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When it comes to passing the CFP® exam, every little bit helps. In fact, the difference between passing and failing often boils down to just a handful of questions. With that in mind, we started the EARN YOUR MARKS podcast. This show helps reinforce some of the MOST tested concepts seen in the CFP® exam. So whether you’re in the gym, on the road, or just can’t sleep… invest the time with Sev Meneshian, CFP® and his guests to help you pass the exam on your first attempt. Learn more about Pro Exam Tutors at www.proexamtutors.com

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    • Jan 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 26 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from the EARN YOUR MARKS podcast

    Episode 20: Conquer Your Exam Anxiety with Dr. Bianca Busch | Strategies for CFP® Exam Success!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 49:14


    In this episode, Dr. Bianca Busch, founder of The College Psychologist, dives into the challenges of test anxiety and shares actionable strategies to overcome it—especially for those preparing for the CFP® exam. With her background in psychiatry at the University of Chicago and Harvard's Boston Children's Hospital, Dr. Busch offers insights into managing anxiety and building confidence for exam success. Don't let stress and anxiety hold you back from passing the CFP® exam! Learn more and connect with Dr. Busch by visiting: https://www.thecollegepsychiatrist.com Check out these other links from Dr. Busch: Test Anxiety No More Book (print, ebook, audiobook)https://beacons.ai/collegepsychiatrist/testinganxietynomore Calm and Conquer Kit https://www.etsy.com/listing/1690590014/mental-health-boxcalm-and-conquer Text Anxiety No More eCourse: Removing Test Blocks of High Achievers https://bianca-busch.mykajabi.com/offers/brWK3G58?coupon_code=PASSCFP ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 7: Retirement Savings & Income Planning

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 20:09


    In this episode, Sev talks about many of the Retirement Savings & Income Planning topics that could be tested on the CFP® exam. Topics such as ADP and ACP testing, qualified and non-qualified plans, age-weighted plans, IRAs and qualified plan taxation along with SEPs & SIMPLEs are just some of the things Sev will talk about. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 6: Retirement Savings and Income Planning

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 18:08


    In this episode, Sev discusses the subject areas that you need to study and be aware of in the Retirement Savings and Income Planning module of the CFP® exam. Topics such as Social Security, qualified vs non-qualified ERISA plans, defined benefit vs defined contribution plans and distributions from these types of plans is discussed. The importance of knowing the key characteristics of IRAs and Roth IRAs is stressed, along with their tax characteristics. The Retirement Savings and Income Planning module covers many topics and focusing on the key characteristics and their importance, especially for business owners, will be critical. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 5: Income Tax Planning

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2024 38:05


    In this episode, Sev talks about many of the topics that could be test on the CFP® exam. Topics such as adjustments, deduction and credits, below market-rate loans, IRA deductibility, investment interest expense and kiddie tax rules are just some things Sev will talk about. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 4: Investments

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 18:02


    In this episode, Sev talks about many of major areas within the Investments module that could be tested on the CFP® exam. Topics such as stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds and ETFs are discussed, along with their tax implications. Methods of measuring a portfolio manager's investment performance such as the Treynor ratio and Jensen's alpha are discussed, along with Modern Portfolio Theory, the Capital Asset Pricing Model, and many other related topics. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 12: Passing the CFP Exam on First Try with Guest Jon Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 43:06


    In this episode, Sev and guest, Jonathan G. Wilson, MBA, APMA, CFP®, Director of Financial Planning Services/Associate Wealth Management Advisor discuss how he passed the CFP® Exam on first try. Originally from the Baraboo, Wisconsin area, Jon joined the financial industry in late 2017. Jon attained both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in management from UW-Whitewater, and has also attained his Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor designation (APMA®) within the financial industry. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 3: Bond Duration and Options

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 28:11


    In this episode, Sev discusses bond duration and the different risks associated with bond investing, such as reinvestment rate risk. Tax implications of bond investments are also reviewed, along with some helpful tips on how to approach options questions. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 13: The Power Of Persistence; Passing the CFP® Exam on 3rd Attempt with Kaplan with Guest Logan Richard, Wealth Management Associate

