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Financial Planning Conversations Worth Having This Fall š
Fall can be a great time to check in with clients, revisit their goals, and identify planning opportunities before the end of the year. Here are a few conversations worth having: š° Year-End Tax Planning āAre there any tax-related decisions we should be thinking about before December 31?āReviewing income, retirementā¦
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Prepping for the FPQP Final Exam
The best way for me to study is by making flashcards. I was thinking of using the quiz questions from each chapter to do so but don't want it to be a waste of my time if you don't think it will really help me on the Final Exam. Have you known other students to study this way and be successful?
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The Biggest Financial Planning Trends to Watch in 2027 š
The financial planning profession continues to evolve, and 2027 is likely to bring new opportunities for financial professionals to adapt how they serve clients, use technology, and build their expertise. Here are a few trends worth watching: š¤ AI and Technology AI is becoming increasingly integrated into financialā¦
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Tax Planning Conversations to Start Before Year-End š°
As the year winds down, it's a great time to help clients look beyond their investment accounts and start conversations about potential tax planning opportunities. Here are a few questions to bring into your next client meeting. šµ Retirement Contributions and Distributions "Have you reviewed your retirement contributionsā¦
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I'm Overwhelmed by CFP Exam Prep. Where Do I Even Start?
Preparing for the CFPĀ® exam can feel overwhelming, especially if you're balancing work, family, and other commitments. The good news? You don't have to know everything on day one. Success starts with a planānot perfection. Here are four steps to help you get started: 1. Break the Material into Manageable Sections Insteadā¦
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Meet Our 2026 CFFP Alumni Award Winners! š
Weāre proud to introduce the recipients of the inaugural 2026 College for Financial PlanningĀ® Alumni Awards! This new recognition celebrates alumni who demonstrate excellence, leadership, mentorship, and a continued commitment to advancing the financial planning profession. Congratulations to our 2026 Alumni Awardā¦
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Case Study
Where do I find the case study for each module? Is it in my study e-book or do I need to access through another site like the Quiz?
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HP10BII Calculator Tips
Around exam time, lots of students are dusting off their calculators and refreshing on keystrokes for various calculations. I am attaching a PDF that provides some reminders regarding the use of the HP10BII calculator. As you start any calculation, you should remember three things: (1) Clear the calculator. (2) Verify theā¦
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Meet Your CFPĀ® Community Moderator: Ed Clark
Weāre excited to welcome Ed Clark, MSPFP, MPASĀ®, ChFCĀ®, CASLĀ®, CRPCĀ®, AWMAĀ®, as our CFPĀ® Community Moderator as students prepare for the November CFPĀ® Certification Examination. Ed brings more than 30 years of experience in financial services and more than 20 years of teaching experience. He teaches across the CFPĀ®ā¦
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Our CFFP Master's Mentorship Program: Real Career Growth, Real Results
We just wrapped up our Spring 2026 Master's Mentorship Program, and I'm excited to share what this experience revealed about professional development in financial planning. This program pairs MSPFP graduate students with experienced financial planning professionals for structured mentoring focused on real careerā¦
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September Action Items: Open Enrollment Prep
October means open enrollment season. For your clients, it can feel overwhelming. For you? It's an opportunity to add real value and show why having a financial planner matters. Here's what most people miss: open enrollment isn't just about picking a health plan. It's about aligning healthcare decisions with their overallā¦
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Quiz Review
Once you complete a module quiz, it there a way to print out the questions with the explanation for reviewing? I fine it hard to review the quiz on the computer.
