Blogs

Selling CFP Study Materials

By Jennifer Torres
Selling: Zahn Pre-Study Books 1 & 2 - For the July/September 2020 Test (book 1 has highlighting in it, book 2 does not). Selling for $20 plus shipping. Zahn Flash cards, one set for each section. These were immensely helpful and cost $75 originally. I'm selling for $20 plus shipping. CFP Exam Calculation Workbook, new. Selling for $5 plus shipping. Money Education Quick sheet Reviews, one or more for each section. Originally $100. I'm selling for $20 plus shipping. Money Education Textbooks (Incoming Planning, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Insurance Planning) $15 each plus shipping. If you'd like a picture of anything, just let me know. I'll ...
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Kaplan books for sale

By Richard McCaffrey
I just passed the CFP exam and am looking to pass on my 8 Kaplan program books to whomever can use them. I will also throw in 5 Mathew Brandeburg books of flashcards which I found helpful. If interested, please email me at richardbmccaffrey@gmail.com.
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Bryant University CFP Program

By Jason Sechrist
I’m close to completing the educational coursework to sit for the CFP and thought I’d share my experience. I’ve utilized the online self study program through Bryant University and have found it to be very well organized. If you’re looking for a program, I’d recommend it. I’ll also be doing my exam prep review through their Brett Danko led recap course. Libby Mueller is who I’ve worked with at Bryant U and she’s been excellent. Very responsive and has helped keep me on schedule. Jason Sechrist, CIMA®, CRPC® Sechrist Financial 978-430-7347 jsechrist@sechristfinancial.com
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John Loyd - Live Review Class

By Morgan Eichwald
A huge thank you to John Loyd, the instructor for my Live Review class! I recently passed the exam thanks to John. He is an incredible teacher and makes the whole process fun and enjoyable. I'd highly recommend John's class to anyone who is prepping for the exam.
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Tax Law Changes

By Rebekah Horsting
The November 2018 CFP ® exam will be the first to incorporate the 2018 tax law. Candidates for the CFP ® exam need to be prepared to study for questions pertaining to the new law. CFP Board recently released two resources with information about the impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act on the CFP ® exam. The new CFP Board Key Elements | Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017 document outlines learning objectives that provide guidance on 25 critical elements of the tax law changes, from the perspective of the content covered by CFP ® The updated Tax Tables document that will be provided to candidates during the November 2018 CFP ® exam now reflects ...
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Promising Career Prospects

By Rebekah Horsting
It’s a great time to consider a career in personal financial planning. The jobs outlook for financial advisors is very optimistic. Both the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook and U.S. News and World Report ’s annual Jobs Report rank the financial planning field as one with excellent career potential. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts a 15% job growth in the financial advising field through 2026. The Handbook provides additional information on personal financial advisors , like “What They Do” and “How to Become One.” U.S. News and World Report’s annual Jobs Report consistently ranks financial advisor among the top ...
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Handling Stress Head of the Exam

By Rebekah Horsting
You’re in the midst of finding every minute you can to study for the upcoming exam. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you try to manage the study crunch and the stress that comes with preparing for any big event. Have a plan and follow it – You knew how you wanted to prepare for the exam – the number of hours you needed to study and where you would find that time – and you laid out a plan. Have faith in your planning and stick to your basic study plan, tweaking as necessary. Plan your exam day – Drive to the testing location. Sign up for a “test drive” offered by Prometric. Know what you need to bring with you on exam day and what will be ...
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Tax Law Changes Impact on CFP® Exam

By Rebekah Horsting
The July 2018 CFP® exam will be the last exam to test on the 2017 tax laws. And some candidates are already looking ahead to the November exam and how the 2018 federal tax laws will impact that test. Here are some recommendations for candidates who want to be up to date on the impact of recent tax regulation changes: Reach out to your CFP Board Registered Program for guidance on when the new tax laws will be incorporated into their curriculum. Ask your test prep/review course provider if they have available materials that will address the recent tax law changes. Conduct your own research to identify information related to the new tax rates, deductions, ...
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Getting Certified - Education

By Rebekah Horsting
CFP® professionals acquire knowledge through the certification process that helps them to deliver professional, competent and ethical financial planning services to clients. This is a large part of why CFP® certification is so valued in the financial planning industry. If you are entering the field, the first step toward CFP® certification is to meet the education coursework requirement. You can complete the education requirement through a course of study in financial planning offered by academic institutions with a curriculum registered with CFP Board. This coursework can be completed as either a degree program (undergraduate or graduate) or as a certificate ...
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The Challenge Status Path to CFP® Certification

By Rebekah Horsting
You may be closer than you think to CFP® certification. If you hold one of the following qualifying degrees, licenses or credentials, you may be eligible to challenge most of the education coursework requirements to register for the CFP® exam once you complete either a Capstone Course or the Capstone Alternative Program: Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – inactive license acceptable Chartered Financial Underwriter (CLU) Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA ® ) Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) Licensed Attorney – inactive license acceptable Ph.D. in business or economics Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) CFP certification from ...
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A Look at Financial Planning Careers

