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ETFs Continue to Transform Portfolio Construction
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become one of the most widely used investment tools among financial advisors. Over the past decade, the ETF market has grown dramatically, expanding from about $2.2 trillion in assets in 2015 to more than $13.5 trillion in 2025, with nearly 5,000 products now available to investors. Why…
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What’s the Most Valuable Soft Skill for Financial Advisors — and Why?
Technical expertise gets you in the door… but soft skills build lifelong client relationships. Is it: Empathy? Active listening? Emotional intelligence? Communication clarity? Confidence? Adaptability? Trust-building? Conflict resolution? In today’s planning environment — where clients are navigating market volatility,…
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Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) — Strategy Refresh
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a powerful tax-planning tool for clients who are 70½+ and want to support charities while reducing taxable income. With changing retirement timelines and evolving tax environments, it’s worth revisiting how we think about QCDs in 2026. 💡 Why QCDs matter: They allow IRA owners…
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🚨 Register Now: March 18 Webinar — Taxes, Macro-Trends & the OBBB Shake-Up
Global markets are shifting — and proactive client guidance has never been more important. Join us on March 18, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM MDT for an insightful session designed to help advisors turn regulatory and economic changes into actionable strategies for clients. We’ll explore: 🔹 Key 2026 IRS annual limit changes you…
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SECURE 2.0 Updates Advisors Should Be Discussing
Whether you’re actively advising clients or studying for a designation like CRPC®, AAMS®, FPQP® or CRPS®, understanding the latest retirement legislation is critical — and SECURE 2.0 is one of the biggest developments advisors should be aware of in 2026. This law continues to reshape retirement planning — from contribution…
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Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Sequencing — What Are You Doing in Practice?
As we move deeper into tax season and planning conversations, tax-efficient withdrawal sequencing is becoming one of the most important strategies advisors should understand — especially when helping clients optimize retirement income. The big question: 👉 Are you withdrawing from taxable, tax-deferred, or Roth accounts…
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Eligibility for ADA Accommodations: What You Need to Know
We believe education should be accessible to everyone. The College for Financial Planning® — a Kaplan Company — complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and applicable regulations to ensure full access to our programs and services. We do not deny or limit access based on disability. ✅ Requesting an…
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Roth vs. Traditional Contributions in the 2026+ Tax Environment
As tax rules evolve, understanding the difference between Roth and Traditional contributions is more important than ever. In the 2026 tax environment, the key distinction still comes down to one major factor: ➡ Do you want the tax break now — or tax-free growth and withdrawals later? 🔎 Traditional Contributions Pre-tax…
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Who to Contact at the College?
For questions about enrollment or to request a change of offering, contact Enrollment: Phone: 800-237-9990, option 3 Email: enroll@cffp .edu Fax: 303-220-1810 Student Services & Course Extensions Course extensions are available for a fee. Contact Student Services for support: Phone: 800-237-9990, option 2 Email:…
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🌟 Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day! 💛
Did you know February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day? It’s a perfect reminder to spread positivity, brighten someone’s day, and make small gestures that have a big impact. Here are some simple ways to participate: Compliment a colleague or peer—genuine words go a long way. Leave a thoughtful note or send an encouraging…