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.

Did You Know? - What should I do if I find an error in the course materials?
If you spot an error, the first step is to send an email to your instructor, noting the issue. Be sure to include the page number from the textbook or a screenshot of the question and solution so we can easily locate and correct it. Remember, while we strive for perfection, occasional errors can happen. With hundreds of…
Industry Insights: Post Election Market Results
Check out the November edition of Industry Insights featuring our Dean of Financial Planning, David Mannaioni. In this video, David talks about the recent post-election market results and we would love you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. What do you think about how the elections have impacted the…
Honoring Our Veterans – Happy Veterans Day! ❤️💙
Today, we take a moment to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country with courage and dedication. Your sacrifices have protected our freedoms, and we are forever grateful. Whether you’re a veteran, have family members who served, or simply want to show your appreciation, let’s spread some Good…
🎙 Podcast Spotlight: Bridging the Diversity Gap in Financial Planning through Designations
PODCAST SPOTLIGHT🔦 Discover how financial designations can serve as an effective stepping stone for diverse candidates aiming to achieve Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification! A recent study highlights that shorter, affordable designation courses—such as Foundations in Financial Planning (FFPN)—not only provide…
Previous Coursework and the MS Program
Are you wondering if any of your previous coursework applies to the MS program? Possibly! Both of our MS programs offer generous Credit for Prior Learning policies, allowing students to apply up to 21 credits from previous coursework toward their MS degree. You can find details about pre-approved courses in the current…
👻🎃Halloween/Fall Fun!🍂🍁
It’s time for pumpkins, costumes, and all things spooky! Whether you're dressing up, carving pumpkins, or indulging in way too much candy (no judgment!), we want to see how you’re celebrating this fun holiday! Share your Halloween spirit by posting pics of your costumes, spooky decorations, fall decor, or even your…
Are you eligible for the Accelerated Path or Capstone Alternative?👀
If you’ve received prior approval from the CFP Board for the Accelerated Path or Alternative Capstone, you can enroll directly into FP517 Financial Plan Development. To register for the Alternative Capstone, just provide your Certificate of Eligibility from the CFP Board to the College’s Enrollment Department at…
🐾 Furry Friends: Tell Us About Your Pets! 🐾
We know that our pets are more than just animals—they're family! Whether it's a cat that rules the house, a dog that’s always up for an adventure, or any other beloved pet, we want to hear all about them. Do you have a funny story that always brings a smile to your face? Or maybe a heartwarming tale that shows just how…
New October Industry Insights!
Check out our October episode of Industry Insights with David Manioni, Dean of the College for Financial Planning! Let us know your thoughts on this month's topic in the comments below.
Case Study - VOTE NOW!
Check out today's case study and vote for the correct answer below. Urwa, a CFP® professional who provides asset management services to several Clients. Urwa manages assets in accordance with a standard investment management agreement that she tailors to meet each Client’s investment needs. The agreement gives Urwa…
🌟National Walk & Roll to School Day!🌟
Join us in celebrating National Walk & Roll to School Day! Whether you're strolling through the beautiful autumn leaves or cruising on your bike under the clear blue sky, this is a fantastic way to start your day with energy and positivity. Walking or biking to school isn't just great for your health—it’s also a wonderful…
Meet your Student & Alumni Engagement Advisor
Did You Know? Late Renewal Of Designation Information
You can renew your professional designation directly through your student portal, from the renewal due date up to two (2) years after. No need to call Student Services—simply log in to your account at Kaplan Learn, select the "Designation" icon on the left side of your screen, and click the "Renew" button. The standard…
New Begginings: Celebrate Your Latest Additions with Us!
Embracing new beginnings can bring a lot of joy and excitement into our lives. Whether you've recently welcomed a new baby, adopted a pet, or even added a new plant to your home, these fresh starts are moments worth celebrating! We want to share in your happiness and hear all about your recent additions. Here’s how you can…
What type of continuing education do you find most valuable?
