Elevate Your Education with Our Immersive Masterclass Programs

Financial planners and tax professionals are increasingly called upon to bring clarity, structure, and strategy to the college planning conversation—especially for high-income and high-net-worth families facing rising costs, shrinking aid, and confusing loan reforms. This five-part masterclass, led by college planning pioneer Beth Walker and a lineup of nationally recognized guest educators, empowers advisors with the frameworks, insights, and language to guide clients through an intentional, tax-smart, and values-driven college planning process.

Anchored in Beth’s proven MAGIC Method™—Money, Academics, Gifts, Integration, and Confidence—this course goes far beyond generic advice. You'll dive into the latest financial aid changes with experts Mark Kantrowitz, who will unpack the new Student Aid Index (SAI) and best practices for completing the FAFSA form and CSS Profile, and Heather Jarvis, who will share latest on federal loan reforms and limits. Then, Mary Morris, CEO of Virginia529, and college savings strategist Scott Morrison will lead a hands-on session on evaluating and comparing 529 plans, including ownership structures, state-level tax incentives, and coordination with AOTC. Estate and tax attorney Alan Gassman, J.D., LL.M. will guide attendees through the nuances of Dynasty 529 Planning, including intergenerational strategies, trust integration, and new Roth rollover opportunities under SECURE Act 2.0. Finally, you'll discover how to help families align funding with purpose in a dual-topic session: career discovery coach Lisa Marker Robbins will share tools for guiding students toward meaningful majors and life paths, while admissions strategist Cathy Copeland Titus will show how to boost admission and merit outcomes through smart academic positioning and top-quartile targeting.

Masterclass Program Schedule

Session #1: Foundations of College Planning for High-Income Clients

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 | 12:00-2:30 PM ET (including Q&A)

Session #2: Mastering the FAFSA, CSS Profile & Financial Aid Award Negotiation

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 | 12:00-2:30 PM ET (including Q&A)

Session #3: What Every Advisor Should Know When Evaluating 529 Plans

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 | 12:00-2:30 PM ET (including Q&A)

 Session #4: Gifts & Purpose-Driven Planning + Academic Positioning & Admission Leverage

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 | 12:00-2:30 PM ET (including Q&A)

Session #5: Dynasty 529 Planning: Multigenerational Education Funding and Estate Strategy

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 | 12:00-2:30 PM ET (including Q&A)

Continuing Education (CE) Credits

Each live session will provide 2 CE credits to subscribers with the CFP®, CLU, ChFC and RICP designations. CPE and EA subscribers can also earn 2 CPE credits for each live session. Each session will provide 2 CE credits for Investment Adviser Representatives. CE-eligible replays will also be available for CFP®, American College and IARs.