Step 3: Investing Made Simple Turning Complexity into Clarity (Video) (Course Id 2703)

• Who is this course for?
  This course is for CPAs and professionals seeking Continuing Professional Education (CPE), especially those aiming to improve how they guide clients through investment decisions.

• What is this course about or what problem does this course solve?
  The course addresses the confusion and fear many clients face around investing by debunking common myths and offering clear, practical strategies to simplify complex investment concepts.

• How can the knowledge from this course be used?
  Participants can use this knowledge to communicate investment concepts clearly, reframe discussions around risk, and help clients evaluate opportunities and coordinate advice more effectively.

• Why is this course important to a CPA, Accountant, or IRS Enrolled Agent?
  It helps financial professionals stay relevant by moving beyond compliance to become trusted advisors who bring clarity and confidence to their clients' investment decisions.

• When is this course relevant or timely?
  With the release date in 2025 and as investing remains a key concern for clients amidst economic changes, this course is timely for professionals needing to adapt their client conversations now.

• How is a course like this consumed or used?
  It is delivered as a QAS Self Study video course, requiring participants to complete review and final exam questions to earn CPE credit.

As technology and consolidation reshape the profession, CPAs who want to stay indispensable must lead conversations that go beyond compliance. For most clients, nothing feels more overwhelming than investing. It’s not that they don’t participate — it’s that they’re unsure if the system they’ve built is actually working together. The result is fear, mistrust, and fragmented portfolios.

In this third session of our 8-part Financial Literacy Series, you’ll learn how to take the mystery out of investing and position yourself as the clarity-builder clients crave. We’ll tackle the myths that keep clients stuck: that investing is about chasing the next big thing, that risk should always be feared, and that having the “best advisors” guarantees protection. Each myth is paired with a practical solution that equips you to reframe conversations in plain language.

Key takeaways include how to explain diversification and portfolio theory without jargon, how to reframe risk as a tool that can be aimed at client goals, and how to highlight the costly dangers of uncoordinated advice. You’ll also discover how to help HNW and VHNW clients evaluate new opportunities through their roadmap, filtering out distractions and building confidence in their decision-making.

This is Step 3 of the series, designed to give you conversational tools that strengthen trust, reduce confusion, and transform investing from a source of stress into a source of clarity.

Video - NASBA QAS - Text - NASBA Registry - 2703

Course Learning Objectives

1. Explain diversification and portfolio structure in clear, client-friendly language.
2. Reframe risk as a tool aligned with client goals and outcomes.
3. Identify dangers created by uncoordinated investment and tax strategies.
4. Apply scripts and frameworks to help clients filter opportunities.
5. Position themselves as clarity-builders rather than investment product providers.

Chapter 1 - Step 3: Investing Made Simple Turning Complexity into Clarity

Chapter 1 Review Questions