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Risk Premium versus Intrinsic Value

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Investment PlanningLesson 5: Fundamental Equity Analysis Student Question: The first review exercise page in Lesson 5, is Intrinsic Value the same as Risk Premium? Is that why we’re solving for P0 and not V (which is given)? The formula provided in the explanation confuses me. (question and answer from review exercise below) Review Exercise Question: Current price…

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Reducing the AMT

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Which of the following tax planning ideas would help Beth the most if she currently has to pay AMT taxes? Pay her $1,000 January mortgage payment before the end of the year. Pay her $2,000 January alimony payment to her ex-husband before the end of the year. Recognize a $3,000 short term capital gain on…

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Crummey Powers

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 16: The Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust Student Question: Must Crummey powers always be in effect to apply the annual gift tax exclusion in order to transfer to an irrevocable trust? Or is it the case that as long as it was done once, will all transfers be eligible for the annual gift tax exclusion? Instructor…

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Accelerated Death Benefits

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Which of the following individuals would typically qualify for accelerated death benefits under their term life insurance policy? Ida who is expected to die within 7 months from cancer. Jacob who is expected to die within 10 months from AIDS. Kay who is expected to die within 3 months from kidney failure All of the…

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When Do Gen Z, Gen X, and Millennial Investors Seek Financial Advice?

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Good to Know “Advisors may need to connect to younger prospects on social media and tailor services to such life events as marriage, buying a home or starting a family, according to a recent survey…” according to a recent article published by Financial Advisor IQ. The article was based on a survey of 1,000 investors…

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Donating Short-term Appreciated Securities

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

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…

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Tightening the Money Supply

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Which of the following is a monetary policy that will tighten the money supply? Sell government securities Lower the discount rate Decrease government spending Increase taxes CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand A is the answer. Selling government securities is a monetary policy that will tighten the money supply as the cash used to purchase the…

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Are You Displaying Your CFP® Mark Correctly?

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

CFP® Certificants in the News Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge of CFP Board’s expectations of your use of the CFP® mark. For every use of the mark below, determine which is compliant. Note that question number 1 in our previous article was based on an accidental and incorrect posting by CFP Board.…

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Custodial Accounts and Gifting

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Estate PlanningLesson 13: Case Study Online Student Question: If a check given by Mary to Peter was deposited into a custodial acct where Mary was the custodian, doesn’t that mean that Mary didn’t give up ALL control, so it’s not a complete gift? Instructor Response: That’s a great way to approach completed gift questions!…

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