Category Archives: CeMAP and DiPFA Training

IFS DipFA Fact Find exam 7th July 2016

The Fact Find for the next exam has just been released, and there is plenty to get your teeth into!rp_finance-role1-300x200.jpg

What is covered?

The fact find covers a wide variety of topics, such as;

  • Inheritance Tax Planning
  • Final Salary Pensions
  • Investment Planning
  • Ethical Investments

and more, all to be researched and then written up in a 3 hour exam.

As always, there may also be areas or information missing or incomplete, which you will be expected to spot and account for, followed by some amendments on the day.

What does the exam look like?

Remember, the exam is there to test your knowledge, understanding, and crucially the application of that knowledge to the client’s situation and needs.

You will have to write or type out a full Suitability Report from scratch in three hours.  Whilst the report may not fully resemble a ‘real life’ report, (it is after all an exam) that is a tall order.

A good thing to remember is that you need to explain your recommendations, and why they are suitable for the clients, even if it seems ‘obvious’.

How should you prepare?

Research and Practice!

Reading and studying the required areas covered in the Fact Find is essential. Web searching the basics and then following up with the IFS Study Topic Folders is useful for most candidates.

Then once you have formulated some solid recommendations practice delivering your report in the 3 hour limit.

Remember though that anything can come up as an amendment on the day if the subject is in the syllabus!

Where can I get help?

For those looking to gain extra support on top of the IFS help and guidance, Futuretrend are running online courses and a one day course in London on 11th June 2016

However you choose to study, Good Luck to all those engaging with this exam!

Paul Davis

IFS DipFA Coursework July 2016 A Five Point Guide to get you started…

Ok, so you’ve looked at your Coursework questions…what next?courses-image

First thing is to try and get your head around the main report question.  You need to consider how to draft a business report aimed at the MD of a company that has almost no employee benefits and wants to introduce an Auto-Enrolment pension, plus other potential benefits.  Think about what do you want to know about, and also what do they need to know about?  The question is very helpful here as it lists several points of required information for you.

Second, think about the structure of the report.  Based on my experience, a lot of candidates struggle here.  The Executive Summary has thrown some people.  You can search online for a simple “how to” on this.

Here’s a link I found to a really helpful detailed explanation of what a good executive summary should look like.  

Then think about having a report title, some chapters (with chapter headings!), and work out what each chapter will cover.  Tidy up at the end with a neat summary.

Third think about references.  The referencing has been massively simplified by the IFS, and the new approach is a welcome change of direction, as it will help candidates focus on the actual work rather then spend hours trying to format a full academic bibliography.  But you still need references!  Best to think about this as you go along…

Fourth, think about technical knowledge.  What do you know about stakeholder pensions?  Auto-enrolment?  Employee Benefits?  Costs?  Tax implications for the employer?  Tax implications for the employee?  Bound to be some areas you don’t know much about – best get studying!

Five, when going on to the short answer questions, remember they do not need referencing, or long introductions.  Most short questions in the Coursework can be covered using bullet points or short sentences.  They are called short questions for a reason!

Need more help?

If you are looking for more help, you can consider the Futuretrend online DipFA Coursework course, which I am running, and / or also the IFS tutors as well if you are signed up for them.

Good Luck!

Paul Davis, BA (Hons), Cert. Mgmt (Open), Dip. PFS,

CeMAP questions from our virtual learning zone (part 4)

Every month we go through our CeMAP forums at http://www.cemap123.co.uk (which our students have access to as part of their CeMAP Training programme) to see what interesting queries have been cemap discussionposted.

This months CeMAP query is very similar to other queries regarding Share Dividends. As it seems to be a subject that confuses many students we’ve decided to highlight it again.

Haiders Question:

i came across this following question, which i didn’t know how to do the working out for:

Will received a cheque for £300 in respect of share dividends. What was the gross amount upon which this payment was based?

Also if this question was written differently e.g. persons who are in a different tax band etc.. how would it be answered, the working out and how to work out how much tax needs to be paid and also if tax was already paid what was the original amount of dividends gross.

Does it make any difference if person is a tax payer or not? and what percentages and how is it worked out how much each person pays depending on if they are BRT, HRT or ART or even non-tax payer.

David’s answer:

Good morning Haidar,

Answer to your query is quite straight forward.

As you are probably aware, dividends are paid net of the 10% dividend tax.

Therefore as the client has received £300 dividend, this represents 90% of the dividend (because the tax has already been deducted)

Therefore divide by 90 x 100 = 333.33 – or even easier divide by 0.9. This calculation then gives the gross amount of the dividend.

