Blog
CFP Board Releases 2025 Public Awareness Campaign Report: Key Results and What They Mean
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board’s 2025 Public Awareness Campaign report offers fresh insight into how public perception of the CFP® certification is evolving – and where there’s still work to be done. Released this month, the report summarizes campaign performance, media reach, and year-over-year changes in trust, awareness, and relevance of the CFP® mark…
Solving for Annual Equivalent Rate
Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 5: Using the Calculator Student Question: Hello, I am confused as to how to get the correct answer for number 4. Jackie invests her bonus at the beginning of this calendar year. If she earns 7% compounded monthly, what is the annual equivalent rate? Round your answer to two decimal places.…
Tax on Stock Gains
Linda sells stock she has held for 14 months at a $12,000 gain. She is in the 24% marginal income tax bracket. How is the gain taxed? As ordinary income at 24% As a long-term capital gain at 15% As a long-term capital gain at 20% As a qualified dividend taxed at 15% CLICK TO…
Bridging the Gap: CFP® Certification and the Financial Advisor Talent Pipeline
Good to Know A growing number of firms are reporting a shortage of qualified financial advisors – especially those prepared to work with increasingly diverse and complex client needs. The CFP® certification remains one of the most trusted signals of readiness and competence in the profession. But what role does it play in solving the…
Dilution of Earnings in Pooled Investments
Course: Investment PlanningLesson 8: Pooled Investments Student Question: Hello, One of the disadvantages of pooled investments is Dilution of earnings. Can you explain how? I would think that as the capital grows, the earnings will grow as well? Thanks! Instructor Response: Great question, You’re right that as total capital in a pooled investment grows, the…
Bond Price Movement
Which of the following bonds would be expected to experience the greatest price decline if interest rates rise by 1%? A 3-year corporate bond with a 5% coupon A 10-year Treasury bond with a 7% coupon A 10-year Treasury bond with a 3% coupon A 5-year municipal bond with a 6% coupon CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER…
Breaking Down the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’: 2025 Retirement Proposals and Their Impact
CFP® Board In The News Washington is once again revisiting retirement reform – and the latest proposal, dubbed the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ by its bipartisan sponsors, could have a significant impact on retirement planning for millions of Americans. What’s in the Bill? Increased catch-up contributions for workers aged 60 and older. Expanded access to Roth…
Qualified Plan Distributions After Death
Course: Retirement PlanningLesson 7: Income Distribution Planning for Qualified Plans Student Question: Hi- The lesson says: Annual distributions are required in years 1 – 9 if the participant died after his or her required beginning date. Any undistributed amount must then be distributed no later than December 31 of the tenth year following the year of…
Required Minimum Distribution Penalty
After Maria reaches age 73, she fails to take her required minimum distribution (RMD) from her traditional IRA. What is the consequence under current tax law? A 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn A 70% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn A 10% penalty plus ordinary income tax No penalty if she…