Blog

Section 303 Redemption

By Dan Madden, CFP®

A Sec. 303 redemption is most likely appropriate for which of the following estates? At Fred’s death, Fred owned all of his assets including the stock of a closely-held corporation in joint tenancy WROS with his wife. Before Gloria’s death, she transferred all of her assets including the stock in a closely-held corporation to an…

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5 Habits of Successful Candidates for CFP® Certification

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Good to Know The 5 habits to passing the CFP® exam are not complicated. In fact, they’re quite simple in concept. But here’s the rub, simple is not always easy. For example, here’s the simple equation for losing weight: Calories out > Calories in = Weight loss Yet seven of every ten Americans, the author…

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SEP IRA Contribution Limits

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

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 each…

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Characteristics of a Will

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Which of the following statements concerning a Will are correct? A will can be altered, amended, or completely rewritten at any time before a person’s death. A will cannot be rewritten but can be amended at any time by a codicil. A will must be signed by the maker and usually must be witnessed by…

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Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace—CFP Board’s Proposed Nondisclosure Sanctions

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

CFP® Certificants in the News CFP Board’s recent background and disclosure review project resulted in a higher-than-expected number of reviews, investigations, and disciplinary actions taken against CFP® certificants. Solely in the author’s opinion, the scope and depth of the disclosure violations, when coupled with the CFP Board’s strategic goal of utmost public trust, may have…

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SEP IRA Contribution Limits

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Retirement PlanningLesson 5: Leveraging Nonqualified Plans for Small Business and Not-For-Profit Employees and Owners Student Question: Hello! I am wondering why on this page it says the contribution to a SEP IRA is the lesser of 25% covered compensation or $58,000 (2021), but then it says the combined contribution for SEP IRA and qualified…

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Underinsured Dwelling

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Frank carries an H0-3 policy with $400,000 of coverage and a $1,000 deductible. It would cost $600,000 to rebuild Frank’s house. How much will his insurance company pay on a $100,000 claim related to a fire that started in Frank’s kitchen? $79,000 $82,333 $83,333 $99,000 CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand B is the answer. Frank…

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What Do Sabre-Toothed Tigers and Investments Losses Have in Common?

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Good to Know We introduced the concept of Behavioral Finance in the author’s most recent blog. Specifically, we learned that financial decisions that are rational to our subconscious, primal survival instincts can be breathtakingly irrational to our conscious, objective brains. One of the most perplexing and frustrating examples of this phenomenon is buying high and…

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Donating Short-term Appreciated Securities

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Income Tax PlanningLesson 15: Property Transactions Student Question: Dear Greene Consulting Team – In the lesson, deducting donations of ‘cash’ versus ‘long term appreciated securities’ are differentiated.  I’m curious about “short term appreciated securities”.  In other words, if I own a stock – bought at $10,000 and it’s worth $50,000 when I donate, but…

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