Posts by Dan Madden, CFP®
Tax Saving Strategies
Dan and Karen Burles have 2 children, Coy (age 12, student) and Roger (age 21, student). Dan and Karen own a security equipment sales and installation business, an LLC. Dan and Karen are in the highest income tax bracket. They have a portfolio with $130,000 of municipal bonds (annual income $5,200), $80,000 of corporate bonds…
Read MoreWho is an Investment Advisor?
Which of the following individuals need to register with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940? Adam who retired last year from a big brokerage house but he recently started providing services to 12 clients who live in his neighborhood that he met while out golfing. Belinda who writes weekly investment articles for…
Read MoreCFP Board Compares Code of Standards to NAIC Model Regulation
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board has released a guide comparing the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC’s) Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation (MO-275-1) (Model Regulation) to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct (Code of Standards). The purpose of the comparison is to help CFP Professionals better understand key differences…
Read MoreDebt Discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chuck lost his job last year when his company moved their factory overseas. Chuck has been unable to find another job and had to file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Which of the following debts can be discharged in the bankruptcy? $10,000 of rent he owes his landlord $20,000 of taxes he owes the IRS…
Read MoreNet Unrealized Appreciation
Course: Retirement PlanningLesson 7: Income Distribution Planning for Qualified Plans Student Question: Regarding net unrealized appreciation, the value of company shares at the time of distribution would be considered the client’s cost basis in that any earnings in excess of that amount could be subject to short-term cap gains if sold within a year of…
Read MoreUnderinsured Dwelling Penalty
Sam carries an H0-3 policy with $500,000 of coverage and a $2,000 deductible. It would cost $700,000 to rebuild Sam’s house. How much will his insurance company pay on a $200,000 claim related to a fire that started in Sam’s kitchen? $176,571 $178,571 $231,235 $198,000 CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand A is the answer. Frank…
Read MoreOwner of a Grantor Trust
In which of the following situations would the grantor of a trust not be considered the owner? The grantor has a reversionary interest in the trust, of which the grantor’s son is the sole beneficiary, but the grantor cannot exercise this power until eight years after transfer of property to the trust. The grantor retains…
Read MoreVested versus Contingent Beneficiary
Course: Estate PlanningLesson 3: Understanding Trusts and Trust Documents Student Question: In the example, I would think Northwestern would have a future, contingent interest, as their interest is dependent upon the death of the wife. But the feedback tells me it’s a vested interest. Do we assume death is inevitable, and therefore not a contingent-worthy…
Read MorePower of Attorney over Financial Affairs
Laura is concerned she will develop Alzheimer’s disease later in life similar to her mother. Which of the following documents should Laura execute to make sure her son is able to handle her financial affairs in the event she does develop Alzheimer’s disease? Durable springing power of attorney Nondurable springing power of attorney Durable nonspringing…
Read MoreCFP Board Elects Three New Directors
CFP® Board Updates On October 19, 2023, the CFP Board announced that its Board of Directors elected three new members: Malik Lee, CFP®, Linda Leitz, CFP® and Elisse Walter. The Board of Directors is the policymaking and oversight body of CFP Board of Standards and CFP Board Center for Financial Planning and acts on behalf…
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