CPWA case studies
CPWA · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) credential is an advanced designation aimed at experienced financial professionals who advise high-net-worth families rather than manage money alone. Candidates are typically CPAs, attorneys, CFPs, private bankers, and wealth advisors who already handle complex balance sheets and want a structured framework for the full client picture. Where a general planning credential covers accumulation for a broad middle market, CPWA-level work centers on the problems that appear once a family has substantial assets: concentrated employer stock, a closely held business, multiple trusts, charitable intent, and a tax bill that changes every year. The exam integrates nine subject areas rather than testing them in isolation. The CPWA case studies are 5 cases and about 3,738 words.
1The Inherited Concentrated Position
Arthur, 61, retired 18 months ago with a 62,000 pension and 3.0 million of investable assets. 2.4 million sits in stock of his former employer (cost basis 180,000); the rest is a diversified 60/40 fund.
709 words, about 4 min2Asset Location and Rebalancing Under a Tax Constraint
Eleanor, 67, has 3.2 million: 1.1 million taxable brokerage, 1.6 million traditional IRA, 500,000 Roth IRA. She draws 140,000 gross annually and is in the 24% federal bracket plus 5% state; NIIT applies to her investment income.
708 words, about 4 min3Blended Family, State Estate Tax, and a Charitable Bequest
Harold, 72, is remarried to Dana, 64. His estate is 8.2 million: 4.5 million of appreciated stock (basis 600,000), 2.0 million traditional IRA, a 1.5 million residence titled jointly with Dana, and 1.0 million of life insurance in a revocable trust naming Dana.
727 words, about 4 min4Buy-Sell Funding and Key-Person Risk in an S Corporation
Three owners of a 22-person S corporation engineering firm: Marguerite 45%, Tom 35%, Raj 20%. Marguerite, 66, wants to retire in 18 months.
750 words, about 4 min5Pension Election, Long-Term Care, and Sequence Risk
Ben, 64, and Lisa, 62, are both retiring in June. Ben must choose between a 720,000 lump sum and a joint-and-100% survivor annuity of 42,000 a year, no COLA.
844 words, about 4 min