FSCP case studies
FSCP · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Financial Services Certified Professional® (FSCP®) is a foundational designation from The American College of Financial Services, aimed at people entering or changing careers into financial services - bankers, insurance agents, investment and asset managers, and aspiring planners. Its stated focus is functional practice-management tools plus foundational planning knowledge: financial products, prospecting and marketing, uncovering client needs, and business planning for a growing practice. There are no prerequisite courses to begin, and the curriculum is 100% online and self-paced, with courses starting the first Monday of each month and a welcome unit opening two weeks before the start date. The program is five courses: three required (FP 99 Foundations of Financial Planning, FA 200 Techniques for Prospecting: Prospect or Perish, and FA 203 Essentials for Meeting Client Needs) and two electives chosen from FA 222, FA 257, HS 300, HS 323, RICP 353, or WMCP 360. The FSCP case studies are 5 cases and about 4,769 words.
1Seasonal Business Owners with a Pension Election and No Liquidity Reserve
Marcus (47) and Elena (45) run a landscaping LLC taxed as an S corporation. Revenue is seasonal: about 60% arrives April through September, and they take 10,000 monthly draws year-round.
873 words, about 4 min2Independent Producer Building a 90-Day Pipeline Under a Non-Solicit
Devin is a three-year captive life and annuity producer moving to an independent practice. The captive contract bars soliciting or contacting any former client for 12 months, so Devin starts with no book.
874 words, about 4 min3Widow with an Inherited IRA, a Surrender-Charge Annuity, and Conflicting Goals
Barbara, 58, is a school administrator earning 62,000. Her husband died 14 months ago.
1,011 words, about 5 min4Surgeon with a Term Conversion Deadline, a Cross-Purchase Buy-Sell, and a Diabetes Diagnosis
Patel is 52, an orthopedic surgeon and 50% owner of a four-physician practice valued at roughly 7.2 million. The practice has a 4 million equipment loan personally guaranteed by all four owners.
997 words, about 5 min5Couple with a Pension Lump Sum, Social Security Timing, and Dementia Risk
Tom, 63, and Anika, 61, plan to retire in three months. Tom's 401(k) holds 1.4 million and Anika's 403(b) 380,000; they have 210,000 taxable and 95,000 Roth.
1,014 words, about 5 min