Ran Chen, EA, CFP®

Open Exam Prep

Education EN ↓ 349 episodes

Open Exam Prep: Mastering Financial ExamsThe path to becoming a certified financial professional is known for its difficulty, and finding high-quality, accessible study material shouldn't be the hardest part. Created by Ran Chen—an AI application enthusiast, Financial Advisor, and holder of the EA (Tax), Life Insurance, Series 6/63/65, and CFP® designations—this podcast was born from personal experience. Having navigated these challenging exams himself, Ran realized the need for better resources and created Open Exam Prep as a free solution for aspiring professionals. Each episode breaks down...

Author

Ran Chen, EA, CFP®

Episodes

[Tax] 29, Charitable Contributions 16.03.2025 3:47

Deduction limits based on AGI and type of property donated; carryover allowed for excess contributions. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 28, Gross Income Exclusions 16.03.2025 3:52

Includes gifts, inheritances, life insurance proceeds, and certain employee benefits. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 27, Gross Income Inclusions 16.03.2025 3:54

Includes compensation, business income, interest, dividends, and certain fringe benefits. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 26, Below Market Loans 16.03.2025 3:32

Imputed interest rules apply; exceptions for loans under $10,000 or with low net investment income. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 21, Kiddie Tax 15.03.2025 3:39

Unearned income over $2,600 taxed at parent's rate; applies to dependents under 19 or full-time students under 24. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam...

[Tax] 25, Section 179 Deduction 15.03.2025 4:02

Immediate expensing of up to $1,220,000 of business property; reduced by property exceeding $3,050,000. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 24, Pass-Through Entity Deductions 15.03.2025 3:58

20% deduction on qualified business income; subject to income thresholds and limitations. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 23, Hobby Losses 15.03.2025 3:54

Income must be reported; expenses not deductible if activity lacks profit motive. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 22, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) 15.03.2025 3:48

Ensures minimum tax payment; adjustments and preferences increase taxable income. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 20, Child Tax Credit 14.03.2025 3:46

$2,000 per qualifying child under 17; partially refundable; phase-out starts at $400,000 MFJ. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 19, Standard Deduction 14.03.2025 3:43

Varies by filing status; additional amounts for age 65+ or blind. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 18, Filing Status 14.03.2025 3:36

Single, MFJ, MFS, HOH, and Qualifying Widower; determined on last day of tax year. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 16, Insurance Policy Exchanges (Section 1035) 14.03.2025 3:46

Allows tax-free exchanges of life policies and annuities, except annuity for life policy. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 17, Basic Tax Formula 14.03.2025 3:58

Income minus exclusions, deductions for AGI, and standard/itemized deductions to determine taxable income. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.co...

[Tax] 15, Involuntary Conversions (Section 1033) 13.03.2025 4:05

Defers gain if proceeds are reinvested in similar property within specified time. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 14, Section 1202 Stock 13.03.2025 4:08

Excludes 50%, 75%, or 100% of gain on qualifying small business stock based on acquisition date. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 13, Section 1244 Stock 13.03.2025 3:48

Allows deduction of up to $50,000 ($100,000 MFJ) of loss on small business stock as ordinary loss. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 12, Worthless Securities 13.03.2025 3:44

Loss deductible in the year securities become worthless; artificial sale date is last day of the year. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 11, Non-Qualified Use for Section 121 13.03.2025 3:58

Post-2009, appreciation during non-qualified use periods is not eligible for exclusion. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 9, Wash Sales 12.03.2025 3:44

Losses disallowed if identical securities are acquired within 30 days; loss added to new security's basis. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.co...

[Tax] 8, Ordinary Income Rates 12.03.2025 3:47

Highest rate is 37%; applies to ordinary income, Section 1245 recapture, and short-term capital gains. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 6, Related Party Transactions 12.03.2025 3:54

Losses are disallowed; buyer has double basis (FMV for losses, seller’s basis for gains). -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 7, Long-Term Capital Gains Rates 12.03.2025 3:38

0%, 15%, 20% based on income thresholds; 25% for Section 1250 recapture, 28% for collectibles. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 10, Personal Residence Gain Exclusion 12.03.2025 3:45

Exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for MFJ) if ownership and use tests are met. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-prep.com/

[Tax] 5, Gifted Property Basis 11.03.2025 3:45

General rule is carryover basis; exceptions apply for loss property and appreciated property with gift tax paid. -- The CFP Exam is known for its difficulty, and as I embark on this learning journey, I’ve found it to be quite challenging. I created this podcast to document my study notes, and I hope you find them helpful in your own preparation. -- More Exam Prep Content Visit: https://open-exam-p...