Posts by Dan Madden, CFP®
CFP Board Releases Book on CFP History
CFP® Board Updates To commemorate the 50th anniversary of CFP® certification, the CFP Board has published The First 50 Years of CFP® Certification: The Standard for Financial Planning, written by Michelle Kruger, Ph.D., CFP®. Filled with memories and forward-looking insights from individuals who helped lead the CFP® certification’s development over the years. To purchase the book,…
Read MoreAnnual Return and Compounding
Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 5: Using the Calculator Student Question: My question relates to being able to clearly distinguish when the CFP Board exam will require an annual, or other period for the answer. Question 5(b) asks: “What is the rate of return on Investment 2 using daily compounding?” What is the annual rate…
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 MoreOASDI Disability Income Benefits
Which of the following statements concerning OASDI disability income benefits is correct? Disability is defined as the inability to perform all major duties of the insured’s own occupation. Unless specifically exempted, a waiting period of 12 months must be satisfied. If the disabled worker is also receiving workers compensation benefits, the full OASDI benefit is…
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 MoreSelecting an Appropriate Trust
Which of the following trusts should Jason establish in his Will to provide for his son Gaven’s living expenses until Gaven reaches age 65 if Gaven is currently a 30-year old unemployed aspiring actor? 2503(b) trust 2503(c) trust Crummey trust Totten trust CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand A is the answer. The 2503(b) trust would…
Read MoreCFP Board Announces March 2024 Exam Results
CFP® Board Updates The March 2024 Exam cycle took place from March 12-19, 2024. With 3,683 individuals being administered the exam, it was the largest number of people ever to sit for the CFP Board Exam. The pass rate for the March 2024 exam was 68%. Based on those results, the number of CFP® Professionals…
Read MoreSolving for Annual Equivalent Rate
Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 5: Using the Calculator Student Question: I am confused as to how to get the correct answer for number 4. Jackie invests her bonus at the beginning of this calendar year. If she earns 7% compounded monthly, what is the annual equivalent rate? Round your answer to two decimal places. I…
Read MoreRefinance Payment Calculation
Sharon refinanced her home mortgage to a 30-year fixed mortgage with biweekly payments. How much is each payment if she owed $150,000 at the time of the refinance and the interest rate is 6%? $415 $589 $691 $702 CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand A is the answer. Sharon pays her mortgage every two weeks which…
Read MoreUsing Jensen Performance Index
Based on the Jensen performance index, which fund should the investor continue to hold given the following information? Fund 1 Fund 2 Return on Portfolio 13% 17% Beta .95 1.02 Standard Deviation .18 .22 Risk free rate of return is 7% Market return is 15% Fund 1 Fund 2 Both Fund 1 and 2 Neither…
Read More