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Estate Planning Gaps Clients Often Overlook
Estate planning is much more than drafting a will. It's an ongoing process that should evolve as a client's life, family, and financial situation change. However, one of the most commonāand potentially costlyāoversights is failing to review and update beneficiary designations. Many clients assume their will or trustā¦
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Your Designation Doesn't Keep You CurrentāYou Do
Your Designation Doesn't Keep You CurrentāYou Do You earned your CFP, CRPC, AAMS, or FPQP because you proved you knew the material at that moment. But financial regulations, tax law, and best practices don't stay still. Neither should your knowledge. Here's what you need to know: The Timeline You have two ways to thinkā¦
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Advisor Playbooks: Scripts for Emotional Client Conversations
The Real Work Isn't About the Numbers When markets drop or life upends, clients don't call asking for a portfolio rebalance. They call because fear is louder than reason. And that's where you matter most. Here's the shift: Emotional conversations follow a pattern. Your job is to interrupt panic and move the client towardā¦
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IRA to HSA funding
Hi! I am confused about funding an HSA from an IRA. Is this allowed only one time? Is there a max limit on funding an HSA from an IRA? Is it a rollover or a transfer?
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Anyone else getting 500 error on Prep Course access
I have my CFP exam on Saturday - and today I started getting an Internal error 500 on the test prep materials! Anyone else?
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CE Renewal Made Simple: What Designation Holders Need to Know
One of the most common questions we hear from designation holders: where do I find the required list of approved CE courses? Here is the answer that surprises many alumni. There is no required catalog. You have the flexibility to choose the CE provider and courses that best fit your practice, your interests, and yourā¦
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The Great Wealth Transfer: Are You Connected to Your Clients' Adult Children?
An estimated 80 trillion dollars or more is expected to move between generations over the next two decades. It is one of the largest wealth shifts in history, and it comes with a hard truth for advisors: the majority of heirs leave their parents' advisor after receiving an inheritance. The advisors who keep thoseā¦
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The Estate Planning Conversation Clients Avoid, and How to Change That in August
In advance of National Make a Will Month this August, now is the time to start preparing your client conversations around estate planning. Most clients avoid the topic for the same reasons. It feels uncomfortable, they assume it is only for the wealthy, or they plan to get to it later. The advisors who break through thatā¦
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Industry Trend Breakdown: What is changing in Social Security?
If your clients have questions about Social Security this year, they are not alone. Here is what advisors should have on their radar in 2026. The COLA rose to 2.8 percent, up from 2.5 percent last year. That translates to roughly 56 dollars more per month for the average retiree. But Medicare is eating into it. Part Bā¦
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š 5 Ways to Stay Connected in the Financial Planning Industry
Whether you're deep in your studies, newly designated, or a seasoned professional ā staying connected to the financial planning community isn't just nice to have. It's a career strategy. Here are five practical ways to keep your finger on the pulse of the industry: Get Active on LinkedIn LinkedIn is one of the mostā¦
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Summer Industry Check-In: What Financial Planners Should Be Watching in 2026
Summer is a great time to step back from coursework, client meetings, and exam prep to take a broader look at where the financial planning profession is headed. Here are a few trends shaping the industry right now: š¤ AI Is Becoming a Core Skill Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to everyday useā¦
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Finding A Business Attorney
Does anyone have a suggestion on how to find attorneys that specialize in Buy/Sell Agreements for the Businesses within the Construction Industry?
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Brain Block
Hello, I am starting chapter 7 and I am losing so much focus. I feel that it is so much information, that my brain has maxed out on what more it can consume. Any ideas of how to help remove the block. At this point, I feel that I am only reading words. I am not retaining any of the material. Help, please, anyone. Thanks
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Tax Strategy (Before Itās Too Late)
Early Roth Conversion Planning (Donāt Wait Until Q4) Roth conversions are one of the most powerful planning toolsābut timing matters more than most clients realize. Too often, the conversation doesnāt happen until Q4ā¦ when options are limited and decisions feel rushed. Mid-year is where advisors can be more strategic.ā¦
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Whatās one client planning priority thatās changed most in Q2?
Weāre far enough into the year to start seeing real shifts in client conversations. What felt urgent in Q1 isnāt always what clients are focused on now. Are you seeing more conversations around: ā¢ Cash flow and spending habits? ā¢ Market volatility and risk tolerance? ā¢ Tax strategy adjustments? ā¢ Retirement timing changes?ā¦
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Career Pivoting Advice needed :)
Hello - Tax Advisor here :), I am looking to leave tax, and have picked up the CFA L1 to help be a signaller for that. Curious to hear what people recommend should be my further steps to help accomplish a career pivot from tax to either one of the following: Wealth Management, Strategy Consulting, IB or anything alongā¦
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š Advisors: Whatās the most common estate planning mistake youāre seeing in 2026?
