Principles Flashcards
What is the interest deductibility limit for home equity debt?
lesser of $100k MFJ or single ($50k MFS) OR FMV of primary residence reduced by amount of current acquisition indebtedness (mortgage amt)
National banks are subject to regulation by which of the following federal agencies?
The Controller of the Currency
The Federal Reserve Board
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Examples of those who should register as investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940?
The individual provides advice about securities.
The individual is in the business of providing advice about securities.
The individual receives compensation for providing advice.
Describe Dodd Frank registration requirements by AUM level
Under this Act, advisers with assets under management of $100 million or more must register as investment advisers with the SEC unless an exemption/exclusion applies. Advisers with assets under management of less than $100 million will generally be required to register as an investment adviser with the states in which he maintains clients.
What are advantages of budgeting?
Coordinates the activities of the client and planner in developing objectives.
Enhances awareness of conservation of resources.
Provides a means of self-evaluation.
Reveals inefficient, ineffective or unusual utilization of resources.
Recognizing and anticipating problems before they occur,
highlighting the need for alternative courses of action providing motivation for performance.
To control household expenses.
To accomplish desired wealth accumulation and savings goals.
What information and disclosures must be in writing when engaging with a client?
The parties to the agreement
The date and duration of the agreement
How and on what terms each party can end the agreement
The services to be provided under the agreement
What are the implication of getting the CFP certificate revoked?
Revocation is permanent with no opportunity for reinstatement.
What is the max period of CFP certification suspension
5 yrs
the Rules of Conduct covers these activities:
Prospective Client and Client Information and Property
Obligations to Prospective Clients and Clients
Obligations to Employers
Defining the Relationship with the Prospective Client or Client
Information Disclosed to Prospective Clients and Clients
Obligations to CFP Board
CFP Board requires CFP® certificants to disclose which of the following verbally or in writing before entering into an agreement to provide financial planning services?
The obligation and responsibilities of each party to the agreement
Information regarding compensation that any party to the agreement or any legal affiliate to a party under the agreement will or could receive under the agreement
Terms under which the agreement permits the certificant to offer proprietary products
Terms under which the certificant will use other entities to meet any of the agreement’s obligation
A certificant must treat client information as confidential except
as required in response to proper legal process; as necessitated by obligations to a certificant’s employer or partners; to defend against charges of wrongdoing; in connection with a civil dispute; or as needed to perform the services.
CFP Board’s Disciplinary and Ethics Commission responsibilities:
The Disciplinary and Ethics Commission periodically issues advisory opinions addressing topics that may arise from enforcement of the Rules of Conduct or Practice Standards.
The Disciplinary and Ethics Commission is responsible for investigating, reviewing, and acting on alleged violations of the Standards of Professional Conduct.
Who establishes the prime rate?
Commercial Banks
Who initiates any price control legislation?
The executive branch or Congress
What is the primary purpose of the Fed?
Controlling the flow of capital to maintain steady economic growth with moderate inflation
What are goals the government pursues through fiscal policy?
Economic growth, price stability, and full employment.
What are goals the government pursues through fiscal policy?
Economic growth, price stability, and full employment.
… through taxation, expenditures, and debt management
What is the federal funds rate?
Rate charged between banks on ST loans
What rate does Fed control in implementing monetary policy?
discount rate
What is the consumer credit protection act?
Also known as the truth in Lending Act, this act requires lenders, before extending credit, to disclose both the dollar amount of finance charges and the annual percentage rate (APR), as well as other loan terms and conditions. The requirements of this act are seen most often when a consumer enters into a mortgage agreement with a lender and closes on a loan for personal residence.
What are the characteristics of the Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act?
Applicants who are denied credit must be offered the reason.
Access to a credit file is limited to bona fide users of financial information.
Credit bureau reports must include accurate, relevant, and recent information.
What are the characteristics of the Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act?
Applicants who are denied credit must be offered the reason.
Access to a credit file is limited to bona fide users of financial information.
Credit bureau reports must include accurate, relevant, and recent information.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy benefits over Chapter 7
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is generally more favorable for creditors because they receive at least some portion of what is owed. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the debtor repays at least a portion of the debts over a specified time. Creditors may not receive any payments under a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy benefits over Chapter 7
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is generally more favorable for creditors because they receive at least some portion of what is owed. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the debtor repays at least a portion of the debts over a specified time. Creditors may not receive any payments under a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
what are the protections provided by the Consumer Credit Protection Act
regulated advertisement of credit terms and protection for unauthorized credit card use. The cardholder is liable for only $50 in unauthorized charges if he or she reports the card as lost or stolen.
What is the term used to describe the Federal Reserve controlling the money supply, enabling it to significantly affect interest rates?
monetary policy
What Act prohibits debt collectors from engaging in certain practices, such as contacting a debtor at his place of employment if the employer objects, harassing or intimidating the debtor, or using false and misleading approaches.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
What amount can be taken as a miscellaneous itemized deduction as a result of unreimbursed educational expenses?
