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Risk Premium versus Intrinsic Value

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Investment PlanningLesson 5: Fundamental Equity Analysis Student Question: Hello Bruce,   The first Review Exercise page in Lesson 5 – is Intrinsic Value the same as Risk Premium? Is that why we’re solving for P0 and not V (which is given)? The formula provided in the explanation confuses me. (question and answer from Review Exercise below) Review Exercise Question: Given the following information, what…

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Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model

By Dan Madden, CFP®

All of the following are correct about the impact of an increase in the single variable under the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model EXCEPT: Market price has a positive impact on put options. Strike price has a positive impact on put options. Expiration time has a positive impact on call options Stock volatility has a positive…

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The Unlikely Banker – IRS CARES for Business Owners

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Good to Know THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT PROVIDES MORE THAN SBA LOANS FOR BUSINESS WORKING CAPITAL SBA loans and the Paycheck Protection Program dominated the business headlines over the last few months. But several less-heralded provisions of the CARES Act go beyond recent headlines to shore up cash flows of struggling businesses, too. How? Liberalization of…

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Coverdell ESA versus 529

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 7: Educational Aid and Funding Calculation Student Question: So, is there ever any benefit to choosing a Coverdell ESA over a 529 Plan? It seems the big difference in the two is that the Coverdell has an AGI limit, so why would you just not always steer clients towards 529 Plans since they can be used across state borders? Stephanie Instructor Response: Hi…

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Using Jensen Performance Index

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Based on the Jensen performance index, which fund should the investor continue to hold given the following information?   FUND 1 FUND 2 Return on Portfolio 13% 17% Beta .95 1.02 Standard Deviation .18 .22 Risk-free rate of return is 7% Market return is 15% Fund 1 Fund 2 Both Fund 1 and 2 Neither Fund 1 nor 2 CLICK…

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CFP® Certificants in the News: Honesty is the Best Policy

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

“Honesty is the best policy.” –Sir Edwin Sandys, 1599 CFP Board reported automatic interim suspensions on several participants’ right to use the CFP® mark in its April 14, 2020, press release. The CFP Board suspensions were based upon investment license revocations by the State of California and FINRA. Assuming the allegations made by CFP Board are proven, a number of recently-disciplined CFP® certificants…

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Qualified Business Income Deduction

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Income Tax PlanningLesson 9: Tax Implications of Business Structures Student Question: I’m having a hard time understanding the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction for Specific Service Trade or Business (SSTB). A nonqualified business is an SSTB, right? But SSTB businesses can qualify if they are under AGI income phase-out? Does that mean if I am financial advisor and file Schedule C with net income onto…

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Ratio Percentage Test

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Which of the following statements concerning SEP and Keogh plans is not correct? A SEP must meet fewer reporting requirements than are imposed on a Keogh plan. A SEP is not considered by the IRS to be a qualified plan as is a Keogh plan. A SEP is similar to a defined contribution plan; a…

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Don’t Make Any Sudden Moves – CFP Board Practitioner Survey

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

COVID19, Market Volatility and Staying Calm The author had a Trust client that I will call Mr. B, a decorated former Marine. He built a highly successful business after he left the Marine Corps and eventually sold the business at a favorable valuation. While most of the author’s trust clients were highly stressed by the…

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