Taxation:

If the client is a BRT, there is no further tax liability

If the client is a HRT, then they have to pay an additional amount of tax of 22.5% based on the GROSS dividend (this is why we need to know how to calculate the gross amount) – so they are paying 32.5% in total. 333.33 x 22.5% = £75.00. This makes the total tax due on a £300 dividend of 108.33 (75.00 + 33.33). The answer to how much extra tax is due (should you get the question) would be £75. The answer to how much tax is due in TOTAL would be 108.33

If the client is an ART then its 27.5% and 37.5%. So 333.33 x 27.5% = 91.66. Total tax due would be 91.66 + 33.33 = £125

I hope this answers your query. Should you need any further explanation please let us know

Regards

 David Airs (Futuretrend CeMAP Tutor)

CeMAP questions from our virtual learning zone (part 3)

Every month we go through our CeMAP forums at http://www.cemap123.co.uk (which our students have access to as part of their CeMAP Training programme) to see what interesting queries have been dziners-org-discussionposted.

Here is this months CeMAP query from Daniel A:

Question:

I’m baffled by how  share dividends work. For instance:
Will has received a cheque for £300 in respect of share dividends.

What was the gross amount upon which this payment was based?

Why is the answer £333.33?

Answer:

This about ‘grossing up’. A dividend is always paid net of 10% tax. As £300 was received (net), then we need to gross it up i.e. divide by 0.9. 300/0.9 = 333.33, hence 100%.

Hope this clarifies it. Any other problems, don’t hesitate to ask

David A – Futuretrend CeMAP Trainer

IFS DipFA Coursework Jan 2016 …the focus is on economics!

Some pointers…

The IFS Coursework consists mainly of a 4,000 word essay.  The essay is marked according to QCF level 4 relevant academic standards (equivalent to the first year of a degree course).  As part of this, a bibliography meeting the required academic format is mandatory.  There are also three additional short questions on other topics.

The Coursework due for the end of January 2016 focuses on economics – OK it doesn’t actually say that but it is at heart an economics essay plus further work on investing!  You are writing an article for a magazine issued by a firm of solicitors and the potential audience is defined as “higher earners” who hold investments.  This blog covers some basic ideas about how to tackle this tough assignment.  However, there is no substitute for hard work and study!

So, what is this Coursework all about?  Well, if you hadn’t noticed, there have been a lot of significant economic events over the last few years, and those events plus the political and economic decisions that have followed them have had a major impact on investment markets.  The essay asks you to concentrate on the last 12 months.

You could talk about the economic ‘slow-down’ in China; the stalling of growth in the Eurozone and Japan; the re-emergence of growth in the USA and some other countries including the UK and Germany; the on-going Quantitative Easing in the US/UK/Eurozone and Japan; record low or negative interest rates; record low inflation or deflation; the global expansion in credit; and so it goes on…

You might then talk about the impact on investment markets and then the potential impact on people’s investments.

Don’t forget to think about different types of investments, investment products, and portfolio construction including risk, taxation and suitability, that individual clients or potential clients may hold.  Given the audience taxation is likely to be a key consideration for many candidates.

You might also want to cover professional and suitable advice.

The IFS Study Folders contain an excellent starting point for research on the technical side of investing and taxation.  Significant further reading and research is also required as part of this assignment.

It is essential for candidates to understand the referencing and bibliography requirements, and focus on a solid and thought-out structure, with clear headings.  (And don’t forget the other three short questions!)

For those looking for further support in addition to that provided by the IFS, why not consider booking onto the Futuretrend Distance Learning Course?

Paul Davis, BA (Hons), Cert Mgmt.(Open), Dip. PFS.

Career Opportunities for CeMAP/DipFA qualified students

edward bond wealth management

Many of our students have gone on to have successful careers at Edward Bond Wealth Management. One in particular has consistently been the top earner not just at Edward Bond but the entire Intrinsic Network over the last 3 quarters.

As such we were approached by the MD to be on the lookout for more talented, enthusiastic people that we come across via our CeMAP/DipFA training.

This is what they have to offer:

Opportunities for Financial Advisers
Edward Bond are currently seeking experienced Financial Planners across the UK to join their growing
team. They have hundreds of pension transfer clients nationwide and require DipFA Qualified
Financial Advisers to assist these clients. In return you will receive both an upfront commission and an extensive trail commission along with the opportunity to close further business.

financial and mortgage advisors wanted

Excellent earning potential
First year income: £40k OTE
Second year income: £60k OTE
Build £10 million FUM in 3 years

Are you recently Qualified or at least started your DipFA qualification? Send your CV and a cover letter through to edwardbond at futuretrend.co.uk  or call us on 020 8443 2888

Opportunities for CeMAP Qualified Mortgage and Protection Consultants

Edward Bond are currently looking for professional individuals, who consider their sales skills to be pretty good and their ability to get on with clients unquestionable.

Ideally, you must possess a full UK driving license and have use of a vehicle. To assist you to meet targets you will have access to full mortgage administration, underwriting support and unparalleled technology. Candidates must be hard working and able to work under pressure, with good spoken English.

