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Expansion Phase of the Business Cycle
Which of the following statements best describes the characteristics of the expansion phase of the business cycle? Interest rates are rising, unemployment is low, and consumer spending is increasing. Stock market values are at their lowest, businesses reduce inventories, and inflationary pressures ease. Economic growth slows, corporate profits decline, and the Federal Reserve may lower interest…
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CFP Board’s New OBBBA Planning Resources & Webinar Series
CFP® Board Updates As financial professionals begin navigating the wide-ranging implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the CFP Board is stepping in with critical support. In an August announcement, the Board previewed the launch of two key resources: a peer-reviewed planning guide and a live webinar series aimed at helping CFP® professionals…
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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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Step 2 of the Financial Planning Process
During an initial client meeting, a CFP® professional gathers details about the client’s current financial situation, including income, assets, liabilities, and expenses. The client also shares that she hopes to retire early, purchase a vacation home, and fund her grandchildren’s college education. Which of the following actions best represents Step 2 of the financial planning…
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CFP Board’s 2025 Public Policy Priorities: What Planners Need to Know
CFP® Board Updates In September 2025, the CFP Board published its official list of six public policy priorities, outlining the organization’s advocacy agenda for the years ahead. These priorities serve as a guide for how the CFP Board plans to influence regulation, legislation, and public perception of the financial planning profession. For CFP® professionals and…
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CPI and Product Quality
Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 2: Economic Concepts and Consumer Protection Laws Student Question: In this thought, it says that CPI only reflects price and does not account for quality of product. However, if the quality diminishes, then the amount needed to meet the same demand increases which then increases the supply needed to meet…
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Transfer of Interest in Property Held in Joint Tenancy
Gary Chapelle owns a duplex with his brother in joint tenancy with right of survivorship. Gary would like to pass his interest in the property to his son, Bill, and Gary has provided in his will that his interest in the duplex will pass to Bill. Which of the following statements concerning the transfer of…
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SEC’s Updated Fiduciary Standards: How CFP® Professionals Can Stay Ahead
CFP® Board In The News In July 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released updated guidance related to Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) and fiduciary standards. These updates are part of an ongoing effort to clarify the expectations for financial professionals when providing investment advice and brokerage services to retail investors. While these rules…
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SEP IRA Contribution Limits
Course: Retirement PlanningLesson 5: Leveraging Nonqualified Plans for Small Business and Not-For-Profit Employees and Owners Student Question: Hello , I am having trouble understanding how Shared Coverage is implemented. Could you help me understand with an example? Also, could you explain the Waiver of Premium benefits in simple words. Shared Coverage: “For couples where…
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