Posts by Shawn Janes
Tax Planning Opportunities for 2026: What CFP® Professionals Should Know Post‑TCJA Sunset
CFP® Board In The News The 2025 sunset of key provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is set to reshape the tax landscape for 2026 and beyond. For CFP® professionals, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities — particularly in the realm of proactive planning, client education, and long‑term strategy. What’s Changing…
Read MoreCFP Board’s 2026 Principal Knowledge Topic Updates — What’s Changed for Candidates
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board has released its updated Principal Knowledge Topics for the 2026 exam cycle — and while the changes are subtle, they reflect evolving industry expectations, regulatory realities, and practitioner demands. Whether you’re preparing to sit for the CFP® exam or helping someone on that journey, understanding what’s been updated can…
Read MoreNavigating Uncertainty: Strategies for CFP® Professionals in a Volatile Rate Environment
Good to Know As interest rates fluctuate and economic signals remain mixed, CFP® professionals face a planning environment that is neither rising nor falling — but uncertain. In this climate, the ability to adapt and guide clients with clarity becomes more important than ever. The Current Landscape The Federal Reserve has paused rate hikes but…
Read MoreCFP Board Releases 2025 Public Awareness Campaign Report: Key Results and What They Mean
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board’s 2025 Public Awareness Campaign report offers fresh insight into how public perception of the CFP® certification is evolving — and where there’s still work to be done. Released this month, the report summarizes campaign performance, media reach, and year-over-year changes in trust, awareness, and relevance of the CFP® mark…
Read MoreBridging the Gap: CFP® Certification and the Financial Advisor Talent Pipeline
Good to Know A growing number of firms are reporting a shortage of qualified financial advisors — especially those prepared to work with increasingly diverse and complex client needs. The CFP® certification remains one of the most trusted signals of readiness and competence in the profession. But what role does it play in solving the…
Read MoreBreaking Down the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’: 2025 Retirement Proposals and Their Impact
CFP® Board In The News Washington is once again revisiting retirement reform — and the latest proposal, dubbed the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ by its bipartisan sponsors, could have a significant impact on retirement planning for millions of Americans. What’s in the Bill? Increased catch-up contributions for workers aged 60 and older. Expanded access to Roth…
Read MoreAI Guidance for CFP® Professionals: CFP Board Drafts New Ethics Guidance
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board is proactively addressing how artificial intelligence intersects with the ethics and standards expected of CFP® professionals. On November 7, 2025, the Board announced the development of new guidance aimed at helping certificants ethically and responsibly integrate AI tools into financial planning practices. Why the CFP Board Is Acting Now…
Read MoreThe Impact of ESG and Sustainable Finance on Financial Planning: How CFP® Professionals Can Lead
Good to Know As investors increasingly seek to align portfolios with personal values, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have moved from niche interest to mainstream consideration in financial planning. For CFP® professionals, meeting this demand isn’t just a matter of offering ESG‑labeled products — it’s about guiding clients through meaningful choices while upholding fiduciary…
Read MoreCFP Board Enhances Continuing Education Requirements: New Ethics Module Effective 2026
CFP® Board Updates In a move that reflects its ongoing commitment to public trust and professional accountability, the CFP Board recently announced updates to its Continuing Education (CE) requirements, including the launch of a new ethics module that will take effect in 2026. These changes are designed to ensure that CFP® professionals stay aligned with…
Read MoreNavigating Retirement Income Planning in a Volatile Interest Rate Environment
Good to Know After several years of aggressive rate hikes, interest rates have now stabilized — but the future remains uncertain. With inflation cooling, market volatility persisting, and rate cuts likely on the horizon, CFP® professionals face a complex landscape when helping clients structure reliable retirement income strategies. The Current Landscape Based on the CFP…
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