Recent Discussions

Here, you'll see the recent posts from all of the categories to which you have access in this sub-community. Use the filters to sort them by activity type.

As a CFP® Professional why do I need to know if I am providing financial advice?
One of the first things that is covered in the Ethics CE course for CFP® Professionals is the definition of "financial advice". This is important for CFP® professionals because we are held to the fiduciary standard of always putting the client's needs first and above our needs or our firm's needs. And this applies whenever…
Incorrect Instructions for Study Tools on Calculating Education or Retirement Income
Hello, I am learning how to use my calculator, but one of the videos says and writes the wrong thing so am bringing it to your attention. In the calculator video for -education or retirement income video has wrong calculation at the beginning. They have written on the board FV and it should be PV for the first part of the…
Market Tops and V-Shaped Recoveries
The research I am currently working on focuses on whether the U.S. stock market is overvalued and how to identify the shapes of market cycles. In a project with Michael Angel, we have been analyzing the “Buffett Indicator”—the ratio of the market value of the S&P 500 to U.S. GDP. Historically, from roughly 1950 to 2009,…
The $3,000 “Secret” Behind Better Saving Habits (Even When Big Bills Are Coming)
A 2025 study found that households with a “financial safety net” are more likely to demonstrate a saving habit (spending less than income), and that long-term savings goals help explain part of that relationship. In the research, a “safety net” is defined very specifically as being able to access $3,000 or more in…
When Advisors Ask About SE-AWMA vs. CPWA: The Answers That Always Come Up
SE-AWMA vs. CPWA: Two Questions Advisors Ask (Almost as Often as “Is the Market Up Today?”) Advisors tend to be curious people, which is a polite way of saying we ask a lot of questions. But two come up so reliably that I could set my watch by them: “How does the SE-AWMA® compare to the CPWA®?” and “Will earning the…
✨CE Success Stories: How Has Continuing Education Helped YOU? ✨
Alumni, we want to celebrate your growth, your achievements, and the real impact continuing education has had on your career or business. Whether it was a course that boosted your confidence, a program that helped you land a new role, or CE that improved the way you serve clients—your story matters and can inspire others…
Thanksgiving is Almost Here! 🍂
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s a great time to pause, reflect, and enjoy some good food and gratitude! Here are a few fun facts to get you in the holiday spirit: The first Thanksgiving in 1621 lasted three days and included games and feasting—not just turkey! Turkey wasn’t always the main dish; waterfowl,…
🎓 Alumni Advice Corner – Share Your Wisdom!
Calling all alumni! Your experience matters, and there’s no better way to give back than by sharing your advice with current students and recent graduates. 💡 What to share: Time management tips that helped you succeed Study strategies or exam prep hacks Career guidance or lessons learned in the field of financial planning…
AI Knowledge Tools for Budding Scholars
Google Scholar Labs Stanford Genie - Storm and Co-Storm WMPA by College for Financial Planning - A Kaplan Company Google NotebookLM - create your powerful repositories ResearchRabbit
🔄 Keep Your Designation Current: How & Why Renewal Matters
Renewing your designation isn’t just a formality—it keeps your credentials active, recognized, and respected in the financial planning profession. Staying up to date shows your commitment to continued learning and professional excellence. How to Renew Your Designation: Log in to your portal before your renewal date.…
An unexpected benefit of the Master's in Personal Financial Planning program
About 10 years ago, when I was both established in my financial planning practice, but new to the College, I started the Master's program in Personal Financial Planning. Although I had earned the CFP® certification in 2003, I knew I was going to take a deeper dive into portfolio construction, retirement planning, client…
📊 Have Your Say: Create a Poll for the Community!
Alumni, we want to hear from you! What topics are you curious about—CFP strategies, career tools, or industry trends? Create your own poll in the community and see what your peers think. Polls are a fun way to spark discussion, share insights, and learn from each other. Your question could lead to new ideas, tips, or even…
Honoring Our Veterans 🕊️
This Veterans Day, we take a moment to honor and thank all those who have served in the military. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice help protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. Veterans Day originated in 1919 as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, and was renamed in 1954 to honor all U.S. veterans. About…
📚 Share Your Favorite Finance Reads & Resources!
