / Stremallo@jconnelly.com

Jared Trexler
610-526-1268 / jared.trexler@theamericancollege.edu