š¬ What estate planning gap are you seeing most with clients right now? Estate planning isnāt just for the ultra-wealthyāitās a critical part of every financial plan. Yet, many clients still have major gaps that can create challenges for their families down the road. For financial professionals, identifying these gaps earlyā¦
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Faculty Research Spotlight: Stock Market Index Overconcentration
Recent faculty research from the College for Financial PlanningĀ® is gaining strong engagement across both academic and industry audiences. The article, āStock Market Index Overconcentrationā by Khurram Naveed, Todd Feldman, and Barclay Roper, was recently featured through The Market Lens platform and discussed by Larryā¦
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š¬ Now that tax season is overāwhatās the first thing you prioritize with your clients?
Tax season might be behind us, but for financial professionals, this is where the real planning begins. April is a critical time to turn tax insights into strategy and help clients stay on track for the rest of the year. š” Here are a few smart next steps advisors often focus on: ā¢ Reviewing tax returns for planningā¦
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Happy Tax Day to our Financial Planning Community
For financial planners, this season goes far beyond filing deadlines. It is helping clients make sense of tax implications, navigating last minute decisions, and connecting tax strategy to long term financial plans. You have been in the details while also keeping the bigger picture in focus for your clients and that is noā¦
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š· What Advisors Should Be Doing in April (Preparing for Summer 2026)
April isnāt just about tax seasonāitās also a key planning window for financial professionals before summer schedules and client availability start to shift. Whether youāre a CFPĀ® student, designation holder, or early-career advisor, now is the time to get ahead. š” Hereās what to focus on this month: š 1. Post-Tax Seasonā¦
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š Social Security Optimization Strategies in 2026
When it comes to retirement planning, Social Security timing can make a significant impact on long-term financial outcomes. As we move through 2026, itās more important than ever for financial professionalsāand future CFPĀ® certificantsāto understand how to help clients optimize their Social Security benefits. š” Keyā¦
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April is Financial Literacy Month
April is Financial Literacy Month, a meaningful reminder of the role education plays in helping individuals build confidence and clarity in their financial lives. For our College for Financial Planning alumni, this work is personal. The knowledge and skills you developed here continue to show up in the way you guide,ā¦
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š Inflation Trends & Portfolio Positioning
Inflation continues to play a key role in shaping investment strategy and portfolio construction. Understanding how inflation impacts asset allocation is essential for long-term planning. Rising prices affect purchasing power, interest rates, bond yields, equity performance, and cash flow projections ā making proactiveā¦
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Whatās One Client Win Youāre Proud Of This Year?
Behind every financial plan is a real person ā and real progress. Maybe it was: Helping a client retire confidently Guiding someone through market volatility Navigating a complex tax strategy Supporting a business owner through succession planning Coaching a client through a tough behavioral money moment Helping a familyā¦
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š Bitcoin & Financial Advice ā Whatās Your Perspective?
Bitcoin continues to gain attention in client conversations ā especially with ETF adoption and increased institutional exposure. Yet many financial advisors still approach it cautiously. That raises an important question: š Is your hesitation about Bitcoin based on risk managementā¦ regulationā¦ valuation concernsā¦ or clientā¦
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Question ID: 1435345?
Despite being a 4% shareholder, why wouldnt the corporation be allowed to include Anna's compensation with it's operations and reduce the taxable liability (that is then shared with Anna as a pass-through)?
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How Are You Incorporating AI Into Your Practice?
AI is everywhere in 2026 ā but how is it actually showing up in your day-to-day work? Are you using it for: Client communication drafts? Meeting prep or recap notes? Portfolio analysis? Marketing content? Workflow automation? Research support? Compliance review assistance? š Weād love to hear from you: How are you using AIā¦
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Whatās the Biggest Client Planning Trend Youāre Seeing in 2026?