Today's topic: Continuing education preferences! Let us know which option you prefer. Feel free to share if we missed any or why your choice is your favorite in the comments below.
Industry Insights
Check out September's Edition of Industry Insights HERE!
Community Improvement Survey🎉
We built this community with YOU in mind. In the comments below, let us know what topics you would like our experts to address in the community.
Did You Know? - Continuing Education for Designation Renewal
Continuing Education for Designation Renewal: To renew your designation, you'll need to report Continuing Education (CE) hours at the end of your two-year authorization period. When renewing through your student portal, you do not need to upload or provide copies of your CE credits. Instead, you'll complete an electronic…
FAQ: How to Purchase Extensions?
Do you need an extension for your Essential or Essential Plus CFP courses? Extensions are available for these courses and for students enrolled in our Designation courses! You can choose from: A one-time 60-day extension for $100 A 30-day extension for $50, with the option to purchase a second 30-day extension for an…
Healthy habits are key to the success of any student!
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to feeling our best and achieving our goals, both personally and professionally. From morning routines to evening rituals, the habits we cultivate can have a profound impact on our well-being. Whether it’s a new exercise routine, a mindful eating habit, a sleep strategy, or a practice…
Setting Goals: Share Your Academic and Professional Aspirations!
As we dive into the new semester, it's the perfect time to set clear goals and map out your path to success. Whether you're aiming to excel in your coursework, advance in your career, or develop new skills, your goals are the roadmap to your achievements. We want to hear from you: What are your academic and professional…
Which Academic Goal Are You Focusing on This Semester?
Participate in Our Poll! If your main goal isn't listed here or you want to add some more goals, write them in the comments below.
Let's talk about study habits that will set you up for success!
Develop New Habits As a financial planner returning to study after a period away, it's important to adjust your study habits to fit your current lifestyle. The long hours and last-minute cramming that worked in the past may no longer be effective. Many professionals find their productivity peaks in the morning, but evening…
Looking for internships or part-time positions in financial planning to gain hands-on experience?
Any help or ideas where to look?
Invest in quality study materials, including textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.
How Do You Prefer to Engage with Peers and Professors?
Let us know which way you prefer to engage with your professors by choosing the option that best fits your engagement style below. :)
🚨🎉New Series Alert!🎉🚨 Industry Insights
Check out our first episode of Industry Insights and let us know what you think about the topic, in the comments below.
Develop a structured study schedule that includes daily and weekly goals.
what are requirements to become mortgage broker
What's going on out there? #34
Let's talk about what's going out there this week! Watch our video and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
What's Going On Out There? #33
Check out the video and let us know your thoughts on what's going on out there in the comments below! :)
What's Going On Out There? #32 - Insurance Companies Using Drones?👀
Why are some insurance companies using drones? Learn why and what for on today's episode of What's Going On Out There?". Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
What's Going On Out There? #31
Let us know what you think about what's going on out there this week in the comments below.
🚨New Giveaway Alert!‼️🚨 📸 Financial Planners Spring Profile Picture Giveaway🎁
✨Spring Giveaway✨🎁 We're giving away One Complimentary enrollment in one (1) CFP® education program course or professional designation course (up to $1,350 value, depending on the course chosen)!🎉 To enter all you have to do is add a profile picture to your account during the promotion period of Friday, April 5, 2024, at…
🚨New Video🚨 📹 What's Going On Out There? #30 - Morgage Rates🏠
Check out our latest episode of "What's going on out there?" and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Join us for our upcoming 2024 Tax Policy & Economic Update Event
I wanted to welcome you all to join us on March 28, 2024 for an exciting event where we will talk about tax policy and economic updates in 2024. See a sneak peek in my video below: Lots of great things to discuss and we look forward to seeing you there. Registration can be found in this community event.
