Blog
Appropriate Emergency Fund
James and Lisa are married, both age 40, with two children. They have the following monthly expenses: Mortgage: $2,500 Utilities: $400 Groceries: $1,000 Car loans: $600 Insurance premiums: $500 Discretionary spending: $900 They both have stable jobs and contribute equally to a combined gross income of $190,000/year. According to CFP Board recommendations, how much should…
Read More
CFP Board Appoints New Technology Leader: What It Means for the Future of Financial Planning
CFP® Board Updates On June 17, 2025, the CFP Board announced the appointment of Barry S. Gersten as its new Head Technology Officer – a strategic leadership role that signals where the profession is heading: deeper integration of technology, innovation, and digital enablement across all areas of CFP® education and certification. This appointment isn’t just…
Read More
Investment Receipts Definition
Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 3: Personal Financial Statements Student Question: Hi. The lesson states that when looking at the cash flow statement, investment receipts include: interest, dividends, mf capital gains, etc. Are those funds included in the category of investment receipts even if they don’t withdraw the money from their investment accounts? Instructor Response:…
Read More
Proper Asset Allocation
A client is 40 years old and has a moderate risk tolerance. She has $500,000 to invest and a 20-year time horizon. Which of the following asset allocations best aligns with her risk tolerance and time frame? 80% equities, 20% bonds 60% equities, 35% bonds, 5% cash 50% equities, 50% bonds 90% equities, 10% cash…
Read More
Understanding the CFP Board’s Practitioner Resource Guide: Applying Psychology in Financial Planning
Good to Know In recent years, the Psychology of Financial Planning has become an increasingly essential component of the financial planning profession. Recognizing this, the CFP Board introduced it as a core domain within the CFP® certification framework. To support professionals in this evolving area, they’ve also released the Practitioner Resource Guide, a practical supplement…
Read More
Tax Inclusive vs Exclusive
Course: Estate PlanningLesson 6: Totaling the Gross Estate Student Question: Can you please help me understand this question from a review exercise: Gifts are “tax inclusive” and estates are “tax exclusive” Incorrect. Just the opposite is the case. Gifts are tax exclusive and estates are tax inclusive. I have the logic that Gifts are Tax Inclusive…
Read More
Rental Property Like-Kind Exchange
William found someone to buy his rental property in Maine. Which of the following properties William would like to purchase as rental property would allow him to complete a like- kind exchange? (1) A golf course rental property in Arizona that William identified 30 days after selling his Maine property. (2) A beach rental house…
Read More
Navigating Market Uncertainty: Insights from CFP Board’s Recent Webinar
CFP® Board In The News In times of volatility, financial planners are often the first call – and sometimes, the last line of calm. That’s why the CFP Board’s recent webinar, “The Power of a Plan: Navigating Market Uncertainty With Confidence,” couldn’t be more timely. The event brought together industry voices to reinforce one powerful…
Read More
Premiums on disability and or life insurance on the principals and the key employees
Insurance PlanningLesson 17: Business Uses of Life and Disability Insurance Student Question: I have a quick question regarding buy/sell agreement. I’m not clear on who would pay the premiums on disability and or life insurance on the principals and the key employees? Instructor Response: Great question. A buy-sell agreement relates to owners of the business…
Read More