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Behavioral Finance and the CFP®: Understanding Client Psychology in Financial Planning
CFP® Board In The News The success of a financial plan often hinges less on market returns and more on client behavior. While technical accuracy and investment discipline are essential, the ability to understand and anticipate human emotion and decision-making is becoming a critical skill for today’s financial planner. Behavioral finance-the study of how cognitive…
Donating Short-term Appreciated Securities
Course: Income Tax PlanningLesson 15: Property Transactions Student Question: In the lesson, deducting donations of ‘cash’ versus ‘long term appreciated securities’ are differentiated. I’m curious about “short term appreciated securities”. In other words, if I own a stock – bought at $10,000 and it’s worth $50,000 when I donate, but I’ve only owned it 6…
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…
Technology and the CFP®: Embracing AI and Digital Tools in Financial Planning
CFP® Board In The News Financial planning is undergoing a quiet revolution. Artificial intelligence, digital automation, and data-driven tools are no longer futuristic enhancements-they’re reshaping how planners deliver advice, manage client relationships, and run their practices. For CFP® professionals and students alike, embracing these technologies is quickly becoming essential to staying competitive, efficient, and client-centered.…
Unused Premiums in Term Insurance
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…
Characteristics of a Will
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…
Debt Reduction in 2025: Why It Matters for Financial Planners
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…
Dependent Care Assistance Plan
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…
OASDI Disability Income Benefits
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…