By Rebekah Horsting
If you’re just starting to thinking about a career in financial planning, this is a great time to be looking at this field. The U.S. Labor Department predicts jobs in the field will grow by 30% by 2024. And U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks Financial Advisor among the Top Business Jobs in their annual Top Jobs Report. In a nutshell, a personal financial advisor is someone who establishes a one-one-one relationship with their clients and provides ongoing comprehensive advice to guide them in all aspects of their finances and help them achieve their financial goals including educating their children, investing for future goals, and saving for a secure ...
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Track Your Path to CFP® Certification

By Rebekah Horsting
There are four major steps to the process of attaining CFP® certification. The four ‘E’s’ are: Education, Exam, Experience, and Ethics background check. To help candidates track their progress on the path to certification, CFP Board has an online Certification Tracker tool. Using this resource, candidates for CFP® certification can record and track their individual progress as they move through the certification process just by logging into their CFP Board online account. The Certification Tracker helps candidates better navigate the certification process by easily seeing details about how to approach and accomplish each step on the road to certification.
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A Highly Satisfying Career Choice

By Rebekah Horsting
91% of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professionals are highly satisfied in their career choice and their decision to obtain CFP® certification. Plus, 83% feel that CFP® certification gives them an edge over financial planners who don’t hold the certification. Results of CFP Board’s biannual survey provides an in-depth picture of CFP® professionals’ perceptions of the value of their certification, its impact on their careers, and their views of the financial planning profession. You can read more about these compelling survey results at www.cfp.net/surveyresults .
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Using Transcript Review

By Rebekah Horsting
Some who are pursuing CFP® certification may have studied topics included in the education requirements for certification through previous education coursework but not through a CFP Board-Registered Program, and ask if those credits can be applied in order to reduce the total length of time and expense for completion of the education requirement. The answer is yes. The CFP Board Transcript Review process is a means for individuals to determine if they have completed coursework addressing all or part of the major personal financial planning areas at an appropriate education institution. For Transcript Review, financial planning-related coursework must be taken ...
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Review Courses Offer CFP® Exam Prep

By Rebekah Horsting
Many who are pursuing CFP® certification and preparing for the CFP® exam find it very beneficial to take an exam review course in the weeks leading up to sitting for the exam. An exam review course is not a requirement for taking the exam or for certification, but many candidates find it to be an effective method for studying for the exam and assuring their success. CFP Board has a site that lists a selection of review courses. The list of exam review course providers is made available for the convenience of those pursuing CFP® certification. The list is not comprehensive and additional exam review courses may be found by searching online. These courses and ...
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Why Becoming a CFP® Pro Might be For You

By Rebekah Horsting
With many recent college graduates and young professionals looking for a rewarding career with growth potential, work-life balance and the satisfaction of helping others, the profession of personal financial planning should be top of mind. Demand for financial planners is growing. In fact, it’s expected to grow 4 times faster than other occupations, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s an exciting career path that can bring personal satisfaction as well as financial rewards. A career in financial planning also provides you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families by helping them reach their life goals. “There’s ...
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New CFP® Exam Candidate Handbook

By Rebekah Horsting
With registration for the July 2017 exam just opening, now's a great time to take a look at CFP Board's CFP ® Exam Candidate Handbook. Good study habits and thorough preparation are keys to success on the CFP ® exam. CFP Board's totally revised and expanded handbook, now updated for the July 2017 exam, includes a wealth of information and helpful tips to get you to – and successfully through – exam day. The handbook is designed to help you feel more confident as you approach the exam. It contains everything you need to know about the exam process, including information on scheduling, exam preparation, and what to expect on the day of the exam and after ...
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Mentoring Program Addresses Gender Gap

By Rebekah Horsting
The CFP Board Center for Financial Planning has launched an exciting mentorship program; the WIN-to-WIN Mentor Program encourages women pursuing CFP ® certification to seek the guidance of CFP ® professionals who will help support them through the certification process. The WIN-to-WIN Mentor Program is designed to provide free one-on-one guidance and support candidates throughout their journey to certification. The mentoring relationship helps candidates understand the unique benefits of certification and obtain guidance, support, and motivation throughout the process from CFP ® professionals. CFP Board instituted the WIN-to-WIN Mentor Program with the goal ...
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Why CFP® Certification?

By Rebekah Horsting
The CFP ® certification is certainly challenging and a large time investment that requires an immense amount of focus and dedication. However, there are an incredible number of benefits to becoming certified. Check out some of our top reasons for "Why CFP ® certification?" Knowledge and Credibility: 70% of CFP ® professionals say they believe their certification has had a positive impact on their knowledge, confidence with clients, and client trust. Competitive Advantage: 69% of consumers who insist their financial planner hold a designation, prefer the CFP ® certification. Income Potential: CFP ® professionals earn 26% more in compensation ...
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