Posts by Dan Madden, CFP®
Reducing the AMT
Which of the following tax planning ideas would help Beth the most if she currently has to pay AMT taxes? Pay her $1,000 January mortgage payment before the end of the year. Pay her $2,000 January alimony payment to her ex-husband before the end of the year. Recognize a $3,000 short term capital gain on…
Read MoreCFP Board Exam Pass Rate was 65% in March 2023
CFP® Board Updates The most recent CFP Board exam, administered in March 2023, produced a pass rate of 65%. That was in increase of 1% from November 2022, and in-line with previous exam pass rates that all hovered in the mid-60% range. There was also a record number of exam test takers in March, with…
Read MoreCharacteristics of a Will
Which of the following statements concerning a Will are correct? A will can be altered, amended, or completely rewritten at any time before a person’s death. A will cannot be rewritten but can be amended at any time by a codicil. A will must be signed by the maker and usually must be witnessed by…
Read MoreBasis on Sale of Gifted Stock
Tom gave his son, David, a birthday present of Big M stock with a fair market value of $50,000. Tom paid gift tax of $11,700 as Tom had previously given David earlier this year a cash gift equal to the annual gift tax exclusion amount. Tom’s adjusted basis in the stock on the date of…
Read MoreMedicare Part A Expenses
Which of the following individuals currently covered by Medicare Part A will not have any of their expenses covered by Medicare Part A? Evan who spent one week in hospice care before losing his battle with cancer. Felicia who was treated by her doctor for Strep throat. Greg who was needed a walker following hip…
Read MoreRetirement Funding Calculation
Erika wants $50,000 a year in today’s dollars in retirement. She anticipates retiring in 10 years and living in retirement for 30 years. Erika can earn 7% on her investments and she expects inflation to average 4%. Approximately how much should Erika have saved by the day she retires to meet this goal? $913,000 $983,000…
Read MoreCFP Board Holding Virtual Career Fair April 21st
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board Career Center, whose focus is on connecting highly-qualified talent withs firms, will be hosting a career fair on April 21, 2023. This is the go-to event for employers and job seekers in the financial planning profession. The event will connect top employers in the financial services industry with highly…
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 MoreLife Insurance in the Gross Estate
Which of the following assets would be included in Martin’s gross estate? Life insurance on Martin’s life purchased one year before he died by the trustee of Martin’s irrevocable life insurance trust. Life insurance on Martin’s life purchased by Martin’s wife two years before he died. Life insurance on Martin’s life purchased three years before…
Read MoreADP Rules and 401(k)
KC Corporation offers a 401(k) plan. Under the ADP rules, what is the maximum salary percentage the highly compensated employees can contribute if the non-highly compensated employees contribute 6% of their salary? 6% 8% 10% 12% CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand B is the answer. Since the non-highly compensated employees contributed between 2% and 8%,…
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