CFP case studies
CFP · Put your knowledge to work in context.
CFP® certification is the credential administered by CFP Board, a non-profit organization founded in 1985 that serves the public interest by promoting the value of professional, competent and ethical financial planning services. According to CFP Board, there are more than 100,000 CFP® professionals in 2024, representing about 1 in 3 financial advisors in the U.S. Certification is not a single test but a process: education, exam, experience, and ethics. Candidates typically fall into three groups - students moving into the profession, career changers from other fields, and practicing financial professionals who already hold licenses or product-focused designations and want to demonstrate integrated planning competence. The CFP case studies are 5 cases and about 2,792 words.
1The Nephew, the Annuity, and the Trusted Contact
Daniel, a CFP® professional, has advised Robert, age 79, for six years. Robert's wife died 18 months ago; his investable assets are 1.8 million, mostly in a revocable trust.
566 words, about 3 min2The 529 Before the Emergency Fund
Priya and Arjun, ages 38 and 36, earn 165,000 combined. They have 22,000 in credit-card debt at 24%, 40,000 in student loans at 5.5%, 9,000 in a savings account, and two children ages 4 and 2.
546 words, about 3 min3Selling the Employer Stock All at Once
Sofia, age 58 and single, plans to retire at 60. Her 2.1 million portfolio includes 850,000 of employer stock with a 120,000 cost basis.
556 words, about 3 min4The Roth Conversion Versus the ACA Subsidy
Ken, age 63, retired in 2024. He and his wife, Lena, have 1.6 million in traditional IRAs, 250,000 in Roth IRAs, 200,000 in taxable brokerage, and a 45,000 annual pension.
525 words, about 3 min5Equal Isn't Always Equitable
Helen, age 72, is widowed with a $3.2 million estate. Her will leaves everything outright equally to her three adult children.
599 words, about 3 min