Foundations Of Financial Planning: An Overview Flashcards
According to a 2004 consumer survey conducted by the CFP Board of
Standards, the top reason why people begin financial planning is to
(A) accumulate capital
(B) purchase or renovate a home
(C) build a retirement fund
(D) generate current income
(C) build a retirement fund
Which of the following financial advisors using the financial planning process would be considered to be practicing multiple-purpose financial planning?
(A) A multiline insurance agent who sells life, health, property, and liability
insurance to a client
(B) A personal finance counselor who shows a client how to set up and live within a budget
(C) A stockbroker who advises a customer to buy shares of common stock in the “XYZ” Company
(D) A banker who opens a trust account for the benefit of a customer’s
handicapped child
(A) A multiline insurance agent who sells life, health, property, and liability
insurance to a client
Trends creating opportunities for advisors engaged in financial planning include which of the following?
I. Longevity among Americans is increasing.
II. The financial environment is becoming more stable.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(A) I only
Which of the following statements correctly describe(s) a characteristic of
comprehensive financial planning in its purest form?
I. The managing advisor’s compensation is usually a combination of fees and commissions.
II. The plan is created by the managing advisor and his or her team of specialists in a single planning engagement.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(B) II only
Financial advisor activities considered to be part of step 4 (develop and present
a plan) in the financial planning process include all the following EXCEPT
(A) obtaining the client’s approval of the plan
(B) presenting alternative plan strategies to the client
(C) writing a report for the client that describes the plan
(D) reviewing the plan to see that it is performing satisfactorily
(D) reviewing the plan to see that it is performing satisfactorily
The results of the 2008 Retirement Confidence Survey conducted by the
Employee Benefits Research Institute showed all the following EXCEPT that
(A) health care costs have become a big issue for retirees
(B) retirement planning is up but still not high
(C) overall retirement confidence increased significantly
(D) retirement savings levels for most workers are modest
(C) overall retirement confidence increased significantly
Insurance is used most efficiently in dealing with risk situations involving losses that are both
(A) low frequency and low severity
(B) low frequency and high severity
(C) high frequency and low severity
(D) high frequency and high severity
(B) low frequency and high severity
A variable universal life (VUL) policy differs from a universal life (UL) policy in which of the following ways?
(A) A VUL policy provides for a flexible premium after the first year.
(B) A VUL policy permits partial withdrawals from its cash value.
(C) A VUL policy permits the policyowner to decrease the death benefit at
any time.
(D) A VUL policy allows the policyowner to direct the investment of the
cash value.
(D) A VUL policy allows the policyowner to direct the investment of the
cash value.
If the daily benefit for institutional care in a long-term care insurance policy is $250 and the benefit period is 1,095 days (or 3 years), the policy’s pool of money would be
(A) $91,250
(B) $182,500
(C) $273,750
(D) $821,250
(C) $273,750
For insurance and financial planning purposes, risk is defined to mean the
(A) possibility of financial loss
(B) uncertainty of financial loss
(C) probability of financial loss
(D) cause of financial loss
(A) possibility of financial loss
Umbrella liability policies typically exclude which of the following types of losses?
I. Damage to the insured’s own property
II. Personal injury in the form of libel and slander
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(A) I only
Which of the following statements concerning Coverage B (other structures) of homeowners insurance policies is (are) correct?
I. Coverage B is found in all homeowners forms.
II. All losses to other structures are settled on an actual cash value basis.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(D) Neither I nor II
Which of the following statements concerning Part B (medical payments coverage) of the Personal Auto Policy (PAP) is (are) correct?
I. Medical expenses of the named insured and/or family members are covered if they are struck by a motor vehicle.
II. Medical expenses of persons other than the named insured and family members are covered if they are injured while in a covered auto.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(D) Neither I nor II
(C) Both I and II
Loss control techniques typically available to individuals and families include all the following EXCEPT
(A) loss prevention
(B) retention
(C) risk avoidance
(D) loss reduction
(B) retention
To handle the risk that continues to exist after the operation of the law of large numbers, insurers rely on all the following techniques EXCEPT
(A) writing different lines of insurance
(B) reinsuring part of their business
(C) approving more claim payments
(D) holding minimum amounts of surplus
(C) approving more claim payments
The first part of step 2 in the financial planning process involves all the
following activities EXCEPT
(A) identifying the client’s concerns related to various pure risks
(B) measuring the potential losses associated with identified pure risks
(C) determining the client’s goals in dealing with his or her pure risk concerns
(D) helping the client prioritize his or her competing goals
(B) measuring the potential losses associated with identified pure risks
In 2007, a study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that the average
payment by employers for employee benefits was equal to what percent of
payroll?
