Blog

Interest on a second home

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Income Tax PlanningLesson 8: Arriving at Taxable Income Student Question: Is my understanding correct that a taxpayer can deduct interest on a 2nd home under Home Acquisition Debt up to $750K, and also deduct interest on the primary residence under Home Equity Debt up to $750K? So, each home is considered separately and each…

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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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CFP Board Releases July Exam Results

By Dan Madden, CFP®

CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board announced the results of the July 2024 exam.  This year’s July exam was administered between July 9th and 16th.  During this window, 2,999 candidates took the exam, during which 65% received passing scores. The turnout for the July exam was the 2nd largest in exam history, demonstrating the growing presence of…

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Calculating Rate of Return

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Course: Investment PlanningLesson 1: Key Principles of Investing Student Question: Hope you are doing well. Can you help solve a practice question?  I looked through the textbook and my notes, and just couldn’t wrap my brain about how to solve the problem below.  The confusing part to me is that the fund was not sold, so…

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Retirement Funding Calculation

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Tom wants $70,000 a year in today’s dollars in retirement. He anticipates retiring in 15 years and living in retirement for 30 years. Tom can earn 6% on his investments and he expects inflation to average 4%. Approximately how much should Tom have saved by the day he retires to meet this goal? $1,021,221 $1,573,041…

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CFP Board Sanctions

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

CFP® Certificants in the News The authority to display the CFP® mark is a privilege, not an absolute right.  Recent CFP Board disciplinary actions underscore that point emphatically. We’ll summarize three such actions in this article, beginning with Public Censure. Preview modal- STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING CONCENTRATED WEALTH Clients who have their wealth concentrated in a single asset…

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Annual Return and Compounding

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 5: Using the Calculator Student Question: My question relates to being able to clearly distinguish when the CFP Board exam will require an annual, or other period for the answer. Question 5(b) asks: “What is the rate of return on Investment 2 using daily compounding?” What is the annual rate…

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Defining an Insurance Contract

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Olivia is a 25-year old single mother with twin girls who just turned three. Olivia has worked for the last 5 years as an administrative assistant for a local law firm. Olivia’s firm provides her with a basic medical insurance policy and a split definition disability. Which of the following is the biggest risk exposure…

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CFP Board Announces new Chair-Elect

By Dan Madden, CFP®

CFP® Board Updates At its July meeting, The CFP Board of Directors announced that it has elected Terri Kallsen as its 2025 Board Chair-Elect.  She will serve as the Chair of the Board if Directors in 2026.  Liz Miller, the 2024 Chair-Elect, will serve as Chair of the Board in 2025. To learn more about…

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