Calling all alumni! We’d love to hear what books, articles, or podcasts have inspired you, taught you something new, or helped you grow in your financial planning career. Tell us: What resource you recommend Why it’s valuable or insightful How it’s impacted your thinking or work Your recommendations could be just what…
Integrating Behavioral Finance into Graduate Education in Finance
Behavioral finance should play an important role in graduate financial planning programs to prepare students for the realities of client interaction. Integrating behavioral finance better equips (future) advisors to recognize and manage the cognitive biases and emotional factors that often drive client decisions, such as…
Cryptocurrency Insights for Advisors
The Future of Financial Advice in a Crypto-Enabled World As crypto and digital assets become more integrated into financial planning, one thing is clear: investors will still need human advisors. Even with the rise of robo-advisors and automation, navigating crypto requires judgment, experience, and strategic thinking that…
🌞 Good Vibes Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Ends! ⏰
Just a friendly reminder that Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2! Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before bed Saturday night. That small change gives us an extra hour of sleep, so enjoy the bonus rest and make the most of it! Here are some fun facts about Daylight Saving Time: Benjamin Franklin’s…
At the Heart of Financial Planning: Client Goal Setting and Engagement
Understanding a client’s priorities begins with active listening and discovery by not only asking open-ended questions that uncover not just financial objectives, but also emotional drivers, values, and life goals. Planners can use structured tools such as life-event timelines, or visual goal-mapping exercises to help…
Confused on Commonly Tested topics Question: Retirement Planning.
On page 195 of the Summary of Commonly Tested Topics the question asks for the 2025 maximum pension benefit. The details include that the plan provides a retirement pension equal to the participants highest 3 consecutive years of compensation. The three highest years of comp are 130k, 350k and 150k. It's my understanding…
Busting Financial Planning Myths: Alumni Edition
Let’s start the week by busting some common financial planning myths. We know there’s a lot of advice (and misinformation) floating around, and who better to separate fact from fiction than our amazing alumni? Question for you: 💬 What’s the top financial planning myth you’ve encountered in your work or studies? It could be…
Supporting Clients Through Divorce: Navigating Financial Complexity
Divorce rates are down among all cohorts save one: people over age 50. With the rise of so-called “gray divorces”, financial professionals play a vital role in helping clients transition from joint to individual financial lives. Beyond the emotional toll, divorce later in life often involves complex decisions around asset…
Statement of financial position, Model 3, LO 3.1.1
assets=liabilities + net worth, I’m a bit confused by this. Is this formula assuming that the credit card debt (liabilities) is a personal property (asset) on the other end. What if the debt was used to pay for a vacation, would this formula still apply? Does this formula only work if the liability is funding an asset?…
The Anchoring Bias
Anchoring is a common financial bias, with clients with this bias being stuck on an investment price, thinking that is the "anchor" and anything higher is a good investment. Astorino suggests making the investment policy statement early in a relationship to keep clients on track with stated investments, not going off on…
Recession Forecast: Understanding the Numbers Behind the Headlines
Recession Forecast: Understanding the Numbers Behind the Headlines Forecasting recessions is one of the toughest challenges in economics. Even with sophisticated models, economists, policymakers, and investors rarely get both the timing and severity of downturns right. A recent benchmark comes from The Wall Street…
Publications in ESG: From Idealism to Integration
Over the last two decades, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has evolved from a niche movement to a defining force in modern finance. But as new research shows, ESG may be entering a new and more honest phase. In early studies such as Chen, Song, & Gao (2023), strong ESG scores were found to boost financial…
🌟Thank You to Our Fall 2025 Mentors!🌟
Did you know National Mentoring Day is observed in the U.S. on October 27 each year? While the main event is in October, National Mentoring Month in January celebrates mentorship through days like “I Am a Mentor Day”, “Thank Your Mentor Day”, and the National Mentoring Summit. This fall, we want to take a moment to thank…
Poll Question:Which financial planning topic do you wish you learned more about?