(A) 16.9 percent
(B) 24.0 percent
(C) 42.7 percent
(D) 50.0 percent
(C) 42.7 percent
Employer contributions for dependent life insurance are considered de minimis
(by the IRS) and not taxable to the employee if the amount of the coverage on the dependent does not exceed
(A) $2,000
(B) $5,000
(C)$7,000
(D) $10,000
(A) $2,000
The cost of continuing coverage under COBRA may be passed on to the employee or dependent but cannot exceed what percent of the cost to the plan for a similarly situated active employee?
(A) 100 percent
(B) 102 percent
(C) 105 percent
(D) 108 percent
(B) 102 percent
Comprehensive legal expense insurance plans typically provide coverage for which of the following types of legal services?
(A) cases that have contingent fees
(B) actions involving the employer
(C) class-action suits
(D) civil actions
(D) civil actions
Characteristics that distinguish HMOs from traditional medical expense
contracts include which of the following?
I. HMOs provide for the delivery of medical services.
II. HMOs emphasize control of medical expenses.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(C) Both I and II
Which of the following statements concerning the tax treatment of employees
under a partially contributory group long-term disability income insurance plan is (are) correct?
I. Employer contributions result in no taxable income to the employees.
II. Benefits attributable to employer contributions are received tax free by
employees.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(A) I only
Which of the following statements concerning point-of-service (POS) plans is (are) correct?
I. The typical POS plan provides for a lower degree of managed care than most PPOs.
II. A POS plan is a hybrid arrangement that combines aspects of a traditional HMO and a PPO.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(B) II only
All the following statements concerning flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are correct EXCEPT:
(A) FSAs allow employees to fund certain benefits on a before-tax basis by electing to take a salary reduction.
(B) FSAs can be used for medical and dental expenses not covered by the employer’s plan and for dependent-care expenses.
(C) FSAs can be used by themselves or incorporated into a more comprehensive cafeteria plan.
(D) FSA funds not used during the year or grace period are returned to the
employees or credited to next year.
(D) FSA funds not used during the year or grace period are returned to the
employees or credited to next year.
Group medical expense plans containing coordination-of-benefits (COB) provisions have established all the following priorities for determining which
plans pay benefits EXCEPT:
(A) Coverage as a retired employee is primary to coverage as an active employee.
(B) Coverage as an employee is usually primary to coverage as a dependent.
(C) If a child lives in a two-parent household, the plan of the parent whose birthday falls earlier in the calendar year is primary.
(D) If a child does not live with both parents, the plan of the parent with custody of the child is primary in the absence of a court order specifying otherwise.
(A) Coverage as a retired employee is primary to coverage as an active employee.
Group term insurance contracts often provide additional insurance benefits in
the form of all the following coverages EXCEPT
(A) supplemental life insurance
(B) accidental death and dismemberment insurance
(C) dependent life insurance
(D) long-term disability income insurance
(D) long-term disability income insurance
Jack owns some tax-exempt municipal bonds that provide him with a current yield of 5 percent. If Jack is in the 28 percent marginal income tax bracket what is his equivalent fully taxable yield from the bonds?
(A) 4.91 percent
(B) 5.50 percent
(C) 6.12 percent
(D) 6.94 percent
(D) 6.94 percent
Which of the following statements concerning the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 is correct?
(A) It requires advisors to register with either the SEC or the state, depending on the amount of assets under management.
(B) It sets u a corporation that is patterned after the FDIC, with the objective of protecting customer property.
(C) It is designed to regulate the various securities markets, as we securities traded in these markets.
(D) It is designed to require investment companies to provide adequate disclosure to their shareholders.
(B) It sets u a corporation that is patterned after the FDIC, with the objective of protecting customer property.
Which of the following major categories of investment companies operate only as open end funds?