Client priorities are constantly evolving ā and this year feels especially dynamic. Are you noticing more conversations around: Tax strategy and Roth conversions? AI and tech integration in planning? Retirement income planning? Estate and legacy conversations? Behavioral finance and emotional decision-making? Businessā¦
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Fintech, AI Agents, and Stablecoins
As AI agents become more capable, they will increasingly act on behalf of people and organizations. They will book services, purchase data, pay for software access, and interact with digital marketplaces. But there is a practical issue that does not get discussed enough: the payment rails they are expected to use. Mostā¦
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šæ National Organize Your Home Office Day ā Reset, Refresh, Refocus!
Your workspace impacts your productivity, creativity, and mindset more than we realize. National Organize Your Home Office Day is the perfect excuse to: āØ Clear the clutter āØ Organize your files & digital documents āØ Refresh your desk setup āØ Rearrange for better workflow āØ Create space that inspires focus For financialā¦
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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. Whyā¦
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Whatās the Most Valuable Soft Skill for Financial Advisors ā and Why?
Technical expertise gets you in the doorā¦ but soft skills build lifelong client relationships. Is it: Empathy? Active listening? Emotional intelligence? Communication clarity? Confidence? Adaptability? Trust-building? Conflict resolution? In todayās planning environment ā where clients are navigating market volatility,ā¦
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Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) ā Strategy Refresh
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a powerful tax-planning tool for clients who are 70Ā½+ and want to support charities while reducing taxable income. With changing retirement timelines and evolving tax environments, itās worth revisiting how we think about QCDs in 2026. š” Why QCDs matter: They allow IRA ownersā¦
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šØ Register Now: March 18 Webinar ā Taxes, Macro-Trends & the OBBB Shake-Up
Global markets are shifting ā and proactive client guidance has never been more important. Join us on March 18, 2026 | 10:00 ā 11:00 AM MDT for an insightful session designed to help advisors turn regulatory and economic changes into actionable strategies for clients. Weāll explore: š¹ Key 2026 IRS annual limit changes youā¦
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SECURE 2.0 Updates Advisors Should Be Discussing
Whether youāre actively advising clients or studying for a designation like CRPCĀ®, AAMSĀ®, FPQPĀ® or CRPSĀ®, understanding the latest retirement legislation is critical ā and SECURE 2.0 is one of the biggest developments advisors should be aware of in 2026. This law continues to reshape retirement planning ā from contributionā¦
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Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Sequencing ā 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 ā especially when helping clients optimize retirement income. The big question: š Are you withdrawing from taxable, tax-deferred, or Roth accountsā¦
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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 PlanningĀ® ā a Kaplan Company ā 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. ā
Requesting anā¦
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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: ā” Do you want the tax break now ā or tax-free growth and withdrawals later? š Traditional Contributions Pre-taxā¦
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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:ā¦
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š Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day! š
Did you know February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day? Itās a perfect reminder to spread positivity, brighten someoneās day, and make small gestures that have a big impact. Here are some simple ways to participate: Compliment a colleague or peerāgenuine words go a long way. Leave a thoughtful note or send an encouragingā¦
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2026 Annual Limits: A Handy Guide for Planning Professionals
Did you know? The College for Financial Planning offers a handy resource to make annual limits easy to access and use. The 2026 Annual Limits Quick-Reference Guide is a concise, faculty-curated document designed for students, alumni, and financial planning professionals. It provides the most up-to-date annual limits andā¦
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š³ļø Poll: How Do You Prefer to Engage with Peers and Faculty?
We want to hear from you! Let us know which ways you most enjoy connecting and learning in our community. š” Bonus: Share in the comments why you prefer your choice!