Poll Question:Which financial planning topic do you wish you learned more about? 💬 Comment below and let us know why you chose your answer
Over 50 Years of Excellence in CFP Education
As the Dean of Financial Planning, I oversee the revision process for all of our CFP education courses and our professional designations. Our CFP education courses and the Exam Prep Review (EPR) course have been a part of The College since our founding in 1972. We have been preparing students to successfully pass the CFP…
⚠️ Service Alert: Global Internet Outage Impacting Education Platforms
We want to let you know that there is currently a global internet outage affecting many major websites and online platforms, including education tools like Kaplan login pages and Canvas. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Some students were able to regain access on October 19, 2025, so you may want to check…
Most Asked Question from ABFP Instructors: Chapter 16
FAQ: Understanding Chapter 16 (ABFP) Q: Why is Chapter 16 assigned twice in the ABFP course? A: Chapter 16 is assigned in two separate modules because it aligns with the learning objectives of both. It covers retirement planning in general and introduces a specific strategy called “nudging” to help boost retirement assets.…
Alumni Voices Wanted – Make the Community Come Alive
Hello Alumni, It’s been six months since we launched this space just for you—and while we’ve built a library of great content, we’ve realized something important: a community isn’t really a community without you. This is your space to share, ask questions, connect, and learn from each other. Whether it’s advice for…
💼 What’s in Your Toolkit?
Alumni, we want to hear from you! Every financial planner has that one tool, app, or resource they rely on to make their practice run smoothly. 💡 Question: What’s the one thing in your professional toolkit you can’t live without? To get the ideas flowing, here are a few examples you might consider: Planning & Analysis…
The Future of Adult Learning: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As adult education evolves over the next decade, institutions, educators, and learners will face some exciting challenges—and opportunities: Balancing Automation & Human Connection: AI can personalize learning, but mentorship and meaningful human interaction remain vital. Synthesizing Learning in a Fast-Paced World:…
🍂 Fall Term II Courses Are Here! 🍂
Fall Term II 2025 is almost here, and we’re excited to share the courses and faculty leading the way this term. 📚✨ Economics ECON 524 – Faculty TBA ECON 534 – Faculty TBA Finance FINA 515 – Barclay Roper FINA 525 – Barclay Roper FINA 565 – Todd Feldman FINA 595 – Jim Falter Personal Financial Planning (PFPL) PFPL 520 –…
🎉 October is Financial Planning Month! 🎉
October is here, and that means it’s Financial Planning Month—a time to celebrate the power of smart money management and the role financial planners play in helping individuals achieve their goals. 💡💰 Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to refine your strategy, this month is a perfect…
Global Markets and Financial Planning
Global interconnectedness has made international markets a central factor in personal financial planning, especially for those focused on investing and long-term retirement security. Changes in political stability, military conflicts, and trade policies such as tariffs directly shape the economic outlook and can alter how…
Risk Management and Due Diligence Processes for Advisors
Risk management and due diligence are essential tasks for an advisor for their clients over time. This should begin and continue with thoughtful conversations that uncover how a client may actually respond to volatility or loss. Advisors who take the time to explore these nuances are better equipped to recommend strategies…
CFP vs. PFPL Master’s Degree – What’s the Difference? 🎓
Are you wondering how the PFPL Master’s Degree stacks up against the CFP Certification program? Here’s a quick breakdown: PFPL Master’s Degree 10 courses over 2 years Provides deep, advanced financial planning knowledge Includes a FREE CFP Review course that can be taken after the first 6 courses Option: Take the CFP exam…
Masters Electives for the 2025 Fall Term II
FINA561 Real Estate Finance and Investments is a brand new elective for the Master of Financial in Personal Financial Planning degree program. Learn all about real estate investments in this popular course. The new economics course number and name, ECON524 Economics for Investment Decision Makers, covers basic macro and…
Alumni Photo Challenge – Show Us Where the Magic Happens!
