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Tax-Avoidance On Steroids—Private Placement Life Insurance

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Good to Know CFP Board expects a certificant to serve a spectrum of client demographics based upon factors such as age, gender, culture, and net worth.  This blog summarizes a unique income tax strategy for high and ultra-high net worth clients.  Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI) can help a client: Avoid income tax on investment…

Calculating Rate of Return

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Course: Investment PlanningLesson 1: Key Principles of Investing Student Question: Hey Dan, Hope you are doing well. Can you help solve a practice question?  I looked through the textbook and my notes, and just couldn’t wrap my brain about how to solve the problem below.  The confusing part to me is that the fund was not…

Owner of a Grantor Trust

By Dan Madden, CFP®

In which of the following situations would the grantor of a trust not be considered the owner? The grantor has a reversionary interest in the trust, of which the grantor’s son is the sole beneficiary, but the grantor cannot exercise this power until eight years after transfer of property to the trust. The grantor retains…

CFP Board Encourages Pro Bono

By Dan Madden, CFP®

CFP® Board Updates Pro Bono is typically thought of as something attorneys provide.  While the work attorneys do to help those in difficult legal situations without access to competent support, it’s just as important that those in financial services provide a similar benefit when possible. If you’re a CFP® Professional with a desire to help…

Passing Property Via Will

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Investment PlanningLesson 14: Evaluation Portfolio Performance Student Question: Hello – I’m a little confused about the example (below) discussing an heirloom of only sentimental value. Why would this be titled at all for a will, especially since an earlier lecture said items of no value would pass through will as the situation does not…

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…

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…

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…

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…