🚨New Video🚨 📹 What's Going On Out There? #29
Check out the latest episode of What's Going On Out There? and let us know your thoughts in the comments bellow. :)
What's Going On Out There? #28
Today's version of "What's Going On Out There?" is coming to you via a quick video. Let's discuss the implications of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in our world of financial planning. Watch and share your thoughts with us below.
Soft Skills for New Financial Advisors
In CFP studies, we primarily teach students a myriad of concepts designed to help them understand how to solve client problems and help clients reach their goals. But, and this is a big BUT, what we'll call soft skills are crucial for financial advisors—especially new financial advisors. Building and maintaining client…
Ask Us Anything!
Do you have any questions about the Financial Planning field? Ask away in the comments and we will pick a few questions to have our team answer in discussion posts throughout the month. ✨
What's Going On Out There? #27
Well, the restaurant chain Wendy's sure stirred up some controversy this week and at least one of their competitors is hoping to cash in on their PR mess. Wendy's is finding out that even mentioning dynamic pricing for fast food is not a winner with consumers, especially when food prices in general are still quite high.…
How to Get Started with Your Taxes💰
The tax deadline is quickly approaching and April 15 will be here before you know it. People are frantically calling their tax professionals and asking questions like, “How many tax pros does it take to change a lightbulb?” The answer is, probably the same as last year. But seriously. As we all prepare to do our civic duty…
What's Going On Out There? #26
Well, I apparently failed to post this last week and found it in my drafts. Sorry about that! In the Wall Street Journal last week, we read about the SEC expanding it's oversight into government-issued securities. The SEC's position is that this will help protect investors and maintain market efficiency. Industry analysts…
What's Going On Out There? #25
Well the big news this week is that the Fed decided to take no action with interest rated. The Dow and S&P 500 indexes, which had reached new highs earlier in the week, pulled back on Wednesday. What do you think the Fed will do in future meetings and how do you see it affecting the stock and bond markets? When do you…
Earn Your Real Estate License
Are you a financial planner looking to expand your skill set, diversify your income streams, and unlock new growth opportunities? Have you ever considered earning your real estate license? Whether you’re a seasoned financial expert or just starting your career in the world of finance, obtaining a real estate license could…
What's Going On Out There? #24
From the WSJ this week, the Dow and the S&P 500 both set new highs so far this month. The Fed is indicating there may be interest rate decreases later this year which will likely be good for the bond market. All good news for now. On the other hand, consumer debt, especially credit card balances, is increasing and bank are…
What's Going On Out There? #23
In meeting with my clients so far this month, many are asking what I think the market will do in what looks to be a rather contentious election year. Like most of you, my clients run the gamut from very conservative to very liberal and so I respond in a politically neutral way, but I don't sidestep the obvious strengths…
What's Going On Out There? #22
The theme of several articles and opinion pieces in the Wall Street Journal recently indicate that the US economy did indeed get that "soft landing" everyone was hoping for. Inflation is down, prices are beginning to moderate, though not across the board, and the major stock indexes are at or near all time highs. And yet,…
💰️Financial Moves To Avoid Before a New Year
Some financial moves are pretty obvious for us to know to avoid when entering a new year; however, there are many financial moves clients don't often think about or know to avoid altogether. Last month, our very own expert @CFP_PHD Sara Stolberg Berkowicz (certified financial planner), was featured in an AARP article on 9…
What are best books to practice Capstone mini case studies for CFP?
What's Going On Out There? #21
As 2024 begins, I'd like to hear what you are excited about going into this year. The beginning of the year is a time for reflection and planning and I'd love to hear what you're hoping for this year with regards to your financial planning practice. For me, I am excited about meeting with my clients junior and senior…
What's Going On Out There? #20
As the last post of 2023, I just have one question. What do you think has had the greatest impact on financial planners in 2023? The stock market's amazing final run? FINRA's new CE requirements? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
What's Going On Out There? #19
There's been quite a bit of speculation as to what the Fed plans to do with interest rates over the next several months. With inflation pretty much under control, and concerns about the economy slowing, should they consider lowering rates? Or, with the economy and particularly the stock market doing well right now, do they…
What's Going On Out There? #18
This week the Dow and the S&P500 each reached levels they haven't been to since January 2022. While economic signals are still mixed, the market response has been quite bullish this year. Inflation is down, but prices are still up. Real estate prices are staying up, but so are mortgage rates. Like I said - mixed. Why do…
More on CRPC!
