CFP Talks Podcast

Today, Joe and Raman break down everything you need to know about Disability Income Insurance for the CFP exam—one of those sneaky topics that shows up in both the core and advanced questions. We’ll start with the Tier 1 must-knows: the definition of disability (Own Occ vs. Any Occ vs. Modified Own Occ), who’s paying the premiums (employer, employee, or through your business), and how that impacts the taxability of benefits. You’ll also learn the key differences between noncancelable and guaranteed renewable policies—terms the CFP Board loves to test. Then we go deeper into Tier 2: the finer details like policy provisions, Social Security Integration, and how to determine suitability for different clients. If you want to confidently answer both the basic and the curveball questions on disability insurance, this episode will give you the framework you need to master it.

Today, Joe and Raman dive into a powerful study strategy that can transform how you prepare for the CFP exam—the 20/60/20 rule. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in endless reading loops, or unsure how to use your time wisely, this episode is for you. We’ll show you how to structure your study sessions for maximum impact, why most candidates waste too much time on passive learning, and how mock exams can be used not just to test knowledge—but to build mental endurance. You'll also hear why piling on new material late in the game can backfire, and what to do instead. This episode is all about efficiency and clarity—you’ll learn how to reinforce what you’ve already studied, track your progress with intention, and adapt your time based on weak areas. If you want smarter study sessions and better results, don’t miss this one.

Today, Joe and Raman unpack one of the most mentally draining parts of the CFP exam—multi-step questions. These aren’t just testing your memory—they’re testing how you think, and that’s exactly why they feel so overwhelming. In this episode, we walk through a clear approach to tackling them head-on. You’ll learn how to quickly identify what the question is really asking, how to spot key terms and hidden clues, and how to apply the right formulas and rules without second-guessing yourself. Whether you freeze up when you see a wall of text or just need a system to break things down, this episode will give you the tools to slow down, think clearly, and solve with confidence.

Today, Joe and Raman break down one of the most confusing—but critical—topics on the CFP exam: Estate Planning & Trust Taxation. From grantor vs. non-grantor to revocable vs. irrevocable, this episode walks you through the key distinctions that trip up so many candidates. We’ll cover the big-picture framework—Who created the trust, When it was created, What type of control or flexibility it allows, and most importantly, Why it was set up in the first place. You'll learn how to tell the difference between inter vivos and testamentary trusts, how to identify tax consequences for each party, and how to apply this knowledge to real CFP-style questions. Whether you're just getting started or doing a final review, this episode will help you simplify trust-related questions and approach them with clarity and confidence.