Blog
Reducing the AMT
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…
Read More
Top 5 Reasons to Become a CFP® Professional
Good to Know There’s seldom been a better time to consider a career as a financial advisor, financial planner, or both. While the scope of this article prevents the author from discussing every reason why, here are the top 5. 1) Client Trust and Respect Expand Client Trust and Respect – According to Forbes, CFP®…
Read More
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Means Test
Course: Estate PlanningLesson 13: Case Study Online Student Question: I am a little confused how one set amount – $100 – is the threshold for means testing a bankruptcy petitioner, when the amount of debt a borrower may owe can vary by large amounts. It would seem the amount left over (income minus allowable expenses)…
Read More
Debt Discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chuck lost his job last year when his company moved their factory overseas. Chuck has been unable to find another job and had to file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Which of the following debts can be discharged in the bankruptcy? $10,000 of rent he owes his landlord $20,000 of taxes he owes the IRS…
Read More
CFP Board Completes 2024 Compensation Study
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board has released its updated Compensation Study, and it shows the CFP Professionals earn more than their fellow advisors without the certification. In fact, it revealed a median compensation of $192,000, which is 10% higher than those without the CFP® Marks. Not only that, CFP® Professionals report greater satisfaction with…
Read More
Current Ratio and Primary Residence
Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 3: Personal Financial Statements Student Question: What role does the client’s primary residence play in the current ratio calculation? Is their outstanding mortgage loan amount considered a liability? Instructor Response: That’s a great question. The residence is not considered a liquid asset and is excluded from “assets” for the current ratio. Only debt…
Read More
Underinsured Dwelling Penalty
Sam carries an H0-3 policy with $500,000 of coverage and a $2,000 deductible. It would cost $700,000 to rebuild Sam’s house. How much will his insurance company pay on a $200,000 claim related to a fire that started in Sam’s kitchen? $176,571 $178,571 $231,235 $198,000 CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand A is the answer. Sam…
Read More
The FED’s 50 Basis Point Interest Rate Cut
CFP® Certificants in the News CFP Board’s most recent newsletter advises that the “Federal Reserve announced a significant 50 basis point rate cut, surprising many who anticipated a smaller 25 basis point reduction.” CFP Board Ambassador Kurt Whitesell, CFP® highlighted the opportunity for investors to lock in high rates on CDs before further interest rate drops.” …
Read More
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…
Read More