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2024 40:49


    THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE; PASSING THE EXAM ON 3RD TRY In this episode, Sev and Logan Richard, a Wealth Management Associate who recently passed the CFP® Exam in July 2023, discuss the power of persistence and Logan's journey to pass on his 3rd attempt. Logan Richard is a Wealth Management Associate at Denver Private Wealth Management. He graduated from the University of Colorado – Boulder in May of 2022. Logan graduated with a major in Finance with an emphasis in Personal Financial Planning from the Leeds School of Business. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 11: Kiddie Tax and Earned/Unearned Income with Jerry Pecaro, CPA / Lead Tutor at Pro Exam Tutors

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2024 25:07


    In this podcast, Sev introduces Pro Exam Tutors' newest tutor Jerry Pecaro, CPA & Lead Tutor. Jerry provides valuable insight on Kiddie Taxes and Earned/Unearned Income. About Jerry Pecaro, CPA Jerry is presently tutoring for FAR and BEC (only). Jerry Pecaro, CPA & Lead Tutor, is a Certified Public Accountant by profession and in that capacity, has worked as a consultant to the Association of International Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), writing & correcting exam questions in Jersey City, N.J., prior to their moving to the Carolinas. More About Jerry: https://bit.ly/proexamtutors-jerry-pecaro-cpa-lead-tutor Book a CPA Exam Prep Session with Jerry: https://bit.ly/proexamtutors-cpa-exam-prep-pricing ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 10: Life Insurance & Estate Planning with Special Guest Jacob Hartz

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 42:23


    In this podcast, Sev speaks to Jacob Hartz, J.D. Managing Director of NFP Insurance Solutions in Chicago, IL about the various applications of life insurance, particularly in regard to estate planning. Topics discussed include how life insurance can be used to mitigate estate taxes, transfer wealth efficiently, and how it can be used as a way to provide executives and business owners with retirement benefits. About Jacob Hartz https://www.nfpis.com/jacob-hartz Jacob Hartz is the Managing Director at NFP Insurance Solutions (https://www.nfpis.com). He earned his J.D. from the Cordozo School of Law (https://cardozo.yu.edu/) with an emphasis in Trusts and Estates, Partnership and Federal Taxation. Jacob advises wealthy families in regard to their estate planning needs using life insurance, premium finance, wealth transfer strategies and business succession solutions and is a member of the Chicago Estate Planning Council (https://www.cepcweb.org/). Jacob is an adjunct lecturer at Northwestern University's school for Professional Studies (https://sps.northwestern.edu/) where he teaches the Risk Management and Insurance Planning module of the CFP® curriculum. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 9: Advice for Career Changers taking the CFP® Exam with Special Guest Jackie Cummings Koski

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 39:20


    Advice for Career Changers taking the CFP® ExamIn today's podcast, we speak with Jackie Cummings Koski, MSPFP, CFP®, AFC® about how to approach the CFP® exam as a career changer. Jackie will discuss why she chose the financial planning profession, how she selected a exam prep provider, how she got a $5,000 scholarship, what her study strategy for the exam was, and how she nearly fainted when “PASS” flashed on the computer screen after six long hours of answering question. Bio: Jackie is a financial literacy expert and the owner of Money Letters, LLC. In addition to being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Jackie holds a Masters of Science in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University and is an Accredited Financial Counselor®. She's also the author of the award-winning book 'Money Letters 2 My Daughter' and has showcased her expertise in financial literacy (and warm personality) on 'The Rachel Ray Show', CNBC, Forbes and People Magazine. You can learn more about Jackie Cummings Koski below: https://linktr.ee/MoneyLetters Jackie's Recommended CFP® Exam Help Resources: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JL3gHgqnfgR-biPQoIKyLMGehRE6G3Ej/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=118170074337197264225&rtpof=true&sd=true Book: Money Letters 2 My Daughter https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989186008?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_73DADFT2H9VNRXVWGTGGThe Rachel Ray Show: https://www.rachaelrayshow.com/video/how-this-single-mom-who-grew-up-in-poverty-was-able-to-retire-at-49 ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 8: Insurance Planning in the real world with special guest Avo Mavilian

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 42:53


    In this episode of the Earn Your Marks podcast, Sev and special guest Avo Mavilian discuss Life Insurance, Estate Planning, and Taxes in practice. To get in touch or to share your thoughts, you can reach Sev at info@proexamtutors.com or call us at (888) 870-7277. Released 12.20.22 ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 19: How to Use ChatGPT to Help You Pass the CFP Exam

