Free Trust and Financial Advisor Certification Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A company's shareholder wealth is reflected by:
- The market price per share of the firm's common stock (Correct answer)
- The number of people employed in the firm
- The book value of the firm's assets less the book value of its liabilities
- The amount of salary paid to its employees
Correct answer: The market price per share of the firm's common stock
Shareholder wealth is primarily reflected by the market price per share of a company's common stock because it represents the present value of the firm's expected future cash flows, discounted at the shareholders' required rate of return. This market price incorporates all available information about the company's performance, future prospects, and risk, making it the most comprehensive measure of value to shareholders.
Question 2: Among the many financial aspirations covered by financial goals are the following:
- Setting up a savings and investment program
- Controlling living expenses
- Meeting retirement needs
- All of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above
Financial goals encompass a wide range of aspirations related to managing money and achieving financial security. Setting up savings and investment programs, controlling living expenses, and meeting retirement needs are all fundamental components of comprehensive financial planning. Therefore, "All of the above" accurately represents the breadth of financial goals.
Question 3: These are anticipated completion dates for specific financial goals in the future. These are what?
- Financial dates
- Goal dates (Correct answer)
- Target dates
- Due dates
Correct answer: Goal dates
"Goal dates" refer to the specific deadlines or target times set for achieving particular financial objectives. Establishing these dates is a crucial step in financial planning, as it provides a timeline for action and helps in tracking progress towards financial aspirations.
Question 4: The comprehensive employee benefits package available today may include all benefits, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF:
- Dental and vision care
- Subsidized employee benefit plan
- Partial retirement plans (Correct answer)
- Long -term care insurance
Correct answer: Partial retirement plans
A comprehensive employee benefits package typically aims to provide substantial support for employees, including full retirement plans, health benefits like dental and vision care, and long-term care insurance. "Partial retirement plans" is not a standard or desirable component of a comprehensive package; employers usually offer full, robust retirement options to attract and retain talent.
Question 5: Tax advantages are provided via flexible spending accounts and tax-deferred retirement plans. You may be able to__________ against some retirement plans.
- Borrow (Correct answer)
- Spend
- Lend
- None of the above
Correct answer: Borrow
Flexible spending accounts and tax-deferred retirement plans offer significant tax advantages. Many retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, allow participants to borrow against their vested account balance. This option provides access to funds for specific needs while maintaining the tax-deferred status of the retirement savings, though it comes with specific repayment rules and potential consequences if not adhered to.
Question 6: Building up resources to benefit from in retirement is merely a portion of the:
- Life time financial planning process
- Permanent financial planning process
- Long-term financial planning process (Correct answer)
- Short-term financial planning process
Correct answer: Long-term financial planning process
Building up resources for retirement is a fundamental aspect of the long-term financial planning process. This comprehensive approach involves setting financial goals, managing investments, budgeting, and planning for future events like education, estate planning, and retirement, all of which span many years or decades. It requires ongoing assessment and adjustment to ensure financial security throughout one's life.
Question 7: Based on how they are compensated, financial planners often fall into one of two types. ______________ charges fees based on the intricacy of the plan they produce, whereas commission-based planners are paid commissions on the financial items they sell.
- Security planners
- Free only planners (Correct answer)
- Commission based planners
- Professional planners
Correct answer: Free only planners
Financial planners are often distinguished by their compensation models. Fee-only planners charge clients directly for their advice, typically through an hourly rate, a flat fee for a financial plan, or a percentage of assets under management. This contrasts with commission-based planners, who earn income from selling financial products, which can sometimes create conflicts of interest regarding the advice provided.
A company's shareholder wealth is reflected by: