Blog
Annual Return and Compounding
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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Tax Saving Strategies
Dan and Karen Burles have 2 children, Coy (age 12, student) and Roger (age 21, student). Dan and Karen own a security equipment sales and installation business, an LLC. Dan and Karen are in the highest income tax bracket. They have a portfolio with $130,000 of municipal bonds (annual income $5,200), $80,000 of corporate bonds…
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Why the CFP® Designation Still Matters: Compensation, Satisfaction & Industry Standing
Good to Know In September 2025, the CFP Board released new data reinforcing what many in the profession already know: CFP® professionals earn more, enjoy higher job satisfaction, and are more likely to be seen as trusted advisors compared to their non-certified peers. While the financial services industry continues to evolve – with AI tools,…
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Social Security Widower Benefits
Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 10: Social Security Student Question: When it comes to social security widower’s benefit’s, is the widow eligible to take his/her SS benefit early (age 62) and then switch over to the deceased spouse’s full benefit at 67? Or would the widow only be eligible for one of the two benefits? Instructor Response:…
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Meeting Retirement Plan Objectives
Maria owns a small consulting firm with 12 employees. She wants to establish a retirement plan that is easy to administer, has low costs, and requires minimal annual reporting. She also wants employees to be able to contribute to the plan through salary deferrals. Which of the following options would best meet Maria’s objectives? 401(k)…
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Procedural Rules Update: What Every CFP® Candidate and Certificant Should Know
Good to Know While most headlines in financial planning focus on tax law changes or exam updates, one of the most quietly important developments this year was the CFP Board’s update to its Procedural Rules, which took effect on May 23, 2025. These rules govern how the Board reviews potential ethical violations and fitness issues…
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Interest Rate Risk in a Bond
Course: Investment PlanningLesson 10: Fixed Income Securities Analysis Student Question: I’m not clear why holders of long-term bonds are subject to interest rate risk. If a 20-year bond is purchased at par with a coupon rate of 6.25% ($62.50/year), it seems to me that the investor would still receive $62.50 a year regardless of interest rate changes. What…
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Expansion Phase of the Business Cycle
Which of the following statements best describes the characteristics of the expansion phase of the business cycle? Interest rates are rising, unemployment is low, and consumer spending is increasing. Stock market values are at their lowest, businesses reduce inventories, and inflationary pressures ease. Economic growth slows, corporate profits decline, and the Federal Reserve may lower interest…
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CFP Board’s New OBBBA Planning Resources & Webinar Series
CFP® Board Updates As financial professionals begin navigating the wide-ranging implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the CFP Board is stepping in with critical support. In an August announcement, the Board previewed the launch of two key resources: a peer-reviewed planning guide and a live webinar series aimed at helping CFP® professionals…
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