Whether you’re deep into client planning, catching up on continuing education, or working through your next big goal—your workspace says a lot about your day-to-day rhythm. 🖼️ We want to see where the magic happens! Snap a photo of your current workspace and share it with the community. It could be your home office, a…
Uncheck the completed boxes
Hello, I accidently clicked "mark complete" not realizing they would go away. I need to uncheck them as I have not completed those sections yet! Is there a way to uncheck them so they go back to my current plan.
🎓 Master’s Alumni Connection: Share Your Graduation Year & Journey!
Hey Master’s alumni! Whether you graduated last year or a decade ago, your journey since earning your degree is a story worth sharing. Let’s celebrate the diverse paths we’ve taken and reconnect as a community. Here’s how to join in: 1️⃣ Comment below with your graduation year (e.g., Class of 2023, 2018, 2010). 2️⃣ Share…
The S&P 500 Is More Top-Heavy Than Ever—What Advisors Should Know
In 2024, the top 10 companies in the S&P 500 accounted for 37% of the index’s value—a level three standard deviations above the historical average of 21.5%. This level of overconcentration is unprecedented in recent decades and represents a structural shift in market dynamics. Our research at the College for Financial…
🎓 Calling All Master’s Students—What Do You Want to See Next?
Happy Monday to all our Master’s students! 🎓 This space is designed just for you—to share resources, ask questions, and connect with others on the same journey. Today, we’d love to hear from you: 👉 What’s been your biggest aha! moment so far in your program? 👉 What topics or resources would you like us to cover in future…
Conflicts of Interest and How to Maintain Your Fiduciary Integrity
Unless you work for free, every financial advisor will have conflicts of interest because compensation is inherently a conflict of interest. Since it is impossible to avoid all conflicts of interest, it is important to know what is required of CFP® professionals when they arise. The first step is to identify any conflicts…
💬 Ask Us Anything: Alumni Edition
Hey CFFP Alumni! 🎓 Got questions? We’ve got answers! Whether you’re curious about: Growing your career in financial planning 💼 Navigating advanced certifications or designations 📜 Finding mentors or building your network 🤝 Industry trends, challenges, or best practices 📊 …we want to hear from you! Drop your questions in…
Avoid These Top Mistakes in Dual-Income Retirement Planning
Key Planning Strategies for Dual-Income Households 1. Maximize Contributions Across Accounts Double up on 401(k)/403(b)/457 plans: Each partner can contribute the annual maximum—$23,500 in 2025, or $31,000 if age 50+. Roth IRAs & HSAs: Use Roth IRAs for tax-free withdrawals and HSAs for triple tax-advantaged healthcare…
Master’s Monday Connections: Find Your Study Buddy! 🤝
Graduate school is better together—especially when you’ve got someone to share the journey with! Whether you’re looking for a study partner in the same time zone or someone taking the same courses, this is your space to connect. 🔍 How to Join In: Drop your details in the comments below: ✏️ What courses you're taking this…
Check Out the New Alumni Page and Share Your Feedback
We’re excited to share that the new Alumni webpage is here—a central hub to help you stay connected, celebrate accomplishments, and access valuable tools. Here’s what you can already explore: Checkout the webpage here:https://www.cffp.edu/alumni ✅ Attend an Event – Stay in the loop with upcoming alumni and professional…
Check Out the New Alumni Page and Share Your Feedback
We’re excited to share that the new Alumni webpage is here—a central hub to help you stay connected, celebrate accomplishments, and access valuable tools. Here’s what you can already explore: Check out the Alumni webpage here: https://www.cffp.edu/alumni ✅ Attend an Event – Stay in the loop with upcoming alumni and…
📸 Alumni Spotlight: A Day in the Life
Ever wonder what your fellow CFFP alumni’s workday looks like now? Whether you’re managing client portfolios, leading a team, or running your own practice, every day has its own rhythm and story. ✨ Here’s your chance to give the community a peek behind the scenes! Share a snapshot or a brief description of a typical…
Master's and the Growth Mindsets
The Master's Mindset is a step above undergraduate study. Master's students learn to ask "why," going beyond simple answers. A Growth Mindset is applicable to any education, and Carol Dweck has a lot of resources on this, including a book called Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. A chart, found on a Farnam Street…
Why take PFPL 650 in the Client Psychology track?
