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CFP Board Breaks Down the One Big Beautiful Bill: Key Planning Provisions CFP® Pros Should Know
CFP® Board Updates On July 7, 2025, the CFP Board issued a comprehensive summary of the tax provisions included in the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) – a landmark piece of legislation that makes sweeping changes to the federal tax code. This legislation, originally proposed as the Tax Simplification and Prosperity Act of…
Calculating Rate of Return
Course: Investment PlanningLesson 1: Key Principles of Investing Student Question: 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 sold, so there is no sales price,…
Fully Insured vs Currently Insured
Which of the following clients would be considered fully insured under Social Security rules? Maria, age 45, who has earned 10 quarters of coverage in the past 10 years. James, age 62, who has earned 40 quarters of coverage over his lifetime. Angela, age 28, who has earned 6 quarters of coverage in the past 13…
The Career and Salary Outlook for CFP® Professionals in 2025 and Beyond
Good to Know If you’ve ever considered becoming a Certified Financial Planner™, now is the time to act. Demand for financial advisors is rising, consumer expectations are evolving, and the CFP® designation is more than just a certification – it’s a competitive advantage. In a field increasingly shaped by trust, regulation, and specialization, CFP® professionals…
FICA Taxation
Course: Income Tax PlanningLesson 10: Social Security Student Question: Do I understand correctly that all FICA paid in case of employment is deductible/ paid pre-tax (by company as well as employee), whereas in case of self-employment only half is deductible? Instructor Response: Not quite. Employees do not get a deduction for their FICA share. Employers…
Peril vs Hazard
During a risk management review, a financial planner is explaining the difference between perils and hazards to a client. Which of the following correctly identifies a peril and a hazard? Peril: Fire destroying a home Hazard: Faulty wiring in the home Peril: Ice on the sidewalk Hazard: Slipping and breaking a leg Peril: Car left unlocked…
Behavioral Finance and the Retirement Planning Gap: How CFP® Professionals Can Lead the Way
CFP® Board In The News According to a July 2025 feature shared by the CFP Board, Americans are facing a growing retirement planning gap – and it’s not just about money. It’s about mindset. While many individuals have access to retirement accounts, data shows that confidence, consistency, and emotional decision-making often derail even the most…
Gifts Added Back to Estate at Death
Course: Estate PlanningLesson 5: Transfer Taxation II Lifetime Transfers Student Question: If the gift tax is paid what is the need to add the gift back to the estate at death? is that not double taxation? Instructor Response: It certainly feels that way, doesn’t it? But it’s really not. If I give away say $1million…
HO-3 Coverage A
Maria owns a single-family home insured under an HO-3 homeowners’ policy. Which of the following is covered under Coverage A – Dwelling? Damage to Maria’s detached garage caused by a windstorm Damage to Maria’s personal property inside the home caused by fire Replacement of the roof of Maria’s home after a hailstorm Medical payments to…