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Unused Premiums in Term Insurance

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 12: Types of Life Insurance Student Question: Could you help clarify the term “unused premiums” as it relates to term life insurance?  I guess I don’t see how you could have a premium not used in term life. Instructor Response: Assume you pay $6,000 in annual prepaid premiums on Jan 1 2020…

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Characteristics of a Will

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Which of the following statements concerning a Will are correct? (1) A will can be altered, amended, or completely rewritten at any time before a person’s death. (2)  A will cannot be rewritten but can be amended at any time by a codicil. (3)  A will must be signed by the maker and usually must…

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Debt Reduction in 2025: Why It Matters for Financial Planners

By Shawn Janes

CFP® Board In The News According to new research from the CFP Board, Americans are heading into 2025 with one financial goal top of mind: reducing debt. In fact, 97% of U.S. adults have set financial resolutions for the year, and debt repayment is the clear frontrunner.¹ This trend isn’t just a consumer sentiment shift-it’s…

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Dependent Care Assistance Plan

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Retirement PlanningLesson 9: Building Retirement Wealth by Maximizing Fringe Benefits Student Question: Is a Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) funded by an Flexible Spending Account the same thing as a Dependent Care FSA?  If not, could you provide some additional info as to how the two would work together (could an individual utilize both…

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OASDI Disability Income Benefits

By Dan Madden, CFP®

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…

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2025 Tax Changes: What CFP® Professionals Need to Know About the TCJA Sunset

By Shawn Janes

CFP® Board In The News As the end of 2025 approaches, key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire, potentially reshaping the financial landscape for individuals and businesses alike. For Certified Financial Planner™ professionals-whether seasoned advisors or those preparing for certification-understanding these impending changes is crucial for effective client…

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Internal Rate of Return Calculation

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 5b: Using the HP 10bII Calculator Student Question: In Example 2, the solution given has 6 years (including CF0) instead of 5. I believe the first year of Carl’s coin purchase should be CF0, but the fifth year – which includes a purchase and a sale – should be CF4.…

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Life Insurance Policy Exclusions

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Which of the following situations is most likely to be excluded from coverage under a standard life insurance policy? The insured dies from a heart attack while on vacation overseas. The insured dies in a car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol. The insured dies two months after purchasing the policy, and the cause…

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Record Breaking March 2025 CFP Board Exam Results

By Dan Madden, CFP®

CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board has announced the results of the March 2025 CFP® Certification Exam, which saw a record-breaking 3,854 candidates sit for the test during the March 18-25 window. This figure surpasses the March 2024 high of 3,683 exam-takers, signaling continued growth in the financial planning profession. The overall pass rate for…

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