Candidate Requirements:

Minimum of CeMAP 1 for Protection Consultants
Minimium of Full CeMAP for Mortgage Consultants
Previous industry experience for Mortgage Consultants
Previous telephone and/or face to face sales experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desire to build a career
Holding a full UK Driver’s Licence is a benefit but not essential
Extremely driven and motivated
Features

-Cas Training
-Administration support
-Field support
-IT Support
-Appointments Provided
If this is of interest please send your CV and a cover letter through to edwardbond at futuretrend.co.uk or call us on 020 8443 2888

IFS DipFA Coursework Due 30/10/15

courses-image

Some pointers…

The IFS Coursework consists mainly of a 4,000 word essay.  The essay is marked according to QCF level 4 relevant academic standards (equivalent to the first year of a degree course).  As part of this, a bibliography meeting the required academic format is mandatory.  There are also three additional short questions on other topics.

The Coursework due for the end of October focuses on Inheritance Tax Planning (IHT).  You are writing an article for a lifestyle magazine and the potential audience is defined as “high net worth” readers.  This blog covers some basic ideas about how to tackle this tough assignment.  However, there is no substitute for hard work and study!

So, what is this Coursework all about?  There is a lot of confusion amongst the general public about what IHT is, how it works, and whether planning for it should take place, or whether such tax planning can be achieved sensibly and legally.  Understanding the pros and cons of such tax planning is also a key area.

You could talk about what IHT is and why it exists.  Plus how much tax revenue IHT creates and what it is spent on.  You could explain how IHT is calculated and how it works.  You could discuss whether and how IHT should be planned for, and if so, what are the legitimate planning and mitigation options available?  Remember to focus on the audience mentioned in the question.

As you are describing holistic financial planning, you should not just restrict yourself to financial products – you also need to talk about professional and suitable advice.

The IFS Study Folders contain an excellent starting point for research on how the IHT taxation regime operates, plus technical guidance and knowledge around specific potential planning and mitigation.  Significant further reading and research is also required as part of this assignment.

It is essential for students to understand the referencing and bibliography requirements, and focus on a solid and thought-out structure, with clear headings.

For those looking for further support in addition to that provided by the IFS, why not consider booking onto the Futuretrend DipFA Coursework Distance Learning Course?

IFS DipFA Fact Find Exam July 2015

The Fact Find for the next IFS Factfind exam has just been released, and there is a lot to get your teeth into!

What is covered?exam analyst

The fact find covers a wide variety of topics, such as;

Trust Planning

Final Salary Pensions

Investment Planning

Protection Planning

Mortgage Advice

and others, all to be researched and then written up in a 3 hour exam.

 

As always, there may also be areas or information missing or incomplete, which you will be expected to spot and account for, followed by some amendments on the day.

What does the exam look like?

Remember, the exam is there to test your knowledge, understanding, and crucially the application of that knowledge to the client’s situation and needs.

You will have to write or type out a full Suitability Report from scratch in three hours.  Whilst the report may not fully resemble a ‘real life’ report, (it is after all an exam) that is a tall order.

 

A good thing to remember is that you need to explain your recommendations, and why they are suitable for the clients, even if it seems ‘obvious’.

How should you prepare?

Research and Practice!

Reading and studying the required areas covered in the Fact Find is essential. The IFS Study Topic Folders are a good place to start.

Then once you have formulated some solid recommendations practice delivering your report in the 3 hour limit.

Remember though that anything can come up as an amendment on the day if the subject is in the syllabus!

Where can I get help?

Further help can be found via Futuretrend’s DipFA fact find training courses.

 

CeMAP questions from our virtual learning zone (Item 2)

Every month we go through our CeMAP forums at http://www.cemap123.co.uk (which our students have access to as part of their CeMAP Training programme) to see what interesting queries have been dziners-org-discussionposted.

Here is this months CeMAP query from Dave S:

Question:
Hello,
Can anyone please explain top slicing in plain English, perhaps with an example of how it would be calculated in a real life situation?

Dave

 

Hi Dave

Top slicing – The good news is that for CeMap you won’t be required to work out top slicing – it can be too complicated !!!

Essentially, with an Investment Bond, whereas one would think that any gain from the Bond would be subject to Capital Gains tax, it is in fact subject to income Tax!! The capital gain is calculated and then divided by the number of years that you have held the Bond – this is then added to your income over the preceding years. Too complicated – don’t need to know it – just remember that any gain is subject to income tax and not CGT.

Hope this helps

David Airs
CeMAP Trainer

Re: Top slicing

That’s a relief! Thank you David.

cemap questions from our virtual learning zone

Every month we go through our CeMAP forums at http://www.cemap123.co.uk (which our students have access to as part of their CeMAP Training programme) to see what interesting queries have been dziners-org-discussionposted.

Here is this months CeMAP query from Holly D:

Question:

When I booked my exams through IFS, you have the option of registering for CeMAP England/Wales or CeMAP Scotland.  In my text book there are still references to Scottish legislation, does that mean we may still be examined on it? I thought that was the idea of choosing the English/Welsh version so you aren’t examined on Scottish Regs

Answer:

HI Holly

Totally ignore the Scottish stuff. If you do CeMap under English and Welsh law then you can do mortgages in Scotland, believe it or not, not vice versa!

David Airs – CeMAP trainer