Blog
Phantom Stock
Course: Investment PlanningLesson 5: Fundamental Equity Analysis Student Question: Hello, What is the difference between Stock options and Restricted stock plan or phantom stock? Seems confusing. Instructor Response: Hi, Onward and Upward,
Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA)
A client retires in 2026 and takes a lump-sum distribution of employer stock from her qualified plan. The stock has a cost basis of $200,000 and a fair market value of $750,000 at distribution. If she elects Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) treatment, how will the $550,000 of appreciation be taxed? As ordinary income in the…
The Growing CFP® Workforce: Why Expansion Raises the Bar — Not Lowers It
Good to Know The number of CFP® professionals continues to reach record levels. At first glance, that sounds like simple industry growth. More certificants. More awareness. More credibility. But growth at this scale raises a more important question: Does expansion dilute the designation – or does it increase its competitive standard? The data suggests the…
Unused Premium
Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 8: Gift and Estate Valuation 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: Hi Certainly. A lot of different terms in insurance, to be sure. Assume you pay…
Estate Tax and Applicable Credit
In 2026, Thomas dies with a taxable estate of $18,000,000. He made no prior taxable gifts. The Basic Exclusion Amount (BEA) in 2026 is $15,000,000 and the applicable credit amount is $5,945,800. What portion of Thomas’s estate will be subject to federal estate tax? $0 $3,000,000 $12,054,200 $18,000,000 CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand B is…
Roth Conversions in a Stable Rate Environment: Why the Real Decision Is About Control, Not Rates
Good to Know The Roth conversion conversation is often framed around one question: “Are tax rates going up or down?” That framing is incomplete. In a stable or moderating rate environment, the strategic value of Roth conversions is less about predicting Congress and more about controlling future planning variables. The Misconception: It’s About Today’s Marginal…
Double Taxation on Medicare and Social Security?
Course: Income Tax PlanningLesson 7: Arriving at Adjusted Gross Income Student Question: Am I correct that this looks like paying taxes over taxes by first adding the 2.9% for Medicare taxes, and then paying Social Security tax over that? “3. Calculate self-employment tax: Instructor Response: Hi This is a really common point of confusion, so…
Earnings Test Calculation
In 2026, Maria, age 63, begins receiving Social Security retirement benefits. She earns $50,000 from employment during the year. The 2026 earnings limit for individuals under full retirement age is $24,480. Approximately how much of Maria’s Social Security benefits will be withheld due to the earnings test? $0 $12,760 $12,240 $25,520 CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand…
CFP Board Enforcement Trends: What the Discipline Data Actually Signals
CFP® Board Updates Most professionals read CFP Board disciplinary announcements the same way: quickly, casually, and with relief that it wasn’t them. That’s a mistake. Enforcement data is not just reputational housekeeping for the CFP Board. It is a signal. And when you read it closely, it tells you where professional risk is shifting –…