In this episode, we reflect on the incredible achievements and milestones BIF reached in 2024. This year was marked by significant growth, innovation, and success!

Key Highlights:

Expansion and Innovation: BIF expanded its reach, introducing many new students into our CFP education and CFP exam prep course, the BIF Review!

Educational Initiatives: Our commitment to education was stronger than ever. We rolled out a new video-based financial calculator course, delivered by Jerry Mee! Additionally, we introduced 23 full-ride scholarship recipients into the Bryant/BIF CFP education course through a collaboration with Measure Twice Planners and Cody Garrett. Finally, we welcomed extraordinary new instructors to the Bryant/BIF CFP education classrooms: Jennifer Belmont Jennings in Estate Planning & Eric Scruggs in Tax Planning!

Collaborative Projects: 2024 was a year of collaboration. We partnered with Michael Kitces, Michael Lecours and fpPathfinder, and Dr. Klontz + Dr. Chaffin to bring their Psychology of Financial Planning curriculum and designation into the BIF courses!

Podcast! Last but NOT LEAST, we celebrated a podcast milestone in 2024 by recording and releasing our 100th episode!

It's been a long, strange, fun, informative, wild trip. We're excited to keep on truckin'.

In this week's episode, Jerry goes through a breakdown of Tariffs. What they are, their history, and an unbiased breakdown of their pros and cons.

The BIF Bites podcast covers topics that are important to those seeking CFP® certification and really anyone that wants to better understand the financial services industry in general.

Join us for an insightful episode of the BIF Bites Podcast as we dive into estate planning with our NEW BIF/Bryant CFP® Instructor, Jennifer Belmont Jennings, a practicing attorney and CFP® Professional. Estate planning might sound daunting, but Jennifer breaks it down into simple, understandable best practices. Whether your clients are starting or are looking to refine their existing estate plans, this episode is packed with practical advice and tips.

Tune in to take the fear out of estate planning in practice and on exam day!

Be sure to connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-belmont-jennings/

Jerry and Adam celebrate the 100th BIF Bites Podcast episode (woohoo!!) with everyone’s favorite segment...

The BIF Bites CFP® Exam Question Palooza!

This week, Jerry shares some really important tips and answer all those pressing questions you have about the financial calculator and nailing your CFP exam. Make sure to tune in so you are prepared on your big day!

In this episode, Adam shares a valuable resource for candidates preparing for the CFP® Exam. He introduces the 'Question Breakdown Checklist' to help candidates dissect exam questions effectively. Adam explains how this checklist aids in identifying the core of each question, ensuring that candidates apply the correct information to arrive at the right answers. Ready to boost your confidence and performance on exam day? CHECK. LET'S GO!

In this week’s episode, Jerry goes over the many financial lessons he learned while planning his recent wedding.

In this thrilling episode of BIF Bites, BIF Crew super-sleuth Adam dives into a gripping case of academic intrigue. Recounting a dramatic short scenario in which a rogue educator cunningly infiltrated the BIF Review, Adam leverages the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct to unravel the mystery and identify the most likely violations. Get your pipe and tweed jacket (with padded elbows), and join us for some CFP detective work! Please Note: Adam references CFP Board Case #23036, however, the correct Case ID is #23337 which can be viewed here: https://www.cfp.net/-/media/case-histories/case-document/ach_23337.pdf.

Jerry goes back to the movies this week to explore the 1983 comedy classic Trading Places. What can CFP candidates and professionals learn from Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd? Listen in to find out!

On this BIF Bites episode Adam welcomes Dr. Charles Chaffin from the Financial Psychology Institute to chat about a new partnership for BIF! The Financial Psychology Institute provides professional coaching and educational services in the fields of financial psychology and financial planning to financial professionals, therapists, and coaches. For more information, visit psychologyoffinancialplanning.com.

-Cue the ‘COPS’ theme song. In this week’s episode, Jerry and Adam go through the CFP Board Case Histories, a database that includes information about orders issued by the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (DEC). They discuss violations committed by Candidates for CFP® Certification & practicing CFP® Professionals to learn how CFP Board handled their cases and what disciplinary actions were imposed.