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CFP Board Proposes Revisions to Competency Standards: What CFP® Professionals Need to Know
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board recently announced proposed revisions to its Competency Standards, a move that signals an evolution in how financial planning proficiency is defined, maintained, and demonstrated by CFP® professionals. While the standards have long supported the integrity of the designation, these updates aim to align certification more closely with real-world client…
Skewness versus Kurtosis
Course: Investment PlanningLesson 13: Asset Allocation Student Question: Can you help me understand the difference between Kurtosis and Skewness? I can’t quite piece it together. Instructor Response: Entire books have been written on this topic but the following summary should get the points for you on the CFP® Board exam when these topics are tested. …
Preferred vs Common Stock
Which of the following statements best describes preferred stock in comparison to common stock? Preferred stockholders have voting rights, while common stockholders do not. Preferred stock dividends are generally variable, while common stock dividends are fixed. Preferred stock typically has a higher claim on assets and earnings than common stock, but usually does not carry voting…
CFP Board Releases Latest Board Report Newsletter
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board has released its latest CFP Board Report Newsletter, a valuable resource for staying connected to the pulse of the financial planning profession. This issue delivers timely updates and important insights that every CFP® professional-and those on the path to certification-should know. Highlights include: 🗣️ A message from the CEO,…
Unused Premium
Course: Investment PlanningLesson 14: Evaluation Portfolio Performance Student Question: Could you please clarify for me what the unused premium would be in term life insurance? I don’t quite understand how you could not use the premium. Thanks. Instructor Response: Certainly. A lot of different terms in insurance, to be sure. Assume you pay $6,000 in…
Roth IRA Contributions
Lisa, age 35, is a high-income earner with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $165,000 in 2025. She wants to contribute to a Roth IRA. She is not covered by a retirement plan at work. Lisa also wants to use the funds for a first-time home purchase in 3 years. Based on current IRS…
Serving Women Clients: A $30 Trillion Opportunity for CFP® Professionals
Good to Know As the financial planning profession continues to evolve, one opportunity is coming into sharper focus: the need for more intentional, strategic planning for women clients. With an estimated $30 trillion in assets projected to shift into the hands of American women by the end of the decade, financial planners who neglect to…
Passing Property Via Will
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…
Optimal Retirement Benefits
John and Maria are both 62 years old and considering when to begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits. John has a higher earnings history than Maria. Maria did not work for many years while raising their children and has lower lifetime earnings. They are trying to maximize their combined lifetime benefits. Which of the following…