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Social Security Widower Benefits
Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 10: Social Security Student Question: When it comes to social security widower’s benefit’s, is the widow eligible to take his/her SS benefit early (age 62) and then switch over to the deceased spouse’s full benefit at 67? Or would the widow only be eligible for one of the two benefits? Instructor Response:…
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Generation Skipping Transfer Tax
Which of the following transfers would most likely trigger the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax, assuming the applicable exemptions have already been fully used? A grandmother gifts $18,000 to her grandson’s 529 college savings plan. A father transfers $10 million to his daughter as part of his estate plan. A grandfather creates a trust that distributes $2…
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Planning in a Global Context: What CFP® Professionals Can Learn from the World Economic Forum 2025
CFP® Board In The News The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos brought together global leaders to discuss emerging risks and opportunities shaping the world economy. For CFP® professionals, these high-level discussions might seem far removed from everyday client meetings-but the insights they offer are increasingly relevant to financial planning. As the financial lives…
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Passing Property Via Will
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…
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Optimal Retirement Benefits
John and Maria are both 62 years old and considering when to begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits. John has a higher earnings history than Maria. Maria did not work for many years while raising their children and has lower lifetime earnings. They are trying to maximize their combined lifetime benefits. Which of the following…
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Behavioral Finance and the CFP®: Understanding Client Psychology in Financial Planning
CFP® Board In The News The success of a financial plan often hinges less on market returns and more on client behavior. While technical accuracy and investment discipline are essential, the ability to understand and anticipate human emotion and decision-making is becoming a critical skill for today’s financial planner. Behavioral finance-the study of how cognitive…
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Donating Short-term Appreciated Securities
Course: Income Tax PlanningLesson 15: Property Transactions Student Question: In the lesson, deducting donations of ‘cash’ versus ‘long term appreciated securities’ are differentiated. I’m curious about “short term appreciated securities”. In other words, if I own a stock – bought at $10,000 and it’s worth $50,000 when I donate, but I’ve only owned it 6…
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Roth IRA Contributions
Lisa, age 35, is a high-income earner with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $165,000 in 2025. She wants to contribute to a Roth IRA. She is not covered by a retirement plan at work. Lisa also wants to use the funds for a first-time home purchase in 3 years. Based on current IRS…
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Technology and the CFP®: Embracing AI and Digital Tools in Financial Planning
CFP® Board In The News Financial planning is undergoing a quiet revolution. Artificial intelligence, digital automation, and data-driven tools are no longer futuristic enhancements-they’re reshaping how planners deliver advice, manage client relationships, and run their practices. For CFP® professionals and students alike, embracing these technologies is quickly becoming essential to staying competitive, efficient, and client-centered.…
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