Questions of the Week

Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 6: Commercial Property and Liability Insurance Student Question: Hi Dan – On this review page, the correct answer for Question 2 (below) indicates that insurance will pay only over 97% of replacement cost. However, it says in the chapter that as long as the property is insured for more than 80% of replacement cost, the policy will pay the full cost…

Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 14: Purchasing and Pricing Life Insurance Student Question: The surrender cost index is so confusing in terms of what I need to know. And could you provide a definition for the annuity due factor? Matt Instructor Response: HI Matt,  This can be confusing.  Let’s take a full step back for perspective.  The purpose of the Surrender Cost Index is…

Course: Retirement PlanningLesson 1: Using IRAs to Build and Distribute More Retirement Income Student Question: I am confused about this calculation (question below). If I use 20 years instead of 15 years,  my need is now $90,305 from my own savings. The math makes sense but  the answer does not. If I have an additional 5 years to save, shouldn’t the required out-of-pocket cash be less…

Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 9: CFP Board Regulatory Requirements Student Question: For sub-section iv of Standard A-10(a), I’m a bit confused as to who that applies to. Does this apply to the certificate holder or the client? Will Instructor Response: Hi William- Thank you for the question. In A(10)a-IV, the CFP® certificant must provide this information to the client. Bruce Student Question: I…

Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 4: Managing Cash Flow and Debt Student Question: I’m making sure I understand the means test. If the person is trying to file Section 7 to get rid of debt but the means test shows they can cover their allowable expense, will they be forced to file Section 13 and have to do a repayment plan? It appears the means test is…

Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 5: Using the Calculator Student Question: I am confused as to how to get the correct answer for question number 4. Jackie invests her bonus at the beginning of this calendar year. If she earns 7% compounded monthly, what is the annual equivalent rate? Round your answer to two decimal places. I solve for the future value…

Course: Income Tax PlanningLesson 7: Arriving at Adjusted Gross Income Student Question: Regarding the minimum deductible and maximum out-of-pocket limits for a high deductible health plan, could you explain more clearly “The minimum deductible must be at least $1,400 (single) or $2,800 (family)“. Does that mean, if single, an individual will pay at least $1,400 per doctor visit/procedure, but no more than the maximum out-of-pocket…

Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 5b: Using the HP 10b-II Calculator Student Question: For number 2 (below), should there be a CF of zero for Company B year one? It appears the explanation skips this cash flow. Bobby is investigating the cost of an alarm system for his home, which he thinks he will own for three years. Company A will charge him an…

Course: Investment PlanningLesson 10: Fixed Income Securities Analysis Student Question: I’m not clear why holders of long-term bonds are subject to interest rate risk. If a 20-year bond is purchased at par with a coupon rate of 6.25% ($62.50/year), it seems to me that the investor would still receive $62.50 a year regardless of interest rate changes. What am I missing? Michael…

Course: Estate PlanningLesson 3: Understanding Trusts and Trust Documents Student Question: Perhaps a slightly mundane question, but here we go: It had been my understanding that property in a trust was held and owned by the trust itself, as a separate legal entity. However, several times in this course there has been reference to the trustee having ownership of the property. Is there…