Student Question

Course: Investment PlanningLesson 13: Asset Allocation Student Question: Hi, Could you help me better understand the difference between the capital market line (CML) and security market line (SML)?  I can’t seem to fully grasp the difference. Thanks, Meg Instructor Response: Hi Meg, First, let’s take a full step back for perspective.  The SML and CML…

Course: Retirement PlanningLesson 5: Leveraging Nonqualified Plans for Small Business and Not-For-Profit Employees and Owners Student Question: Hello! I am wondering why on this page it says the contribution to a SEP IRA is the lesser of 25% covered compensation or $57,000 (2020), but then it says the combined contribution for SEP IRA and qualified…

Course: Retirement PlanningLesson 2: Qualified Plan Advantages and Disadvantages for Employees and Business Owners Student Question: Hi- On the Contribution base example, it states, “Net earnings from self-employment (NESE:) $140,000 x .9235 = $129,290”. Where did the .9235 come from? I’m sure it was in a previous lesson, I just can’t remember. Thanks, Meg Instructor Response: Hi Megan, Good question!  This factor is part of the Internal…

Course: Retirement PlanningLesson 5: Leveraging Nonqualified Plans for Small Business and Not-For-Profit Employees and Owners Student Question: Hi- I’m trying to distinguish when the required minimum distribution amounts are at 72 years old versus when they are 70½.  IRAs are now 72, correct?  Is a 401k Plan and a 403b Plan at 70½? Thanks Tiffany Instructor…

Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 17: Business Uses of Life and Disability Insurance Student Question: Hope you’re well and keeping safe. I do have a quick question regarding buy/sell agreement; not clear who would pay the premiums on disability and/or life insurance on the principals and the key employees? Thanks Emerito Instructor Response: Hi Emerito, Great question.  A buy-sell…

Course: Fundamentals of Financial PlanningLesson 9: CFP Board Regulatory Requirements Student Question: In Lesson 1, for Step 7, I have that a certificant is responsible for monitoring and updating only if explicitly called for in the scope of the engagement.  In Lesson 9, I’m reading that the certificant is responsible unless explicitly excluded. Which is…

Course: Investment PlanningLesson 15: Fundamentals of Derivatives – Futures and Options Student Question: Can you please explain what Basis points are and how/why they are generally used? Thanks Lana Instructor Response: Hi Lana, There are 100 basis points in 1%.  Basis points are merely a common method of measuring investment fees or returns.   An exchanged-traded fund may charge…

Course:  Income Tax PlanningLesson 15: Property Transactions Student Question: Dear Greene Consulting Team –  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 months…

Course:  Estate PlanningLesson 4: Transfer Taxation I – Common Elements of Estate and Gift Taxes Student Question: Hello, Can I get some clarification on the Gift and Estate tax? As I understand it, individuals can gift up to $15,000 per year without “triggering” a gift tax; however, they still have the lifetime exemption of $11.58 million. Gifts over $15,000 per…

Course:  Estate PlanningLesson 3: Understanding Trusts and Trust Documents Student Question: In the example, I would think Northwestern would have a future, contingent interest as their interest is dependent upon the death of the wife. But the feedback tells me it’s a vested interest. Do we assume death is inevitable and, therefore, not a contingent-worthy contingency? EXAMPLE: During the life of…