Are you ready to take your client relationships to the next level? I’m excited to tell you about PFPL 650, Client Psychology and Communication, a graduate-level course designed to deepen your understanding of how clients think, feel, and make financial decisions. This isn’t just theory—we explore real client behaviors,…
Master’s Monday Insights: Want to Join an Ongoing Conversation? Jump In!
There are already some great discussions happening in the community—don’t be shy! Whether you have a question, want to share a comment, or just connect, joining a thread is a fantastic way to engage with fellow students and faculty. 👇 Check out these active posts and drop a comment to share your thoughts or ask a question.…
🎒📚 National Back to School Prep Day: Fall 2025 is Here! 🍂✨
Whether you’re gearing up to return to your Master’s courses, starting CFP coursework or exam prep, beginning a new designation, or helping a child get ready for their big school year, this season is all about fresh starts and exciting opportunities! It’s the perfect time to set goals, organize your study space, and get…
Understanding the Financial Planning Process: A Core Foundation for Every Planner
One of the most essential foundations in financial planning is a thorough understanding of the financial planning process. This process is more than a checklist—it’s a structured, repeatable framework that enables planners to deliver ethical, client-focused, and results-driven advice in a variety of scenarios. At its core,…
The Value of a Professional Designation
A few years ago, I conducted some research and wrote a paper that showed that people who were successful in one of the professional designation courses offered at The College for Financial Planning were also highly likely to be successful in the CFP® program. This demonstrates the value of a designation in preparing people…
🎧 Podcast Picks for CFP® Exam Prep
Struggling to find study time? Turn your commute, workout, or walk into review time! Here are some podcast episodes and series that can help you reinforce key concepts and stay motivated: 🔹 Top CFP® Study Podcasts to Bookmark 1. BIF Bites Podcast – Short episodes covering financial planning topics, great for reviewing…
Master’s Monday Insights: Welcome & Introductions
Welcome to the Master’s Program! We’re so excited to have you here as part of our community. ✨ Introduce Yourself: Tell us a little about you! Where are you from, and what inspired you to take this next step in your education journey? 📍 Where Are You Studying From? Let’s see where everyone is joining from! Share your…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Financial Planning
Financial planning has become more multifaceted than ever before. With a host of investment options, changing economic landscapes, and personal financial goals, clients are seeking state-of-the-art solutions to manage their finances successfully. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is stepping in to transform financial planning.…
🎧 Alumni Listening Lounge: What Podcasts Are Powering Your Day?
Let’s create the ultimate CFFP Alumni Listening Library—powered by YOU. Whether you’re tuning in on your morning walk, between client meetings, or while winding down your day, the right podcast can inspire, challenge, and energize your thinking. We want to know: What podcasts are helping you grow as a financial planner,…
🎓 CFP® Exam Registration – Don’t Miss the Deadline!