(A) index funds
(B) bond funds
(C) common stock funds
(D) mixed portfolio funds
(A) index funds
Bill owns stock that currently sells for $60 per share and pays an annual dividend of $4 per share. If Bill is in the 28 percent marginal income tax bracket, what is his after-tax current yield from the stock?
(A) 3.4 percent
(B) 3.9 percent
(C) 4.8 percent
(D) 5.6 percent
(C) 4.8 percent
Components of the interest rate risk include which of the following?
I. Business (default) risk
II. Reinvestment rate risk
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(B) II only
Which of the following statements concerning an open-end investment company is (are) correct?
I. Its shares are traded in the stock market like those of large corporations.
II. It issues a given number of shares at formation and rarely, if ever, issues additional shares.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(D) Neither I nor II
Which of the following statements concerning holding periods for common stock investments is (are) correct?
I. Short holding periods, such as one year or less, may produce negative total returns.
II. Individually owned stocks should generally have planned holding periods of at least 10 years.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both land II
(D) Neither I nor II
(A) I only
All the following statements concerning the ownership of liquid assets are correct EXCEPT:
(A) Liquid assets tend to have the lowest expected rates of return.
(B) Owning liquid assets provides flexibility for emergency purposes.
(C) There are often substantial opportunity costs to owning liquid assets.
(D) There typically is a sizable risk in owning liquid assets.
(D) There typically is a sizable risk in owning liquid assets.
Reasons for the popularity of investment companies include all the following
EXCEPT:
(A) Each share in an investment company benefits from the pooled diversification of the portfolio.
(B) The wide diversity of investment companies allows an investor to select the portfolio that best suits his or her objectives.
(C) Investment companies typically perform better than the market average because they have no fees.
(D) Investment companies have professional managers that select and continuously monitor the portfolio’s securities.
(C) Investment companies typically perform better than the market average because they have no fees.
All the following are considered cash equivalents EXCEPT
(A) American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)
(B) nonnegotiable certificates of deposit (CDs)
(C) money market deposit accounts (MMDAs)
(D) U.S. Treasury bills (T-bills)
(A) American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)
The floor for casualty loss deductions is set at what percentage of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income (AGI)?
(A) 2 percent
(B) 7.5 percent
(C) 10 percent
(D) 12 percent
(C) 10 percent
During the past taxable year, Susan sold some common stock she had held for several years and incurred a capital loss of $6,000. Susan had no capital gains during the year, and her other income for the year was $60,000. How much of the capital loss can Susan deduct for the taxable year?
(A) None
(B) $3,000
(C) $5,000
(D) $6,000
(B) $3,000
Which of the following tax law doctrines is most useful in determining when an item of income is taxable?
(A) Shotgun doctrine
(B) Assignment of income doctrine
(C) Constructive receipt doctrine
(D) Economic benefit doctrine
(C) Constructive receipt doctrine
Which of the following statements concerning tax credits is (are) correct?
I. A $100 tax credit provides the taxpayer the same benefit as a $100 deduction.
II. A $200 tax credit is worth more to a taxpayer in the 35 percent bracket than to one in the 15 percent bracket.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(D) Neither I nor II
Which of the following statements concerning federal income tax rates is (are) correct?
I. The highest marginal tax rate for an individual taxpayer is 35 percent.
II. An individual taxpayer’s effective tax rate is always higher than his or her marginal tax rate.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(A) I only
Which of the following types of business entities is (are) considered a pass-through entity under the federal income tax laws?
I. a partnership
II. an S corporation
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(C) Both I and II
All the following statements concerning the standard deduction are correct
EXCEPT:
(A) The amount of the standard deduction depends on the taxpayer’s filing status.
(B) The standard deduction is classified as an above-the-line deduction.
(C) The taxpayer may choose to itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction.
(D) The standard deduction amounts are indexed annually for inflation.
(B) The standard deduction is classified as an above-the-line deduction.
All the following statements concerning the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for individual taxpayers are correct EXCEPT:
(A) The taxpayer pays the AMT amount if the AMT is greater than the regular tax.
(B) It is a separate and parallel income tax system to the regular system.
(C) The computational process for determining the AMT is different from that used in determining the regular tax.
(D) It permits taxpayers to deduct the same items that they deduct for regular tax purposes.
(D) It permits taxpayers to deduct the same items that they deduct for regular tax purposes.
