Blog
Navigating Retirement Income Planning in a Volatile Interest Rate Environment
Good to Know After several years of aggressive rate hikes, interest rates have now stabilized – but the future remains uncertain. With inflation cooling, market volatility persisting, and rate cuts likely on the horizon, CFP® professionals face a complex landscape when helping clients structure reliable retirement income strategies. The Current Landscape Based on the CFP…
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Like-Kind Exchange of Multiple Properties
Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 5: Using the Calculator Student Question: Does the like kind 1031 exchange defer taxes if I exchange two properties for one like-kind property? For example, I am selling an investment house and with the proceedings I am purchasing two like-kind investment houses. Instructor Response: Absolutely. So long as you are…
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Insurance Risk Exposure
Olivia is a 25-year old single mother with twin girls who just turned three. Olivia has worked for the last 5 years as an administrative assistant for a local law firm. Olivia’s firm provides her with a basic medical insurance policy and a split definition disability. Which of the following is the biggest risk exposure…
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CFP Board Issues Latest Candidate Exam Data: Trends for 2026
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board recently published its exam results for the July 2025 testing window, offering insights into candidate trends, pass rates, and the evolving professional landscape. Key Takeaways from the Exam Data The total number of exam‑takers increased to a new high point, signaling stronger interest in the CFP® certification. The pass rate…
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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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