This class drills into the variables that determine whether a retirement portfolio survives or not. With the Excel-based "Retirement Portfolio Analyzer" in the hands of each participant, this is workshop on how to use the software to solve the retirement algorithm by:

• creating a “baseline” asset allocation for a retirement portfolio
• determining the best withdrawal method
• establishing the cost of the portfolio inclusive of fund and your advisory fee
• placing historical returns in proper context

Using inputs for the variables explained in Class 1, participants learn how evaluate and share results over rolling 25-year periods for:

• retirement portfolio survival or failure
• average annual withdrawal by retiree
• average ending portfolio balance after 25 years
• average total amount of money withdrawn over a 25-year period

Solutions for reducing the risk of a poor sequence of returns in the early stage of retirement and other retirement portfolio risks are illustrated using a spreadsheet designed by course-instructor, Craig L. Israelsen, Ph.D. The Retirement Portfolio Analyzer, a powerful Excel spreadsheet for solving and illustrating client retirement financial planning solutions, is included with an optional 2-credit elective course.

For RICP® and RMA® practitioners, this class presents a different approach and adds perspective.

Craig Israelsen, Ph.D., for over two decades has helped define best practices for fiduciaries in managing low-expense portfolios, documenting his research monthly in Financial Planning. Craig is an Executive-in-Residence in the Financial Planning Program at Utah Valley University and an expert in low-cost investing. His investment methodology, 7Twelve Portfolio, is relied on by hundreds of professionals across the country.