Unreimbursed job-related educational expenses can be taken as a miscellaneous itemized deduction, subject to the 2% of AGI floor. i.e. any expenses above 2% of AGI
If the UTMA account is rolled into a Section 529 plan, what happens?
The account balance remains custodial property and is legally owned by Joan.
The balance in the account must be made available for distribution to Joan when she reaches the state’s age of majority.
What parental assets are excluded from EFC (expected family contribution)?
Home equity
Cash value life insurance
Retirement account balances
Distrubutions from parent-owned accounts for education (i.e. 529s)
What are main features of CESAs (Coverdell Education Savings Accounts)?
contributions limited to $2k/child regardless of # of contributors
distributions are tax-free
Which type of Stafford loan is need-based?
Subsidized
What are the interest differences between subsidized and unsubsidized stafford loans?
With a subsidized Stafford Loan, the U.S. Department of Education pays the accrued interest while the student is in school and during any deferment period.
With an unsubsidized Stafford Loan, the student is responsible for any accrued interest during the life of the loan.
What is a major advantage of college savings plans over QTPs?
college savings plans do not restrict where the child may attend college. College savings plans permit enrollment at out-of-state universities or private colleges.
What is a major advantage of college savings plans over QTPs (qualified state prepaid tuition programs)?
college savings plans do not restrict where the child may attend college. College savings plans permit enrollment at out-of-state universities or private colleges.
What are key features of series EE savings bonds?
Series EE savings bonds are purchased electronically at their full face value. They must be purchased after 1989 to be eligible for special tax treatment. To attain tax-free status, EE bonds must be purchased in the name of one or both parents of the student or child. The bonds must be redeemed in the same year that the student’s qualified higher education expenses are paid to receive preferential tax treatment.
What is the max amount a couple can contribution to 529 plan in one year without triggering gift tax?
$140k ($14/person/year * 2 * 5yr upfront)
What’s included in the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
student income
student assets
parent income
parent assets
does not include 529 accounts if other family members (non parents) established with student as beneficary
What are the American Opportunity Tax Credit limitations?
first $2k, then 25% of next $2k - capped at $2500
What are the features of series I savings bonds for education funding?
issued at face value and have no guaranteed rate of earnings.
The annual interest rate reflects the combined effects of a fixed rate and a semiannual inflation rate.
Redemption proceeds from Series I savings bonds may be tax free if they are used for qualified education expenses.
The tax advantages of Series I savings bonds when used for education funding are phased out at certain levels of adjusted gross income.
What is the main difference between UTMA/UGMA and 529 account?
Unlike the case with custodial accounts (UGMA or UTMA), the beneficiary of a Section 529 plan does not gain control of the account assets at the age of majority. The account remains under the control of the contributor.
What is the max deduction for student loan interest?
$2500
What are 2 unique features of student loan interest deduction?
the deduction for student loan interest is taken as an adjustment to adjusted gross income (an above-the-line deduction) and is available regardless of whether the taxpayer itemizes deductions.
Major benefit of CESA vs 529
Elementary and secondary education expenses are considered to be qualified education expenses for purposes of a CESA. This is a major advantage of CESAs over Section 529 plans.
What is key difference in how American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit are claimed?
AOTC - by child; LLC - by family
characteristics of PLUS loans include
interest rates that vary with the rate of 52-week Treasury bills and the availability of reduced loans for students enrolled in programs that are shorter than an academic year.
PLUS loans are available to parents of students.
PLUS loans are not needs based.
The borrower under a PLUS loan must meet federal standards of creditworthiness.
repayment of loan must begin within 60 days
What happens if 529 plan funds are withdrawn and not used for educational purposes?
the earnings portion of the withdrawal is included in the beneficiary’s gross income and is generally subject to a 10% penalty tax.
What are characteristics of Perkins loans?
Perkins loans are funded by the federal government.
Perkins loans are given on a needs basis.
Different amounts are available for undergraduate and graduate study.
What are the key tenants of education funding coordination?
the student loan interest deduction may be used in combination with any of the other educational tax benefits, such as the qualified higher education tuition deduction, the American Opportunity Tax Credit, or the Lifetime Learning Credit.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit may not both be claimed in the same year for the same student.
A taxpayer can claim an American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit for the taxable year and can also exclude from gross income amounts distributed from a Section 529 plan or Coverdell ESA (CESA), but only if the 529 plan or CESA tax-free distributions are not used to pay the same expenses for which either the American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit was claimed.
Main characteristics of Pell Grants
Pell Grants are the primary type of grant dispersed directly to students.
Financial need and availability of federal funds are the criteria for receipt.
Receipt of other grants is sometimes contingent upon applying for or receiving a Pell grant.
Only for undergraduate studies
largest need-based student aid program