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 16:37


    Episode 2: Insurance

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2023 23:54


    In this episode, Sev talks about many of major areas within the insurance module that could be tested on the CFP® exam. Life insurance, dividend payout options, MECs, annuity taxation and homeowners insurance are all topics that are reviewed and discussed. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 1: General Principles

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2023 21:03


    In this episode, Sev talks about many of the major areas within the General Principles module that could be tested on the CFP® exam. Education planning, retirement planning and mortgage calculations are explained, along with the Federal Reserve, the financial planning process, the standards of conduct and code of ethics. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 18: CPA passes the CFP® exam on his first try

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 51:12


    John Chenoweth is a Tax Director who holds a Certified Public Account license and Certified Financial Planner® designation. In this episode, John explains why changes in the accountancy world drove him to pursue the CFP® designation. He also explains how he used his background as a CPA to get a solid understanding of the CFP® curriculum, which is an achievement in itself considering John took the Accelerated Path to certification. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 17: How to Pass the CFP® Exam on Your 1st Try; Teacher turned Planner shares her success studying strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 36:31


    This teacher turned Planner shares her success studying strategy. After 14 years as a teacher, Sasha Decker made a major career change and began working in financial services for a nationwide trust company. In her capacity as a CFP® professional, Sasha evaluates a client's estate, insurance, tax, investment, giving, retirement, trust, and cash flow considerations and brings them together to create a comprehensive plan tailored to the client's needs. Prior to joining the company, Sasha worked as a fourth-grade teacher at Providence Classical Christian School for eight years. Sasha graduated summa cum laude from the University of Dallas with a bachelor's degree in classical philology. She passed the CFP® exam in March 2023. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 16: Overcoming Test Anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 37:46


    You've studied hard and sacrificed but test anxiety may be holding you back from passing the CFP® exam. Listen to this podcast with Allison Ewing of Inspired Life Tapping (inspiredlifetapping.com) to learn why you have test anxiety and most importantly, how to overcome it. Allison is a licensed clinical social worker who has spend the last two decades with helping people overcome mental roadblocks, and her advice could clear the way for you. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 15: Social Security Explained by Two Social Security Experts

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 50:52


    In this episode, Sev and Social Security expert guests Marc Kiner, NSSA and Jim Blair discuss Social Security, Disability, Retirement, Government Pension Offset (GPO), Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), the CFP® Exam and more. Marc Kiner and Jim Blair are the co-founders of Premier Social Security Consulting where they provide customized consulting for individuals or couples reaching their Full Retirement Age and also help them with understanding and maximizing their lifetime Social Security benefits. They also provide Social Security education and training for all types of Professional Advisors who are looking to increase the value that they bring to their clients by answering the questions they have about Social Security. Marc Kiner has 35 years of experience in public accounting where his primary area of service was to privately held businesses and individuals. Marc sold his practice in 2012 to concentrate on Social Security and co-founded the National Social Security Advisors certificate program. Jim Blair is the lead Social Security consultant at Premier Social Security Consulting, and has over 35 years of experience helping individuals manage their Social Security benefits. Jim retired after 35 years with the Social Security Administration and is also the co-founder of the National Social Security Advisors certificate program. Learn more at: https://www.premiersocialsecurityconsulting.com/ ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 14: How is the CFP exam graded?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 8:28


    In this video, host Sev Meneshian, CFP® takes the mystery out of how the CFP® exam is graded and explains what type of questions are asked.

    Episode 13: The Power Of Persistence; Passing the CFP® Exam on 3rd Attempt with Kaplan with Guest Logan Richard, Wealth Management Associate

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 40:55


    THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE; PASSING THE EXAM ON 3RD TRY WITH KAPLAN In this episode, Sev and Logan Richard, a Wealth Management Associate who recently passed the CFP® Exam in July 2023, discuss the power of persistence and Logan's journey to pass on his 3rd attempt. Logan Richard is a Wealth Management Associate at Denver Private Wealth Management. He graduated from the University of Colorado – Boulder in May of 2022. Logan graduated with a major in Finance with an emphasis in Personal Financial Planning from the Leeds School of Business.