Looking to learn more on what a CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) does and why they are so important? Check out this short video by our very own @Mike Harris, and click here to read a previous article on the same.
What's Going On Out There? #17
This week, the Wall Street Journal had an article that gold reached a new high on Tuesday at $2,018.50. If you're like me, you know people who have purchased physical gold in the past. Many of these people have justified the purchase by saying "it's an investment" or a "hedge against inflation". And, while both of these…
CPA becoming a CFP
Hi there! I'm a CPA doing the accelerated path to become a CFP. I'm currently taking FP517 Financial Plan Development Course, and I'm struggling with it since I didn't take the previous financial planning courses. Are there any other CPAs out there who did the accelerated path and have recommendations on how to get caught…
What's Going On Out There? #16
There have been numerous articles over the past year on the challenge of getting employees to go back to the offices they worked in before the pandemic. Some employees relocated when their company went virtual to take advantage of a lower cost of living in another area. Others say they don't want to go back because they've…
Why is the CRPC important?
For the first time, we are starting to see people retire under a system where they had to save on their own and not solely rely on company-provided retirement options. Because of this, a huge wave of people is coming in with questions about Medicare, Social Security, and how to leave money for their families. It is…
What's Going On Out There? #15
The stock market has made an impressive rally in the last few weeks with the S&P500 up about 17% year-to-date. The iShares Global Clean Energy ETF is down about 30%. With all of the emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, why do you suppose the market as a whole is up, but a green energy ETF is down?
What's Going On Out There? #14
This week there has been quite a bit in the news about how China's economy is struggling and foreign investment in China is decreasing with some firms pulling out of China completely. China has been viewed by many companies as an opportunity for growth, but it appears that is starting to change. Political pressure adds to…
Greetings!
Hello, On behalf of the entire College, welcome to our financial planner's community. My name is Dr. Amy Rell and I am the College's provost. We look forward to connecting with you in our Communities forum.
What's Going On Out There? #13
The headline of the Wealth Management section of the Wall Street Journal dated October 30, 2023 is: Can AI Replace Your Financial Adviser? Not Yet. But Wait. The article goes on to evaluate how ChatGPT, a generative AI, compares today to what a financial adviser can do. Those of us who use planning software have been using…
What's Going On Out There? #12
Today I just have a question about what is driving the stock market. Do you think that all of the geopolitical news (Russia/Ukraine, Israel/Gaza, Biden family issues, Trump legal issues, etc.) is having any impact or is it mostly being driven by interest rates, inflation, and prices? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
What's Going On Out There? #11
Let's take stock of what IS going on out there. We have war in Ukraine and Gaza, China's economy isn't looking very good, the UAW is on strike, inflation is still an issue, and mortgage rates are approaching 8%. On the other hand, the job market remains strong, consumer spending also remains strong, and despite the higher…
What's Going On Out There? #10
This week I really don't want to post about the markets or interest rates or inflation. I just want to mourn for the lives that were senselessly lost in Israel this past week and to process how I feel about that. Here in the US, much remains the same at least for now, but that could change quickly if this war escalates and…
What's Going On Out There #9?
The 10-year Treasury yield has reached 4.8% and the Wall Street Journal indicates this is pulling people out of the stock market. The Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ indexes are all down 4.85%, 5.82%, and 6.35% respectively in the past month. What are you seeing in your practice? Are your clients shifting from stocks to bonds?
