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Maximum Family Benefit
Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 10: Social Security Student Question: Does the maximum family benefit apply to a husband and wife that are both fully insured if the combined total between the two exceeds the maximum family limit? If I understand correctly, the maximum family limit only applies if there are beneficiaries within the family receiving benefits…
Roth IRA Contribution Eligibility
In 2026, which of the following taxpayers may make a full Roth IRA contribution, assuming all other eligibility requirements are met? Single filer with MAGI of $270,000 Married filing jointly with MAGI of $255,000 Head of household with MAGI of $130,000 Married filing separately with MAGI of $15,000 CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand C is…
CFP Board Announces Updates to the Competency Standards
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board has finalized its updates to the Competency Standards – and while this may sound procedural, the implications for the profession are far-reaching. These changes reflect a fundamental evolution in how the CFP Board defines competence: moving from task-based checklists to judgment-based decision-making. The updates were approved following an open…
Interest Rate Risk in a Bond
Course: Investment PlanningLesson 10: Fixed Income Securities Analysis Student Question: I’m not clear why holders of long-term bonds are subject to interest rate risk. If a 20-year bond is purchased at par with a coupon rate of 6.25% ($62.50/year), it seems to me that the investor would still receive $62.50 a year regardless of interest rate changes. What…
Taxable Income
A CFP® professional is reviewing a client’s Form 1040. Which of the following best describes how taxable income is calculated? Total income reduced by tax credits Adjusted gross income reduced by deductions Gross income reduced by exclusions Total income reduced by adjustments and credits CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand B is the answer. Taxable income =…
Cybersecurity Best Practices for CFP® Professionals
Good to Know In an increasingly digital advisory environment, cybersecurity is no longer an IT issue – it’s a core component of fiduciary duty. CFP® professionals are entrusted with clients’ most sensitive personal and financial data, and a breach of that trust can carry not only financial consequences, but reputational damage and potential regulatory scrutiny.…
Appropriate Emergency Fund
Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 3: Personal Financial Statements Student Question: Hi, Why is the answer to review question down below 22,500 (only 3 months of income needed)? I would have thought it would be 45,000 (six months of income needed). I thought six months would be needed since they (1) both did not have…
Tax Credits available by Adjusted Gross Income
Which of the following tax credits, if any, is available to a taxpayer regardless of adjusted gross income (AGI)? Earned Income Tax Credit Credit for the Elderly or Disabled Adoption Expense Credit Foreign Tax Credit CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand D is the answer. There is no AGI phase-out for the Foreign Tax Credit. It…
The Financial Implications of AI in Financial Planning
Good to Know As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its impact on the financial planning profession is becoming impossible to ignore. From generative models that support document creation to machine learning algorithms that enhance risk analysis and portfolio construction, AI is not just a trend – it’s becoming a strategic advantage for firms and advisors…