myCPE

2025 Updates on Basics for Pension & Defined Benefit Plans 2 Credits

2025 Updates on Basics for Pension & Defined Benefit Plans 2 Credits

  • Steve Abramson

    CPC, CLU, ChFC

  • Rating

    5

  • Published on

    March, 2025

  • Subject Area

    Finance

Learning mode

On Demand
  • Access the course at your convenience
  • Take the assessment test
  • Get your certificate
  • Attend the live interactive session
  • Answer the polling questions
  • Get your certificate

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the structure and function of Defined Benefit Plans. 
  • Identify key funding requirements and actuarial considerations. 
  • Differentiate between Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plans. 
  • Evaluate plan termination and distribution options. 
  • Analyze vesting rules and their impact on employee retention.

Course Overview

Planning for retirement is a critical financial decision, and Defined Benefit (DB) Plans provide a structured, employer-funded solution to secure a stable income in later years.  

Unlike Defined Contribution (DC) plans, where retirement payouts depend on investment performance, DB plans guarantee benefits based on salary history, service years, and a fixed formula. But how do these plans work, and what makes them a valuable retirement option? This course explores the fundamentals of DB plans, highlighting their advantages, funding methods, and regulatory compliance. 

This CPE course covers everything professionals need to know about DB plans, from understanding contribution structures to exploring retirement distribution choices. Key aspects such as benefit formulas, funding strategies, tax implications, and plan limits are explained in a simple, practical manner. With clear examples and expert insights, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how DB plans function, how employers manage funding obligations, and how employees maximize their benefits. 

Major topics covered: 

  • Defined Benefit Overview 
  • Key Plan Features 
  • Compensation & Contributions 
  • Retirement & Payout Options 
  • Funding & Compliance Rules

Join this insightful course to master Defined Benefit Plans and make informed retirement planning decisions!

On Demand Credits for All Qualifications

License details Credits Status
Finance for Certified Public Accountants (CPA-US) 2 CPE Approved
Retirement and Financial Independence Planning for Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) 2 CPD Eligible
Finance for Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 2 PL Eligible
Finance for Delaware Licensed Public Accountant (DE-LPA) 2 CPE Eligible
Finance for Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) 2 CE Eligible
Financial Planning for Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS) 2 CE Eligible
Financial Planning for Certified Fiduciary and Investment Risk Specialist (CFIRS) 2 CE Eligible
Finance for Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) 2 CE Eligible
Finance for Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP) 2 CE Eligible
Finance for Financial Services Certified Professional (FSCP) 2 CE Eligible
Finance for Iowa Licensed Public Accountant (IA-LPA) 2 CPE Eligible
Finance for Maine Licensed Public Accountant (ME-LPA) 2 CPE Eligible
Finance for Chartered Advisor in Senior Living (CASL) 2 CE Eligible
Finance for Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC) 2 CE Eligible
Finance for CIPM 2 PL Eligible

Additional Information

Credits

2

Course Level

Basic

Instructional Method

QAS Self Study

Group Internet Based

Pre-requisites

None

Advance Preparation

None

NASBA APPROVED

MY-CPE LLC, 1600 Highway 6 south, suite 250, sugar land, TX, 77478

MY-CPE LLC (Sponsor Id#: 143597) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.

Step into the world of CPA CPE courses with MYCPE ONE. Our online courses make earning your CPA CPE credits simple and stress-free. Covering a variety of topics taught by experienced professionals, we offer the flexibility to learn on your schedule and at your pace. Say goodbye to outdated methods and hello to a smarter way to grow your expertise. Start your journey to professional success with us today!

About Instructor

One of the best live CE/CPE/CPD/PL courses with Steve Abramson

Steve Abramson , CPC, CLU, ChFC

President, APS Pension and Financial

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  • rating
  • rating
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Stephen Abramson is the President and founding partner of APS Pension & Financial Services established in 1977, a mid-size consulting and actuarial firm employing twenty-two professional and support staff specializing in pension and pension-related services.  For over 40 years, APS has been providing closely held businesses with financial services including pension design and administration, business succession planning, and wealth preservation planning. In 2015 APS Investment Management was established to provide fiduciary services to 401(k) and 403(b) plans and in 2018 APS Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), was established to provide investment management services to individual clients and retirement plans replacing his previous relationship with a Broker/Dealer.  Steve has taught professional level education programs for the American Society of Pension Actuaries; lectured to various professional groups, including the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, The NYS Society of CPAs, Nassau Bar Association, the C.W. Post Tax Institute, and the National Institute of Pension Administrators; and conducted continuing education seminars for Certified Public Accountants for the past 35 years. He is co-author of Plan Smart, Retire Rich published by McGraw Hill in 1998; author of Advisor’s Guide to Qualified Plans originally published by Aspen Publishing in March, 2002 and recently in the process of being updated with the 8th edition, and Retirement Financial Management for Clients Approaching Retirement published by Aspen Publishing in August, 2002.  A less technical version of Advisor’s Guide to Qualified Plans entitled Guide to Qualified Retirement Plans: A Plain Language Primer was published by the International Association of Employee Benefits in March 2005.  The second edition of this book was released in 2008.

Steve graduated from Cornell University in 1964, earned the designation of Chartered Life Underwriter in 1967 from the American College, Certified Pension Consultant in 1970 from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries and Chartered Financial Consultant from the American College in 1972.


On Demand FAQs

What is Self Study (QAS)?

Self Study QAS (Quality Assurance Service) is a NASBA and other regulatory bodies approved program designed for Professionals to complete their Continuing Professional Education credits through self-paced, interactive courses that meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. We are approved by NASBA, IRS, CFP Board, HRCI, SHRM, Payroll Org, FP Canada, and 25+ other regulatory bodies.

How do I earn CPE credits through self-study?

To earn CPE credits, you must complete the self-study course, pass the required assessments, and submit the necessary documentation. Credits are awarded based on the completion of course hours and successfully passing the assessments.

Are the self-study courses approved by NASBA and other regulatory bodies?

Yes, all our self-study courses are approved by NASBA, IRS, CFP Board, HRCI, SHRM, Payroll Org, FP Canada, and 25+ other regulatory bodies, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards for quality and educational content set by these organizations.

What are the requirements to maintain compliance with self-study courses?

To maintain compliance, you must follow the guidelines set by NASBA and other regulatory bodies, which include completing the course within the specified timeframe, passing the assessments, and keeping accurate records of your learning activities.

How can I access my course completion certificates?

After successfully completing a self-study course and passing the assessments, you can access and download your course completion certificates from your account dashboard on our platform. These certificates are recognized by NASBA, IRS, CFP Board, HRCI, SHRM, Payroll Org, FP Canada, and 25+ other regulatory bodies for compliance and reporting purposes.

How are credits reported to governing bodies?

We issue instant credit certificates, ensuring they are valid for presentation to governing bodies. Typically, we report IRS, CTEC, CFP, IDFP, IWI, VBOA Ethics credits within 7 days – the fastest in the industry.

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