All Flashcards
Code of Ethics
- CFP must act with honesty, integrity, competence, and diligence
- Act in client’s best interest
- Exercise due care
- Avoid/disclosure conflicts of interest
- Maintain confidentiality
- Act in a manner that reflects positivley on CFPs
Financial Planning Process
- Understand client’s personal/financial circumstances
- Identify/select goals
- Analyze client’s current course of action and potential alternatives
- Develop recommendations
- Present recommendations
- Implement recommendations
- Monitor progress
Documents that can be provided orally or in writing for financial ADVICE
Conflicts of interest Services/products How the client pays How firm/self are compensated Public discipline/bankruptcy Referral compensation arrangements Other material information
Documents that can be provided orally or in writing for financial PLANNING
ONLY conflicts of interest. All others must be in writing
Housing expenses (PITI) should reflect___
Housing expenses (PITI or rent) should reflect < 28% of gross income (most tested)
Total monthly debt should not exceed
Total monthly debt should reflect < 36% of gross income (maybe tested)
Real rate of return calculation
(1+after-tax return / 1+ inflation) -1 x 100
Securities Act of 1933
Prospectus is required before transaction
Securities Act of 1934
Regulates secondary market. Created SEC to enforce securities laws
Investment Company Act of 1940:
Authorized SEC to regulate UITs and managed investment companies
Investment Advisors Act of 1940
Defines role/responsibilities of investment advisor. Authorized SEC to monitor those who give advice
Securities Investors Protection Act of 1970
Established SIPC to insure against brokerage failures
Funding strategies for college
UTMA (Kiddie tax may apply)
EE Education Bonds (parents own bonds),
Coverdell ESA,
529
529 highlights
Eligible k-12 expenses as well as college,
no income limitation for contributions,
generally considered asset of parents,
$10k distribution per person for student loans
Coverdell highlights
Contribution is phased out for high income
irrevocable gift (cannot be reclaimed if not used for college)
$2k max per year,
can’t contribute past 18,
must be distributed by 30
Series EE Bonds highlights
Purchased in parents name,
must be redeemed in year expense is made;
Room and Board not qualified expense,
interest fully exempt from federal income tax
Two tax credits for education and what they are
American Opportunity Credit: Receive a tax credit based on 100% of first $2k plus 25% of next $2k for tuition, fees, course material. Can be claimed for first 4 years of post-secondary school. Cannot claim same year as Lifetime learning credit. Phaseout is $80-90k Single, $160-180k MFJ
Lifetime Learning Credit: Based on qualifying expenses paid by taxpayer, per period, for ALL eligible students (not per student). 20% of first $10k qualified tuition expenses. Can be used for courses to acquire/improve job skills. Phaseout is $59-69 single, $118-138 MFJ
Pell Grants
~$6k is max per year, only available to undergrads. Formula is Cost of Attendance-Expected Family Contribution= Financial Need
PLUS loans
Anyone can apply. Parents must meet federal standard of credit worthiness
Subsidized Stafford Loans
Available after EFC, Pell Grant, and other aid sources. Amount of loan is limited
% of parents unprotected assets, and expectation of kids contribution
Colleges expect 5.64% of parents “unprotected” assets toward EFC. Expect 20% of assets owned by student to be contributed