Blog
Record Growth: CFP® Certification Surpasses 100,000 Professionals in the U.S.
CFP® Board Updates In a major milestone for the profession, the CFP Board recently announced that the number of CFP® professionals in the United States has officially surpassed 100,000. This landmark figure reflects not only the growing public demand for trustworthy financial advice but also the increasing recognition of the CFP® designation as the gold…
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Social Security Retirement Benefits
Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 10: Social Security Student Question: This question (below) doesn’t quite make sense to me. Could you clarify why the correct answer is D? Robin Elizabeth qualifies for a retirement benefit of $250 and a spouse’s benefit of $400. At her full retirement age, she will receive which of the following? A) Both $250…
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Identifying the Correct Step of the FP Process
During an initial meeting with a new client, financial planner Denise explains her firm’s services and discloses how she will be compensated. She also clarifies her responsibilities and asks the client about their expectations. Which step of the CFP Board’s 7-Step Financial Planning Process is Denise performing? Identifying and selecting goals Developing the financial planning recommendations…
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CFP Board Proposes Revisions to Competency Standards: What CFP® Professionals Need to Know
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board recently announced proposed revisions to its Competency Standards, a move that signals an evolution in how financial planning proficiency is defined, maintained, and demonstrated by CFP® professionals. While the standards have long supported the integrity of the designation, these updates aim to align certification more closely with real-world client…
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Skewness versus Kurtosis
Course: Investment PlanningLesson 13: Asset Allocation Student Question: Can you help me understand the difference between Kurtosis and Skewness? I can’t quite piece it together. Instructor Response: Entire books have been written on this topic but the following summary should get the points for you on the CFP® Board exam when these topics are tested. …
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Preferred vs Common Stock
Which of the following statements best describes preferred stock in comparison to common stock? Preferred stockholders have voting rights, while common stockholders do not. Preferred stock dividends are generally variable, while common stock dividends are fixed. Preferred stock typically has a higher claim on assets and earnings than common stock, but usually does not carry voting…
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CFP Board Releases Latest Board Report Newsletter
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board has released its latest CFP Board Report Newsletter, a valuable resource for staying connected to the pulse of the financial planning profession. This issue delivers timely updates and important insights that every CFP® professional-and those on the path to certification-should know. Highlights include: 🗣️ A message from the CEO,…
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Unused Premium
Course: Investment PlanningLesson 14: Evaluation Portfolio Performance 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: Certainly. A lot of different terms in insurance, to be sure. Assume you pay $6,000 in…
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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…
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