All the following statements concerning personal and dependency exemptions are correct EXCEPT:
(A) A taxpayer may claim the standard deduction in addition to his or her exemptions.
(B) The amount of the exemption(s) is subtracted from gross income in the process of determining adjusted gross income.
(C) The exemption amount changes annually by way of an inflation adjustment.
(D) A taxpayer is permitted to claim a dependency exemption for each qualified individual he or she supports.
(B) The amount of the exemption(s) is subtracted from gross income in the process of determining adjusted gross income.
All the following assets may be treated as Sec. 1231 assets for federal into tax purposes EXCEPT
(A) common stock in the taxpayer’s investment portfolio
(B) machinery used in the taxpayer’s business
(C) the building in which the taxpayer’s business is located
(D) land used in the taxpayer’s business
(A) common stock in the taxpayer’s investment portfolio
Which of the following correctly describes the unit-benefit formula found in defined benefit pension plans?
(A) It directly ties the participant’s pension benefit to both service and salary.
(B) It bases the participant’s pension benefit on final-average salary only.
(C) It provides each participant with the same pension benefit.
(D) It provides each participant with a flat benefit amount for each year of service.
(A) It directly ties the participant’s pension benefit to both service and salary.
Which of the following types of retirement plans is qualified?
(A) a SIMIPLE plan
(B) a 401(k) plan
(C) a SEP plan
(D) a 403(b) plan
(B) a 401(k) plan
Which of the following types of retirement plans is a defined-benefit plan designed to look like a defined-contribution plan?
(A) a target-benefit pension plan
(B) a stock bonus plan
(C) an ESOP
(D) a cash-balance pension plan
(D) a cash-balance pension plan
Which of the following statements concerning a 403(b) plan is (are) correct
I. It allows deferrals in the form of a salary reduction chosen by the employee.
II. It can be used in conjunction with most other retirement plans.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(C) Both I and II
Which of the following statements concerning a Roth IRA is (are) correct?
I. Contributions can be made even after the owner attains age 70 1/2.
II. Distributions must begin no later than when the owner attains age 70 1/2.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(A) I only
Which of the following statements concerning a money-purchase pension plan is (are) correct?
I. A money-purchase pension plan is a type of defined-benefit plan.
II. Compensation considered in the contribution formula is limited to a maximum of $100,000.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(D) Neither I nor II
Which of the following statements concerning qualified plans is (are) correct?
I. Distributions can be rolled into an IRA.
II. A SEP is a qualified plan that uses an IRA,
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(A) I only
All the following statements concerning SIMPLE plans are correct EXCEPT:
(A) Assets cannot be invested in life insurance or collectibles.
(B) Participants are allowed to borrow from their accounts.
(C) Participants must be fully vested in all benefits at all times.
(D) Any type of business entity can establish a SIMPLE plan.
(B) Participants are allowed to borrow from their accounts.
All the following statements concerning defined-benefit plans are correct EXCEPT:
(A) Plan contributions are not allocated to individual employee accounts.
(B) The employer assumes the risk of preretirement inflation and investment performance.
(C) The costs associated with a defined-benefit plan are unpredictable.
(D) The law specifies the maximum allowable annual contribution that can be made for an employee.
(D) The law specifies the maximum allowable annual contribution that can be made for an employee.
All the following statements concerning a reverse mortgage are correct EXCEPT:
(A) It typically is available only when the home is the borrower’s principal residence.
(B) If property values erode, the lender may end up with a loss.
(C) It typically is available regardless of the borrower’s age.
(D) It does not have to be repaid as long as the borrower lives in the home.
(C) It typically is available regardless of the borrower’s age.
The most complete ownership interest one can have in property is a
(A) fee simple estate
(B) life estate
(C) tenancy by the entirety
(D) future interest
(A) fee simple estate
A life insurance policy death benefit paid to a named beneficiary is an ex of a transfer of property by operation of
(A) will
(B) law
(C) contract
(D) intestacy
(C) contract
A power of appointment over property that gives the holder the broad power to transfer the property to virtually any recipient is referred to as a
(A) special power of appointment
(B) general power of appointment
(C) legal power of appointment
(D) reversionary power of appointment
(B) general power of appointment
Which of the following statements concerning the gift tax annual exclusion is (are) correct?