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Tax Season Is Officially HereāHereās What Advisors & Accountants Should Watch Now
Once tax season begins, the window for planning doesnāt closeāit just shifts. This is the moment to move from preparation to precision and help clients avoid costly surprises. š Key Areas to Pay Attention To Cash flow & liquidity needs Clients may underestimate tax payments or forget quarterly estimatesānowās the time toā¦
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Ask & Engage: Financial Planning Edition
Whether youāre just starting your journey, enrolled in CFPĀ® Certification coursework, pursuing a professional designation certification, or enrolled in our Masterās program, we want to hear from you! Even if you havenāt enrolled in courses yet and are simply curious about the field, drop your questions in the commentsā¦
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š Did You Know? Scholarship Opportunities at the College
The College for Financial PlanningĀ®āa Kaplan Company offers a variety of scholarship programs designed to help students pursue CFPĀ® certification, professional designations, and Master of Science degrees in Personal Financial Planning. Available Scholarship Opportunities Financial Advisor Futures Scholarships CFPā¦
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pre assesment exam
Where do you find the Landon Study case once you access the pre-assesment exam. It say's you need it to answer the 40 questions, but it is not study tools
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Did You Know? How to Use Your Designation the Right Way
If youāve earned a professional designation from the College for Financial Planning, there are specific guidelines for how to display your certification marks correctly. š
The Professional Designations Marks Usage Guidelines outline the most up-to-date standards for using your designation in emails, resumes, LinkedInā¦
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Masterās Monday Connections: Find Your Study Buddy! š¤
Graduate school is more funāand more productiveāwhen you have a study buddy! Whether youāre looking for someone in your time zone or taking the same courses, this is your space to connect and support each other this Spring 2026 term. š How to Join In: Drop your info in the comments: āļø Courses youāre taking this term šā¦
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š Resource Roundup: Share Your Favorites!
Looking to grow your skills and stay ahead in your career? Letās help each other out! Weād love to hear what articles, online courses, or tools have been most helpful in your professional journey. š” Comment below with your go-to resources so other alumni can benefit too. Whether itās a must-read article, a favorite course,ā¦
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š Tax Season Is Coming ā What Financial Advisors Should Do Now
Tax season has a way of sneaking up fastāfor both advisors and clients. A little proactive planning now can reduce stress, uncover opportunities, and strengthen client trust when it matters most. ā
What You Can Do Now Review 2025 financial activity early Identify capital gains/losses, large deductions, RMDs, charitableā¦
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Masterās Monday Insights: Faculty Feature ā Whoās Teaching This Spring?
Meet the faculty guiding you through your Spring 2026 coursework! Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) ā Spring Term I (1/12/26 to 3/8/26) Get ready for these core courses: ACCT545 ā Barclay Roper and Caitlin Forehand ACCT555 ā Spring Term II TBD FINA575 ā Todd Feldman and Sina Rezaei FINA585 ā Jim Falter andā¦
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Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Today: A Legacy of Justice and Equality
Today, Monday, January 19, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reflect on his lasting legacy. Dr. Kingās dedication to justice, equality, and peace continues to inspire us. Through his leadership in the civil rights movement, he challenged our nationāand each of usāto work toward a society where everyone hasā¦
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š Welcome to the College for Financial Planning Alumni Community!
If youāre new here, weāre excited to have you! Letās start by getting to know each other. Share a little about yourself: Your name Graduation year What youāre currently working on Anything fun or interesting about you! Even if youāve been part of the community for a while, feel free to reintroduce yourself and connect withā¦
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Masterās Monday Insights: Welcome & Introductions
Welcome to the Masterās Program for Spring 2026! Weāre thrilled to have you join our community. āØ Introduce Yourself: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from, and what inspired you to take this next step in your educational journey? š Where Are You Studying From? Letās see where everyone is joining from! Shareā¦
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š Reminder: How to Tag a Faculty Member or Peer
Want to get someoneās attention or reply directly? Hereās how: š·ļø Type the @ symbol followed by their username (no spaces). š Example: To tag Rachel Seton, type @RachelSeton _CFFP in your comment or post. ā
You can tag multiple people in the same message too! Not sure who to tag? Check out the Who to Tag for Help:ā¦
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š New Year, New Connections! š
Happy New Year, alumni! 2026 is here, and itās the perfect time to set goals for growth, connection, and making an impact. Whether itās advancing your career, expanding your network, learning new skills, or giving back to your community, now is the time to focus on what matters most to you. Share your goal and see whatā¦
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Masterās Monday Insights: Spring 2026 Course Preview for Masterās Students
Ready to kick off your Spring 2026 coursework? Hereās a snapshot of whatās ahead for our Master of Science students this semester! Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) ā Spring Term I (1/12/26 to 3/8/26) Get ready for these core courses: ACCT545 ACCT555 FINA575 FINA585 FINA650 Master of Science in Personalā¦
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š Celebrate National Mentoring Month ā January 2026! š
January is National Mentoring Month, and itās the perfect time to highlight the power of mentorship in shaping careers and building meaningful connections. At the College for Financial Planning, our Master Mentorship Program connects alumni with students and fellow professionals to share knowledge, guidance, and real-worldā¦
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What steps do you need to take after the final exam?
