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What is a Certified Financial Planner?
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a financial advisor capable of investment and insurance/estate planning.
For an advisor that wants the “CFP” designation, they must complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements, which include extensive exams in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning and retirement. They must also complete continuing education courses.
CFP’s can add a lot of value to your financial plan - the best ones can provide you an all-in-one service for retirement and estate planning, including managing your portfolio and providing you insurance. The question is, are CFPs going to be the best portfolio manager available in the marketplace? Probably not.
Their skill-set is more oriented towards creating a plan and putting all the pieces in place, and managing the plan. They do not spend all or even half of their time actually managing investment and watching the markets.
Should I Pay for Financial Planning Services?
What is Investment Advice?
Should I Hold an Annuity Within My IRA?
An IRA already provides the investor with tax-deferred growth, so an annuity will not provide any additional tax benefits
When Do I Have to Withdraw Money from My Roth IRA?
Roth IRAs are not subject to RMDs, which means you aren’t forced to make withdrawals
How Do I Know I’m Getting Credit for the Years I’ve Worked?
As of 2016, workers who have not registered online will receive a letter every 5 years that contains a statement
What is the Suitability Standard?
The suitability standard states that a broker-dealer is obliged to make recommendations that are suitable for their clients
What is IRS Publication 521 on Moving Expenses?
Publication 521 details the methods and requirements for tax deductions related to moving expenses (job related move)
What is IRS Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income?
This IRS Publication describes the distinction to be made between taxable income and nontaxable income
What is a 10-k?
A 10-k is an annual filing required by the SEC for companies over $10 Mil, which provides the regulators with more detail
What are Adjusted Earnings?
Adjusted Earnings are also known as pro forma, non-GAAP earnings, and are usually met with some cynicism
What is currency substitution?
Currency Substitution is a country whose commerce is partially, or fully, conducted using the currency of another country
What is Common Stock?
A common stock is the one you’re most familiar with - having a share of ownership in a company