Module 101 introduces you to the concepts and profession of personal financial planning. The student will gain an understanding of the role and responsibilities of a financial planner along with some analytical skills to aid in financial decision-making.

Topics in the course include the financial planning process, securities regulation and licensing, CFP Board ethics, the economic environment, the time value of money, and planning for special situations such as a college education, the formation and operation of a closely held business, and disability. The course also previews wealth accumulation, tax, retirement, and estate planning techniques.

Module 102 considers risk management principles and the various types of insurance coverage in the marketplace today, focusing on the role of planning for insurance needs. Insurance topics include life, medical expense, and property/casualty policies, as well as long-term care and disability. It also covers benefits made available to employees by employers-commonly referred to as employee or fringe benefits. Employee benefit topics include group policies, deferred compensation, equity-based compensation, and business applications of life insurance.

Module 103 follows sound investment principles as a primary means of wealth accumulation for financial planning clients. In turn, the process of wealth accumulation provides the funds necessary to achieve many financial planning goals. In this module, you will learn investment concepts as well as effective investment planning strategies for helping your clients accumulate wealth. Asset allocation principles are reviewed, modern portfolio management theory is explained, and the importance of tax-efficient investing is considered.

Module 104 reveals effective income tax planning strategies, whether personal or related to an individual's business interests.

Topics covered include individual income tax calculations, deductions, the tax characteristics of various business entities, trust and estate taxation, basis of property and cost recovery, property dispositions, passive activity losses, at-risk rules, miscellaneous taxes, interest on deficiencies and refunds, penalties, accounting methods, accounting periods, and tax management techniques.

Module 105 deals with the single most important issue millions of people will be facing in the years to come: affording to retire. Normally, the amount of money necessary to achieve this goal is substantial and, just like the satisfaction of any other financial goal, requires significant planning. It covers determination of the retirement savings need and subsequently considers both government and employer-sponsored methods of providing for one's retirement. Distribution options from corporate retirement plans are reviewed as well as the suitability of an investment portfolio in ensuring a comfortable and profitable retirement.

Once the wealth accumulation process is complete, distributing excess wealth is a primary goal for many financial planning clients. Module 106 presents the challenges of effective estate planning raised by tax code changes. It begins with a consideration of the estate planning process and the documents of transfer. The module then addresses the unified transfer tax system and the calculation of an individual's estate tax liability. Estate planning techniques such as trusts, marital and charitable deduction vehicles, and intra-family business and property transfers are then discussed. The course ends with a consideration of postmortem tax planning.