Planning to sit for the November 2025 CFP® Exam? Make sure you're registered on time! 🖥️ How to Register: It is each student’s responsibility to create an account and register for the exam directly through the CFP Board at www.cfp.net. 💸 Early Bird Deadline: Take advantage of the discounted registration rate by registering…
FINA 575: Financial Modeling
In the world of corporate finance, decisions aren’t made on intuition—they’re made on models. Financial modeling is the language of strategic decision-making, allowing analysts and executives to quantify assumptions, evaluate alternatives, and optimize outcomes. At the College for Financial Planning, our FINA575: Corporate…
📣 Ask Us Anything: PFPL570 – Portfolio Management for Financial Planners
Welcome to PFPL570! Whether you're just diving into the world of portfolio construction or you're coming in with real-world experience, this course is designed to deepen your understanding of investment theory, asset allocation, risk management, and client-focused portfolio strategies. 💼📊 We know starting a new…
Master’s Monday Insights: Fall 2025 Course Preview for Master’s Students
Ready to dive into your Fall 2025 coursework? Here’s a quick look at what’s ahead for our Master of Science students this semester! Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) — Fall Term I (8/11/25 to 10/5/25) Get ready for these core courses: FINA525 FINA527 FINA575 FINA585 FINA650 Master of Science in Personal…
🌟 Happy Colorado Day! 🌟
Did you know? Colorado was the 38th state admitted to the Union on August 1, 1876—earning it the nickname “The Centennial State.” The state boasts over 300 days of sunshine each year—perfect for those outdoor adventures! Colorado is home to the highest paved road in North America—Mount Evans Scenic Byway, reaching 14,130…
🌟Good Vibes - Looking Back & Moving Forward 🌟
As July comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and celebrate all you’ve accomplished so far this year. Whether you’ve hit your milestones or faced unexpected challenges, every step is part of your unique journey. 🎯 Take a moment to reflect: What wins are you proud of from this past month? What lessons…
🎉 Welcome to Your Alumni Community! 🎉
We’re so glad you’re here! As a valued graduate of the College for Financial Planning®, this exclusive Alumni Community was created just for you—a dynamic online space to connect, collaborate, and grow with fellow financial planning professionals from across the country. Whether you’re navigating a challenging client…
🎉 Exciting News from the Alumni Committee! 🎉
We’re thrilled to announce that a brand-new Alumni Website will be launching soon on the College for Financial Planning® (CFFP) platform! This fresh, user-friendly site is designed exclusively for our alumni community to: Connect with fellow graduates from CFP®, master’s, and professional designation programs—no matter…
💻 Tech Tuesday: Essential Tools Every Financial Planner Should Know
In today's fast-moving financial world, staying competitive means staying connected — and that includes knowing which tech tools can make your work smarter, faster, and more client-centered. Here are a few top tools and platforms every financial planner should be familiar with (some of which you may have encountered during…
Ready for a Career Boost? Start with the Graduate Program and PFPL510!
As part of the College for Financial Planning’s Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning (MS-PFP) program, the PFPL510 course, Financial Planning Process & Insurance, offers graduate-level students a comprehensive introduction to the foundations of financial planning, insurance, and risk management. Designed for…
Dean's Note on Alternative Investments: Unlocking New Potential for Financial Planners
Welcome to the Golden Era of Alternatives If you're a financial planner still relying on the classic 60/40 allocation, you're missing what's happening in the real world and what clients are already talking about. Alternative investments are now mainstream, accessible, and, when used wisely, can transform portfolios for a…
MSFA or MS-PFP? Here’s Why Earning Your Master’s with Us Makes Sense
Thinking about taking your financial career to the next level? Here’s why earning your master’s degree with us is a smart move: Skills & Recognition A master’s degree from the College for Financial Planning instantly signals high-level expertise. Whether you pursue the Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) or…
What part of the business cycle do you think the U.S. is in currently?
Do you think we are still in an expansion phase? For a start, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) sets peaks and troughs for the business cycle and the last declared peak was February 2020 and the last trough was April 2020, both declared in July of 2021! Recessions are declared after the fact, so we feel the…
⏳CE Reminder: Don’t Forget Your CE! How to Stay On Track for Renewal
⏳ Don’t Forget Your CE! Stay on Track for Renewal Let’s keep your designation active and your knowledge sharp. Have you reviewed your CE status recently? Staying current with your Continuing Education (CE) isn’t just about meeting a requirement — it’s about maintaining credibility, staying compliant, and continuing to grow…
🎓Did You Know? We Support CPAs Too!
