CFP in the News
CFP® Exam Pass Rates: What the Numbers Really Reveal About the Profession
Good to Know Every CFP® exam cycle generates the same reaction: “What was the pass rate?” It’s the wrong first question. Recent CFP Board statistics show overall pass rates generally ranging from the mid-60% to low-70% range.¹ That consistency signals calibration — not randomness. What the Range Signals A pass rate in this range reflects…
Read MoreThe Growing CFP® Workforce: Why Expansion Raises the Bar — Not Lowers It
Good to Know The number of CFP® professionals continues to reach record levels. At first glance, that sounds like simple industry growth. More certificants. More awareness. More credibility. But growth at this scale raises a more important question: Does expansion dilute the designation — or does it increase its competitive standard? The data suggests the…
Read MoreRoth Conversions in a Stable Rate Environment: Why the Real Decision Is About Control, Not Rates
Good to Know The Roth conversion conversation is often framed around one question: “Are tax rates going up or down?” That framing is incomplete. In a stable or moderating rate environment, the strategic value of Roth conversions is less about predicting Congress and more about controlling future planning variables. The Misconception: It’s About Today’s Marginal…
Read MoreBreaking Down the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’: 2025 Retirement Proposals and Their Impact
CFP® Board In The News Washington is once again revisiting retirement reform — and the latest proposal, dubbed the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ by its bipartisan sponsors, could have a significant impact on retirement planning for millions of Americans. What’s in the Bill? Increased catch-up contributions for workers aged 60 and older. Expanded access to Roth…
Read MoreSEC’s Updated Fiduciary Standards: How CFP® Professionals Can Stay Ahead
CFP® Board In The News In July 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released updated guidance related to Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) and fiduciary standards. These updates are part of an ongoing effort to clarify the expectations for financial professionals when providing investment advice and brokerage services to retail investors. While these rules…
Read MoreWhat CFP® Professionals Need to Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill: Opportunities and Risks
CFP® Board In The News The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) is making headlines, not just for its sweeping tax code changes, but for the long-term planning ripple effects it introduces. While the CFP Board has rightly spotlighted the bill’s implications for 529 plans, standard deductions, and SALT caps, this legislation extends far…
Read MoreBehavioral 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…
Read MoreNavigating 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 MorePlanning 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…
Read MoreBehavioral 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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