I. It is available only for gifts to close relatives of the donor.
II. It is available only for gifts that provide the donee with a future interest.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(D) Neither I nor II
Which of the following statements concerning the use of charitable lead trusts is (are) correct?
I. They allow donor clients to give remainder income interests to charities.
II. They provide donor clients with immediate income and gift or estate tax deductions for their donations.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(B) II only
Which of the following trusts created to receive annual exclusion gifts for minors require(s) income to be distributed at least annually to (or for the use of) the minor?
I. A Sec. 2503(b) trust
II. A Sec. 2503(c) trust
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(A) I only
The federal gift tax applies only if which of the following elements is (are) present?
I. There is a completed transfer and acceptance of the property.
II. The transfer of the property is for less than full and adequate consideration.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(C) Both I and II
The generation-skipping transfer tax (GSTT) applies to all the following of transfers EXCEPT a(n)
(A) taxable termination
(B) direct skip
(C) taxable distribution
(D) indirect skip
(D) indirect skip
All the following statements concerning a revocable trust are correct EXCEPT
(A) The creation involves a transfer that is a completed gift.
(B) It avoids the publicity, delay, and expense of probate.
(C) It becomes irrevocable at the grantor’s death.
(D) Its creation has no effect on the grantor’s gross estate.
(A) The creation involves a transfer that is a completed gift.
All the following statements concerning a durable power of attorney are correct
EXCEPT:
(A) It takes effect immediately upon execution.
(B) It can be designed for use in making medical care decisions.
(C) It becomes inoperative if the principal is incapacitated.
(D) It can replace or complement a revocable trust.
(C) It becomes inoperative if the principal is incapacitated.
As of this year, Brad, aged 35, has 36 quarters of coverage under the Social Security program. These quarters were all earned in the last 40 quarters. What is Brad’s insured status under the program?
(A) He is currently, fully, and disability insured.
(B) He is disability insured, but neither fully nor currently insured.
(C) He is currently and fully insured, but not disability insured.
(D) He is currently insured, but neither fully nor disability insured.
(A) He is currently, fully, and disability insured.
Which of the following statements concerning Social Security disability benefits is correct?
(A) Benefits are subject to a waiting period and commence one year after a disability begins.
(B) Benefits are payable as long as the disabled worker is unable to perform his or her regular job.
(C) Benefits are payable as long as the disabled worker is considered to be currently insured.
(D) Benefits cease at full retirement age but are replaced by comparable Social Security retirement benefits.
(D) Benefits cease at full retirement age but are replaced by comparable Social Security retirement benefits.
Which of the following persons will have his or her Social Security benefits reduced or terminated because of the earnings test?
(A) A widow, aged 39, who receives survivors benefits and has annual income of $24,000 from a full-time job.
(B) A child, aged 12, who receives survivors benefits and has a monthly annuity income of $1,000 from a settlement option of her father’s life insurance policy.
(C) A retired worker, aged 73, who earns $14,000 annually from part-time employment.
(D) A retired worker, aged 64, who receives $18,000 annually from investment income.
(A) A widow, aged 39, who receives survivors benefits and has annual income of $24,000 from a full-time job.
Which of the following statements concerning monthly Social Security benefit for the family members of a 67-year-old retiree receiving full retirement benefits is correct?
(A) The 60-year-old spouse of the retired worker is eligible to receive 75 percent of the worker’s PIA.
(B) The 15-year-old daughter of the retired worker is eligible to receive percent of the worker’s PIA.
(C) The 22-year-old son of the retired worker is eligible to receive 75 percent of the worker’s PIA if he stays in college.
(D) The 87-year-old mother of the retired worker is eligible to receive 50 percent of the worker’s PIA if she is a dependent.
(B) The 15-year-old daughter of the retired worker is eligible to receive percent of the worker’s PIA.
Which of the following statements concerning insured status under Social Security is (are) correct?
I. A currently insured worker must have credit for at least 4 quarters of coverage out of the last 12-quarter period.
II. A fully insured worker must be currently insured and have credit for at least 50 quarters of coverage over his or her work life.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(D) Neither I nor II
Which of the following statements concerning Social Security benefits is (are) correct?
I. Social Security benefits are increased automatically in accordance with increases in the CPI.
II. If a person is eligible for more than one type of Social Security benefit, only the higher benefit is paid.
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) Both I and II
(D) Neither I nor II
(C) Both I and II