Blog

Traditional vs Roth IRA

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Which of the following statements accurately describes a key difference between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA? A. Contributions to both Traditional and Roth IRAs are always tax-deductible, regardless of income level. B. Required minimum distributions (RMDs) must begin at age 73 for both Traditional and Roth IRAs. C. Qualified withdrawals from a Roth…

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CFP Board Censures 5 Professionals

By Dan Madden, CFP®

CFP® Board Updates Learning from the experiences of other CFP® professionals-especially those who have had their right to use the CFP® marks suspended or revoked-can be an incredibly valuable exercise for anyone in the profession. These real-world cases highlight how missteps in ethics, compliance, or client communication can have serious professional consequences. By studying these…

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Passing Property Via Will

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Investment PlanningLesson 14: Evaluation Portfolio Performance Student Question: Hello – I’m a little confused about the example (below) discussing an heirloom of only sentimental value. Why would this be titled at all for a will, especially since an earlier lecture said items of no value would pass through will as the situation does not…

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Market Value of a Bond

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Emily is reviewing a client’s fixed-income portfolio and evaluating a 10-year, $1,000 par value corporate bond with a 5% annual coupon rate. The bond pays interest annually. Current market interest rates for similar bonds have risen to 7%. What is the approximate market value of the bond today? A. $1,000 B. $859 C. $928 D. $1,137 CLICK…

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CFP Board Launches New Women Initiative

By Dan Madden, CFP®

CFP® Board In The News The CFP Board has unveiled Accelerate & WIN, a powerful new initiative designed to fast-track the growth, leadership, and impact of women in the financial planning profession. Despite making up only 24% of CFP® professionals, women bring essential perspectives and strengths to a field that increasingly values diversity, flexibility, and…

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Supply and Demand

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 2: Economic Concepts and Consumer Protection Laws Student Question: I missed the below question because I thought number 2 was false. Wouldn’t price and demand move in a correlated way? The more the demand the higher the price? Which of the following statements concerning supply and/or demand is/are true? Thanks.…

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Bond Price and Yield Movement

By Dan Madden, CFP®

An investor purchases a 10-year corporate bond with a 5% coupon rate at par value. One year later, market interest rates increase to 6%. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the bond’s price and yield? The bond’s price will decrease, and its yield will increase. The bond’s price will increase, and its yield…

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Tariffs, Economic Boom or Bust?

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Good to Know Consider radioactive fissionable material; it’s beneficial when used to generate electrical power in a reactor but has the potential to create mass extinction in a nuclear war. The author respectfully suggests that – similarly – tariffs can propel our economy to new heights or smother our economic growth. We’ll turn over both sides of…

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Duties of a Planner

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 9: CFP Board Regulatory Requirements Student Question: I have a query regarding one of the questions on the review, shared below.  Based on the answer, they are not considering opening a custodial account as providing Financial ADVICE otherwise the first response would also be required (manage conflict of interest).  Why…

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