    Episode 12: Passing the CFP Exam on First Try with Guest Jon Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 43:09


    In this episode, Sev and guest, Jonathan G. Wilson, MBA, APMA, CFP®, Director of Financial Planning Services/Associate Wealth Management Advisor discuss how he passed the CFP® Exam on first try. Originally from the Baraboo, Wisconsin area, Jon joined the financial industry in late 2017. Jon attained both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in management from UW-Whitewater, and has also attained his Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor designation (APMA®) within the financial industry.

    Episode 11: Kiddie Tax and Earned/Unearned Income with Jerry Pecaro, CPA / Lead Tutor at Pro Exam Tutors

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 25:13


    In this podcast, Sev introduces Pro Exam Tutors' newest tutor Jerry Pecaro, CPA & Lead Tutor. Jerry provides valuable insight on Kiddie Taxes and Earned/Unearned Income. About Jerry Pecaro, CPA Jerry is presently tutoring for FAR and BEC (only). Jerry Pecaro, CPA & Lead Tutor, is a Certified Public Accountant by profession and in that capacity, has worked as a consultant to the Association of International Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), writing & correcting exam questions in Jersey City, N.J., prior to their moving to the Carolinas. More About Jerry: https://bit.ly/proexamtutors-jerry-pecaro-cpa-lead-tutor Book a CPA Exam Prep Session with Jerry: https://bit.ly/proexamtutors-cpa-exam-prep-pricing

    Episode 10: Life Insurance & Estate Planning with Special Guest Jacob Hartz

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2023 42:30


    In this podcast, Sev speaks to Jacob Hartz, J.D. Managing Director of NFP Insurance Solutions in Chicago, IL about the various applications of life insurance, particularly in regard to estate planning. Topics discussed include how life insurance can be used to mitigate estate taxes, transfer wealth efficiently, and how it can be used as a way to provide executives and business owners with retirement benefits. About Jacob Hartz https://www.nfpis.com/jacob-hartz Jacob Hartz is the Managing Director at NFP Insurance Solutions (https://www.nfpis.com). He earned his J.D. from the Cordozo School of Law (https://cardozo.yu.edu/) with an emphasis in Trusts and Estates, Partnership and Federal Taxation. Jacob advises wealthy families in regard to their estate planning needs using life insurance, premium finance, wealth transfer strategies and business succession solutions and is a member of the Chicago Estate Planning Council (https://www.cepcweb.org/). Jacob is an adjunct lecturer at Northwestern University's school for Professional Studies (https://sps.northwestern.edu/) where he teaches the Risk Management and Insurance Planning module of the CFP® curriculum. ____________________________________________ About Sev Meneshian

    Episode 9: Advice for Career Changers taking the CFP® Exam with Special Guest Jackie Cummings Koski

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 39:27


    In today's podcast, we speak with Jackie Cummings Koski, MSPFP, CFP®, AFC® about how to approach the CFP® exam as a career changer. Jackie will discuss why she chose the financial planning profession, how she selected a exam prep provider, how she got a $5,000 scholarship, what her study strategy for the exam was, and how she nearly fainted when “PASS” flashed on the computer screen after six long hours of answering question. Bio: Jackie is a financial literacy expert and the owner of Money Letters, LLC. In addition to being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Jackie holds a Masters of Science in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University and is an Accredited Financial Counselor®. She's also the author of the award-winning book 'Money Letters 2 My Daughter' and has showcased her expertise in financial literacy (and warm personality) on 'The Rachel Ray Show', CNBC, Forbes and People Magazine. You can learn more about Jackie Cummings Koski below: https://linktr.ee/MoneyLetters Jackie's Recommended CFP® Exam Help Resources (we made the list!): https://docs.google.com/file/d/1JL3gH... Book: Money Letters 2 My Daughter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989186008?... Rachel Ray Show: https://www.rachaelrayshow.com/video/...

    Episode 8: Insurance Planning in the real world with special guest Avo Mavilian

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2022 42:58


    In this episode of the Earn Your Marks podcast, Sev and special guest Avo Mavilian discuss insurance planning in practice. To get in touch or to share your thoughts, you can reach Sev & Nelson at info@proexamtutors.com or call us at (224) 567-1854. Released 12.20.22 Soul by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unsupported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

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