The College for Financial Planning® – a Kaplan Company isn’t just about financial planning—we also offer Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for Accountants! 🧮💼 Kaplan Financial Education is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of CPE on the National Registry of…
MASTERS MONDAY: Why Earn Your Master’s Degree at the College for Financial Planning?
Choosing an accredited institution for your master’s degree is crucial—and the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company—is proud to hold accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a leading institutional accreditor in the United States. HLC accreditation means the College meets high standards in…
🎓 Introducing: Master’s Mondays Starting July 21! 🗓️
Your Weekly Dive into All Things Master’s at CFFP What is Master’s Mondays? Master Mondays will be a dedicated space for both prospective and enrolled Master’s students in the MSFA and MS-PFP programs! Starting July 21 through the end of August, we’ll be sharing weekly content to support your academic journey, build…
🚨Master’s Alumni: Become a Mentor This Fall – Last Day to Apply is Tomorrow!🚨
There’s still time to be part of something meaningful — but don’t wait! We’re closing applications for the inaugural Master’s Mentorship Program and would love to have you on board. As a graduate of one of our Master’s programs, your knowledge and experience can provide valuable support to a current student navigating…
💬 CFFP Alumni: Looking for Feedback or Advice? Start a Thread!
You’ve earned your designation—now you’ve got a network of fellow CFFP grads ready to support you at every step of your professional journey. Are you: Exploring your next designation? Facing a challenging client scenario? Launching a new service or practice? Balancing growth with compliance? Just looking for some…
PFPL600 and PFPL650 capstone courses are unique and gratifying
CFP and Elective Courses: Building Toward the Capstone CFP and elective courses lay the foundation for our capstone courses: PFPL 600 for the CFP program, and PFPL 650 for the Client Psychology and Communication Pathway. These courses give you the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency with financial planning topics,…
Death, Taxes, and This Class: Only One Is Fun
One of the courses I currently oversee is PFPL 530, Income Tax Planning. This is the tax planning course in our master’s program. It uses many of the same materials that are found in our CFP® tax course. However, instead of offering students multiple choice questions, graduate students are given case studies, then asked to…
📌 CE Confusion? Here's What Actually Counts
Let’s Talk Continuing Education (CE) Whether you're renewing your designation or planning ahead, it's important to know what qualifies as CE credit — and what doesn’t. We’re here to clear up the confusion and help you stay on track. ✅ What Counts as Acceptable CE Documentation? To meet designation renewal requirements, CE…
⏰ Final Reminder – 10 Days Left to Apply to the Fall 2025 Master’s Mentorship Program!
🎓 Master’s Alumni: Become a Mentor This Fall! There’s still time to make a meaningful impact — but don’t wait! We’re wrapping up applications for the very first Master’s Mentorship Program, and we don’t want you to miss your chance to be involved. As a Master’s program graduate, your insight and experience can guide a…
PFPL510 - Getting started in the Master's in Personal Financial Planning Program
Most students who haven't already earned the CFP® marks typically start the Master's program with PFPL510 which starts off covering financial planning principles and wraps up covering insurance topics. Each week consists of a reading assignment upon which a 10-question quiz is based. Students also contribute to two…
🎆 Happy Independence Day!
Today, we celebrate the spirit of freedom, resilience, and possibility—values that fuel both our country and our journeys as professionals, students, and lifelong learners. We’re wishing everyone in our community a joyful and safe celebration filled with pride, gratitude, and a little fun too! Do you have any favorite…
🎉 Career Wins: Celebrate Your Success!
To all our alumni—whether you hold your CFP® certification, a master’s degree, or a professional designation, or you’re still on your exam prep journey—this is your moment to shine! What’s a recent career milestone you’re proud of? A new certification or designation earned? A promotion or new role in your firm? A big…
ECON534 Economics for Investment Decision Makers
The master's course, ECON532, has a new name and number! This course has no prerequisites and relies on an overview of macro and micro economics. In addition, we cover a variety of economic indicators in the discussions almost every week, bringing in aspects of the current economy. One week is reserved for a discussion of…
2025 SIMPLE IRA Limits + CFP® Prep Clarification
Hello @DavidMannaioni_CFFP and @GaryClement_CFFP I’m starting a new thread so you can assist the student with their questions. The question was originally sent to me directly through messaging on my community account. I’m reposting it here so everyone can see it. Below is the original inquiry: Can you assist with questions…
🎓 Calling Master’s Alumni: Become a Mentor This Fall!
Fall 2025 Master’s Mentorship Program – Now Accepting Applications📝 Are you ready to give back and make a real impact? We’re launching the very first Master’s Mentorship Program, and we’d love for YOU to be part of it. As a graduate of one of our Master’s programs, you know firsthand what it takes to succeed — and your…
🚀 Starting Strong: Your Entry into the Financial Planning Profession
Just getting started in the financial services industry? The early years of your career are the perfect time to build a strong foundation—and the right credentials can open doors and boost confidence. Two great starting points: 📘 FPQP® – Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ Designed for entry-level professionals…
PFPL 522 is one of my favorite courses because it deals with the psychology of money
In PFPL522, we move beyond the numbers and dive deep into the human side of finance. This course equips students to understand why people make the financial decisions they do—and how planners can help guide better ones. Financial planning isn’t just about optimizing portfolios—it’s about understanding people. PFPL522…
📢We want to hear from you! Why is financial literacy learned at the high school age so important?
As financial professionals, you already know the importance of financial literacy. Recently, at the VITA U conference, David Mannaioni (@DavidMannaioni_CFFP ) delivered a presentation specifically highlighting financial literacy among high school students and the importance of empowering the next generation. I was able to…
FINA565 Overview
In FINA565, you’ll dive into the rigorous world of investment analysis, focusing on both equity and fixed income valuation. Over the next eight weeks, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge essential for making sound investment decisions and performing thorough security analyses. What You’ll Learn Valuation Techniques:…
Which of these webinar topics would you like to see?
🎓 Alumni Poll: Help Us Choose Your Next Webinar Topics! We want to make sure our upcoming webinars deliver exactly what YOU want to learn and explore. Please take a moment to vote on the topics you’d be most interested in—and feel free to suggest any other ideas in the comments or tag/share this with someone you would like…
Are retirement loans double taxed?
The Answer is Yes and No Some say yes. The loan is paid back with after-tax dollars. That means the loan payments are taxed when going back into the plan. Then that money is taxed again when withdrawn in retirement. In other words, the loans do not reduce the person’s taxable income in the years the loan is repaid, and…
VITA U and the College for Financial Planning
What is VITA U, and why did CFFP attend this conference? Hi, Financial Planners! As I mentioned in last week's post, I had the opportunity to join @AmanSunder_CFFP, @AmyRell_CFFP & @DavidMannaioni_CFFP at the VITA U conference in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 last month, where I not only learned about the program but also…
What is VITA U and why did CFFP attend the conference in Rio Grande Puerto Rico?🇵🇷
Hi, my name is Kendra, and I am one of the Online Community Managers here at Kaplan Community. 😊 A few weeks ago, I got the opportunity to join Dr.@AmyRell_CFFP @DavidMannaioni_CFFP and Dr.@AmanSunder_CFFP at the VITA U conference in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. I learned so much about the VITA U program and I also got to see…
AI in Fiduciary Documentation: Navigating Risks and Maximizing Benefits
Overview As the financial advisory profession approaches 2025, advisors and CFP graduate students must critically evaluate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into fiduciary documentation practices. AI technologies offer substantial potential to streamline operations, automate routine documentation tasks,…
How confident are you in your firm’s current oversight of AI-generated fiduciary documentation?
As the financial advisory profession approaches 2025, advisors and CFP graduate students must critically evaluate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into fiduciary documentation practices. AI technologies offer substantial potential to streamline operations, automate routine documentation tasks, provide…