Blog
Accounting for Inflation
Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 5: Using the Calculator Student Question: Hi, Good afternoon. Can you explain why we didn’t take inflation into consideration for the second calculation in the first problem? Kind regards, Austin Dawn wants to have $25,000 in today’s dollars for a round-the-world cruise when she retires 11 years from now. She…
The Business Cycle
Which phase of the business cycle is typically characterized by declining corporate profits, rising unemployment, tightening credit conditions, and falling consumer confidence? Expansion Peak Contraction Trough CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand C is the answer.
The Financial Implications of AI in Financial Planning: What CFP® Professionals Should Watch
Good to Know As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to mature and find its way into financial services, CFP® professionals face a pressing question: What does this mean for me and my clients? From predictive analytics to automated workflows, AI is rapidly transforming the landscape of planning, client service, and compliance. But beyond the buzzwords, there…
529 Plan Contribution Limits
Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 6: Educational Savings Techniques Student Question: Hi, Do the limits on 529 plan contributions apply to that specific account, the child, or the contributor? Is it possible for a contributor to have more than one 529 plan, if they’ve reached the limit on one? Instructor Response: Hi Good question. It’s…
Social Security Disability Insurance Eligibility
In 2026, Thomas is age 45 and works as an electrician. Due to a severe spinal injury, he is no longer able to perform substantial work. His physician expects the condition to last at least 18 months. Thomas currently earns $3,820 per month from part-time consulting work. He is not blind and has sufficient work credits to…
Internal Rate of Return Calculation
Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 5b: Using the HP 10bII Calculator Student Question: Hi, In Example 2, the solution given has 6 years (including CF0) instead of 5. I believe the first year of Carl’s coin purchase should be CF0, but the fifth year – which includes a purchase and a sale – should be…
Backdoor Roth IRA Taxation
In 2026, Maria, age 52, is single and has MAGI of $210,000, making her ineligible to contribute directly to a Roth IRA. She makes a $7,500 nondeductible contribution to a traditional IRA and immediately converts the entire balance to a Roth IRA. At the time of conversion, Maria also owns a rollover traditional IRA from a former…
CFP Board’s 2026 Principal Knowledge Topic Updates — What’s Changed for Candidates
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board has released its updated Principal Knowledge Topics for the 2026 exam cycle – and while the changes are subtle, they reflect evolving industry expectations, regulatory realities, and practitioner demands. Whether you’re preparing to sit for the CFP® exam or helping someone on that journey, understanding what’s been updated can…
Replacement Cost Reimbursement
Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 6: Commercial Property and Liability Insurance Student Question: Hi, The way I understand the example below is that since the cost, current value and depreciation are not relevant, it seemed to me that the building is only insured for 77.77% of its replacement value ($14,000,000/$18,000,000). This would lead to the payout from…