After you pass the final exam, are there any further steps you need to take for certification application or is the process/submission automatic?
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As a CFPĀ® 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 CFPĀ® Professionals is the definition of "financial advice". This is important for CFPĀ® 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 wheneverā¦
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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 theā¦
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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 āBuffett Indicatorāāthe ratio of the market value of the S&P 500 to U.S. GDP. Historically, from roughly 1950 to 2009,ā¦
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The $3,000 āSecretā Behind Better Saving Habits (Even When Big Bills Are Coming)
A 2025 study found that households with a āfinancial safety netā 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 āsafety netā is defined very specifically as being able to access $3,000 or more inā¦
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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 āIs the Market Up Today?ā) 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: āHow does the SE-AWMAĀ® compare to the CPWAĀ®?ā and āWill earning theā¦
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āØCE Success Stories: How Has Continuing Education Helped YOU? āØ
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 clientsāyour story matters and can inspire othersā¦
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Thanksgiving is Almost Here! š
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and itās 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 feastingānot just turkey! Turkey wasnāt always the main dish; waterfowl,ā¦
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š Alumni Advice Corner ā Share Your Wisdom!
Calling all alumni! Your experience matters, and thereās no better way to give back than by sharing your advice with current students and recent graduates. š” 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 planningā¦
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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
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š Keep Your Designation Current: How & Why Renewal Matters
Renewing your designation isnāt just a formalityāit 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.ā¦
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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 CFPĀ® certification in 2003, I knew I was going to take a deeper dive into portfolio construction, retirement planning, clientā¦
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š Have Your Say: Create a Poll for the Community!
Alumni, we want to hear from you! What topics are you curious aboutāCFP 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 evenā¦
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Honoring Our Veterans šļø
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. Aboutā¦
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š Share Your Favorite Finance Reads & Resources!
Calling all alumni! Weād 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 itās valuable or insightful How itās impacted your thinking or work Your recommendations could be just whatā¦
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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 asā¦
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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 thatā¦
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š Good Vibes Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Ends! ā°
Just a friendly reminder that Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2! Donāt 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 Franklināsā¦
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At the Heart of Financial Planning: Client Goal Setting and Engagement
Understanding a clientās 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 helpā¦
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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 understandingā¦
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Busting Financial Planning Myths: Alumni Edition
Letās start the week by busting some common financial planning myths. We know thereās a lot of advice (and misinformation) floating around, and who better to separate fact from fiction than our amazing alumni? Question for you: š¬ Whatās the top financial planning myth youāve encountered in your work or studies? It could beā¦
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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 āgray divorcesā, 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 assetā¦
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Statement of financial position, Model 3, LO 3.1.1
assets=liabilities + net worth, Iām 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?ā¦
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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 onā¦
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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 Streetā¦
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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 financialā¦
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šThank You to Our Fall 2025 Mentors!š
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 āI Am a Mentor Dayā, āThank Your Mentor Dayā, and the National Mentoring Summit. This fall, we want to take a moment to thankā¦
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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? š¬ Comment below and let us know why you chose your answer
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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 CFPā¦