What's Going On Out There? #8
If you haven't heard, the UAW is simultaneously striking against all of the Detroit Three car manufacturers. One of the major demands from the UAW is a significant pay increase and a significant decrease in work hours. While a pay increase will certainly help any individual who gets it with the effects of inflation, on the…
📚New books on the psychology of financial planning📚
Have you read any of these books? If so, what is your opinion? 1.) The Psychology of Financial Planning by the CFP Board (black cover, paperback) 2.) The Psychology of Financial Planning Practitioners Guide by Klontz, Chaffin, & Klontz (blue cover, hardback) 3.) The Psychology of Financial Planning Practitioners Toolkit by…
What's Suddenly Financial Advisors' Top Competitor?
Artificial Intelligence is quickly reshaping the world. It has already shaken up stock markets and is also poised to disrupt labor markets and potentially boost the economy in ways humanity has never witnessed before. How can financial advisors take advantage of this trend instead of being swept away by it? It just so…
What's Going On Out There #7
Market signals are mixed right now. Unemployment is up a bit, but that's likely because more people have resumed looking for work. Home prices are climbing again, but interest rates are still high. inflation is down, but prices are not and wages aren't keeping up. And there's plenty more, but what I'd like to know is what…
What's Going on Out There #6
This week's post is quite short and straightforward. After a nice summer rally, the stock market seems a bit jittery. What do you think the market will do this fall and why?
What's Going On Out There #5
The SEC lost on appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, DC this week in an effort to prevent Grayscale Investments' planned launch of a Bitcoin ETF. This paves the way for Grayscale to offer a Bitcoin ETF . What do you think the appetite of the marketplace is for such an ETF?
Officially Passed CFP Exam - What I learned to finally make it
Here is an old post I shared in another forum for those studying for the exam. Persistence after mistakes and failures Practice questions for repetition (They ain't lying go over the (thousands of) practice bank questions twice Focus away from distractions in life Hiatus Support from family, employer(s), social media, and…
What's Going On Out There #4
In today's Wall Street Journal, there is a report that the SEC has approved "sweeping new rules aimed at overhauling the way private-equity and hedge funds deal with their investors." The rules restrict these funds ability to cut deals with large investors that give them better terms than the average investor can get. What…
What's Going On Out There #3
In this week's Wall Street Journal, there have been some article and opinion pieces on whether or not the Fed can tame inflation and do so without causing a recession. It appears the odds of the US economy achieving this "soft landing" are looking pretty good. What do you think?
Inherited IRAs Get Yet Another Reprieve from Taxation
In July of 2023, the IRS released Notice 2023-54 which deals with RMDs for Inherited IRAs. To give some background, the SECURE Act of 2019 changed the rules regarding Inherited IRAs. Prior to the SECURE Act, Inherited IRAs generally had to be liquidated within 5 years of the date of death IF the proceeds went to non-spouse…
What's Going On Out There? #2
Each week I plan to post something that I glean from the pages of the Wall Street Journal for a discussion of current events. This week's topic is inflation. While the rate of inflation is declining, prices remain higher than they were prior to the surge in inflation. So, please respond to this thought - even if inflation…
What's Going On Out There? #1
Each week I plan to post something that I glean from the pages of the Wall Street Journal for a discussion of current events. This week's topic is China. There have been several articles lately about how the Chinese economy is struggling to rebound after the most recent round of COVID shutdowns. What are your thoughts on…
Welcome to the Financial Planners Kaplan Community!
College for Financial Planning® StudentsWhat is this place? Well, first off, you’re in Kaplan Community – a new collaborative meeting place for people in, and aspiring to, dozens of careers across many, many industries. We’ll be adding spaces for new career paths on an ongoing basis, so keep your eyes on the homepage for…
Break the Ice!
We're so glad you're here in our new community for aspiring and established financial analysts and we'd love to know more about you. So please feel free to share a little about yourself, where you are in your career path and how we this community can best help you – or how you'd like to help.